Who studies movements of the Earth's surface?

The movements of the Earth's surface are primarily studied by seismologists, who focus on the phenomena related to earthquakes and the seismic activity that results from tectonic movements. Seismologists analyze seismic waves generated by tectonic shifts, allowing them to understand how these movements affect the Earth's crust. Their work is essential for predicting earthquakes, understanding fault lines, and studying the Earth's internal structure.

While a geologist might also study aspects of Earth's surface movements, such as tectonic plates and landforms, their broader focus includes various aspects of Earth's materials, processes, and history rather than solely concentrating on the movements. Therefore, while both roles are related to studying the Earth, seismologists specifically emphasize the movements caused by seismic activity, making them the most appropriate choice for this question. A botanist studies plants, and an astronomer deals with celestial entities, further differentiating their fields from that of a seismologist and clarifying why they are not suitable choices for studying Earth's surface movements.