Geological Risks

Code:

GEOL3006

Acronym:

GEOL3006

Level:

300

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Geology

Instance: 2020/2021 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Geosciences, Environment and Spatial Plannings
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Geology

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
L:B	0	Official Study Plan	3	-	6	56	162
L:CC	0	Plano de estudos a partir de 2014	2	-	6	56	162
			3
L:F	6	Official Study Plan	2	-	6	56	162
			3
L:G	8	study plan from 2017/18	2	-	6	56	162
			3
L:M	0	Official Study Plan	2	-	6	56	162
			3
L:Q	0	study plan from 2016/17	3	-	6	56	162

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

Fundamental knowledge about Geological hazards. Introdution to risk mapping and assessment in Geology.

Learning outcomes and competences

Students should be able to understand the notions of risk hazard and vulnerability. They should also be able to assess the fundamental types natural hazards that happen in a wide scope. Additionaly they should also be able to quantify, to some extent, the probability and recurrence intervals associated with each type.

Working method

Presencial

Program

1.
Definition of Risk
Hazard
Vulnerability
Mitigation
The territory and its management
Evaluation and Risk Management
2.
Earthquakes
Effects on buildings and natural structures
Seismic microzonation
Prediction and seismic prevention
Safety measures
3.
Floods 
General hydrology concepts
Basin concept
Quantification mechanisms and flow control
Factors and effects of floods
Prevention
Medidads Mitigation
Safety measures
Prevention and control actions (regularization)
4.
Movements of masses of soil and rock
Types
Mechanisms and inducing factors
Ground movements
Rock movements
Slope stabilization
Public works
Monitoring
Actions of safety and prevention
5.
Volcanic eruptions
Forecasting and Monitoring
Actions of safety and prevention

6.
Radioactivity
Theoretical foundations
Natural decay of rocks.
Radioactivity consequences
Risks associated with natural radioactivity areas. Cases of natural reactors. Case of Gabon.
Mitigation Measures

Mandatory literature

F. G. Bell; Geological Hazards: Their Assessment, Avoidance and Mitigation, Spon & Press, 1999
Bennett, MR & Doyle, P.; Environmental Geology. Geology and the human environment, John Wiley & Sons, 1997

Teaching methods and learning activities

The lectures are taught by projecting PowerPoint slides which are then made available to the students. There sometimes there is a need for explanations in conventional blackboard.
The classes are taught as classroom-based, using practical exercises and also through reading, analysis and discussion of articles or case studies, which are provided in paper or digital format when possible. There is also a practical field trip lasting a day which aims to exemplify cases of slope stability, subsidence, natural radioactivity and flood control. There is a field trip guide that is also part of practical materials available to students in SIGARRA.

Evaluation Type

Evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico	30,00
Exame	70,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico	20,00
Estudo autónomo	30,00
Frequência das aulas	50,00
Total:	100,00

Eligibility for exams

The student must attend the  TP classes .

Calculation formula of final grade

Grade calculated based on the results obtained in the final exam which has a theoretical and practical nature and in the presentation of a scientific work.