Seismologist (Seismoloog)
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A seismologist is a scientist who specializes in seismology. Seismology is a scientific discipline within geophysics. Geophysics is the study of physical phenomena that occur in the Earth. Geophysics and thus the field of a seismologist belong to the study of earth sciences. As a seismologist, you specialize in studying, measuring and describing seismic waves in earthquakes. Seismic waves are waves that move in or on the earth's surface as a result of released propagating energy, which are caused in a natural or unnatural way. We know natural and unnatural seismic waves as an earthquake. For example, an unnatural cause of seismic activity may be an explosion in or above the ground caused by humans. In addition, there may be unintentional seismic activities caused by humans, such as by pumping gas or oil from the ground or by mining. It is not the case that a seismologist will only examine natural earthquakes because there may also be non-natural earthquakes. The cause of earthquakes does not matter for measuring and registering earthquakes. Today, seismologists use modern and sensitive equipment to record the smallest vibrations. This type of instrument is also called a seismograph. With a seismograph, earthquakes (seismic waves) can be recorded, including the composition of the various layers of the earth. The work of a seismologist is specialist work, which cannot be carried out by everyone, just like that. As a seismologist, you will generally work as a researcher and will conduct research focused on seismic processes on and in the Earth. This is important to get to know the composition of the earth, so that the origin of earthquakes can be investigated.
A seismologist is therefore a scientist who specializes in seismology. Most people will know the seismologist as someone who tries to predict earthquakes by taking measurements. However, seismologists also perform other work than just predicting earthquakes. Think, for example, of oil companies and mining companies, which use seismologists to determine exactly where and how many raw materials are located within the earth. These types of companies are very active in the field of seismological research. But also consider, for example, mapping the soil structure for municipalities and contractors, so that they know exactly which foundation to apply to new construction. There are two types of seismic waves that a seismologist can measure, namely space waves and surface waves. Space waves is the seismic activity inside the Earth. Surface waves are located on the surface of the earth. The surface waves cause more damage than space waves because they have a greater amplitude (vibration).
Mapping the soil and being able to measure soil activities is very important for several reasons. Yet most people only know the seismologist from earthquakes because the consequences of an earthquake can be very large. In addition to the direct consequences of an earthquake, there are also indirect consequences of an earthquake, such as a possible tsunami. A tsunami is a tidal wave from the sea caused by a sea or earthquake, which can have devastating consequences if it is large enough and takes place close enough to land in terms of location. An earthquake can also have other negative consequences, such as a volcano erupting due to the vibrations or other serious environmental disasters that would not otherwise have occurred. Think, for example, of large fires or factories that can pollute the environment.
APPLICATION OF SEISMOLOGY
Especially within earthquake areas, there is more and more attention for the possible soil activities because by mapping the soil quality and possible seismological activities in the soil major problems and even disasters can be prevented. This mainly relates to our way of building. Think, for example, of large buildings, such as skyscrapers, that can be severely damaged or even collapsed by earthquakes. For these buildings, it is very important that the foundations will be built in the right way, such as by applying large rubber blocks in the foundation that can absorb vibrations in the soil, so that the skyscraper itself will vibrate less. But also large counterweights at the top of skyscrapers can counteract or reduce movements due to wind or ground vibrations.
WHAT DOES A SEISMOLOGIST DO:
TRAINING TO BECOME A SEISMOLOGIST
If you aspire to a career as a seismologist, it is best to study earth sciences at university. The earth sciences programme is a broad scientific programme that will combine various subjects, such as physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics and geography. During this training you will learn how earthquakes are caused and how exactly mountains originated. In addition, there are also plenty of external training institutes where you can follow a course. Accounting is also important as an entrepreneur.
COMPANIES WHERE A SEISMOLOGIST CAN WORK
A seismologist will generally work for research companies or for research institutions. In addition, it is conceivable that a seismologist works for governments because the work for governments is very important. It is also conceivable that a seismologist will be employed by an energy company or mining company because they also use seismologists a lot.
COMPETENCES SEISMOLOGIST
The most important competence of a seismologist is that you can be regarded as a scientific researcher. In other words, a seismologist must have research skills. Being able to scientifically analyze data and being able to process this data into usable models is also important. In addition, a seismologist must have good communication skills because in most cases you work with different colleagues. Carrying out fieldwork should also not be a problem. Generally important words critical, technique, data, accuracy, insight, numbers, passion, energy, planning, organizing and collaboration.
LABOUR MARKET PERSPECTIVE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AS A SEISMOLOGIST
The labour market perspective of a seismologist is generally good. As described earlier, as a seismologist, you can work for different companies or research institutions and getting a job as a seismologist is generally not a problem. As a seismologist, there are no real career opportunities because the work is too specific for that. However, it is conceivable that a seismologist will, sooner or later, hold a managerial position, which can also be seen as growing within your career. In addition, a seismologist can obtain a PhD as a scientist.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND SALARY SEISMOLOGIST
There are no specific employment conditions for this profession because you can work for different types of companies or governments. A seismologist will usually earn a salary between 3500 and 5500 euros gross per month depending on age, education and responsibilities. In general, commercial companies will pay more than government-related companies.
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