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Geology 108: "Crises of the Earth"
(a.k.a. 'Death & Destruction' or 'Disasters with Masters')

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Check out Earth Alert for current world events!

Calendar & topics (with WWW links to other topical sources)

Summary of Geology 108 Assignments

A summary of written assignments for Geology 108 is given below. The list will be expanded during the semester. All assignments will be due on a specific announced date; late assignments will not be accepted except by written request at least one day prior to the due date and only for valid reasons.

 
1. Plate tectonics in-class group exercise - due 29 Jan
2. Homework #1 - Plate motion calculations - due 3 Feb
3. Homework #2 - Virtual earthquakes - due 12 Feb
4. Homework #3 - WWW earthquake scavenger hunt - due 19 Feb
5. Homework #4 - Volcanic hazards & plate tectonics - due 15 Mar
6. Homework #5 - Climate change - due 22 Mar

Description

This course addresses a variety of geological processes that, when they adversely affect mankind, are described as natural hazards or disasters. The structure of the course will involve a lecture format interlaced with selected video presentations, in-class exercises, and regular reading assignments followed by brief in-class quizzes and/or short homework assignments; the lectures will generally elaborate on but not replicate the readings. Student research groups will be formed to produce three topical reports, preferably in a web-page format; topics will include earthquakes, volcanoes, and one additional type of hazardous phenomena. There will be three in-class exams but no comprehensive final exam.

Cumulative grade will be based on exams (40%), web reports (40%), and in-class quizzes and homework (20%). As a matter of policy, there will be no make-ups for missed exams or assignments except by prior written request.

Regular attendance is essential to your success in this class. Attendance will be monitored via the in-class quizzes and overall average grades will be weighted according to the percent of classes attended.

Most readings will come from the text: P.L. Abbott (1999) Natural Disasters. Approximate assignments are listed in course calendar.

Supplemental lab course (Geol 106)

An introductory geology lab course is recommended for anyone who is considering a major in Geology/Geophysics.

Other Resources

• In-class quiz questions - a cumulative list

• OLD Geology 108 Home Page - this is our old page; it will be updated so you can click here in the future to get to current information, schedule, and assignments

• Cascadia subduction zone earthquakes & tsunamis - an example for student WWW reports

• TWO YEAR OLD Project Groups - listing of project group assignments

• Project Guide - what to include in your reports...

• WWW Tips - a variety of tips and resources about using and creating web pages

click here to return to Bill's Home Page.
leeman@rice.edu
Updated: 8 Mar 99