Mapping Geological Risk in Urban Areas (by the Example of Moscow, Russia)

Abstract

The geological risk of economic losses was qualitatively assessed for Moscow, Russia, proceeding from the comprehensive consideration of geohazards and the vulnerability of urban environment. The map of geo-ecological conditions was built based on assessing karst, suffosion, waterlogging and landslide hazards in Moscow; and the schematic map of geological risk (scale 1: 50,000) was compiled for the Moscow territory, representing risk as an integral parameter of probable damage caused by geo-hazards and the anthropogenic load on the urban territory. The mapping procedure included four steps: grading and mapping exogenous geo-hazards; grading and mapping the urban environment vulnerability; distinguishing risk categories; and compiling the resultant risk map. This qualitative approach provides reliable and sufficient data permitting urban planners to optimize investments in Moscow city development.