Natural hazards such as floods, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur often unexpected and uncontrolled and may inflict considerable material-, economical, and emotional damage. Although mankind is vulnerable to these disasters, their prediction, control and/or mitigation have proven to be challenging. It should be realized that humans deliberately settle in large numbers in hazardous areas, because of assets related to these hazards, such as fertile volcanic soils or floodplains.
Many natural hazards are interrelated, e.g. volcanic eruptions may trigger earthquakes that can cause tsunamis.Climate change can be considered as a long-term natural hazard by its own. However, it may cause or induce other disasters as well. Present-day climate change is a natural climate variability on which an (important?) anthropogenic contribution is superposed. The societal impact of climate change and other natural hazards is often underestimated or hazards are recognised very late.
The hazard frequency is so low that the 'societal memory' of a certain event may be lost. Hazard return times surpass political planning timescales or even the lifespan of a generation. Answers to the questions when, why, how and where natural hazards occur, evidently will help us minimizing their risk and impact.To improve our understanding of natural hazards and climate change we will examine a wide range of earth science topics, including:• Earthquakes and volcanism• Floods• Carbon cycle and climate• How to relate past hazards, the 4th dimension: geological timeThe subjects outlined above will be discussed in lectures given by the staff of the departments of Earth Sciences and Physical Geography (both part of the Faculty of Geosciences).
During tutorials we will apply our theoretical understanding to recent or famous past natural hazards that had a large impact on the lives of the victims. We will also explore recent developments in efforts to reduce the amount of CO2 in our atmosphere. As an example of state of the art flood prevention measures, we will visit the Dutch Delta Works during an excursion. An important component of the grading of this course will be the presentation of a poster about natural hazards in your home country or another area of choice.
Period
04-07-2011 - 15-07-2011 (2 weeks)
Target group
Upper year (3rd) undergraduate students and HBO students (4th year undergraduate) in the fields of earth sciences, geology, physical geography or related areas of study. Basic academic knowledge in physics/mathematics is strongly recommended.
Course aim
To familiarise students with a selection of Natural Hazards and the role the carbon cycle plays in Climate Change. Students are also introduced in the various ways these issues are investigated by geoscientists.
Credits
3.0 ECTS credits+ Certificate of Attendance
Course fee
EUR 895Course + course materials + housingEUR 560Course + course materials
Course leader
Dr. Hans de Bresser
Scholarships
Utrecht Summer School doesn't offer scholarships for this course.
Utrecht University
Address: PO BOX 80148
Postal code: 3508 TC
City: Utrecht
Country: Netherlands
Website: http://www.utrechtsummerschool.nl
E-mail: summerschool@uu.nl
Phone: 0031302534400
Natural Hazards & Climate Change
