Integrated geological risk mapping: a qualitative methodology applied in St. Petersburg, Russia

Abstract

The current active development of the city of St. Petersburg in Russia has led to high growth rates in both industrial and housing areas, causing an increased load on geological media. Taking into account the rather unfavourable geological conditions of the city area, such a development can entail to an intensification of environmental risks. Sustainable and cost-effective land-use planning requires information on geological conditions. Stakeholders need general geological information on the area of St. Petersburg, hydrogeological information on groundwater and information on geological risks. Geological risk maps help to identify whether an area under consideration requires special measures for geological risk management. This paper describes a first attempt to analyze potential geological risks in the city of St. Petersburg, Russia. The approach is to introduce a methodology for multi-risk assessment to be used in land-use planning. The core of the methodology is a matrix that assigns a certain level of geological risk depending on the combination of land use stipulated by the master plan of St. Petersburg and geological characteristics. Based on the matrix, a map presenting potential integrated geological risk can be created. At the same time, the combination of the integrated geological risk map, single geological risk maps and the matrix allows the retracement of which geological characteristics and which land use types contribute to the resulting risk. Users of the methodology in St. Petersburg were trained and an end-user manual was prepared by the authors. The methodology was introduced to professionals who utilize geological information and assess potential risks related to geology.