EASC 104-3: Course Topics

1. Introduction to geohazards and risk
2. Basic geological principles (plate tectonics, hydrologic cycle, etc.)
3. Earthquakes and linkages with other geohazards
4. Volcanoes and associated geohazards
5. Landslides and other mass wasting events
6. Subsidence (slow or rapid downward movement of Earth's surface)
7. River flooding
8. Severe weather and linkages with other geohazards
9. Coastal hazards (tsunamis, tropical cyclones, erosion, etc.)
10. Wildfires and associated geohazards
11. Climate change and its effects on geohazards in our province and beyond
12. Extra-terrestrial impacts and mass extinctions

Learning Outcomes

1. Improved critical thinking skills!
2. By the end of this semester you should be able to:
   1. Demonstrate an understanding of the variety and causes of the potential geological hazards in BC, Canada, and the world
   2. Distinguish between the probability of a geological hazard occurring and the potential consequences of that event
   3. Evaluate the tools used to study and monitor these hazards
   4. Analyze and critique the way in which these hazards are portrayed in the popular media (e.g., movies, documentaries, newspapers, etc.)
   5. Evaluate the manner in which human agents (e.g., scientists, civil defense, the public, etc.) act or react to natural agents (e.g., volcanoes, earthquakes, landslides, etc.)