Why The World Needs More Seismologists?
Seismology is a study that conducts the analysis of the earthquakes’ movements’ and also the propagation of the seismic waves generated within the interior and surface of the Earth. This sort of study is done to understand the internal structure of the earth what causes the rise in tremors and to prevent any damage from occurring.
The theory of tectonic plates
Plate tectonics is a geological concept in which the way a lithosphere is structured is explained. This concept talks about the way the tectonic plates establish the surface of the globe and the displacements that have been observed between them, in their sliding of the fluid terrestrial mantle. This also includes their directions and interactions. Other than that, the theory also entails an explanation as to why earthquakes and volcanoes are focused on one specific region of the planet.
The importance of seismology
Living in an area that is prone to earthquakes can be nightmarish. The fear of a destructive earthquake occurring is always lingering around the corner. If an area’s seismic activity — its size, frequency, and type of earthquake that occur in the target area over a certain period of time is — high then it is necessary that a reliable seismic hazard assessment be conducted.
The seismic hazard analysis will be used to produce the seismic hazard maps. These maps will help provide necessary information that is used to put mitigation measures in opposition to the effects of destructive earthquakes. They are often applied by engineers to construct highway buildings and bridges. All of this is done amongst other infrastructural projects within the area of high seismic activity. The engineers tend to use the maps to figure out the seismic importance factor and thus they will design buildings that can withstand ground motions that result from seismic waves and excess a set annual probability over their lifetimes.
A lack of such analysis will have serious negative consequences on the communities of the world. Without any proper seismic hazard analysis the cities and businesses will not be able to put in place effective mitigation measures to prevent the consequences of earthquakes. The bigger picture of all this negligence is that it results in the loss of many lives and occurrence of several incurable injuries, as dramatically shown by the top twelve deadliest earthquakes occurring worldwide during the time interval of 2000–2011. Others will face property damage, financial laws, contamination of the environment and so much more.
This is exactly why we need more people like Professor Giuliano Panza. The Italy based seismologist and scholar has been long praised for his consistent efforts in learning and teaching about elastic wave propagation, plate tectonics, active tectonics, earthquake prediction, and interior structure of the earth, along with volcano seismology. He has conducted and participated in many seismology related activities so as to build greater awareness of what is going on beneath the surface of the Earth. This love for seismology has pushed him to develop a powerful tool that has further propelled the field of engineering seismology for the better.
