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Course Descriptions

The Summer 2008 program is no longer accepting applications Next program offering: Summer 2009 Details will be posted in Winter 2009 information coming soon Receive e-mail updates, including information about the next program >> Program location: University of Washington campus, Seattle, and a field study tour in Western Washington Contact a program representative >>

The program consists of three introductory level courses. Participants must successfully complete all three in order to earn the certificate.

First Course

Tsunami Hazard Assessment

Participants explore and apply the tools, techniques and associated technologies required to assess tsunami hazards on a regional and local scale. Participants will be able to:

• Describe the scientific principles that underlie hazard assessment tools and products, their effective use and limitations.
• Identify specific tools, techniques, and products along with their relevant application in various geographic areas.
• Refine hazard assessment capabilities through paleo- and post-tsunami field surveys and their subsequent documentation.

Schedule (classroom sessions):

• 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Monday, June 16, 2008
• 8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:15–5:30 p.m., Tuesday–Thursday, June 17–19, 2008

Instructor:

• Frank González, Ph.D., Research Scientist, NOAA Center for Tsunami Research, and Affiliate Faculty, Department of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Washington

Second Course

Tsunami Warning Systems

Participants examine the components of a tsunami warning system, including the detection, forecasting, and monitoring of tsunamis as well as the warning communications that occur during a tsunami event. Participants will be prepared to explain the activities that take place in a tsunami warning system before, during, and after a tsunami event, and will be able to:

• Describe the general operation of a tsunami warning center.
• Recognize the technology required for detecting and monitoring a tsunami.
• Interpret tsunami warning communications and assess the effectiveness of tsunami warning responses.
• Explain to the public the meaning and elements of an effective tsunami warning.
• Access historical records and GIS databases to obtain relevant regional data.

Schedule (classroom sessions):

• 8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:15–5:30 p.m., Friday, June 20, 2008
• 8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Saturday, June 21, 2008
• 8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Monday, June 23, 2008

Instructor: Paul Whitmore, Director, West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center, National Weather Service, NOAA

Third Course

Tsunami Resilient Communities

Participants review and discuss the fundamental concepts of emergency management and the critical path required to create tsunami resilient communities. Participants will be able to:

• Apply basic concepts and components of community tsunami resilience.
• Interpret and evaluate community-planning documents, such as hazard maps, evacuation plans, and critical infrastructure.
• Comprehend multiple strategies and select or create optimal plans for tsunami mitigation, response, and recovery.

Schedule (classroom sessions):

• 1:15 p.m.–5:30 p.m., Monday, June 23, 2008
• 8:30–12:00 p.m. and 1:15–5:30 p.m., Tuesday–Thursday, June 24–26, 2008
• 8:30–12:00 p.m. and 1:15–5:00 p.m., Friday, June 27, 2008

Instructor:

• Nicolás Arcos, Research Scientist, Joint Institute for the Study of the Atmosphere and Ocean, University of Washington and NOAA

Field Trip

The field experience is designed to reinforce concepts and principles covered in the program courses, to witness evidence in the field that is difficult to replicate in a classroom or lab, and to confront the realities that government officials and community leaders must face in assuring tsunami preparedness. The field excursion allows program participants to:

• Examine paleo-tsunami evidence along the Washington coast.
• Visit the Operations Center of Washington State's Emergency Management Division near the state capitol of Olympia.
• Meet with local residents, officials, and emergency managers in a Washington coastal community.

Schedule (field trip): 1:00–8:00 p.m., Saturday, June 21, 2008

Instructor: Jody Bourgeois, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Earth & Space Sciences, University of Washington