Mankind lives on the earth and, while the ground

upon which we live seems to be, for the most part, firm,
stable and static, in actuality it is dynamic and in a
continual state of flux as the lithosphere (the earth’s
outermost crust) adjusts to the Earth’s inner, molten
core. In addition, wind, rain, rivers and streams, and
human activity continually modify the earth’s surface.
Geologic Hazards are naturally occurring (or man-made)
geologic conditions capable of causing damage or loss of
property and/or life. Geologic Hazards Mitigation is the
application of geologic engineering principles to minimize
or prevent the effects of naturally occurring geologic
hazards.

Geologic hazards phenomena can occur suddenly, or

slowly. Sudden phenomena include:

Earthquakes – Liquefaction (soils), Tsunamis

Volcanic Eruptions – Lava Flows, Ash Fall, Lahars
Landslides – Rock Falls or Slides, Debris Flows, Mud Flows
Floods – Inundation, Erosion
Snow Avalanches
Sand Blasting (Windblown)
Gradual or slow developing geologic phenomena include:

Ground Settlement
Ground Subsidence or Collapse
Sinkholes
Erosion (stream or shoreline)
Geologic hazards can play a significant role when
infrastructure is constructed in their presence. The
unpredictable nature of natural geologic hazards makes
identifying, evaluating, and mitigating against them a
unique challenge. The best geologic mitigation strategy is
always avoidance. When avoiding a hazard is not possible
however, mitigation strategies must be developed to
coexist (mitigate) with the hazard. Tierra Group has
applied its 100+ years combined professional geological
and engineering expertise interpreting landforms and
earth processes, evaluating earth-structure interaction
and providing geologic hazards mitigation consulting or
design services for:

Avalanche Mitigation – Hazard Area Identification,

Hydrodynamic Modeling (Run-out Analyses), Retention
and Deflection Structures, Planning, Permitting
Landslides (Debris and Mudflows, Rock Fall) –
Identification, Monitoring, Modeling, Forensics,
Mitigation
Slope Stabilization – Retaining Walls, Mechanically
Stabilized Earth, Soil and Rock Anchors (bolts), Gabions,
Earth Buttresses
Ground Improvement – Grouting Programs, Dynamic
Compaction, Slurry Walls, Subterranean Dewatering,
Seismic Design (Liquefaction)
Flooding – Probability, Inundation Studies, Predictive
Modeling, Erosion Prevention
Regardless of the geological hazards encountered Tierra
Group’s broad experience, intimate attention to site-
specific conditions, and keen focus on developing
innovative solutions has earned us a respected
reputation and a loyal client following, around the world.

Select Projects
See examples where we provided this service

El Mochito Mine Falconbridge Nickel Mine Grand Canyon

Skywalk La Libertad Mine Bellavista Mine