Relative Landslide Susceptibility Model of the Alberta Plains and Shield Regions

This map represents a predictive statistical model of landslide susceptibility of the Alberta Plains and Shield regions at 1:1 000 000 scale. The model predicts the degree to which terrain can be affected by landslides based on a statistical procedure that establishes the relationship between the spatial distribution of past landslides, and predisposing geological, topographic and climatic factors.

The model results portray the spatial distribution of landslide susceptibility as a relative ranking from low to high. It is intended to be used for educational purposes and regional-scale planning initiatives. Importantly, it does not evaluate the probability of landslide occurrence over any specific period of time, nor does it evaluate the magnitude or impact of any potential landslide activity. Consequently, the model results should not be interpreted for the purpose of site-specific landslide identification, landslide activity assessment, or landslide hazard appraisal.

The evaluation methodology used for this model does not assess the effect of significantly folded and faulted bedrock structure, and therefore does not include the mountains and foothills physiographic regions, where bedrock structure is the main geologic control on landslide susceptibility. While bedrock structure within the Shield is complex, it is not considered a significant geologic control on landslide susceptibility due to the high strength of bedrock in that region; therefore, the Shield region has been included in the model.