GEOL 113 Environmental Geohazards

GEOL113 Geohazards provides a general introduction to the dynamic nature of the Earth’s surface, and the hazards that certain geological phenomena pose for human society and the natural environment. Emphasis is placed on natural processes, specifically earthquake, volcanic, flood (inundation) and landslide hazards, with selected examples of both disastrous events and hazard mitigation techniques. There is significant focus on the recent earthquake sequence in Canterbury in both lecture and practical components of the course.

All of the teaching team are significantly involved in active research related to the Canterbury earthquakes.  These research programmes are significantly utilised in lectures and practical/field classes.

The topics covered are relevant to a wide range of disciplines concerned with the natural sciences and environmental management, including the geological sciences, civil engineering, science journalism, civil defence, social sciences, outdoor recreation, land-use planning, conservation, and secondary school teaching.

Learning Outcomes

Students successfully completing this course should have a basic understanding of:

• the theory of plate tectonics and the structure of the Earth’s crust and interior;
• the nature, causes and effects of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions;
• the nature, causes and effects of landslides and river/coastal flooding;
• how natural processes as described above impact humans and society
• geological hazard and risk; and how they can be assessed and mitigated
• the planning framework within which hazard management operates in New Zealand
• Students will be able to:
• interpret the landscape to identify potential geohazards which could impact society
• analyse the complexities of managing geohazards operating within complex natural and human systems
• identify and prioritize resources for the mitigation of geohazards (workshop)
• create solutions mitigating risk (field trip and workshop)Summary of the Course Content
  The topics coved by this course are:
• Geohazards and society, including case studies
• Earthquakes and earthquake hazards
• Volcanoes and Volcanic Hazards
• Landslides, Floods and Coastal Hazards
• Any other topical geohazard field