seismologist

[ sahyz-mol-uh-jist, sahys- ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of seismologist¹

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

Example Sentences

By seismologist Lucy Jones’ count, Southern California has experienced 15 independent seismic sequences so far this year in which there have been at least one magnitude 4 or higher earthquake.

From Los Angeles Times

“The plans to instrument all of Tibet are particularly ambitious and exciting, as this is one of the most tectonically active regions on Earth,” says James Hammond, a seismologist at Birkbeck, University of London.

From Science Magazine

“Earthquakes pop off around the state, and it’s a little bit like popcorn that they hit — sometimes they bunch up for reasons that we don’t understand,” said Susan Hough, seismologist for the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

Thursday’s Malibu earthquake was part of the 14th seismic sequence with at least one magnitude 4 or higher earthquake this year in Southern California, said seismologist Lucy Jones, a Caltech research associate.

From Los Angeles Times

“If you take the last 30 years as your definition of how often you should expect to be feeling earthquakes, you are underestimating the long-term rate,” said seismologist Lucy Jones, a Caltech research associate.

From Los Angeles Times