Occurrence and genesis of alpine linears due to gravitational deformation in South Western British Columbia

Alpine linears are found on many slopes in south western, British Columbia. The genesis of these features is commonly related to gravitational deformation of rock slopes. A preliminary stress analysis of selected ridge morphologies indicates that the resulting stress fields are different for each basic ridge type analysed, indicating that various deformation mechanisms may be active in producing alpine linears. An integrated system of GIs and numerical modelling is applied to a study of Mount Mercer, British Columbia. Detailed geomorphic and engineering geological mapping indicates that linears observed along the ridgeline of Mount Mercer are due to rock slope deformations. Potential failure mechanisms are evaluated for kinematic feasibility and resulting failure morphology. The results of the study indicate that toppling does not appear to be a suitable rock mass deformation mode for the failures at Mount Mercer; bi-planar failure and rock slumping are demonstrated to be suitable for the rock slope failures.