Air-photo interpretation of glacial stratigraphy and the engineering assessment of terrain in Southern Saskatchewan (Canada)

Abstract

Stratigraphic interpretation of glacial deposits from black and white aerial photographs involves the synthesis of indirect evidence provided by surface morphology and the logical sequence of geological processes associated with glacial deposition from advances, retreats and re-advances of the ice. The principle is to establish evidence of stratigraphic boundaries from changes in slope angle, slope instability and indicators of seepage of groundwater combined with process sequences. Documented support data was used to validate the interpretation in the form of stratigraphic test holes. Three sites were selected to illustrate how a physical terrain model can be formulated defining sediment type and the presence or absence of groundwater.