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EAR801
NATURAL HAZARDS AND SOCIETY
LEARNING OUTCOMES
CONTENTS
This course examines the natural and human dimensions of hazards such as earthquakes,
tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, tropical storms, floods, landslides, soil erosion and
desertification. Course work focuses on the causes of major natural hazards -- such as
climate change, sea-level rise, and tectonics – as well as their spatial and temporal
distribution. Moreover, students will be exposed to the assessment of risks posed to
society and possibilities for sustainable adaptation.
ASSESSMENT
This course will be assessed through a combination of two 50 minute mid term tests (50%
weighting) and a final exam (50% weighting).
(Note: You should attend all classes and failure to do so may make you ineligible to sit the final examination.
Mid term exams are held during lecture times and make up tests for the mid terms will only be given in
VERY exceptional circumstances)
LECTURES
Wednesday 1:30 — 4.30pm, Lecture Theatre 1
TEXTBOOK AND REFERENCES
Textbook: Hyndman and Hyndman - Natural hazards and disasters (Thomson, 2008).
Additional references may be given in classes and students should read these materials
prior to the next class.
COURSE STAFFING
Lecturers: Prof Kerry Sieh* N2-01a-10 – email: sieh@ntu.edu.sg
Dr Adam Switzer N2-01a-04 - email: aswitzer@ntu.edu.sg
Mr Andreas Schaffer N2-01a-02 - email a.schaffer@ntu.edu.sg
General inquiries: EAR801@ntu.edu.sg
* Co-ordinator
Version of 27 September 2010
WEEK 4 SEPT 22 COASTAL HAZARDS I - Storm surges, coastal erosion and waves
Essential reading: Hyndman and Hyndman Ch. 13, 14.
Lecture 9 - Andreas
Social and Economic Impacts of Earthquakes
Real Estate Sector / Insurance Sector and Case Study
Lecture 10 - Adam
Dangerous coastlines
Waves and beaches
Erosion
Tropical cyclones
Lecture 11 - Adam
Storm surges
Typhoons in Asia
Case study - Cyclone Nargis - Myanmar