GEOL 197 - Selected Topics

FDR: SC
Credits: 3
Planned Offering: Offered when interest is expressed and departmental resources permit.

Selected topical coverage of various timely or general interest subject areas in geology. The topic selected varies from year to year and is announced in advance of the registration period. Topics have included impact and extinction of the dinosaurs; volcanoes and tectonics; geologic consideration in land-use planning; and the geology of national parks. May be repeated for a maximum of four credits if the topic is different.

Winter 2014 Topic:

GEOL 197: Volcanoes and Earthquakes (3). An introduction to volcanoes and earthquakes, and the role of these geologic phenomena in shaping the evolution of Earth and its climate, landscapes, and life. This course addresses the fundamental role of plate tectonics in controlling the occurrence, distribution and nature of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, as well as the natural hazards associated with these phenomena. Case studies of historical and ancient events include risk assessment and hazard mitigation. (SC) Mitchell.