Natural Hazards

Natural Hazards delves into the complex and dynamic processes that govern Earth's natural systems and the hazards they produce. Students will explore how the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere interact to create natural events such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, floods, and tsunamis. The course emphasizes the role of plate tectonics in generating lithospheric hazards, analyzing how movements within the Earth's crust lead to earthquakes and volcanic activities. Additionally, students will learn about the formation of atmospheric hazards, including how climate patterns and atmospheric circulation contribute to contribute to hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes. Students will examine how human activities impact the frequency and intensity of natural hazards and how natural hazards influence human behavior. By the end of the course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles underlying natural hazards and will be equipped to analyze and address the challenges posed by these events in both natural and human-altered environments.

Official catalog text — WGU-authored.