CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Cowell, D.W.
Date : 2004.
Title : Karst geomorphology and implications for environmental and development planning on the Niagara Escarpment.
Publication : 49th Annual Meeting of the Geological Association and the Mineralogical Association of Canada. May 12-14, 2004. Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario.
Issue :
Page(s) :
Abstract
The Niagara Escarpment is capped by dolostones of the Amabel/Lockport and Guelph formations. These rocks are soluble in water resulting in the formation of sinkholes, caves, springs and other karst landforms. Karst processes are particularly focussed in the vicinity of escarpments due to locally enhanced hydraulic gradients. As a result, the Niagara Escarpment and its adjacent plain are home to the most complete and widest array of karst landforms in Ontario. Although many of these features have been recognized in conservation geology programs over the past 30 years, implications to development have seldom been recognized or considered. Development planning within areas containing karst can be problematical. The Province of Ontario is currently considering new regulations to designate such areas as hazard lands due to potential problems related to flooding and surface collapse. To date, serious problems have not been encountered in large part due to the The Niagara Escarpment Development Act which has limited large-scale developments within the area designated as the “Plan Area”. However, developments are occurring adjacent to this area which have had implications to karst within the Plan Area, including designated protected areas. Additional developments are currently being proposed which will have direct implications within the Plan Area. Although many karst features along the Niagara Escarpment have been captured in Protected Areas Programs, most are not. Recent proposals for development have encountered serious issues relating to: the protection of adjacent designated areas; impacts associated with water withdrawal in karst terrain; impacts of nutrient and other contamination in karst terrains; surface flooding problems; and the potential for surface collapse. The nature of the Niagaran Karst and examples of recent development conflicts will be examined in this paper. In the future, karst features and processes within or adjacent to the Niagara Escarpment must be evaluated with regard to development limitations and design.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology