CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
Search Results
Author : Batterson, M.; Liverman, D.G.E.; Taylor, D.; and Ryan, J.
Date : 1999.
Title : The assessment of geological hazards and disasters in Newfoundland; an update.
Publication : Current Research Report, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Geological Survey. St. John's, NF, Canada.
Issue : 99-1:
Page(s) : 95-124.
Abstract
A geological disaster occurs when natural geological processes impact on our activities, either through loss of life or injury, or through economic loss. A geological hazard is a potential disaster. Many Newfoundland communities have developed at the base of steep slopes and are, therefore, prone to landslides and avalanches, or are built adjacent to the coast and are susceptible to storm damage. Archival research has demonstrated that the province has been effected by numerous geological disasters that have inflicted a major economic and social cost. At least 80 people have been killed in Newfoundland since 1863 by geological related disasters, including landslides, avalanches and tidal waves. The economic cost is difficult to estimate, but remedial measures for individual events range from $20 000 for the construction of 50 m of gabions and retaining walls, to $3 000 000 for community-level coastal flood-protection measures. Many of the documented geological disasters were unavoidable and were the inevitable result of geography. However, some were predictable and therefore preventable, either because a similar event had previously occurred in the same area or that geological factors, such as rapid coastal erosion or rising sea levels, were not considered during the planning process. The ideal way to reduce the costs incurred by geological disasters is to improve our knowledge of them. The geological hazard project by the Geological Survey has led to the implementation of remedial measures to protect the Battery in St. John's from rockfall and avalanche hazard. Further work may ultimately lead to the production of maps outlining areas vulnerable to geological hazards that will be useful in planning. Geological hazard mapping will provide a long-term direct benefit to the government through savings on expensive preventative measures and will reduce hazard-related fatalities.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology