Natural Hazards Course | IIT Kanpur & Utkal University | NPTEL
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 2242 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 8 weeks |
| Categories | Earth Sciences, Energy, Climate and Sustainability |
| Credit Points | 2 |
| Level | Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 13 Mar 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 16 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 29 Mar 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Master the Science of Natural Hazards with Esteemed Experts from IIT Kanpur and Utkal University
In a world increasingly impacted by climate change and geological activity, understanding natural hazards is not just academic—it's essential for building resilient communities. We are excited to introduce a comprehensive 8-week postgraduate course on Natural Hazards, led by two distinguished professors at the forefront of geological disaster research in India.
Meet Your Instructors: A Blend of Pioneering Research and Academic Excellence
This course brings together decades of specialized field experience and academic rigor.
Prof. Javed N. Malik (IIT Kanpur)
Professor Malik is a leading authority in active tectonics and paleoseismology. After completing his Ph.D. from M.S. University Baroda, he pursued post-doctoral research at Hiroshima University, Japan, as a JSPS fellow. He joined IIT Kanpur in 2001 and has since led groundbreaking research projects:
- Active Tectonics in the Himalayas & Kachchh: Mapping active faults and investigating past earthquakes to understand future seismic risks.
- Paleo-Tsunami Studies: Unraveling the history of giant tsunamis in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
- Global Collaboration: Working with research institutions in Japan, the USA, and France on earthquake and tsunami hazards.
Prof. Santiswarup Sahoo (Utkal University)
An alumnus and former colleague of Prof. Malik at IIT Kanpur, Prof. Sahoo is now an Assistant Professor at Utkal University. He earned his Ph.D. by investigating the surface rupture of the devastating 1905 Kangra earthquake under Prof. Malik's supervision. His expertise includes:
- Active fault mapping and Paleoseismology in the Himalayas.
- Advanced applications of Remote Sensing and GIS in geohazard assessment.
- Extensive teaching experience and a strong publication record in international journals.
Course Overview: Decoding Disasters from Mechanism to Mitigation
This course is designed to provide a deep, scientific understanding of the major natural disasters that shape our planet and pose risks to society.
About the Course
The curriculum moves beyond simple descriptions of events. It delves into the phenomena, ground deformations, land-level changes, and recurrence intervals of disasters. You will learn about the environmental changes and sedimentation patterns they cause, focusing on hazards in diverse landscapes like mainland regions, hilly terrain, floodplains, and coastlines. A core emphasis is placed on hazard assessment and mitigation strategies.
Who Should Enroll?
- Intended Audience: Postgraduate students in Science and Engineering disciplines (Geology, Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, Civil Engineering). Advanced undergraduate students are also welcome.
- Prerequisites: A basic knowledge of Earth Science or Natural Disasters is recommended. For a solid foundation, consider reviewing the NPTEL courses Earth Sciences For Civil Engineering Part - I & II.
Detailed 8-Week Course Layout
| Week | Core Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Introduction to Natural Hazards & Disasters, Human Impact, Prediction, and Mitigation Fundamentals. |
| Week 2 | Plate Tectonics as the fundamental cause of geological hazards, introduction to Earthquakes. |
| Week 3 | In-depth study of Earthquake causes, Ground Motion, and associated Ground Failures. |
| Week 4 | Tsunamis: Case studies of giant events, their Generation, Movement, and dynamics. |
| Week 5 | Tsunami Hazard Assessment, Volcanic Hazards, Eruption types, and tectonic settings. |
| Week 6 | Landslides: Causes, types of movement, associated hazards. Land Subsidence hazards. |
| Week 7 | Floods: Human interaction, Flood Frequency, Recurrence Intervals, and mitigation strategies. |
| Week 8 | Storms: Tropical Cyclones, Hurricanes, Tornadoes; Wildfires: Processes and secondary effects. |
Essential Reference Books
To complement the video lectures, the instructors recommend these authoritative texts:
- Monroe, Wicander & Hazlett (2007): Physical Geology: Exploring the Earth - A comprehensive guide to geological principles.
- Strahler: Introduction to Physical Geology - A classic textbook for foundational concepts.
- Hyndman & Hyndman (2011): Natural Hazards and Disasters - Focuses specifically on hazard processes and case studies.
- Keller (2012): Introduction to Environmental Geology - Examines the intersection of geology and human environment.
Why Enroll in This Natural Hazards Course?
This is a unique opportunity to learn from professors who are actively defining the field of hazard research in India's most vulnerable zones—the Himalayas and coastal regions. The course blends theoretical knowledge with practical field-based research insights, providing a holistic view of how to assess, prepare for, and mitigate natural disasters. Whether you aim for a career in research, disaster management, civil engineering, or environmental planning, this course offers the critical knowledge base to take the next step.
Enroll today to understand the forces that shape our planet and learn how to build a safer future.
Enroll Now →