seismologist

American  

[sahyz-mol-uh-jist, sahys-] / saɪzˈmɒl ə dʒɪst, saɪs- /

noun

1. a scientist who specializes in the study of earthquakes.

   By studying core samples taken from the ocean floor, seismologists can predict the likelihood of a major quake occurring on this fault line.

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Etymology

Origin of seismologist

First recorded in 1855–60; seismolog(y) ( def. ) + -ist ( def. )

Explanation

A scientist who studies earthquakes is called a seismologist. If you're fascinated by tectonic plates, tsunamis, and everything else earthquake-related, you might want to become a seismologist. A seismologist is an expert in seismology, or the study of earthquakes. Both words are rooted in the Greek seismos, or "a shaking," and seismologists study the factors that lead to the extreme shaking caused by quakes. These scientists also investigate related events, like volcanic eruptions, connected with movements of the earth's crust and shifting tectonic plates, and predict when and where future earthquakes will occur.

Example Sentences

Seismologist, Dr Lucy Jones, anticipated that the waves could damage harbours and waterfront properties in Hawaii - and possibly in California - but would not cause a catastrophic loss of life in the Americas.

From BBC • Jul. 30, 2025

Seismologist Yaareb Altaweel said it was the region’s strongest quake in at least 40 years.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 6, 2023

“Swarms happen in all seismic regions and the earthquakes continue until they stop,” Seismologist Lucy Jones said.

From Washington Times • Jun. 30, 2022

Seismologist Stefan Wiemer tells the Nature Podcast about the traffic-light system he developed for the predictions, and the system’s many caveats.

From Nature • Oct. 10, 2019

She did not know what a Social Seismologist would say on the point.

From Somehow Good by De Morgan, William Frend