Geohazards

Geohazards are events coupled to geological and/or geophysical processes, which can potentially cause damage to the environment and/or society. The course aims to give an introduction to different types of geohazards, their potential consequences and how disasters can be prevented. Main focus of the course is Norwegian geohazards, but extreme events from other parts of the world will also be discussed. Students will develop an understanding of the geological and physical processes driving geohazards and their effect on the society. The course will also introduce geotechnical methods used in geohazard management, and present various mitigation measures that can be implemented to prevent disastrous events. Special attention will be given to building up an understanding of the interplay between nature and society, and how this interplay controls the potential consequences of an event.

Main focus will be on processes causing landslides, floods, tsunamis, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, as well as their possible consequences, in addition to methods for quantifying their hazard and risk. Other than that, we will discuss potential interlinkages between different types of geohazards, disaster prevention and management, as well as quantification and communication of uncertainties. The course will include three components; a theoretical, a practical and a field-based part. The theoretical component is taught through a series of student-active seminars. An important part of the course will be a series of practical exercises, mainly conducted within a GIS environment, allowing the student to work with different aspects of the syllabus. To understand relevant geohazards in Western Norway, an excursion to geohazard-prone areas will be organised. This will allow on-site observation, identification and discussion of different geohazards (e.g., landslides and floods) as well as various risk mitigation measures.

On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• has an overview of the physical and geological processes causing geohazards such as landslides, floods, tsunamis, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions
• has knowledge of the creation of different landforms and deposits related to geohazards
• has understanding of the methods used for quantifying hazard for the individual geohazards and factors controlling their uncertainty
• has knowledge of geotechnics and what mitigation measures can be used to reduce risk related to different geohazards
• has understanding of possible consequences of geohazards as well as risk and disaster management
• has knowledge of possible interactions between geohazards and their consequences.

Skills

The student

• is able to recognize deposits and landforms related to geohazards
• is able to visualize and analyze data within a Geographical Information System (GIS)
• is able to visualize observations/data/principles of geohazards graphically
• is able to recognize and discuss risk mitigation measures for catastrophic geohazard events
• is able to identify and categorize slide deposits in the field.

General competence

The student

• can use precise terminology to describe and discuss geohazards and their consequences both orally and in writing
• can recognize, assess, and communicate the human role in, impact on and consequences of geohazards
• can work individually and in groups, maintaining ethical standards while completing their assignments and interacting with peers
• can do field work during an excursion in agreement with the HSR-regulations at GEO/UiB