Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2023 - EASC 104 D100

Geohazards - Earth in Turmoil (3)

Class Number: 1931

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 11, 2023: Mon, Wed, 3:30–4:50 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 18, 2023
    Tue, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explore the range of geological hazards that affect the Earth, our environment and humanity. Topics will include the hazards, risks and processes associated with potentially cataclysmic events such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, landslides, and tsunamis. The forecasting and mitigation of the impacts of these hazards will also be investigated. Students with credit for GEOG 312 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

General: REQUIREMENT DESIGNATION: B-Sci
EASC 104 is an introduction to the science of natural hazards (geohazards). Geohazards are Earth-surface processes that have direct and often sudden and violent impacts on humanity. This course uses geohazards as a means of exploring fundamental earth processes and phenomena, while touching on forecasting, mitigation, and adaptation.

Course Topics:

     1. Introduction to natural hazards and risk

  1. Earth structure and dynamics
  2. Earthquakes
  3. Volcanoes
  4. Tsunami and coastal processes
  5. Hurricanes and cyclones
  6. Flooding
  7. Mass wasting
  8. Snow and avalanches
  9. Subsidence
  10. Severe weather, wildfires, climate change

Course Organisation:
Two 1.5-hour lectures.

Grading

  • Subject to change
  • Assignments 15%
  • Midterms (2) 40% (2 x 20%) 40%
  • Final Exam 45%

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

Course E-Text:

Keller, E.A.; DeVecchio, D.E.; Clague J.; Natural Hazards, Earth's Processes as Hazards, Disasters, and Catastrophes,; 3rd Canadian Edition.

Print ISBN: 9780133076509

eText ISBN: 9781351978217

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/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