Sponsor
Portland State University. Department of Earth Sciences
First Advisor
L.A. Palmer
Term of Graduation
Fall 1973
Date of Publication
12-13-1973
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (M.S.) in Earth Science
Department
Earth Science
Language
English
Subjects
Geology -- Oregon -- Portland region, Land use -- Oregon -- Portland region
DOI
10.15760/etd.2122
Physical Description
1 online resource (v, 109 pages)
Abstract
This work on Marquam Hill area in Portland, a relatively undeveloped urban hillside area, is a pilot study in which environmental factors are evaluated quantitatively in order to delineate limitations on development. The study was undertaken at the request of and in cooperation with the City of Portland Planning Commission and with the State of Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries. Factors considered include various aspects of the land, vegetation and attitudes of inhabitants. Findings are not intended to satisfy need for individual site studies by qualified experts but should show where that expertise is needed.
Field data were collected on site by observations, borings, personal interviews and by geophysical surveys; laboratory tests were made on soil samples; studies were compiled of topographic maps and aerial photographs; and pertinent data from available previous works were incorporated. Data were integrated into a series of environmental factor maps including ground slope, bedrock and soil, bedrock structure, soil thickness, ground stability, hydrology, and vegetation.
Land use constraints and environmental limitations were defined using U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, soil suitability and limitations criteria as a guide. Mapped geologic and environmental constraints were overlayed with the mapped soil criteria to identify areas by limitations. An interpretive map and chart show that most of the study area is moderately to severely limited for most land uses. Some small areas can be considered as slightly limited, but the majority of these are already developed.
The constraints are so severe that most of the area should be left in open space. The major recommendation is that any development must be carefully controlled, utilizing stringent grading codes (such as Chapter 70 of the Uniform Building Code) and professional expertise to assure the safety and environmental compatibility of the site. It is suggested that planned unit development, in the form of clustered or low- to medium-rise structures would optimize design for natural conditions, siting locations, and residential density least affecting the surrounding, naturally vegetated, hazardous slopes.
Rights
In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/13270
Recommended Citation
Redfern, Roger Alan, "Environmental Geology of the Marquam Hill Area" (1973). Dissertations and Theses. Paper 2124.
https://doi.org/10.15760/etd.2122
"Maps in Pocket"
Comments
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