"What is a Volcanologist?"
by Jessie Yellick, University of North Dakota
A volcanologist is a scientist that studies volcanoes. She (or he) might
study old volcanic deposits, current eruptions, the insides of volcanoes,
how lava moves, hazards, and/or how volcanoes grow.
With lava temperatures reaching 1200 C, it's no wonder that volcanologists probably have one of the hottest jobs on Earth - literally. Even though the number of geologists actually involved in volcanology is few, those who study these dynamic features have made vast discoveries to aid in our understanding of the Earth.
Volcanologists say that this aspect of geology is the most exciting and intriguing to study because you are actually able to see and watch the Earth’s geologic processes at work. In one sense, an active volcano allows scientists to see geology in action. They let people analyze and study the interior processes occurring within the Earth and they even provide historical records of events that took place in the past.
Today, thanks to numerous technological breakthroughs and the advanced study of past eruptions, volcanologists have even been able to predict future volcanic events. As a result, thousands of individual lives have been saved and numerous towns and villages have been protected from impending danger.
If you are interested in learning more about this very unique and fascinating occupation, please visit some of the links posted below or go to other websites listed at the bottom of this page.
What Type of Education Do Volcanologists Need?
What are Some Personality Traits that Most Volcanologists Have?
What Does a Volcanologist Do?
Where Does a Volcanologist Work?
What are Some Typical Daily Routines of a Volcanologist?
How Much Do Volcanologists Make?
You might have a
look at How to Become a Volcanologist
and Working on Hawaiian
Volcanoes.
Image Courtesy of Stromboli Volcano's Online
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