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Seismologist
Studies earthquakes and seismic waves — predicts earthquake risks and designs early warning systems.
Did you know?
The strongest earthquake ever recorded struck Valdivia, Chile, on 22 May 1960, with a magnitude of about 9.5.
How subjects help
- Physics: Understand how different earthquake waves travel through rock at different speeds.
- Geology: Study faults in the ground to judge which areas are most at risk of strong quakes.
- Mathematics: Use the arrival times of waves at several stations to pinpoint where a quake started.
- Computer Science: Write software that detects a quake within seconds and sends out early warning alerts.
A famous name
Charles Richter: Seismologist who co-created the Richter scale for measuring earthquakes in 1935.
Try it yourself: Read the warning signs
- Look at each column. Which signs are changing, and on which day did they start to change?
- On which day would you tell the town to get ready? Why that day and not later?
- What could go wrong if you warned too early, or too late?
- Write a short, calm message for the town that says what is known and what to do.
Volcanologists and seismologists watch several signs together and warn people clearly, even when they can't be completely sure.
Also try: Build a paper bridge.
Known for it in
Japan, USA, Italy, Chile, Turkey