Those who love to spend time outdoors but also have an aptitude for math and science should consider a career in seismology. Seismologists are the people who study earthquakes and ground vibrations. They work in government, for energy companies or for universities, and an experienced seismologist can earn somewhere in the range of $82,500 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What Seismologists Do
Seismologists study all aspects of earthquakes both to understand their causes and to predict future occurrences. They study ground structures where earthquakes occur, measure ground vibrations throughout the world and develop mathematical and computer models to better understand what happens underground. Some seismologists work for government agencies, where they monitor ground movement or work to promote public safety, while others work for energy companies, where they use their knowledge to help find oil and natural gas. Other seismologists teach at colleges or do advanced research for universities or government agencies.
Seismologists must have a college degree in geology or earth science with courses in math, physics and chemistry. Early interests in rocks, weather or dinosaurs may be signs that a child could excel in this field. A love of the outdoors and good physical fitness will also help while doing field work, since earthquakes often occur in remote locations. For those considering careers at universities or higher-level government jobs, a master's or doctoral degree will often be required.
Seismology in Government
The National Earthquake Information Center, or NEIC, located in Golden, Colorado monitors seismic activity throughout the world and reports over 30,000 major earthquakes each year. When a significant earthquake occurs anywhere in the world, the center notifies the appropriate U.S. embassy as well as the United Nations department of Humanitarian Affairs. The NEIC also collects information about seismic activities throughout the world and publishes this information for use by governments and researchers. The center employs approximately 11,500 people, most at the campus of the Colorado school of Mines, but also throughout the world, maintaining and monitoring seismic measuring equipment.
Other Jobs for Seismologists
In addition to monitoring earthquakes, seismologists also measure man-made ground movement. During the development of the atomic bomb and throughout the Cold War, they were employed to measure and monitor atomic events. Seismology is also effective in finding deposits of oil and natural gas. By setting a number of small explosions on an area of land, data gathered from ground monitoring stations can be used to plot ground density in three dimensions. Geologists can then use these maps to help determine drilling sites.