This course builds on a basic understanding of earth processes to explore what we perceive as natural hazards. We will use case studies from countries visited to consider how we can prepare for, manage and mitigate hazards, reading and discussing primary articles related to these. Topics will include coastal management, earthquake and tsunami preparedness, living with floods, mitigating volcanic hazards and water resources.

Field Work

The City of Cape Town has a stunning and diverse 307 km coastline. City environmental managers work to balance the conflicting demands placed on this coastline by following an integrated approach to coastal management. During this field lab students will meet with coastal managers from the city of Cape Town who will act as guides to a number of key coastal areas around the city that illustrate issues of coastal erosion, development, engineering and sea level rise. Academic Objectives: 1. To apply a knowledge of coastal processes and engineering to relevant sites in Cape Town. 2. To appreciate the interplay between sea level rise, coastal erosion and coastal development in Cape Town. 3. To discuss issues of coastal management affecting Cape Town with a local expert.