Data sources for planning: geomorphological mapping of landslides in north-east Derbyshire

Abstract

AbstractCategorization of land and the recognition of land surface processes of significance to development proposals are a fundamental necessity of effective land use planning and route selection. It is desirable that investigations of ground conditions should be initiated at an early stage of planning so that their impact may form the basis of the process. Since, generally, in these investigations an assessment of a large development area or route corridor must be made, low cost and rapid methods must be utilized.A number of sources of suitable geological and engineering geological data are available, although not necessarily in an appropriate form. Much could be gained by undertaking interpretation of these data, although the value of doing so could be reduced or even negated if the user fails to appreciate any shortcomings of the data. Familiarization with the techniques of data collection would provide users with some knowledge of deficiencies and also equip them to commission data acquisition and specify styles of presentation most suited to their requirements. Geomorphological mapping is a relatively cheap and rapid method of acquiring data about the ground conditions. In the paper a number of examples are considered and, in addition, geomorphological mapping of landslides in north-east Derbyshire, is demonstrated.One particular landslide has been subjected to detailed investigations in that accurate long term measurements of movement have been made. These reveal the rate and style of movement of different parts of the landslip which when considered together with the geomorphological map could form the basis of investigations for remedial measures.The geomorphological mapping provides data not only confirming or otherwise the stability condition of the landslides, but also gives indications of the style of instability. The studies are advocated as useful sources of information for planning surveys. This particular work demonstrates the use of a rapid and inexpensive method of obtaining information about land instability.