Volcanologist at Work

What is a Volcanologist?

A Volcanologist is a scientist who studies volcanoes, a field known as volcanology. Volcanologists collect samples and analyze them in order to learn how volcanoes work. Only by knowing how volcanoes work can they make accurate enough predictions that can end up saving lives.

A Volcanologist job description

A volcanologist's job is to take samples of gases trapped beneath the surface of hardened lava. The samples are then analyzed so that the activities of the volcano can be predicted. Volcanologists often have to travel to places that are hard to reach because of recent eruption. The more recent the eruption is the better the samples for volcanologists.

The job of a volcanologist is a dangerous one but there are many tools available for volcanologists to make their job easier and safer.

Tools for a volcanologist

Some tools for a volcanologist include a face mask he or she wears to avoid breathing toxic fumes. Safety is important and volcanologists use a metal shield to protect themselves against heat.

Volcanologists need the best data collection devices and the best analysis tools to analyze the data collected. Active volcanologists climb steep mountains to place earthquake measuring devices. Volcanologists will crawl into seething craters to collect rock and gas samples. To measure the temperature of lava flows, volcanologists use special thermometers called thermocouples that can withstand more heat. Regular thermometers would melt in the 1100 degree centigrade or 2000 degree F heat. The job of an volcanologist is an important one so that we can understand volcanoes better.