Readings for Fall Quarter, 2009

Week 1 - Introduction

Required Reading : Natural Hazards - Chapter 1

Optional Reading: This Dynamic Earth: The Story of Plate Tectonics - US Geological Survey
Others TBA

Comments: This week we will cover some of the basic concepts surrounding natural disaasters, so be sure to read Chapter 1 and give yourself a solid background in the basic concepts. Towards the end of the week, we will also discuss the foundation for many "geology" based disasters - the Theory of Plate Tectonics. The optional reading provides excellent resources on this topic.

Week 2-4 - Earthquakes

Required Reading : Natural Hazards - Chapters 2 & 3

Optional Reading: TBA

Comments: The main focus of weeks 2 and 3 will be on Earthquakes. For the first week we will concentrate on earthquake and tsunami science. We will then delve more into earthquake & tsunami policy - preparation and response. Therefore, be sure to read the first part of Chapter 2 and 3 for the first week and the later parts of the chapters by Week 3.

In addition, we will be discussion tsunami in the context of earthquakes (event though there are other things that can trigger a tsunami).

Week 5-6 - Volcanoes

Required Reading : Natural Hazards - Chapter 4

Optional Reading: TBA

Comments: Our next focus will be on volcanoes and volcanic hazards . We will cover the entire chapter, so be sure you understand all the major concepts associated with volcanoes.

Note - there is no readings on giant monsters and mythological beasts - you'll just need to come to the Halloween lecture at the end of Week 6 to hear about that!

Week 7-8 - Floods and Storms

Required Reading : Natural Hazards - Chapters 5, 8

Optional Reading: TBA

Comments: We will be reading selections of these chapters as we will cover some areas more than others. More details to be announced.

Week 9-10 - Hurricanes and Landslides

Required Reading : Natural Hazards - Chapters 6, 9, (10)

Optional Reading: TBA

Comments: More details to be announced.

Week 11 - Impacts and Extinctions

Required Reading : Natural Hazards - Chapters 13, (11)

Optional Reading: TBA

Comments: More details to be announced.