GEOL 1107

Earthquakes! Volcanoes! Tornadoes! They're terrifying, but how do they work? (And are you in danger here in Nova Scotia?) This course will survey the main geological processes that affect people and their environment, with a focus on natural and anthropogenic geologic hazards. Topics covered will include volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, extreme weather, climate change, and meteor impacts. The focus will be on developing a scientific understanding of the causes of these phenomena, but the course will also examine technologies that allow us to predict or adapt to these threats, as well as case studies of some of the most destructive historical examples of each class of disaster. No background in science is assumed.