Fracture patterns and their control on erosion and geohazards on the Niagara Escarpment, Hamilton, Ontario

The Niagara Escarpment is a dominant landform in southern Ontario and provides the region with exceptional sites of natural beauty including numerous waterfalls and exposed rocky cliffs. However, the escarpment is also a geomorphic feature formed by ongoing erosion processes that create many challenges for those living near or enjoying its natural beauty. Unfortunately, there is very little information or quantitative data regarding the nature of erosion processes or the rates at which they operate along the escarpment. The proposed project aims to investigate one of the major controls on erosion processes active along the escarpment, namely the characteristics of breaks and fractures in the rock units that allow water to penetrate and ice to form in the rocks. This information will provide information that may be used by government agencies, recreational users, and the public to protect and maintain access to this important geomorphic feature.

Faculty Supervisor:

Alexander L. Peace

Student:

Rebecca Lee

Partner:

APGO Education Foundation

Discipline:

Geography / Geology / Earth science

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

McMaster University