CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Batterson, M.J.; Liverman, D.G.E.; and Taylor, D.M.
Date : 2007.
Title : Towards the development of a geological hazard mapping program for Newfoundland.
Publication : CANQUA Ottawa 2007. Canadian Quaternary Association Conference, June 4-8, 2007. Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Issue :
Page(s) :
Abstract
Although Newfoundland hasn’t traditionally been considered a hot bed for geological hazards there has been increasing awareness that these processes need to be considered more seriously in municipal planning. Recent major river floods in Badger and Stephenville, coastal flooding on the south and west coast of the province, landslides in Daniels Harbour, and the threat on the province’s coast line from rising sea levels has prompted the initiation of a multi-hazard mapping program to assist in ensuring that appropriate planning decisions are made. This program, in partnership with the Provincial Departments of Environment and Municipal Affairs will initially focus on the Humber River valley in western Newfoundland and the northeast Avalon Peninsula. Both these areas are the focus of rapid urban development, but with differing risks from geological hazard. The Humber River valley is steep sided and flat-bottomed, showing risk of avalanche and landslide along the valley sides and flooding in the valley bottom. The northeast Avalon Peninsula has increasing pressure on coastal development, as well as risk from flooding, landslide, avalanche and rockfall. The approach is multi-layered and includes historical research to identify areas of known hazard or disaster, slope angle identification using a Digital Elevation Model (DEM), and field assessment. A simple 5 fold hazard rating will be employed ranging from low to very high hazard areas. Within each rating, slope modifiers (flat to steep, based largely on the slope model from the DEM), and hazard modifiers (type of hazard) will provide further descriptions. Although map production is obviously important, the presentation will also discuss other equally challenging aspects of the program, such as how the information is effectively disseminated to potential users, the positive and negative perceptions of producing hazard maps, and how public policy can be influenced to ensure that the maps are efficiently used in the planning process.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology