Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - EASC 104 D100

Geohazards - Earth in Turmoil (3)

Class Number: 1683

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Mon, Wed, 3:30–4:50 p.m.
    Burnaby

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 may not take EASC 104 for credit towards EASC major or minor program requirements. 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
  2. Earth structure and dynamics
  3. Earthquakes
  4. Volcanoes
  5. Tsunami and coastal processes
  6. Hurricanes and cyclones
  7. Flooding
  8. Mass wasting
  9. Snow and avalanches
  10. Subsidence
  11. Severe weather, wildfires, climate change

Grading

  • Midterms (2 x 25%) 50%
  • Final Exam 50%
  • *Subject to change

NOTES:

The spring offering of EASC 104 is via remote instruction.

Technology requirements for successfully completing this course: Students will require a computer or tablet with stable internet connection.  This device must have video and audio capability and be able to access Canvas, Zoom and be equipped with a camera / webcam.  Students should be aware that assessment methods (quizzes, tests, exam) will be conducted online and may be proctored using electronic invigilation.


Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

Course E-Text:

Keller, E.A.; DeVecchio, D.E.; Clague, J.J.; Natural Hazards, 4th Canadian Edition, Pearson, 2015
ISBN: 97811351978217

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site 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

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).