Edmonton Ground Hazards

Project Goal

The project members will use high-resolution radar satellite data (TerraSAR-X and Radarsat-2) to detect and quantify residual subsidence related to the coal mines, as well as slope movements along the riverbanks. This study will also be assessing tunnelling and underground construction, as well as development-associated subsidence.

Project Background

The city of Edmonton is divided in two by the deeply incised valley of the North Saskatchewan River and its tributary ravines. The soft rock and glacial soils that make up the subsurface and its riverbanks result in many geotechnical challenges, such as landslides or subsidence. In addition, numerous seams of coal exposed along the river valley were mined up until the 1940s. The remaining abandoned mines extend under both downtown and residential areas. This has led to ongoing settling and collapse over the past few decades, requiring the city to implement damage-reducing measures.

Project Lead: John Dehls

Collaborators
City of Edmonton
German Space Agency