Unit 6: Responding to Geohazards

In this unit students research the science and various strategies related to efforts to reduce societal risk from geologic hazards. The unit proceeds in two stages. First, a whole class analysis is conducted by examining the risk of river or deltaic flooding. River system forms and processes are explored in order to understand the origin of flooding reoccurrence intervals and the environmental impact of development and engineering efforts. Any of the Mississippi watershed flooding events of the past two decades would be excellent case studies, as would the impact of Hurricane Katrina on the Mississippi delta and gulf coast region. In a more independent stage of the unit, teams research another natural hazard that requires some level of intervention. Students explore and describe the professions of individuals who contribute to research on geologic hazards, risk assessment and policy implementation. Student teams create and/or evaluate proposals with regard to geologic processes, economic, societal and environmental trade-offs and the degree of risk reduction to humans. They present their findings and conclusions in a short report or high quality science poster. Products are subject to in-class peer review that is modeled after practices utilized in science professions. Appropriate risks would include: earthquakes, volcanoes, coastal erosion, slope stability, tsunamis.

1. How should scientific understandings inform decisions on policies that mitigate risks to natural hazards?
2. What human actions would reduce risk to river or deltaic flooding?
3. How can society minimize loss from earthquakes and volcanoes?
4. How can the methods used by engineers, architects, and government agencies help reduce risk from geo-hazards?