Recent earthquakes and tsunamis dramatically highlight the vulnerability of human populations and infrastructure to seismic hazards. Only a thorough understanding of the frequency and size of such events will enable local communities to prepare for future disasters. The rapidly evolving field of paleoseismology tries to answer such questions as: Where do earthquakes occur? How large might they be? How frequent are they? In this seminar-style class we will discuss primary literature to examine earthquake-induced deformation in various geologic archives and under different stress regimes. Through exercises and a research project students will learn techniques to assess the seismic hazard and to prepare threatened communities. This class includes a visit to the Weston Observatory and one weekend fieldtrip to examine evidence of the 1727 Newbury, MA earthquake.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 12

Prerequisites: Any 200-level GEOS course, or permission of the instructor.

Distribution Requirements: NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences

Typical Periods Offered: Every four years

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall; Not Offered