This course studies the events, the causes and the effects of some of the world's greatest geological natural disasters. The course examines disasters associated with earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, weather, hurricanes, floods, fires, extinctions and impacts from space. Each type of disaster contains a geologic or scientific component. The disasters are examined in terms of their geologic or scientific origins, their locations, their effects and impact on human lives and settlements. Advice is given as to how best to prepare for and defend yourself against these disasters. Textbook Required.