Scott Thompson has been writing professionally since , beginning with the "Pequawket Valley News. His work has also appeared in "Talebones" magazine and the "Strange Pleasures" anthology. Work Careers Information Technology Jobs. By Scott Thompson. Collecting Samples Collecting samples of rocks and even flowing lava is a standard part of the volcanologist's job.
Monitoring Volcanic Gases Volcanologists use a device called a tiltmeter to measure tiny changes in the angle of the volcano's slope that might indicate a build-up of gases below the surface that could result in an eruption. Monitoring Seismic Activity A seismometer or seismic monitoring devices measure the small earthquakes in the vicinity of an active volcano.
Other Devices Besides devices for taking rock samples and monitoring the activity of volcanic gases and earthquakes, volcanologists also use airplane-mounted or satellite-mounted thermal imaging cameras to find flows of hot lava moving down the mountain, as well as radar to produce 3-D maps that allow them to calculate the likely route of the lava flow.
Related Articles. Indirect hazards are still very real, however, and we can expect the next eruption like the one at Laki in to take an even greater toll than it did then, especially since there are now roughly eight times as many people on Earth. At a. You have two technicians available, access to some monitoring equipment, and a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
At noon, you meet with your technicians and a couple of other geologists. By the end of the day, you need to have a plan to implement, starting tomorrow morning, and a statement to release to the press. What should you say later today in your press release? Improve this page Learn More. Skip to main content. Module 9: Volcanoes. Search for:. Reading: Tools to Monitor Volcanoes Here is a list of the equipment we should have and the actions we can take to monitor a volcano and predict when it might erupt.
Assessing Seismicity Figure 1. Geodesy is a specialization that studies changes in the shape of the earth related to volcanic activity, or ground deformation.
Geochemists study volcanic products rocks, gas, lava , with specialties ranging from volcanic gases to larger scale whole-earth processes.
Scientists also specialize in remote sensing of volcanic hazards using satellites or remote cameras , mathematical modeling of volcanic processes, Geographic Information Systems GIS mapping, electronics development, computer programing, and hazards education. Most volcanologists have strong backgrounds in one or more of the natural sciences including geology, chemistry, and physics, as well as computer science and mathematics. If you are still in high school, you can prepare by taking as many math, chemistry and physics courses as your school offers.
It is also a good idea to become acquainted with computers, software and computer programming languages. Many universities provide educational opportunities that could put you on track to becoming a volcanologist. The choice of undergraduate and graduate level study depends upon your individual interest. Undergraduate education requirements emphasize natural sciences calculus, physics, chemistry, and geology.
Once you start your undergraduate studies, look for internships and volunteer opportunities. They are good ways to obtain valuable training and experience for the future. Almost all volcanologists have some level of graduate education, whether it be an MS or PhD.
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