GEOG 105G Natural Hazards in New Zealand

Schedule
Schedule E: Physical Sciences

Semester
Semester One

Campus
City Campus

An introduction to geologic, atmospheric and geomorphological hazards, including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, droughts, storm surge, tsunami and landslides. Physical and socioeconomic impacts are considered along with methods available for hazard mitigation in the New Zealand context.

Those who are interested in geological and climatic hazards.

At the end of the course you will have achieved the following learning outcomes:

• An awareness of the physical and social dimensions of natural hazards affecting New Zealand.
• An understanding of geological, coastal, hydrologic and climate processes that cause hazards in NZ.
• Knowledge of methods available for hazard mitigation in the New Zealand context.
• An appreciation of the hazard risk for New Zealand in an international context.

• Volcanic hazards
• Geothermal hazards
• Seismic processes
• Earthquake hazards
• Landslide hazards
• Floods
• Large scale storms
• Localised storms and tornadoes
• Drought
• People’s behaviour in facing natural hazards
• Preventing natural hazards
• Mitigating people’s vulnerability.

Two 1-hour lectures each week and four practical/lab assignments.

• 40% coursework — two on-course tests (10% each) and four lab exercises (5% each).
• 60% final exam.

• Smith, K., Petley, D.N. 2009. Environmental Hazards, 5th Edition. Routledge.
• Bryant, E., 2005. Natural Hazards, 2nd Edition, Cambridge University Press.
• Wisner, B., Blaikie, P., Cannon, T., Davis, I., 2004. At Risk: Natural Hazards, People’s Vulnerability, and Disasters, 5th Edition. Routledge.