Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2016 - EASC 104 D100

Geohazards - Earth in Turmoil (3)

Class Number: 4594

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2016: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2016: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Andy Calvert
    acalvert@sfu.ca
    1 778 782-5511
    Office: TASC 1 Room 7415

  • Prerequisites:

    REQ-Students with credit for GEOG 312-4 may not take this course for additional credit.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the range of geological hazards that affect the Earth, the environment and humanity. Topics covered will include the hazards and risks related to volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, landslides and avalanches, tsunamis, geomagnetic storms and other potentially cataclysmic events. The forecasting and possible mitigation of these geohazards will also be investigated. Students with credit for GEOG 312-4 may not take this course for additional credit. Students may not take EASC 104 for credit towards EASC major or minor program requirements. Breadth-Science. Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

General:
REQUIREMENT DESIGNATION: B-Sci EASC 104 is an introduction to natural hazards that affect Earth, the environment and humanity. Topics include hazards and risks related to earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, landslides, ground subsidence, snow avalanches, floods, severe storms, and  coastal erosion. Forecasting, mitigation, and adaptation issues will also be covered.

Course Topics:
1.  Introduction to natural hazards and risk, fundamental concepts, and basic geological principles (e.g., plate tectonics, basic rock types, rock cycle,  hydrologic cycle, biogeochemical cycle, risk principles)
2.  Earthquakes and tsunamis
3.  Volcanic eruptions
4.  Landslides and snow avalanches
5.  Permafrost thaw and other types of ground subsidence
6.  River flooding
7.  Tornadoes, hurricanes, and other types of severe weather
8.  Coastal erosion and flooding

Grading

  • Midterm Exam 1 25%
  • Midterm Exam 2 25%
  • Final Exam 50%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Keller, E.A.; Blodgett, R.H.; Clague, J.J.; Natural Hazards, Canadian 3rd Edition, Pearson, 2014
ISBN: 9780133564877

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS