Terms of Service

Welcome to Seismology4U, the official research platform of Patrick R.N. Chindandali. These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of our website, research data, publications, and related services (collectively, the "Service").

By accessing or using our Service, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you disagree with any part of these terms, then you may not access the Service.

Last Updated: January 18, 2025

Effective Date: January 18, 2025

By accessing, browsing, or using any part of the Seismology4U website and its services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy.

These Terms apply to all visitors, users, and others who access or use the Service, including but not limited to:

• Academic researchers and scientists
• Students and educational institutions
• Government agencies and organizations
• General public interested in seismological research
• Media and journalists

If you are using the Service on behalf of an organization, you represent and warrant that you have the authority to bind that organization to these Terms.

Seismology4U provides access to scientific research, publications, data, and educational resources related to seismology, tectonics, and geological sciences. Our services include:

Research Platform

• Access to peer-reviewed publications and research papers
• Scientific datasets and databases (where available)
• Research project documentation and findings
• Conference presentations and academic materials

Educational Resources

• Earthquake safety and preparedness information
• Educational materials about seismology and tectonics
• Gallery of field research and scientific documentation
• News and updates about ongoing research activities

Professional Services

• Contact information for collaboration opportunities
• Professional consultation in seismological matters
• Technical expertise in geological and geophysical studies

As a user of our Service, you agree to use the platform responsibly and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Your responsibilities include:

Acceptable Use

• Use the Service only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms
• Respect intellectual property rights of all content and materials
• Provide accurate information when contacting us or subscribing to updates
• Maintain the confidentiality of any account credentials if applicable

Prohibited Activities

You agree not to:

• Use the Service for any illegal or unauthorized purpose
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any portion of the Service
• Interfere with or disrupt the Service or servers connected to the Service
• Reproduce, duplicate, copy, sell, or exploit any portion of the Service without permission
• Use automated systems (bots, scrapers) to access the Service excessively
• Upload, post, or transmit any harmful, offensive, or inappropriate content
• Impersonate any person or entity or misrepresent your affiliation

The intellectual property rights regarding content on Seismology4U are carefully managed to respect both original research contributions and collaborative scientific practices.

Website Content

• The Seismology4U website design, layout, and original content are owned by Patrick R.N. Chindandali
• All trademarks, service marks, and logos are proprietary to their respective owners
• Website functionality and user interface elements are protected by applicable copyright laws

Research Publications

• Published research papers retain their original copyright as specified by the publishing journals
• Co-authored publications respect the intellectual property rights of all contributing authors
• Open access publications are made available according to their respective license terms
• Citations and references must be properly attributed when using any research content

Research Data and Datasets

• Datasets are made available according to their specific licensing terms
• Collaborative data may require permission from all contributing parties
• Proper attribution must be given when using any data or datasets
• Commercial use of data may require separate licensing agreements

Photography and Media

• Field photographs and research documentation are owned by Patrick R.N. Chindandali unless otherwise noted
• Images may be used for educational purposes with proper attribution
• Commercial use of photographs requires explicit written permission

We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting any personal information you may provide while using our Service. This section outlines our data collection and usage practices.

Information We Collect

• Contact Information: When you contact us or subscribe to updates, we may collect your name, email address, and institutional affiliation
• Usage Data: We may collect information about how you access and use the Service, including IP addresses, browser type, and pages visited
• Cookies: We may use cookies and similar technologies to enhance user experience and analyze website usage

How We Use Information

• To provide and maintain our Service
• To respond to your inquiries and communication
• To send research updates and newsletters (with your consent)
• To improve and optimize our website and services
• To ensure security and prevent misuse of the Service

Information Sharing

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share information only in the following circumstances:

• With your explicit consent
• To comply with legal obligations
• To protect our rights and property
• In connection with academic collaborations (with anonymized data only)

For detailed information about our privacy practices, please refer to our separate Privacy Policy.

While we strive to provide accurate and reliable information, it is important to understand the limitations and disclaimers associated with our Service.

Scientific Information Disclaimer

• All scientific information is provided for educational and research purposes
• Research findings represent current understanding and may evolve with new discoveries
• Information should not be used as the sole basis for critical decisions without expert consultation
• Earthquake and geological hazard information is general and not specific to particular locations without proper assessment

Service Availability

• The Service is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind
• We do not guarantee continuous, uninterrupted access to the Service
• Technical issues, maintenance, or external factors may affect service availability
• We reserve the right to modify or discontinue any part of the Service

Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law:

• We shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages
• Our total liability shall not exceed the amount paid by you (if any) for accessing the Service
• We are not responsible for decisions made based on information provided through the Service
• Users assume full responsibility for their use of the information and services

Our Service may contain links to third-party websites, services, or resources that are not owned or controlled by Seismology4U.

External Links

• Links to academic journals, research institutions, and scientific databases
• References to collaborative research partners and institutions
• Social media profiles and professional networking sites
• Government agencies and scientific organizations

Disclaimer for Third-Party Content

• We do not control or endorse third-party websites or services
• We are not responsible for the content, privacy policies, or practices of third parties
• Your interactions with third-party sites are governed by their respective terms and policies
• We encourage you to review the terms and privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit

The inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement by Seismology4U of the site or service.

These Terms remain in effect while you use our Service. We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your access under certain circumstances.

Termination by Us

We may terminate or suspend your access immediately, without prior notice, for any reason, including but not limited to:

• Violation of these Terms of Service
• Fraudulent, abusive, or illegal activity
• Violation of intellectual property rights
• Technical security concerns
• Extended periods of inactivity (for registered users)

Termination by You

• You may stop using our Service at any time
• You may unsubscribe from email communications using provided links
• You may contact us to request removal of any personal information

Effect of Termination

• Upon termination, your right to use the Service ceases immediately
• Provisions regarding intellectual property, disclaimers, and limitations shall survive termination
• We may retain certain information as required by law or for legitimate business purposes

We reserve the right to modify or replace these Terms at any time. Changes may be necessary due to:

• Legal or regulatory requirements
• Changes in our services or business practices
• Security enhancements
• User feedback and service improvements

Notification of Changes

• Material changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Modified" date
• Significant changes may be communicated through email notifications to subscribers
• We encourage you to review these Terms periodically

Acceptance of Revised Terms

• Your continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms
• If you do not agree with the changes, you must discontinue use of the Service
• The updated Terms will be effective immediately upon posting

These Terms of Service and any disputes arising from your use of the Service shall be governed by and construed in accordance with applicable laws.

Applicable Law

• These Terms are governed by the laws of Malawi and applicable international law
• Disputes will be resolved according to Malawi legal procedures
• Academic and research-related matters may be subject to international academic standards and practices

Dispute Resolution

• We encourage resolution of disputes through direct communication
• Formal disputes shall be subject to the jurisdiction of Malawi courts
• Academic disputes may be referred to appropriate academic or professional bodies

International Users

If you are accessing our Service from outside Malawi, you are responsible for compliance with local laws and regulations in your jurisdiction.

If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback regarding these Terms of Service, please contact us using the information below:

For urgent matters related to safety or emergency situations, please contact appropriate local authorities or emergency services directly.

These Terms of Service represent the complete agreement between you and Seismology4U regarding the use of our Service. They supersede any prior agreements or understandings.

By continuing to use our Service, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.

Thank you for your interest in seismological research and for being part of the Seismology4U community.