GE484 Geohazards and landslide mapping

Contents and structure

The course gives an overview of different kinds of geohazards; landslides, floods, tsunamis, earthquakes etc. We spend most of the time on landslides and explore rock slides, debris- slides and flows, quick-clay slides and snow avalanches. Examples from these are further investigated through practical exercises. An important part of the course is mapping of slides and risk analysis in the field and to evaluate trigger mechanisms for the various slides and other geohazards.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

• Students have a broad and general understanding of tsunamis, earthquakes, floods and landslides and how these can influence human society.
• Students gather detailed knowledge of different kinds of landslides; the slide process and trigger mechanism.

Skills

• Students are able to identify and interpret different kinds of traces from landslides in the field.

General competence

• Students are able to investigate and map previous slide events in an area and to discuss the risk for future events.

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

GE406 Introduction to Geology

GE414 Structural Geology

GE413 Cartography and GIS

Teaching methods

Lessons, assignments and field work

Field  work:

4 days of mapping different kinds of slide deposits in Lærdal, western Norway. Students work on their own (two student together) under supervision of teacher. 1 day excursion to look at other traces of geohazards (unstable rock slopes, debris flows, snow avalanches).

Compulsory learning activities

• Approved exercise reports: a. tsunamis, b. floods and c. earthquakes.
• Approved report from landslide mapping 

Assessment

Written examination under supervision, 4 hours. Grading A-F.

Examination support material

• Ruler
• Calculator
• Colour pencils

More about examination support material