CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Bichler, A.; VanDine, D.; and Bobrowsky, P.
Date : 2004.
Title : Landslide hazard and risk mapping - a review and classification.
Publication : Geo-Engineering for the Society and its Environment. 57th Canadian Geotechnical Conference and the 5th joint CGS-IAH Conference. Hilton Quebec Hotel, Old Quebec. October 24-27, 2004.
Issue :
Page(s) :
Abstract
The Geological Survey of Canada recently completed a review of landslide hazard and risk mapping studies throughout the world. In total, more than 550 publications were examined, representing approximately 60 countries. This work is a continuation of that carried out by the British Columbia Resources Inventory Committee in the early 1990s. In the course of this review, projects were categorized according to several characteristics, most importantly: the type of map and method used to prepare the map. In addition, a two-dimensional system was developed to classify landslide hazard and risk maps based on the above two characteristics. Reviewed studies were categorized into one of three map types (% of studies in brackets): landslide inventory maps (24%); landslide probability maps (65 %); and landslide risk maps (11 %). Landslide inventory maps show the spatial distribution of past and active landslides, or landslide attributes. They convey no information about the relationship between landslides, landslide attributes, probability of occurrence, or consequences. Landslide probability maps show the spatial distribution of the probability of occurrence of landslides. They are derived from one or more inventory maps with varying degrees of interpretation. Landslide inventory and probability maps are only landslide hazard maps if there is potential harm to humans, property, the environment, or other things of value. Landslide risk maps show the spatial distribution of the risk from landslides. They include consideration of landslide probability of occurrence, elements potentially at risk, and the vulnerability of those elements. The methods by which the above maps were prepared were categorized into nine general techniques (% of studies in brackets): distribution (20%); activity (3%); density (2%); geomorphic (20%); subjective rating (13%); predictive movement (4%); stability calculation (12%); relative variant (13%); and probabilistic (13%). It was found that studies rarely fit solely into one method category and were often the product of two or more methods. The first three methods are primarily used to prepare landslide inventory maps, whereas the remaining six methods are used to prepare both landslide probability maps and landslide risk maps. The classification of landslide hazard and risk maps, based on type and method of preparation, is useful when the maps are used by a variety of different groups and, as often is the case, when the maps are viewed in isolation from the appropriate background documentation. In such cases, the landslide hazard and risk map classification readily communicates the type of information to be found on the map and the general methods used to prepare the map. The classification of these maps can be considered a step forward in the refinement of landslide hazard and risk mapping.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology