What does a volcanologist study?

Question

Zippia Team · Accepted Answer

A volcanologist studies volcanoes. More specifically, they study the deposits and processes of volcanic eruptions. Volcanologists then use the information they gather to make inferences of when, where, and how volcanoes are likely to erupt.

A lot goes into collecting and interpreting data. Some of the work volcanologists do include:

Collecting samples
Analyzing rock samples
Performing computer models
Monitoring volcanoes
Studying the behavior of past volcanoes
Reading and writing scientific papers

The ultimate goal of a volcanologist is to understand why and how volcanoes erupt. One of the best ways of doing this is by understanding past volcanic activity. The past activity can tell alot of possible future activity. Having this understanding can help in being able to predict future volcanic eruptions.

Gathering and interpreting data is only one part of a volcanologist's job. They also have to be able to take the information they gather and present it to the public in a way that can be understood.