CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Belanger, J.R.
Date : 1998
Title : Urban geology of Canada's national capital area
Publication : Urban Geology of Canadian Cities. Edited by: P.F. Karrow. Geological Association of Canada, Special Paper
Issue : 42:
Page(s) : 365-384
Abstract
This paper summarizes the evolution of urban geology initiatives at the Geological Survey of Canada and discusses practical issues related to the use of geoscience information in environmental studies, using examples from the urban geology project of Canada's National Capital area. The study area is located near the southern boundary of the Grenville Province; Precambrian igneous and metamorphic rocks outcrop in the northern and western parts of the area, whereas flat-lying Paleozoic rocks overlie the Precambrian rocks in the rest of the area. Till, which occurs as a thin and discontinuous cover, is the main Quaternary sediment in the Precambrian uplands. In the Paleozoic lowlands, the glacial till and glaciofluvial deposits have been reworked extensively by wave action or have been buried under thick marine clays during inundation of the area by the Champlain Sea. The geotechnical problems are associated mainly with sulphate alteration of the shale of the Billings Formation and the sensitivity of the Leda Clay deposited by the Champlain Sea. In 1993, the Geological Survey of Canada revived the "Urban Geology Prototype Study of Ottawa-Hull" which was initiated in 1970 and ended in 1977. The purpose of the new project is to facilitate access to geological and geotechnical information, by using leading computer technology for the release and update of data base and map information. The project was revived in response to repeated requests from engineers, planners, enironmentalists and local governments who need geoscientific information. The original geological data base, which was released on nine-track magnetic tape, was converted to D-Base IV format and released on diskette. The data base is presently being updated with the collaboration of the private sector and government agencies. Similarly, the bedrock geology, surficial geology and geotechnical properties maps were digitized and entered into a Geographic Information System to permit further analysis and release of map information in a digital format. High-end Geographic Information Systems are used to process the geoscientific information and map geotechnical properties of rocks and unconsolidated sediments, locate areas of natural resources and flag potential hazard areas. The geoscientific information data base is used to identify and study landslide-prone areas related to thick deposits of Leda Clay, to locate mineral and aggregate resources, to monitor quantity and quality of groundwater resources, to locate and manage waste disposal sites, to study the properties of contaminated soils and to plan urban infrastructure.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology