First Year Seminar 191CNS43 - FYS- Volcano Under Town Hall

How do we forecast unpredictable natural hazards and prepare for possible disasters? What happens when our best guesses about what will happen are wrong? In this class we'll explore how we interpret geologic data, communicate risks to the public, and make public policy decisions based on that information. Then, you'll take on the role of a scientist, community member, government official, or journalist in a quickly-growing resort town facing a possible volcanic eruption. Your community must decide: do you abandon the town, needlessly risking livelihoods if the threat is false? Or continue to invest in the community, facing possible disaster? Through this course, you'll develop your data interpretation and synthesis skills as well as an appreciation for the scientific and social complexities of community decision-making.

First year (Fr or Soph)