Sean Peters

Natural Hazards
Despite increasing technological sophistication, modern civilization remains vulnerable to natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, flooding, landslides, extraterrestrial impacts, and other events. In this course we will consider the geologic mechanisms behind these hazards, the societal implications of these hazards, and approaches to reducing risk. Case studies will be combined with exploration of fundamental geologic concepts to provide students a foundation for understanding risk exposure and evaluating approaches to hazard management. (Not open to students who have taken GEOL 0112 or 0170) 3 hrs. lect./1 hr. disc. (formerly GEOL 0111)

Physical Volcanology
In this course, we will detail one of the fundamental geologic processes acting across the Solar System – volcanism. We will study the fundamental principles that underlie volcanism, the different expressions observed at the surface, and predict what types of volcanism are expected under various conditions. We will integrate insights from observations, theory, and modelling to form a cohesive understanding of volcanic principles. This will entail why and how volcanism occurs, the formation of igneous rock, and the incorporation of volcanic deposits into the rock record. Likewise, we will use our terrestrial understanding as a jump off point to explore volcanic processes on other planets. A final project will invite students to apply the fundamental principles of volcanology learned during the semester to critically examine an active area of volcanology, develop the skills to critically analyze scientific data and literature, and effectively communicate their findings. (ECSC 0201 or permission of instructor. Recommended ECSC 0311 or GEOL 0311 or ECSC 0322 or GEOL 0322)

Geology of Rocky Planets
In this course, we will explore four rocky planets of the inner solar system (Mercury, Venus, the Moon, and Mars) and the fundamental geologic processes acting on their surfaces (volcanism, tectonism, impact cratering, and erosion/degradation). We will study how these processes have interacted to form the surfaces we see today and what those processes mean for the interior evolution of rocky bodies. Furthermore, we will use the 2023-2032 Decadal Survey as a guiding document to identify existing knowledge gaps and explore priority targets for future space missions. Naturally, the processes and landforms we investigate will link back to first principles and fundamental concepts developed on Earth Given the condensed time frame of the January term, we will have smaller daily assignments (e.g., reading annotations), GIS activities using planetary data, and weekly assessments. A final project will invite students to select the mission that is most appealing to their group, with emphasis on the instrumentation necessary to address their knowledge gaps of interest. Students will apply the fundamental principles of earth and climate science learned in other courses, including but not limited to developing skills to critically analyze scientific data and literature, data analysis via geographic information systems, and effectively communicate their findings.(ECSC 0100 or PHYS 0100 or instructor approval)