Modelling the spatial distribution of landslide susceptible terrain in the Alberta portions of the Interior Plains and Shield regions, Canada

ABSTRACT: Landslides on the Alberta Plains are commonly associated with high-relief physiographic elements. Plains landslides are seldom as rapid or spectacular as those of mountainous regions; however, they can be no less disruptive to development as landslide-susceptible terrain may extend for significant distances following high-relief physiographic elements (e.g. river valleys). Therefore, to facilitate high-level planning initiatives or educational objectives, it is important to portray the spatial distribution of landslide-susceptible terrain across the Alberta Plains. AGS Map 605 is the first provincial landslide susceptibility map of the Alberta Plains (1:1 000 000 scale) produced using a predictive modelling approach in a remote sensing application. The model predicts the degree to which terrain can be affected by landslides based on a statistical procedure that establishes a relationship between the spatial distribution of recognized landslides, and predisposing geological, topographical and climatic factors. Map 605 therefore, represents a predictive statistical model of the distribution of landslide susceptible terrain.