EV3454 - Natural Hazards

The subject examines the physical characteristics and causes of various natural hazards as well as the social consequences of these events. Emphasis is placed on planning for and managing these events in tropical urban environments. Major topics: characteristics, causes, planning for and managing the consequences of the following: tropical cyclones (wind and marine inundation), earthquakes, tsunami, storms and tornado, lightning, landslip, flood and drought, and disease.

Learning Outcomes

• to develop an understanding of the causes and characteristics of various forms of natural hazards affecting human society;
• to recognise those areas within a region most prone to a particular type of natural hazard;
• to learn effective planning strategies to mitigate the effects of hazards;
• to learn management strategies in dealing with the consequences of a disaster.

Subject Assessment

• end of semester exam (50%)
• essays (15%)
• practicals (20%); field report (15%) (35%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.