What this life looks like
You study earthquakes — one of the most powerful and destructive forces in nature. Seismologists record and analyse seismic waves to understand Earth's interior structure, locate earthquakes, assess seismic hazards, and contribute to early warning systems that can save lives when earthquakes strike.
What she actually does
You operate and maintain seismograph networks, analyse seismic waveform data, locate and measure the magnitude of earthquakes, study fault structures and tectonic processes, assess seismic hazards for construction and urban planning, investigate volcanic tremors and industrial seismicity from mining and oil extraction, and contribute to earthquake early warning systems.
Where you can work
| Sector | Places in Africa |
|---|---|
| Government Geological Surveys | Council for Geoscience South Africa, Kenya Meteorological Department, Uganda DGSM |
| Universities | Geophysics and Earth science research departments at African universities |
| Mining Companies | Sibanye-Stillwater, AngloGold — monitoring induced seismicity from deep mining operations |
| International Agencies | USGS Africa collaboration, IRD French institute with African programmes, IRIS seismic network |
Why it matters in Africa
The East African Rift System is one of the world's most active tectonic zones, with regular earthquakes affecting Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, DRC, and Rwanda. Volcanic hazards are significant around Mount Nyiragongo and the Rift Valley. Seismologists monitoring these systems provide early warning that protects communities and infrastructure.
Your pathway in
- Study Physics, Mathematics, and Geography at school
- Study Geophysics, Earth Sciences, or Physics at university
- Develop proficiency in seismic data analysis software such as SeisWare or ObsPy
- Gain experience through attachments with national seismic monitoring agencies
- Consider postgraduate research in seismology for advanced research and hazard assessment careers
Skills you will need
- Seismic data analysis
- Seismograph operation and maintenance
- Earthquake location and magnitude calculation
- GIS and fault mapping
- Programming (Python, ObsPy)
- Scientific writing
A woman in this field
Dr. Gladys Kianji
Kenya
Gladys is a leading Kenyan seismologist and a Senior Lecturer at the University of Nairobi. She is an expert in seismic hazard assessment and has been instrumental in mapping fault lines across the East African Rift. Her work directly informs building codes and urban planning in Kenya to ensure infrastructure can withstand potential earthquakes. She is a prominent member of the Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Seismological Group (ESARSWG) and a mentor to many young women entering the earth sciences.
Take your first step
- Study Physics and Geography at school with special attention to tectonic geology
- Research geophysics and earth science programmes at universities in your country
- Download and explore the USGS Earthquake Hazards Programme website at earthquake.usgs.gov — it provides real-time global earthquake data
- Learn about the East African Rift and why it experiences so many earthquakes