An overview of the mapping of landslide-prone areas and risk management strategies in the province of Québec, Canada

Abstract

The majority of the population of Québec (Canada) is settled in the St. Lawrence River Lowlands, where soils consist mainly of clays. In some areas, these clays are very sensitive, and are prone to the development of large retrogressive landslides. To identify areas that are potentially exposed to this hazard, the Québec government produces maps of areas prone to landslides in clayey soils. These maps allow the government authorities to take this risk into account in their operations. Furthermore, municipalities must include this mapping in their regulations for land use planning. The risk analysis for landslides in clayey soils is based on these maps. Different approaches are currently being developed in order to manage risks according to the types of landslides and the elements at risk (population, roads, etc.).