How to Become a Seismologist?

Earthquakes are natural disasters that can cause damage to infrastructure as well as human lives. Hence, it becomes necessary to study the causes of earthquakes and predict where they are likely to happen to minimize loss of lives and damage to public property. Seismologists are those scientists who study the internal structure of the earth to determine the factors that result in earthquakes. Seismologists are very important since they evaluate and predict future risks imposed by earthquakes and recommend measures to prevent any future loss of life or property. Read this blog to know how you can become a successful Seismologist. 

Also Read: 16 Indian Scientists Who Changed The World

Who is a Seismologist ?

A Seismologist is a geoscientist who studies earthquakes and their seismic waves in order to gain a better understanding of the structure and composition of the earth. Seismologists study seismic waves and seismic activities in-depth to evaluate and predict the occurrence of earthquakes in order to minimize their impact by recommending stronger structures and infrastructure. 

Seismologists conduct research to study the relation between faults, stress and seismicity of the earth. Some attempt to interpret methodology of the ruptures from seismic wave data. While the others integrate the data obtained from geoscientific information in order to effectively locate the zones of seismicity. Lastly, few Seismologists also work with engineers to construct infrastructure that can withstand earthquakes. 

Roles and Responsibilities of a Seismologist

The duties of a Seismologist may vary depending upon the scope of research and work. However, there are certain common responsibilities that are undertaken by Seismologist such as:

• To study, analyze and properly interpret data on seismic waves in order to identify and categorize the different sources;
• To evaluate seismic data and predict the level of risk;
• To study the past date and literature review relating to any current discoveries in the field;
• To provide regular reports and recommendations to government authorities, engineering companies and other stakeholders;
• To make use of data in order to create maps of seismic activities and intensity after an earthquake;
• To regularly remain in touch with the media and educate the public regarding the dangers of earthquakes and earthquake preparedness;
• To write accurate scientific reports and publish the findings in well-known journals;
• To inform emergency response groups and government officials whenever there is an incidence of earthquake; 
• To become familiar with the insurance regulations and decision-making models;
• To promptly deploy the Earthquake hazard catastrophe model as and when required;
• Using computers and modelling data to construct models of earth’s subsurface and develop hypotheses and predict trends;
• and, to apply knowledge from secondary phenomena such as landslides, liquefactions and tsunamis.

Skills Required for a Seismologist 

There are certain skills and capabilities that you must have before deciding to pursue a career as a Seismologist. These skills include:

• Firm knowledge of geography and geographical concepts such as seismic waves, tectonic plates and the cores of the earth
• Critical thinking and complex problem solving skills 
• Firm knowledge of science, physics and other related fields
• Maths and analytical thinking skills
• Strong collaboration and communication skills
• Strong written communication skills
• Firm knowledge of IT and computer proficiency
• Attention to detail
• Strong data processing and management skills
• Strong negotiation and bargaining skills

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria to pursue a career as a Seismologist is as follows:

• Entry level positions in the field of seismology requires students to hold a bachelor’s degree in geophysics, earth sciences or related fields
• For more advanced roles, students are required to have a master’s degree or a doctorate
• PhD is a requirement if you wish to enter into research roles while a bachelor’s is sufficient if you’re entering into a field like the petroleum industry
• To gain higher roles and positions, 2-3 years of work experience in the relevant field may be required

How to Become a Seismologist

In order to become a successful Seismologist, there are certain steps that you need to follow which are given below:

Take up STEM Classes 

Before you begin your journey towards a bachelor’s degree, go for STEM courses that will give you sufficient knowledge and introduce you to the basic fundamentals in the field of seismology. Hence, ensure that you pick a science specialization that would include subjects like maths, physics and chemistry.

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

After the completion of STEM courses or 10 + 2 with specialization in science, you can go ahead with attaining a proper bachelor’s degree. While seismology is not an undergraduate major which is chosen by many students, you can choose to earn a bachelor’s degree in subjects like geophysics, geoscience, physics, geology, geography, environmental science and computer science. If you wish to study these courses abroad, you may be required to submit their SAT or ACT scores along with TOEFL or IELTS scores. Entry-level positions in the field of seismology require students to possess a valid bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. 

To gain admission into these bachelor programs in India, students may be required to give JEE Main or JEE Advanced.

Also Read: Best Science and Tech Courses Globally 

Earn a Master’s Degree

After obtaining your bachelor’s degree, you can pursue a Master’s degree in geophysics or geology to gain more knowledge and to apply for higher-level positions in the field of seismology. If you wish to study abroad, you are required to give their GRE examinations along with TOEFL or IELTS scores in certain international universities. You can opt for master’s degrees such as M.Tech in Earth Science or MSc in Geophysics. 

Students will be required to give the GATE exam which is a national level entrance exam  for postgraduate engineering courses such as seismology 

Also Read: How to Become a Geologist in India

Earn a Doctorate

After obtaining your master’s degree in the relevant field, you can apply for jobs in various government departments or reputed organisations. However, you can always go for a PhD in geophysics or related fields in order to become a specialist in the field of seismology. Your chances of employability and higher-level positions increase when you hold a master’s degree or doctorate degree. 

Apply to Seismology Internships

Since seismology is a practical subject and requires you to have hands-on experience with handling various complex equipment and conducting live research, you should apply for seismology internships with reputed companies or organisations to gain adequate knowledge of the fieldwork. Internships also ramp up your resume and increase your employability in the field of seismology. 

Subjects

For those who wish to become a professional Seismologist, there are certain subjects that you are required to study. Some of the major subjects under seismology include :

• Strong Motion Seismology
• Vulnerability And Risk Analysis
• Seismological Modelling And Simulation
• systematic Disaster Mitigation And Management
• Earthquake Precursors And Early Warning System
• GeoInformatics
• Numerical Methods and Computer Programming
• Elements of Geology
• Fundamentals of Physics & Mathematics
• Solid Earth Geophysics
• Geoexploration and Surveying
• Applied Geology
• Language and Communication Skills
• Practical Modules

Top Universities Abroad

You can find below a list of international universities that provide degree programs and courses that can help you in becoming a successful Seismologist :

Name of the University	Location	QS Rankings
ETH Zurich	Switzerland	1
University of California, Berkeley	USA	3
Harvard University	USA	6
Princeton University	USA	9
The Australian National University	Australia	12
University of Leeds	UK	13
University of Bristol	UK	14
Utrecht University	Netherlands	15
Yale University	USA	18
The University of Tokyo	Japan	20

Top Colleges in India

You can find below a list of colleges in India that provide degree programs and courses that can help you in becoming a successful Seismologist :

Name of the College	Location
IIT Kharagpur	West Bengal
IIT Roorkee	Uttarakhand
IIT Kanpur	Uttar Pradesh
Osmania University	Andhra Pradesh
Mumbai University	Mumbai
Anna University	Chennai
Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology	Uttarakhand
Banaras Hindu University	Uttar Pradesh

Career and Job Prospects

Seismologists generally work under the broad category of geoscientists and have similar routines. Seismologists may choose to either work in laboratories, or carry out field activities or office-based work. Those who are working in labs may have to follow a standard 9-5 schedule unless they have any deadline. On the other hand, field-based professionals may work on a less consistent schedule, which is dependent on weather conditions, hazardous terrain and the specific research activity being carried out.

Additionally, it is important to note that field professionals may have to occasionally travel extensively as part of their job. 

Salary 

Depending on the level of education and working experience, the salary of a Seismologist may vary. It also depends on the organisation with which they are working. An entry-level position in the field of seismology may have a salary package of 7 to 8 lakhs per annum. A professional Seismologist may expect to make an average salary of 9 to 10 lakhs per annum. 

This blog has covered everything that you need to know about becoming a successful Seismologist. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in this field, you can always reach out to our experts at Leverage Edu. We will help you throughout your study abroad journey. So, what are you waiting for? Book your FREE Consultation call or call us at 1800 57 2000.