First-Year Seminars 110EQ - Disaster Science: Earthquakes, Floods, and Volcanoes

This course explores the sometimes catastrophic intersection of geology with people's lives. Earthquakes, volcanoes, and floods are geologic events; they are also natural hazards that pose significant challenges to communities in high risk areas. Where are these risky areas? Why? Is it possible to predict when and where catastrophic geologic events will occur? How do we assess geological risks? Using case studies from around the world, we explore these three natural hazards in the context of plate tectonics, climate change, and community preparedness and recovery.

Mount Holyoke first-year students only, by placement.