Natural hazards Field of study: Applied Geology
Programme code: W2-S2GS19.2020

Module name: Natural hazards
Module code: 2GS-737
Programme code: W2-S2GS19.2020
Semester:
  • summer semester 2025/2026
  • summer semester 2024/2025
  • summer semester 2023/2024
  • summer semester 2022/2023
  • summer semester 2021/2022
Language of instruction: English
Form of verification: exam
ECTS credits: 2
Description:
The Natural hazards module consists of lectures and laboratories during which the student learns about the issues related to forecasting, monitoring and analysis of the effects of natural hazards occurring on the Earth. During the lectures, the student becomes familiar with: - the definition of a catastrophe; definition and objectives of the forecast, evaluation of the size of the catastrophic phenomenon; - issues: system stability, Drucker's postulate and Voight's law; - possibilities and limitations of predicting deterministic and stochastic processes, statistics of random phenomena; - problems of seismic hazard in natural and anthropogenic seismology; - tsunami waves, wave physics, Green's law and tsunami warning systems; - basic models of volcanic eruptions, volcanic eruption index, lahar issues and the possibility of their prevention. Laboratories include computational tasks related to: - forecast of peak ground amplitudes on the surface; - calculation of seismic hazard parameters: the probability of exceedance of the magnitude and mean returning time; - forecast of a strong seismic phenomenon using the Benioff strain acceleration model.
Prerequisites:
Knowledge of mathematical analysis, solving systems of equations (many variables), the principles of statistical methods in measurement is required. Moreover, a student has to possess knowledge of the laws of physics in the field of kinematics, waves propagation, as well as, dynamics in geology and tectonics, knowledge of working in a spreadsheet (MS Excel or similar).
Key reading:
(no information given)
Learning outcome of the module Codes of the learning outcomes of the programme to which the learning outcome of the module is related [level of competence: scale 1-5]
knows definitions of disaster, prediction and forecasting, as well as, their aims and limitations [2GS-737_1]
 2GS_W1 [3/5] 2GS_W2 [3/5] 2GS_K1 [3/5]
knows the basic laws describing the physical processes occurring on the surface and in the earth interior that generate natural disasters and understands the issue of natural hazard monitoring and their possible limitations of the disasters effects [2GS-737_2]
 2GS_W1 [5/5] 2GS_W2 [5/5] 2GS_W4 [5/5] 2GS_W3 [5/5]
knows forecasting in deterministic and stochastic processes and definitions of extreme events, methods and criteria for assessing natural hazards foracsting [2GS-737_3]
 2GS_W1 [5/5] 2GS_W2 [5/5] 2GS_W4 [5/5] 2GS_W3 [5/5]
knows the causes, course and effects of natural disasters: earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, mass movements, threats related to mining [2GS-737_4]
 2GS_W1 [2/5] 2GS_W2 [2/5]
knows computational techniques allowing to estimate the basic quantities characterizing the natural hazards [2GS-737_5]
 2GS_U1 [5/5] 2GS_U2 [5/5] 2GS_U9 [5/5] 2GS_U3 [5/5] 2GS_U4 [5/5] 2GS_U5 [5/5] 2GS_U6 [5/5]
knows the basic issues of natural hazard statistics and probability [2GS-737_6]
 2GS_W1 [2/5] 2GS_K2 [2/5]
can, at the basic level, operate at least one available software package for data interpretation [2GS-737_7]
 2GS_U5 [2/5] 2GS_U6 [2/5]
can analyze physical models describing a catastrophic phenomenon [2GS-737_8]
 2GS_U5 [2/5] 2GS_U6 [2/5]
Type Description Codes of the learning outcomes of the module to which assessment is related
Examination [2GS-737_w_1]
The knowledge of the scopes presented in the lectures (module description) and related to additional issues mentioned during the lecture (to be completed by yourself) is required
 2GS-737_1 2GS-737_2 2GS-737_3 2GS-737_4 2GS-737_5 2GS-737_6 2GS-737_7 2GS-737_8
Report [2GS-737_w_2]
It includes knowledge of the basic assumptions and measurement methodology needed to perform calculations and forecasts using data interpretation software. The report should demonstrate the ability to use appropriate computational and computer techniques, use professional vocabulary and appropriate terminology, make logical inference and discuss the obtained results, together with a statistical evaluation of the measurement, if required.
 2GS-737_1 2GS-737_2 2GS-737_3 2GS-737_4 2GS-737_5 2GS-737_6 2GS-737_7 2GS-737_8
Form of teaching Student's own work Assessment of the learning outcomes
Type Description (including teaching methods) Number of hours Description Number of hours
lecture [2GS-737_fs_1]
lecture containing the selected basic issues with the use of audiovisual aids, classes in the computer lab, performing exercises with the use of appropriate software
 30
supplementary reading, working with the textbook, solving additional exercises, preparation of the report
 30 Examination [2GS-737_w_1] Report [2GS-737_w_2]
Attachments
Module description (PDF)
Information concerning module syllabuses might be changed during studies.
Syllabuses (USOSweb)
Semester Module Language of instruction
(no information given)