seismology

American  

[sahyz-mol-uh-jee, sahys-] / saɪzˈmɒl ə dʒi, saɪs- /

noun

1. the science or study of earthquakes and their phenomena.

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seismology British  

/ ˌsaɪzməˈlɒdʒɪk, saɪzˈmɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the branch of geology concerned with the study of earthquakes and seismic waves

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seismology Scientific  

/ sīz-mŏl′ə-jē /

1. The scientific study of earthquakes and of the internal structure of the Earth. It includes the study of the origin, geographic distribution, effects, and possible prediction of earthquakes.

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seismology Cultural  

1. The branch of science devoted to the study of seismic waves and the information they provide about the structure of the interior of the Earth.

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Discover More

Our knowledge of the properties of the crust, the mantle, and the core comes from this field.

Other Word Forms

• seismologic adjective
• seismological adjective
• seismologically adverb
• seismologist noun

Etymology

Origin of seismology

First recorded in 1855–60; seismo- + -logy

Example Sentences

"As research on landslide seismology grows, there's increasing recognition that precursor seismic activity -- when it does occur -- can be an important source of early warning," Karasözen said.

From Science Daily

"For volcano seismology, it is extremely interesting to study these signals and wave types that arise when magma moves below the surface," explained Reiss.

From Science Daily

The Philippine seismology office has recorded more than 800 aftershocks since the first quake struck Mindanao, which is riddled by major faults.

From Barron's

The earthquake ended up rupturing a much longer section of the fault than scientists expected, given the seismology of the region.

From Los Angeles Times

Check out Unshaken, our guide to preparing for earthquakes and understanding seismology.

From Los Angeles Times