Geophysical Hazards

This MSc course provides a broad introduction to geophysical hazards and their mechanisms, with advanced courses in volcanic, seismic and hydrometeorological hazards and independent research.

Disasters resulting from natural hazards affect one in forty people across the world each year. Whether developing or industrialised, all nations are at risk and the field of natural hazard and risk science is one of the fastest-growing areas of research in the Earth and Climate Sciences. Understanding how multiple hazards may intersect in space and time, and how their impacts may cascade over potentially global footprints, are critical areas of current research. Our programme offers a unique focus on hazard forecasting and assessment, incuding multi-hazards, and on how policymakers and communities can use science to increase resilience.

Our MSc in Geophysical Hazards investigates the processes that turn natural events into hazards, from volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and landslides to floods, tsunami and hurricanes. It provides an essential grounding for all fields of hazard study, from pure research to applications in the commercial and humanitarian sectors. Our programme offers a unique focus on quantitative and qualitative models for hazard forecasting and assessment, and demonstrates how knowledge of the controlling processes is vital for improving decision-making during emergencies, for raising awareness among vulnerable communities and for evaluating and implementing mitigation strategies. The MSc programme in Geophysical Hazards will provide essential training for careers in hazard assessment and risk evaluation, including industry (from engineering to insurance), academic research, civil protection agencies, government organisations, and NGOs related to aid and development.

The MSc Geophysical Hazards programme introduces the spectrum of geophysical hazards and their impacts, before focusing on quantitative models for hazard assessment and forecasting through a series of advanced modules in specific hazards. Selected case studies illustrate how the models are essential for improving planning and decision-making prior to and during emergencies, for raising the awareness of hazard exposure within local communities and civil authorities, and for evaluating and implementing mitigation strategies, from evacuation to engineering solutions.

The Programme consists of six taught modules plus two modules developing independent research skills leading to a Master's dissertation. The course includes fieldwork in the UK and Azores, Portugal. The programme is suitable for students with disabilities. The Programme may be completed full-time in one calendar year, or part-time in two years. Lectures will be given by UCL staff from the Departments of Earth Sciences and of Civil Engineering. Guest lectures will also be delivered by practitioners from Industry.

Course structure and modules:

Foundation

GEOL0062 Geological, Geotechnical & Hydro-meteorological Hazards
This introductory module provides an overview of natural and anthropogenic hazards. Topics covered include hazardous natural processes; interconnected, cascading and multiple hazards; volcanic hazards and risk; earthquake sesimology and seismic hazards; tsunamis; mass movements; tropical cyclones; wildfires; tornadoes; inland and coastal flooding; and anthropogenic hazards such as marine pollution incidents and dam failure.

GEOL0065 Research Methods
This skills-based module introduces key concepts in quantitative data evaluation and presentation (oral and written), inlcuding academic posters, R programming, and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).

Advanced

CEGE0033 Seismic Risk Assessment
This course covers fundamental components of earthquake risk assessments, including an introduction to GIS and seismic risk assessment tools. Topics include earthquake mechanics and energy; seismic waves; building vulnerability to ground shaking; and seismic loss estimation.

GEOL0041 Physical Volcanology and Volcanic Hazard 
This module covers dynamics of volcanic processes including effusions of lava flows and domes; explosive eruptions; magma rheology and dynamics; fracturing of volcanoes; monitoring techniques; eruption forecasting; and hazard evaluation and mitigation.

GEOL0066 Meteorological and Hydrogeological Hazard 
The module provides advanced methods for evaluating and forecasting meteorological and hydrogeological hazards. Topics covered include the analysis of climate change and meteorological hazards; wind risk; flood estimation; and slope collapse and the dynamics of mass movements.

HPSC0093 Science Policy in an Era of Risk Uncertainty 
This module brings together key thinkers, debates, and cutting-edge research on how society engages with uncertainty and risk. It aims to discuss the challenges of integrating interdisciplinary data sets, and examines the potential for more deliberative and participatory engagement with stakeholders.

GEOL0075 Geophysical Hazards Field Course 
This module aims to provide practical training in monitoring and managing geophysical hazards in a multi-hazard environment. Teaching will be focused around a 7-day field course on São Miguel Island, Azores. Students will learn to identify geophysical hazards and their impacts in the field; become familiar with the geochemical and geophysical techniques used to monitor volcanic, seismic and hydro-meteorological processes, and gain an appreciation of the societal and environmental factors that influence the management of geophysical hazards. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the mechanisms by which multiple hazards can intersect, and how these intersections can generate cascading impacts over a range of spatial and temporal scales.

Research

GEOL0038 Research Proposal
This module will develop your ability to plan independent research and think critically about your chosen field of research, ahead of your independent research project. You will be expected to undertake a review of relevant literature and present clearly defined research objectives based on this review. You will also be expected to outline the methods you will use to explore these objectives/hypotheses, together with appropriate costings and risk assessments.

GEOL0056 MSc Independent Research Project
This module develops research skills in data collection, analysis, interpretation and results presentation through an independent research project. Examples of previous topics have included:

• Validating Risk Evaluation Methods for Tropical Storms.
• Long-Period Seismicity as a Precursor to Volcanic Eruptions.
• The Control of Earth's Orbital Dynamics on Caldera-forming Eruptions.
• Forecasting the Runout of Giant Landslides.
• Evaluating Flood Risk Procedures in the United Kingdom.
• The Perception of Natural Hazards among Communities in the Caribbean.
• Modelling Changes in Crustal Stress before Tectonic Earthquakes.

Why should I study this degree at UCL?

The Department of Earth Sciences at UCL is engaged in world-class research into the processes at work on and within the Earth and other planets. Graduate students benefit from our lively and welcoming environment and world-class facilities. The department hosts the UCL Hazard Centre (a multidisciplinary research centre into hazard and risk science) and collaborates extensively with the Royal Society, Natural History Museum and various overseas partners including the Instituto de Investigação em Vulcanologia e Avaliação de Riscos (University of Azores, Portugal). Course lecturers on the MSc programme are actively engaged in hazard monitoring, modelling, and response, whether through academic research or within industry.