Aim of the course is to provide the students with a perspective on the natural hazards in the frame of Earth Science and on the related risks, also in terms of social impact, to highlight approaches and analyses which may be effective in mitigating the natural disasters, facing the environmental challenges of the new millennium.
teacher profile teaching materials
Definitions of hazard, exposure, vulnerability, risk and disaster. Historical framework and the role of Earth Sciences. The physical, territorial and social dimensions of disasters.
Risk reduction methods
Prevention, forecasting, monitoring, spatial planning, preparedness, emergency management, reconstruction and mitigation. Information, resilience and communication of uncertainty.
Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, gravitational mass movements and tsunamis
Physical processes, spatial and temporal distribution, primary and secondary effects, monitoring systems, impact scenarios and mitigation strategies.
Floods, droughts, tornadoes and hurricanes
Hydrological and atmospheric processes, impacts, event intensity and frequency, territorial exposure, warning systems, mitigation strategies, planning and emergency management.
Climate and sea-level change
Climate change, extreme events, sea-level change, coastal impacts and implications for adaptation.
Multi-hazard approach
Interactions, chains and possible cascading effects among different hazards. Comparison of case studies and development of a shared vision for natural-disaster mitigation.
Civil Protection
The role of Civil Protection, with contributions from experts from the Italian Civil Protection Department and a guided visit to its operations centre.
Learning activities
Case-study analysis aimed at connecting physical processes, social impacts, uncertainties and mitigation strategies.
Natural disasters / Patrick L. Abbott, San Diego State University. – Tenth edition.
ISBN 978-0-07-802298-2
Any scientific articles, institutional reports, maps and data used for the case studies are indicated or provided by the instructor.
Programme
Foundations of natural riskDefinitions of hazard, exposure, vulnerability, risk and disaster. Historical framework and the role of Earth Sciences. The physical, territorial and social dimensions of disasters.
Risk reduction methods
Prevention, forecasting, monitoring, spatial planning, preparedness, emergency management, reconstruction and mitigation. Information, resilience and communication of uncertainty.
Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, gravitational mass movements and tsunamis
Physical processes, spatial and temporal distribution, primary and secondary effects, monitoring systems, impact scenarios and mitigation strategies.
Floods, droughts, tornadoes and hurricanes
Hydrological and atmospheric processes, impacts, event intensity and frequency, territorial exposure, warning systems, mitigation strategies, planning and emergency management.
Climate and sea-level change
Climate change, extreme events, sea-level change, coastal impacts and implications for adaptation.
Multi-hazard approach
Interactions, chains and possible cascading effects among different hazards. Comparison of case studies and development of a shared vision for natural-disaster mitigation.
Civil Protection
The role of Civil Protection, with contributions from experts from the Italian Civil Protection Department and a guided visit to its operations centre.
Learning activities
Case-study analysis aimed at connecting physical processes, social impacts, uncertainties and mitigation strategies.
Prerequisiti
The original course sheet specifies no mandatory prerequisite courses or disciplinary knowledge. Introductory knowledge of Earth Sciences and physical geography, the ability to read maps and graphs, and basic mathematical knowledge are nevertheless recommended for effective participation in the course. The ability to understand scientific texts in English is also useful. Any curricular requirements are governed by the Degree Programme Regulations.Core Documentation
Abbott, Patrick L.Natural disasters / Patrick L. Abbott, San Diego State University. – Tenth edition.
ISBN 978-0-07-802298-2
Any scientific articles, institutional reports, maps and data used for the case studies are indicated or provided by the instructor.
Reference Bibliography
noneAttendance
Attendance is mandatory. The minimum attendance requirement, monitoring procedures and any provisions for particular categories of students are governed by the Degree Programme Regulations, to which reference should be made.Type of evaluation
Assessment consists of an oral examination on the content and cases addressed in the course. The oral examination assesses mastery of the concepts, the ability to make connections, clarity of presentation and appropriate use of language. Overall, the examination assesses knowledge, application to real cases, independent interpretation, communication skills and the ability to integrate new information.