GEOL 120 Introduction to Geology: Geological Disasters-Agents of Chaos

Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, hurricanes, floods, tsunamis, and asteroid impacts are all part of the geologic evolution of the earth. For many different reasons, humans are exposed to the often severe consequences of living in areas vulnerable to the violence of nature. This course examines these processes from both scientific and personal perspectives to understand why and where they occur and how human activity has interfered with natural processes, perhaps making the planet more prone to disaster. Lecture/laboratory. Preference to first- and second-year students, geology majors, and environmental science minors. Not open to students who have taken GEOL 150. [NS]