Natural Hazards

The “Natural Hazards” course offers an in-depth exploration of the physical processes that drive natural and environmental risks, their historical impacts on human societies, and contemporary strategies for mitigation. Designed for students and a broad audience interested in understanding the science behind natural disasters, this course combines theoretical knowledge with practical insights.

Key topics covered include the energy sources that fuel natural hazards, such as tectonic activity, atmospheric dynamics, and hydrological processes. Students will investigate phenomena like earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, floods, landslides, extreme weather events, and their associated impacts on the environment and human infrastructure.

Through historical case studies, including the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, participants will learn about the origins, effects, and societal responses to these disasters. The course also highlights modern tools and techniques for analyzing past events, such as geospatial data and scientific records, while addressing current and future approaches to hazard mitigation.

Fieldwork, an integral part of the program, includes a study tour of the Lower Galilee and the Sea of Galilee region, offering firsthand experience in observing the environmental and geological features associated with natural hazards. This immersive experience enhances theoretical learning with practical application, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Designed to engage and educate, this course is ideal for anyone eager to explore the intersection of natural sciences, environmental studies, and disaster management. Whether your interest lies in geology, meteorology, or societal resilience, the “Natural Hazards” course provides valuable insights and knowledge to help you better comprehend the world’s dynamic and unpredictable forces.

Course Syllabus (Lessons)

Lesson 1: Introduction to natural and environmental hazards; Energy sources driving natural hazards

Lesson 2: Characteristics of natural hazards; How do we know? Exploring past natural hazards

Lesson 3: Earthquakes and tsunamis: Earth’s structure and plate tectonics

Lesson 4: Earthquakes and their damage

Lesson 5: Earthquakes and tsunamis: Tsunami and ocean waves; Group assignment: The 1906 California earthquake

Lesson 6: Case study – The 1906 California earthquake

Lesson 7: Volcanic eruptions: Volcanic structures

Lesson 8: Volcanism: Volcanic activity and processes

Lesson 9: Floods: Mechanisms and formation; Floods in Israel

Lesson 10: Landslides and morphodynamics – Mass movement processes

Lesson 11: Climate – Atmospheric composition; Weather hazards and storms

Lesson 12: Summary field trip to the Lower Galilee; Future perspectives: What does the future hold?

Lesson 13: Mitigation of natural hazards: Course summary and wrap-up