NEWS 2009

Posted October 14, 2009 (Updated November 13, 2009)

Event: November 26, 2009

Mr. Corey Froese, M.Sc. P.Eng., P.Geol., Alberta Geological Survey/Energy Resources Conservation Board - Urban Geology and Hazards Studies in Alberta: A Technology Update

Location: University of Alberta Faculty Club, 11435 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton

Time: 11:30am-1:30pm

$20 Members, $30 Non-members, $5 Students

View Part 1 and Part 2 of Mr. Froese's Presentation PDF)

In the 1970's and 1980's detailed studies as to the geology in Alberta's main urban centres, Edmonton and Calgary, were undertaken that to this day provide a basis for geotechnical and environmental studies and investigation. Fast forward three decades and the rapid pace of development in the province have provided a wealth of subsurface data not available during these previous studies. Coupled with advances in computing hardware and software and the availability of advance remote sensing data, there is an opportunity to significantly update our understanding of the subsurface conditions that impact our urban areas in Alberta. In 2006, the Alberta Geological Survey initiated a modern series of urban geology and hazards studies. These studies use computer generated three dimensional models of the subsurface to better visualize the complexities of the subsurface conditions and use spaceborne and airborne remote sensing data to map and characterize ground hazards. In addition, web based geospatial browsers allow for this data to be viewed and manipulated from personal computers anywhere internet access is available. This presentation will provide an overview of the technology updates with specific examples applied to municipal areas in Peace River, the Edmonton-Calgary Corridor and the Crowsnest Pass.

Corey Froese, M.Sc., P.Eng., P.Geol., leads the Geological Hazards Section with the Alberta Geological Survey group of the Energy Resources Conservation Board. He has a B.A.Sc. in Geological Engineering from the University of British Columbia (1994) and a M.Sc. in Geotechnical Engineering from the University of Alberta (1998). He spent the initial 11 years of his career in engineering consulting with a focus on engineering geology and landslide risk management projects pertaining to linear infrastructure, mining and urban settings in Western Canada and joined the Alberta Geological Survey in 2005. Corey is the past chair of the Canadian Geotechnical Society's Engineering Geology Division and currently sits on the Board of the Directors of the CGS as the Chair of the Standing Committee on Landslides. In addition Corey is the Chairman for the 11th International Landslide Symposium that is to be held in Banff in June 2012. He is the author of over 40 publications in the field of landslide risk management and applied remote sensing.