Seismology is the scientific study of earthquakes, which involves the analysis of seismic waves to understand the physical properties of the Earth's interior. It is a branch of geophysics that studies the propagation of seismic waves through the Earth and the effects of these waves on the Earth's surface. Seismology also includes the study of earthquake sources, such as faulting and volcanic activity, and the use of seismic data to assess seismic hazards.