EOSC 114 Lecture : FragileSystems.pdf
19 Nov 2012
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Document Summary
Natural cataclysmic events affect the earth every day, and are a normal part of the earth-ocean-atmosphere system. However, these same events (landslides, earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunami, etc. ) can kill people or reduce the quality of life. To address this question, you start by reviewing the metrics used to describe our world. You next look at the materials that make up the earth, ocean, and atmosphere. Natural processes can be disasters because of their tremendous energy release, so you will review the types of energy. Some disasters such as earthquakes and tsunami propagate as waves, which you will study. With this background, you will examine the relationship between population growth and the societal impact of natural disasters, and make your own decisions about whether the earth is a fragile system. Study and make notes based on the following course notes and the textbook reading assignments. Goals will allow you to assess your understanding of the key concepts.
