research project the use of structural geology in .../file/final_report_we… · report of visit...

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RESEARCH COLLABORATION WITH INSTITUTO GEOLOGICO, SECRETARIA DO MEIO

AMBIENTE DE ESTADO DE SP, BRAZIL

Contents: 1. Research Project 2. Publications 3. Report of visit made 7th November to 13th December 2004

Research Project THE USE OF STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY IN REGIONALISATION SCHEMES FOR ENGINEERING PURPOSES

ABSTRACT TO THESIS Information on the structural geological setting of an area or a region is recognised as of vital importance in the realms of land use planning, environmental management, construction work and design. However, for a number of reasons that may involve difficulty of mapping these features, the occurrence and the implications of tectonic discontinuities for ground conditions tend to be appraised only in site characterisation studies, which in most cases are carried out without effective input from regional interpretations and models. The current research work investigated a methodological strategy to enhance the use of structural geological information in regional terrain evaluation schemes for engineering and hydrogeological applications. Practical and economic constraints prompt the need of obtaining such information with reduced field effort. Considering that, the agenda was set for research into derivation of structural geological information from remotely sensed (RS) image, and to explore the use of existing data and models of tectonic history for providing an empirical approach for spatial prediction. The hypothesis that spatial relations displayed by tectonic structures could be correlated with the arrangement of natural linear features observed on RS imagery to allow inferences on the local structural geological setting was tested. A range of procedures for data acquisition, and for examining and characterising the spatial organisations of lines representative of underlying structures and drainage and relief line arrangements was identified. Azimuth directions, and subsidiary length. were suggested to be the most appropriate attributes for spatial characterisation and comparative analyses of line sets. Inferences of tectonic structures and respective directional arrangement were derived from regional tectonic models, and then compared against the model itself (in development stage) or against field verification data (in test stage), by qualitative (visual analysis of histograms) and statistical methods (non-parametric goodness-of-fit tests). An experimental test statistic measure (Dratio) was devised to improve the reliability of statistical test results. The numerical evaluation of results expressed in terms of average degree of matching (91 % to 95 % in development stage, and 59 % to 71 % in test stage) showed a reasonable efficiency of the inferential approach in predicting the structural geological settings in specific locations (such as lithological units and physiographic compartments) and in mid-size areas. Its capability to enhance physiographic compartmentalisation and the evaluation of ground conditions was also demonstrated. P. C. Fernandes da Silva, University of Sheffield, 2003



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STUDY REGION

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Approximate location of the study region covered by ancillary data available at Sao Paulo State, Southeast Brazil

Pilot-area (sub-area D1PT1, 153 X 72 pixels). Composite image (Bands 3, 4, and 5) overlaid by drainage (blue) and relief (yellow) lines extracted from image by visual interpretation and manual digitising, and by framework of tectonic structures (red). Details of the interpretative criteria for identification of drainage and relief lines in visual approach are discussed in the text. [Approximate graphic scale: 1:30,500]



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Sub-area D1PT2 (88 x 78 pixels) at right, and sub-area D1PT3 (75 x 44 pixels) at left. Composite image (Bands 3, 4, and 5) overlaid by drainage (blue) and relief (yellow) lines extracted from image by visual interpretation and manual digitising and by framework of tectonic structures (red). [Approximate graphic scale: 1: 36,400]

Publications THE PLANNING RESPONSE TO LANDSLIDE HAZARD IN SÃO PAULO STATE - BRAZIL, DURBAN - SOUTH AFRICA AND ANTRIM - NORTHERN IRELAND. CRIPPS, J. C.; FERNANDES DA SILVA, P.C; CULSHAW, M.G.; BELL, F.G.; MAUD, R.R.;

FOSTER, A. (2002). In: Proceedings of the 9th International Congress of the International Association for Engineering

Geology and the Environment. SAIEG, Pretoria. CD-ROM, p. 1841-1852. ABSTRACT: Public authorities response to geological hazards, such as landsliding, may vary according to different factors involving awareness, predictability, frequency of occurrence, severity of the instability, and political willingness and financial resources. Planning responses can be either in the form of long-term public policies through territorial zoning based on technical and/or socio-economic standards, or immediate remedial work, mitigation and emergency action. In most of cases, regional and local scale terrain classification and assessments accompanied by hazard maps delineating potential problem areas can be applied as practical instruments to tackle the problems and their consequences. Examples presented here show both the predictive and preventative aspects of the work, also extending into the importance of monitoring failure episodes in order to acquire a better understanding that can be subsequently useful to provide proper and efficient advice. In this regard, it is also indicated through the examples how possible is to zone an active landslide area so that not all the landslide is designated as unsuitable for development. The paper attempts to demonstrate the differences between planning methodologies in three different countries, the process being looked at from a national, regional and area perspective. In addition, it notes how regulations may have little meaning in some urban areas



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subject to rapid expansion where, because of population influx, informal housing is an inevitable consequence.

RÉSUMÉ: La response des authorités publiques au risques geologiques, comme ‘glissement’, peut varier en face du different aspects et facteurs que tenis compte de conscientisation, capacité pour prediction, la frequénce d’occurrence des events, la sévérité prevu pour l’instabilité, l’ensemble de l’engagement politique et priseé financier. Cette responses de planification peut d’avoir lieu dans une politique publique de longue-terme pour établir une ordenation territorial baseé sur critères technique et/ou socio-économique, ou aussi dans les actions immédiat pour remédier, mitiger, et d’urgence. Dans la plupart des situations, les instruments pratiques pour manager des problemes et ses conseqüence sont des évaluations et classifications du terrain ajouteé des chartes de zones exposees aux risques lies aux mouvement du sol et sus sol. Les examples presenteé ici démontrant les façons prédictif et préventif de surveillance, extensible aussi à l’importance de moniteurisation après des episodes de glissement donc il y aura permettrer meilleur compréhension réversible en efficace des règlements et recommandations. Dans cet direction, les examples presenteé ici suggérant encore que c’est possible pour délimiter des zones sur une aire du glissement active d’une manière que il y as pas besoin de précautionner totalement le development. Cet document essais de demontrer les différences entre les methodologies de planification qui sont utiliseé en trois différent pays, et les processes que sont vu dans les perspectives national, regional et local. Plus encore, cet document rapporter les gros limitations des règlements et recommandations lorsque que il y a une rapide expansion d’espace urbaine qui ça fait acompaigner d’un inévitable flux populational et habitation irrégulier. The use of RS techniques and empirical tectonic models for inference of geological structures: bridging from regional to local approaches in engineering terrain evaluations

THE USE OF RS TECHNIQUES AND EMPIRICAL TECTONIC MODELS FOR INFERENCE OF GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURES: BRIDGING FROM REGIONAL TO LOCAL APPROACHES IN ENGINEERING TERRAIN EVALUATIONS

1 FERNANDES DA SILVA, P.C.; 2 CRIPPS, J.C.; and 3 WISE, S.M. 1 Geological Institute, São Paulo State Secretariat of Environment – Av. Miguel Stefano nr. 3900, CEP 04301-903, São Paulo, Brazil. E-mail: [email protected] 2 Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, S1 3JD, Sheffield, United Kingdom. E-mail: [email protected] 3 Department of Geography, University of Sheffield, Winter Street, S10 2TN, Sheffield, United Kingdom. E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract. This paper presents a methodological strategy to enhance the use of structural geological information in terrain evaluation schemes, particularly for planning and engineering-related applications. Practical and economic constraints prompt the need of obtaining such information with reduced field effort. Considering that, the agenda was set for research into derivation of pertinent information from remotely sensed (RS) image, and to explore the use of empirical models of tectonic history for providing an approach for spatial prediction. The hypothesis that spatial organisation displayed by tectonic structures could be correlated with the arrangement of natural linear features observed on RS imagery to allow inferences on the local structural geological setting was tested.

Azimuth directions, and subsidiarily length, were suggested to be the most appropriate attributes for spatial characterisation and comparative analyses of line sets. Inferences of tectonic



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structures and respective directional arrangement were based on a combination of qualitative (visual analysis of histograms) and statistical methods (non-parametric goodness-of-fit tests).

The numerical evaluation of results expressed in terms of average degree of matching (91 % to 95 %) and errors (5% of omission errors and 31.2% of commission erors) showed a reasonable efficiency of the inferential approach in predicting the structural geological settings in lithological units as well as in mid-size areas.

DEVISING STRATEGIES FOR RECLAMATION OF DERELICT SITES DUE TO MINING OF RESIDUAL SOIL (“SAIBRO”) AT UBATUBA, NORTH COAST OF SAO PAULO STATE, BRAZIL: THE VIEWS AND ROLES OF STAKEHOLDERS.

Ferreira, C J, Fernandes da Silva, P C., Furlan S., Brollo, M J, Tominaga, L K, Vedovello, R, Guedes, A C M, Ferreira, D F, Eduardo, A S, Azevedo Sobrinho, J M, Lopes, E, Cripps J C, Peres, F, and Rocha, G.

International Symospium on Land Degradation and Desertification, Uberlandia, MG, Brazil, Session 4, May 2005.

Abstract. Between the late 60's and early 90's intensive exploitation of residual soil for civil construction took place in the municipality of Ubatuba, North Coast of São Paulo State. Tropical climatic conditions associated with a hilly landscape bordered by the Atlantic Ocean gave rise to thick (10-30m) weathering profiles derived from Precambrian granitic-gneissic rocks. Exploitation of large volumes of this material required only very simple technology, which on the other hand has caused highly adverse environmental impacts, such as deforestation, soil erosion, land instability hazards, scenic deterioration, pollution and disturbance of local water flow regime. This paper deals with the devising of strategies thus identifying stakeholders and describing their roles both on the dereliction and reclamation processes related with residual soil exploitation. The evaluation approach focused on the analysis of the regulatory framework and its practical implications and issues in terms of licensing for mining operations, commercialization of construction materials, and the relations of such mining activities with regional and urban planning. A survey of stakeholder viewpoints was successfully achieved through a two-day workshop. The attendance included decision-makers, officials and representatives of governmental and regulatory bodies (Federal, State and Municipal), environmental research institutions, private miners (entrepreneurs) and consultants, public attorney, and NGOs. The outcomes have indicated that State and local authorities properly managed to stop illegal exploitation of residual soil in the early 90´s. However no land reclamation was undertaken until present. One of the main problems would be related with the procedures for mining and environmental licensing that were considered to be too complex and long (usually involving up to seven decisional instances and 2,5 years in average). Other key issues and needs identified included: a) organization of a database in a Geographic Information System; b) formulation of a Regional Mining Directive Plan consonant with the other Management Plans; c) regulation of land ownership; d) regulatory framework able to reconcile development and preservation so that to prevent illegal mining; e) development of integrated models for reclamation taking comprehensive consideration to aggregate production, reduction of risks and land recovering.

Resumo. O município de Ubatuba, situado no Litoral Norte do Estado de São Paulo, sofreu uma intensa explotação de solo residual entre o final da década de 60 e início da década de 90. Esse material, conhecido como saibro, foi bastante utilizado para aterro de loteamentos e na construção e manutenção de estradas. A combinação de condições climáticas tropicais e um relevo caracterizado por morros agrupados ou isolados limitados a norte-noroeste pelas escarpas da Serra do Mar e a sul-sudeste pelo oceano Atlântico permitiu o desenvolvimento de espessos



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perfis de alteração derivados das rochas graníticas-gnáissicas da região. A mineração de grandes volumes desse material foi possível com tecnologias muito simples, mas que por outro lado, causaram grandes impactos ambientais, tais como desmatamento, erosão, instabilização de terrenos, deterioração cênica e poluição e alteração do regime de escoamento hídrico. O presente artigo visa identificar e descrever as funções dos principais atores sociais incluindo tomadores de decisão e organismos responsáveis pelo planejamento e regulamentação da atividade de mineração de saibro e suas relações com o meio ambiente em Ubatuba, incluindo alternativas para a recuperação de áreas degradadas. A abordagem metodológica envolveu a análise da legislação e sua aplicação prática, em termos do licenciamento ambiental e minerário, planos regionais e ações de fiscalização, culminando com a discussão direta com e entre os atores sociais por meio de um worskhop realizado no município. Os resultados indicam que as autoridades municipais e estaduais tiveram um certo sucesso em paralisar a mineração ilegal de saibro no início dos anos 90, no entanto, pouco se avançou no sentido de recuperar as áreas degradadas até o presente. Tal situação causa prejuízos ao turismo (a principal vocação do município), perigos a pessoas e bens, dificuldades na execução de obras civis e estagnação econômica do setor mineral em Ubatuba. A recuperação sócio-ambiental das áreas passa pela construção de modelos que integrem a produção de saibro necessária para atender a demanda local, a redução dos riscos relacionados a movimentos de massa e de veiculação hídrica e a recuperação paisagística-ambiental.

Papers in preparation A NEW SURROGATE MEASURE FOR P-VALUE IN NON-PARAMETRIC STATISTICAL TESTS: APPLICATION TO REMOTE SENSING AND STRUCTURAL GEOLOGICAL DATA 1 FERNANDES DA SILVA, P.C.; 2 WISE, S.M.; 3 CRIPPS, J.C. 1 Geological Institute, São Paulo State Secretariat of Environment – Av. Miguel Stefano nr. 3900, CEP 04301-903, São Paulo, Brazil. E-mail: [email protected] 2 Department of Geography, University of Sheffield, Winter Street, S10 2TN, Sheffield, United Kingdom. E-mail: [email protected] 3 Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, S1 3JD, Sheffield, United Kingdom. E-mail: [email protected]



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Environmental and Ecological Statistics or Mathematical Geology Abstract The need to compare the distributions of the directions of the discontinuities present in rock masses prompted the development of a new non-parametric statistical test. This is used to quantify the degree of matching between azimuth direction distributions determined from remotely sensed data for different areas and also between these and field measurements. The distributions are usually polymodal. Various approaches are reviewed with the conclusion that an application of the Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) test would be suitable for this purpose. However in this application there is a danger of accepting a null hypothesis when it is false and therefore committing a type II statistical error. Thus a method that employs a set of empirical criteria for predicting type II errors was devised. The statistic used provides a measure of the degree of reliability about the decision whether or not to accept of reject the hypothesis. The methodology is tested using data from the same and different structural regions of the study area. The results show that while the methods works well, there are difficulties when dealing with data at the extremes of the distributions being considered (in this case north-south trending structures. Also if sample sizes are small, there can be unidentified type II errors. However it would appear that the methods is a useful addition to the repateur of tests available for comparing distributions. Other applications might include temporal variations in temperatur or rates of land instability movements. AVALIAÇÃO DA SUSCETIBILIDADE DE TERRENOS À INSTABILIDADE GEOTÉCNICA E POLUIÇÃO DE ÁGUAS SUBTERRÂNEAS COM APLICAÇÃO DA TÉCNICA DE COMPARTIMENTAÇÃO FISIOGRÁFICA: ESTUDO DE CASO NA REGIÃO METROPOLITANA DE CAMPINAS (SP) 1 FERNANDES DA SILVA, P.C.; 1 FERREIRA, C.J.; 1 FERNANDES, A.J.; 1 BROLLO, M.J.; 1VEDOVELLO, R.; 1TOMINAGA, L.K.; 1 IRITANI, M.; 2 CRIPPS, J.C. 1 Instituto Geológico, Secretaria de Meio Ambiente do Estado de São Paulo – Av. Miguel Stefano nr. 3900, CEP 04301-903, São Paulo, Brasil. E-mail: [email protected] 2 Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, University of Sheffield – Mappin Street, S1 3JD, Sheffield, United Kingdom. 11th Brazilian Congress of Engineering Geology and Environment (11CBGE), Nov 2005 RESUMO Informações sobre o meio físico são essenciais para a formulação e implementação de instrumentos de gestão ambiental, que incluem a avaliação de um determinado território em termos de potencialidades e fragilidades em relação ao uso e ocupação do mesmo. O presente trabalho apresenta e discute os resultados de implementação metodológica para fins de avaliação geoambiental, envolvendo a técnica de compartimentação fisiográfica e a incorporação de procedimentos para inferência de descontinuidades tectônicas. O estudo foi efetuado em duas áreas-piloto situadas na Região Metropolitana de Campinas – RMC (Estado de São Paulo) com o objetivo de estimar a suscetibilidade dos terrenos à ocorrência de fenômenos de instabilidade geotécnica e a vulnerabilidade das águas subterrâneas à poluição. Palavras-chave: compartimentação fisiográfica, avaliação geoambiental, descontinuidades tectônicas.



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ABSTRACT Information about the physical environment is essential for the formulation and implementation of environmental management instruments that include terrain assessments in terms of suitability and fragilities in relation to land uses. The current paper presents and discusses the results of a methodological implementation for geoenvironmental evaluation purposes, which has involved the physiographic compartmentalisation technique and incorporation of mechanisms for inference of tectonic discontinuities. The study was carried out in two pilot areas situated at the Metropolitan District of Campinas (São Paulo State) with the aim of estimating terrain susceptibility to instability and groundwater vulnerability to pollution. Keywords: physiographic compartmentalisation, geoenvironmental assessment, tectonic discontinuities. CARACTERIZAÇÃO DAS ÁREAS DEGRADADAS POR MINERAÇÃO DE SAIBRO EM UBATUBA: CONDICIONANTES PARA A SUA RECUPERAÇÃO AMBIENTAL MARIA JOSÉ BROLLO¹, CLÁUDIO JOSÉ FERREIRA¹, PAULO CÉSAR FERNANDES DA SILVA¹, LÍDIA KEIKO TOMINAGA¹, RICARDO VEDOVELLO¹, ANTONIO CARLOS MORETTI GUEDESï, ELISABETE APARECIDA LOPESð, ANDRe RAGNELLI DE OLIVEIRAï, MARTA EICHEMBERGER UMMUSï, JOHN CANNING CRIPPSñ ¹ Instituto Geológico – Secretaria do Meio Ambiente do Estado de São Paulo – Av. Miguel Stéfano, 3900 – CEP 04301.903 - São Paulo - SP; E-mail: [email protected] ² Instituto de Botânica - Secretaria do Meio Ambiente do Estado de São Paulo - Av. Miguel Stéfano, 3687 – CEP 04301.902 - São Paulo - SP ³ Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, University of Sheffield – Mappin Street, S1 3JD, Sheffield, United Kingdom. 11th Brazilian Congress of Engineering Geology and Environment (11CBGE) RESUMO A explotação de saibro e rochas ornamentais foi realizada nas últimas quatro décadas em Ubatuba, SP, de forma desordenada e sem observação de critérios ambientais. A ação fiscalizadora do poder público, associada a uma forte cobrança da sociedade civil, principalmente a partir da década de 1990, limitou em grande parte esse tipo de atividade minerária, porém não conseguiu promover a recuperação ambiental de pelo menos 60 áreas degradadas. Este artigo apresenta um diagnóstico das áreas degradadas por mineração de saibro no município de Ubatuba, SP, objetivando o estabelecimento de um Programa de Recuperação efetivo e um modelo de melhores práticas para a recuperação sócio-ambiental dessas áreas. Palavras-chave: recuperação de áreas degradadas, mineração, Ubatuba

ABSTRACT Mining of residual soil (saibro) and ornamental stone at Ubatuba, SP, was carried out over the last four decades in a disordery manner without any liability nearly derelict sites for environmental reclamation. Governamental and society’s control has been exerted since the 1990s and halted this kind of mining, however it hasn’t succeed to environmental reclamation of almost 60 degradated minig areas. This article presents an assessment of dereliction of these sites. This contribution will allow the stablishment of a Reclamation Programme for the derelict areas and a model of the best practices for the socio-environmental reclamation. Keywords: reclamation of derelict areas, mining, Ubatuba



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HAZARD MAPPING AS PART OF CIVIL DEFENCE PREVENTIVE AND CONTINGENCY ACTIONS: A CASE STUDY FROM DIADEMA, SÃO PAULO STATE, BRAZIL Marchiori-Faria, D G1., Ferreira, C J1, Fernandes da-Silva P C1, Cripps J C2. International Association of Engineering Geology Conference, Nottingham, UK, Sept, 2006. Corresponding author: e-mail: [email protected] 1 Geological Institute, São Paulo State Secretariat of Environment – Av. Miguel Stefano nr. 3900, CEP 04301-903, São Paulo, Brazil. 2 Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK

In the State of São Paulo, Southeast Brazil, public authorities at both municipal and state administrative levels, are formally required to work in conjunction to tackle natural hazards such as landsliding and flooding. Possible responses include various preventive and contingency actions in which hazard mapping plays a key role. This paper describes a hazard zonation exercise based on the combined use of high-resolution satellite imagery (Ikonos sensor) and ground checks in order to provide civil defense authorities and decision-makers with information about land occupation and ground conditions as well as technical advice on the severity of potential instability, likelihood of hazard, and potential mitigating and remedial measures. Driving aspects considered for the approach used to do this include the need to produce outcomes in a quick, periodical and reliable manner, and in suitable formats to be conveyed to non-specialists. DERELICTION PROBLEMS FROM EXPLOITATION OF RESIDUAL SOIL AND ORNAMENTAL STONE AT SAO PAULO STATE, BRAZIL

Ferreira, C J, Fernandes da Silva, P C, Brollo, M J and Cripps J C . International Association of Engineering Geology Conference, Nottingham, UK, September, 2006. Corresponding author: Cláudio José Ferreira 1 email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT Due to intensive exploitation between the late 1960s and early 90s, of residual soil for civil construction in the municipality of Ubatuba, North Coast of São Paulo State, over 100 derelict mining sites are now present. Tropical climatic conditions associated with a hilly landscape bordering the Atlantic Ocean gave rise to thick (10-30m) weathering profiles derived from Precambrian granitic-gneissic rocks. Exploitation of large volumes of this material caused



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highly adverse environmental impacts, such as deforestation, soil erosion, land instability hazards, scenic deterioration, pollution and disturbance of local water flows. This paper deals with the devising of reclamation strategies for these sites, including the identification of stakeholders and discussion of their roles in dereliction and possible reclamation schemes. The relevant regulatory framework, and its practical implications, and issues connected with the licensing of mining operations, economic value of remaining mineral, and the relation of mining activities to existing regional and urban plans are also considered. A survey of stakeholder viewpoints was successfully achieved through a two-day workshop, attendance of which included decision-makers, officers and representatives of governmental and regulatory bodies (Federal, State and Municipal), environmental research institutions, private miners (entrepreneurs) and consultants, Public Attorney, and NGOs. Although the State and local authorities successfully stopped illegal exploitation, no reclamation has occurred. Some of the main impediments to solutions involving mineral extraction are the complex and lengthy procedures for issuing mining and environmental licenses. Other key needs are the need for a GIS database, the formulation of a Regional Mining Directive Plan consistent with other Management Plans, regulation of land ownership, a regulatory framework that reconciles development and environmental preservation while discouraging illegal mining, development of integrated models for reclamation taking into account construction material production, reduction of risks and the need for land reclamation. Acknowledgement: Study supported by FAPESP (Grant 03/07182-5).

Report of visit made 7th November to 13th December 2004

1. Background 2. Research activities and achievements 3. Research output and benefits 4. Review of planned activities 5. Explanation of expenditure 6. Further research and dissemination 7. Conclusion 1.0 Background I made previous visits to Brazil in April 2001 and April-May 2003 and Geological Institute personnel came to the UK in July 2000, Oct-Nov 2002, and Nov-Dec 2003. Central to these exchanges was Dr Paulo C. Fernandes da Silva who undertook research at the University of Sheffield, gaining his PhD for a thesis entitled: The use of Structural Geology in Regionalisation

Schemes for Engineering Purposes in 2003.

The purpose of the present study visit was to: 1. Teach short courses at the University of Sao Paulo (SP) State (UNESP, Rio Claro) and the

University of Campinas (UNICAMP), SP. 2. Engage in two research projects being undertaken by the Geological Institute, SP 3. Discuss the opportunities for developing further research and teaching activities with

colleagues in the above three institutions and elsewhere.



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4. Progress the Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Sheffield, Sao Paulo Geological Institute and the British Geological Survey.

The cost of travel and subsistence was shared between the Royal Society and an EPSRC Travel Grant. This report deals only with research activities. The programme was as follows:

Dates Place Activity 6-7 November

Sheffield, London, Sao Paulo, Rio Claro.

Travel from UK to Brazil.

7-12 November

Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP, Rio Claro).

Short course: Site investigations for environmental and civil engineering projects. Discussions on future research activities.

13-21 November

Instituto Geologico, Secretaria do Meio Ambiente de SP

Research activities: Use of remotely sensed data in the assessment of urban geological hazards.

22-25 November

Universidade de Campinas (UNICAMP).

Short course: Aspects of reclamation and restoration of brownfield sites. Discussions on future research and teaching activities.

26 November – 13 December

Instituto Geologico, Secretaria do Meio Ambiente de Estado de SP.

Research activities: 1. Use of remotely sensed data in the assessment of

urban geological hazards. 2. The reclamation of derelict quarries at Ubatuba, SP. Discussions on future research and teaching activities and on the development of the Memorandum of Understanding.

13-14 Dec Sao Paulo, London, Sheffield Return to UK

2. Teaching Activities Two different 4-day long short-courses were delivered at the Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP, Rio Claro) and Universidade de Campinas (UNICAMP). Each of these consisted of lectures, practical sessions, video and PowerPoint presentations and a 1-day site visit. They were delivered in English. 2.1 Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP, Campus de Rio Claro), Instituto de Geociencias e

Ciencias Exatas (Secao de Pos-Graduacao) – Institute of Geosciences – Postgraduate Office) Departmental contact: Dr P.S. Riedel Title: Site investigations for environmental and civil engineering projects Lectures:

• Justification for site Investigations – economic, safety and environmental issues

• Site investigation – standards and good practice

• Methods of investigation – desk study, main investigation and construction

• Data sources – geological, environmental and other maps, remote sensing, boreholes, sampling, testing, geophysical methods

• Data recording – borehole and trial pit logs and rock and soil description

• Site investigation reports – factual, interpretative • Engineering in rock-masses, effects of structural features. • Controls of the style and incidence of failure in rock slopes • Hazards, land use and planning: Land instability issues



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Practicals: • Logging borehole cores • Interpretation of geological maps Site visit: • Weathering, rock mass condition and stability of road cuttings near to Jarinu, Sao Paulo State. The course was 45 hours [32hs of lectures and field visit], including some personal study and was rated as 3 credits in the UNESP system. It was taken by 13 participants who included undergraduate students, some postgraduates who took the course as part of their Research Training Programme and as an in service training course by personnel from the Geological Institute of Sao Paulo. It was delivered in English. The course was well received by the students, who willingly asked questions and engaged in the practical exercises and field observations. The assessment of the postgraduate students took the form of a report summarising the contents of the course and providing interpretation of the map exercises. 2.2 Universidade de Campinas (UNICAMP), Instituto de Geociencias Departmental contact: Dr S Yoshinaga-Pereira Title: Aspects of reclamation and restoration of brownfield sites. Lectures:

• Definitions – brownfield sites; contaminated and derelict land

• Effects of mining and industrial dereliction

• Restoration of hard rock quarry sites by landscape replication

• Effects of contaminated land on groundwater

• Assessment of contaminated land – trigger levels, risk based assessment

• Dealing with contaminated land – in situ and ex situ treatment, containment, bioremediation

• Strategies for preventing brownfield land – planning for reclamation

• Strategies for reclamation – financing reclamation, development for reclamation

Practicals: • Interpretation of geological maps and development options • Environmental geological maps, hazards and planning issues Site visits • Santa Barbara Landfill Site • Chapadao Quarry Recreation Area The course was taken by 23 participants, including postgraduate students, professionals and personnel from the Sao Paulo Geological Institute and UNICAMP. It was delivered in English. The final session was a discussion on the reclamation of waste disposal sites from the point of view of different interest sectors. The course was well received by the participants who were well engaged with the subject matter. The site visits were a positive asset to the course.



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3. Research Activities and Achievements I participated in two research projects being undertaken by the Geological Institute. Both entailed fieldwork and the use of remotely sensed images. Possible continuations of this work were discussed with the Geological Institute and Universities concerned.

3.1 Urban geological hazard assessment and mapping Land instability and flooding hazards pose considerable threats to residents in many urban areas of Sao Paulo State. State funded mapping work aims to quantify the risks and provide local and state authorities with assessments of the scale, effects and mitigation of instability and flood hazard events. Research into the use of remotely sensed images for this direct hazard assessment is ongoing. I was principally engaged on assessing the instability problems and assisting with the formulation of a hazard prediction tool. Field studies were performed in selected parts of urban Diadema, Mairinque, Aluminio and Sorocaba, Sao Paulo State where examples of different types of hazard, including flooding, foundation collapse, slope instability and erosion hazards were prevalent, as shown in Figs 1 to 4.

Fig. 1 Locations on river flood plain giving rise to high risk of flooding of residential properties, Rua do Mar area, Diadema

Fig. 2 Erosion and undercutting of building giving rise to high risk of structural collapse of properties, Rua do Mar area, Diadema

In some cases instability involving only a few cubic metres of material had caused loss of life due to the extreme vulnerability of residents in buildings of insubstantial construction. Elsewhere informal occupation of potentially and actually unstable areas endangers residents and others.

The value of high-resolution satellite images was clearly demonstrated. In Diadema, the vulnerable areas were rapidly drawn directly onto these images. They provide more up to date information than the large-scale plans available for areas. This was also clearly demonstrated at Mairinque. Furthermore images taken at different times can be compared which enables the dating of landform changes and development.

It would be possible to undertake various engineering works to alleviate potential hazards, however such solutions are unlikely to be practical given the scale of the problems and the resources of the residents and local authorities. At present the hazard is assessed subjectively by the surveyor whereas there is potential for derivation of hazard rating from the images. Alongside research into image processing, an understanding of the engineering behaviour of the materials is also required. I envisage engaging in research into the geotechnical properties of the materials



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Fig. 3 Slope instability resulting in hazardous conditions for occupants above and below area in Aluminio.

Fig.4 Eroded channel resulting in removal and deposition of soil, due to heavy rainfall in Mairinque.

concerned, including the effects of changes in suction pressures, erodability, weathering induced deterioration and the stability of slopes and structures in different conditions.

3.2 Reclamation of hard rock and residual soil quarries at Ubatuba, Sao Paulo State Ubatuba is a small coastal city in the north-east of Sao Paulo State that lies on the coastal plain between the Serra do Mar Mountain Range to the west and the sea to the east (Fig. 3). The Serra do Mar is a protected National Park that in many places extends down to the 100m contour, containing Atlantic Forest. About 80% of the administrative area of Ubatuba lies in the National Park, although most of the urbanisation is outside the park. The geological conditions of the area comprise crystalline granite and gneisses that been affected by Recent in situ weathering action such that the rock mass is mantled by up to 10s metres of residual deposits comprising corestones, up to several metres across, in a soil matrix. Both of these materials have been and are being exploited. The stone is an attractive dark coloured granite that can either be split into blocks for building or cut into slabs. The soil is a useful construction material for roads, tracks and fill beneath buildings. The deposits can be worked using simple mechanical excavators for removing the soil from between the corestones, which may then be excavated.

Fig. 3. Location of Ubatuba on the south-eastern seaboard of Brazil. Urban areas shown in mauve.



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Fig. 4 Disused quarry on the outskirts of Ubatuba urban area

Fig. 5 Active quarry from which both soil and rock blocks are being extracted

The designation of the National Park and the enforcement of environmental regulations led in the mid-1990s to the closure of about 102 quarries such that there are now about 2 or 3 active quarries in the area. This took place without consideration for reclamation or post-closure uses for the sites.

The disused quarries are unsightly and pose a number of hazards, including: • Mass instability of steep faces • Rockfalls from steep faces and spoil heaps • Mudflows where soil becomes mobilised by high rainfall • Ponded water, which results in mosquitoes and drowning hazards • Flooding due to high rates of run-off

Typical views of the quarries are shown in Figs 4 and 5. Even where the surface becomes revegetated, this usually with glychenia (sp.), which excludes more desirable plants. There is little prospect of the quarries being reclaimed or restored as there are no enforceable requirements on the quarry owners to undertake this work and the local authorities do not have funding for this work. Other urban areas along the Atlantic coast and elsewhere in Brazil experience similar dereliction problems so it is useful to formulate a methodology for developing appropriate solutions to the problem.

The aims of this project are to research methods of remotely sensed image analysis to assess the morphology, colonisation by vegetation and distribution of quarries, the resources of stone and soil present, the actual and potential forms of instability, land uses with in and near to quarries, the local topographic and drainage conditions and the availability of materials that could be used in reclamation. In order to explore the problem a two-day workshop event had been organised by the Geological Institute in June 2004 that brought together various stake holders, including the municipality planners and regulators, National Park, River Management, quarry owners and operators, state environmental regulators and the Public Attorney’s Office.

The quarries have been classified according to the hazard posed, need for reclamation, availability of resource for exploitation and opportunities for post-reclamation land-uses. Further work is required to enable the prioritising the quarries for reclamation or exploitation and for designing schemes for reclamation with or without exploitation.

We met with Mayoralty officials, Mr. Fabian Perez, and Mr. Gilmar Rocha, responsible for the Environment and the Urban Planning Departments, respectively. A selection of quarries, two of



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which were in operation, was examined in the company of Mr F. Perez. The exploitation of the soil has a major environmental impact and clearly this activity needs to be subject to careful planning and regulation, however, one of the complications is that removal of the soil is not defined in the relevant legislation as a mining or quarrying procedure. Hazard reduction and reclamation of many quarries is urgently required, particularly in view of the close proximity of the population and National Park. There are a few cases of dwellings being constructed in hazardous locations within quarries and action is required to assess the stability condition of quarry faces and spoil heaps, with risk assessments of failure and appropriate action to reduce risks. Some faces in excess of 50m high show signs of instability, thus stabilisation, back filling or regrading are required. The latter would necessitate extension of the area of the quarry, and problematic land ownership and planning issues would need to be addressed.

Besides extraction that aims to reduce slope angles, exploitation of the resources in various other quarries would satisfy the local demand for construction materials and could provide funding for reclamation. The economic benefits of hazard reduction and removing eye sores are difficult to quantify, however the tourist potential of the area and the presence of the National Park are added incentives for doing this. Some sites may well have potential for use for commercial or residential developments. It is proposed to draw on experience gained in Sheffield-based research into the reclamation planning of hard rock quarries. Although Brazilian planning laws and the legal framework differ from those of the UK, it is logical to adopt a staged approach and encourage public and stakeholder participation.

Besides the image analysis and procedural factors of this project, there are also geotechncial aspects. The properties of the residual soils with respect to its use as fill and long-term performance of rock and soil slopes have not been investigated. Of particular importance are the effects of relatively small differences in soil composition, texture and moisture content on its properties. As mentioned above similar problems exist in other cities, and therefore experience gained in Ubatuba will be of wider benefit.

4. Research Output and benefits

4.1 Published Journal Paper

Fernandes da Silva, P C, Cripps J C and Wise S M 2005 The use of RS techniques and empirical tectonic models for inference of geological structures: bridging from regional to local approaches in engineering terrain evaluations. Remote Sensing of Environment, 96, 18-36.

4.2 Published Refereed Conference Proceedings

Ferreira, C J, Fernandes da Silva, P C., Furlan S., Brollo, M J, Tominaga, L K, Vedovello, R, Guedes, A C M, Ferreira, D F, Eduardo, A S, Azevedo Sobrinho, J M, Lopes, E, Cripps J C, Peres, F, and Rocha, G. Devising strategies for reclamation of derelict sites due to mining of residual soil (“Saibro”) at Ubatuba, North coast of Sao Paulo State, Brazil: the views and roles of stakeholders. International Symospium on Land Degradation and Desertification, Uberlandia, MG, Brazil, May 2005.

4.3 Papers and Abstract Accepted for Conference Proceedings

Fernandes da Silva, P C, Ferreira, C J, Fernandes, A J, Brollo, M J, Vedovello, R, Tominaga, L K, Iritani, M & Cripps, J.C. Avaliação da suscetibilidade de terrenos à instabilidade geotecnica e poluição de águas subterrâneas com aplicação da técnica de compartimentação fisiográfica: estudo de caso na Região Metropolitana de Campinas (SP), 11th Brazilian Congress of

Engineering Geology and Environment (11CBGE)



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Brollo, M J, Ferreira, C J, Fernandes da Silva, P C, Tominaga, L K, Vedovello, R, Guedes, A C M, Lopes, E A, Ragnelli de Oliveira, A, Ummus, M E, & Cripps J C Caração das áreas degradadas por mineração de saibro Ubatuba: condicionantes para a sua recuperação ambiental. 11th Brazilian Congress of Engineering Geology and Environment (11CBGE)

Marchiori-Faria, D G., Ferreira, C J, Fernandes da-Silva P C, Cripps J C. Hazard mapping as part of Civil Defence preventative and contingency actions: A case study from Diadema, Sao Paulo State, Brazil. International Association of Engineering Geology Conference, Sept, 2006.

Ferreira, C J, Fernandes da Silva, P C, Brollo, M J and Cripps J C Dereliction problems from exploitation of residual soil and ornamental stone at Sao Paulo State, Brazil. International Association of Engineering Geology Conference, September, 2006.

4.4 Research benefits

The immediate beneficiaries of this visit were me, my Department and the Geological Institute, however in the longer term the residents of urban areas in the UK, Bazil and elsewhere at risk from hazards and where unreclamed disused quarries are present, stand to benefit. Improvements to image analysis technology and input of knowledge about of the behaviour of the materials are key components of efforts in hazard assessment and reduction and to ensure the more efficient use of resources in remediation work.

5. Project Plan Review

In the proposal two different projects were invisaged: • Developing improved methodologies for land assessment for land instability and

groundwater protection using remotely sensed data • Strategies for the reclamation of disused hard rock quarries

The scheduling of projects within IG prvented participation in the first project and the project on hazard mapping was undertaken instead. Hence rather than an assessment of the differing image processing methods in the extraction of geological hydrgeological and geotechncial data about the site and consideration of the implicatios for landfill, the use of satellite images in hazard mapping was assessed and a methodology for quantifying hazard and prioritising areas for investigation was developed. Within this, the need for research into the automatic extraction of controlling features and the geotechnical performace of the materials concerned were identified.

The project on the reclamation of quarries was available and reclamation proposals were devised for selected sites. However the need for further work on the use of remote sensed images and the engineering behaviour of the materials was identified.

6. Funding

Funding was provided by UK and Brazilian sources is gratefully acknowledged. Funding was sought from several organisations as the Royal Society will fund only half the cost of overseas visits, while Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) will fund only visits carried out for research purposes, whereas this visit also included teaching activities. The cost of Travel and Subsistence was shared between EPSRC and Royal Society. The Royal Society also paid for teaching materials and a contribution towards the cost of maps and images required for the research activities. We express thanks for the financial support provided by Fundacao de Amparo A Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo (FAPESP) and Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP, Rio Claro), and also for assistance with travel and facilities in Brazil provided by Instituto Geologico (IG).

7. Further research and dissemination



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The opportunity was taken during the visit to discuss opportunities for future collaboration in teaching and research with staff in Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP, Rio Claro), Instituto Geologico de Estado de Sao Paulo and Universidade de Campinas (UNICAMP). Research to advance the two projects described above is ongoing but further research opportunities, as follows, were identified during the visit.

7.1 Proposed research projects

Dr P S.Riedel (UNESP) Assessment of the impact of mass movements on oil pipelines;

Professor H.K.Cheng (UNESP) Impact of land-uses on groundwater contamination and protection in the Parana Basin aquifer, Sao Paulo state, Brazil;

Dr D.P. Drew (UNESP) Geological controls on groundwater composition.

Professor C.R.de Sousa Filho (UNICAMP) Geological factors in land use and geological hazards

Dr S.Yoshinaga-Pereira (UNICAMP) Use of remote sensing and GIS in land-use assessment.

Dr P.C. Fernandes da Silva (IG) Methodologies for the determination of structural geological features from remotely sensed images: application to engineering and hydrogeological assessments.

Dr C.J.Ferreira and Dr P.C. Fernandes da Silva (IG) Reclamation of residual soil and hard rock quarries in Ubatuba

Dr C.J.Ferreira, Dr L. Tominaga and Dr R. Vedovello (IG) Use of remote sensing in the assessment of urban geological hazards.

7.2 Research projects

The opportunities for Joint Centre research (Brazilian and UK students) were discussed. A number of projects that could be offered as research topics for PhD studies were identified: • Several aspects of the properties and behaviour of residual soils with respect to their

composition, texture, genesis and moisture content and their performance in fills, slopes etc. • Use of remotely sensed images in the assessment of land instability and geological hazards in

areas with thick residual soil deposits. • Detection of structural geological features from remotely sensed images in glaciated and

residual soil terrains (comparing Brazil and UK). • Detection of structural geological features from remotely sensed images: development of

semi-automated approaches. • Use of remotely sensed images in the assessment of the stability and hazards posed by man-

made slopes in residual soil deposits. • Determination of structural geological features from landform studies • Use of remote sensing in the assessment of soil and rock mass stability on infrastructure

routes and coasts • Predicting the long-term stability of natural and man-made slopes in residual soils. 7.3 Memorandum of understanding A Memorandum of Understanding between Geological Institute (Sao Paulo), British Geological Survey and University of Sheffield was discussed by Dr S.A.A. Nogueira (Director General, IG), Dr C.J. Ferreira (Previous Director General, IG), Dr P.C. Fernandes da Silva (Senior Research Officer). A draft has been prepared and submitted for approval to the Secretariat of Environment. The purpose of the agreement is to promote joint research activities in the application of geological information in environmental management and to assist obtaining financial and other support for research.



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7.4 Further Developments Discussion took place with Dr S.Yoshinaga-Pereira (UNICAMP), Dr C.J.Ferreira (IG) concerning the reclamation of disused collieries at Crisciuma, Santa Caterina State in collaboration with Prof. Herrmann (UNICAMP). It is proposed that I should engage in research into the geotechncial aspects of this work.

We are also discussing the possibility of Drs Ferreira and Fernandes da Silva undertaking post-doctural studies at Sheffield University.

8. Conclusion Summing up, the study visit was of great value to me and has assisted my research and teaching activities. Delivering the courses was rewarding and interesting and undertaking the research emphasised the need to good geological and environmental data at all stages of environmental management. I was pleased to undertake the teaching as a visiting professor to UNESP and UNICAMP. I was also pleased to be included in research projects as visiting scientist at the Geological Institute. I was grateful for the support given to me during my visit. I am particularly grateful to Drs P.C. Fernandes da Silva and C.J. Ferreira at IG who arranged the programme and undertook the administrative arrangements. Many of their colleagues IG also assisted with this and made me very welcome and were tremendously helpful. I am also grateful for the assistance I received from Drs P.S. Riedel (UNESP, Rio Claro) and S. Yoshinaga-Pereira (UNICAMP). JCC 28th June 2005

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