CHEM 198 - Earthquakes and Volcanoes

Over several days in early April 1815, the Indonesian volcano Tambora erupted, throwing forth over 50 km3 of lava and an ash plume 50 km into the air. 100,000 people died either directly or indirectly. Aerosols from the eruption caused a two-year drop in global temperature and led to the “year with no summer” in 1816, when New England crops failed, and snow fell in June. It was the largest recorded eruption in the last 10,000 years. 150 year later, on March 27 1964, the second largest earthquake recorded shook Anchorage Alaska for nearly 5 minutes. The magnitude 9.2 quake ruptured 1000 km of earth; swaying the Space Needle in Seattle, sloshing rivers and lakes in Texas and Louisiana, and ringing the Earth like a bell. These are but two examples of the large and dynamic forces that shape the Earth and those who live on it. Through readings, exercises, and film we will examine the science behind earthquakes and volcanoes, tsunamis and landslides, hurricanes and floods. Beyond that, we will examine how both current and historical natural disasters have impacted society and in some cases changed the course of human history. Students will complete online quizzes and exercises, and will submit a short report on a natural disaster of their choice.

Credits 4

Notes
From time to time, departments design a new course to be offered either on a one-time basis or an experimental basis before deciding whether to make it a regular part of the curriculum. First offered Summer 2024.

Compass Attributes
Natural Science