Welcome to the Centre for Natural Hazards Research

Located in the Department of Earth Sciences at Simon Fraser University, CNHR includes partners from Resource & Environmental Management (SFU), the Department of Earth, Ocean & Atmospheric Sciences, University of British Columbia, as well as from other national and international institutions. Our mandate is to conduct innovative training and research on geophysical processes that are a threat to the population and economic infrastructure of Canada.

Recent Projects

Continuous Monitoring

Working with private and public sector partners, we are leading the expansion of continuous monitoring of Canadian volcanoes and unstable ice-clad mountains - these include Mt. Meager, Mt. Currie and Mt. Cayley.

Canadian Natural Hazards Knowledge Portal

We are leading the development of a "one stop shop" for natural hazards information. The aim is to securely aggregate, curate and make readily searchable data for the public and government decision makers to enhance preparedness and response.

Seasonal avalanche hazard forecasting

While the effect of large-scale climate patterns on winter temperature and precipitation in Western Canada is relatively well understood, little is known regarding the link between climate and avalanche hazard.

Climate change & stability of glaciated volcanoes

During summer 2010, snow and ice melt at Mt. Meager caused the largest historical landslide in Canada. We are characterizing landslides and glacial activity as well as their influence on the deeper volcanic system.

Coastal Aquifers, Storm Surge & Sea Level Rise

Freshwater supplies in coastal aquifers may become contaminated by seawater due to rapid inundation from storm surge or graduate inundation due to sea level rise. Water management in coastal areas should include emergency response measures as well as long-term planning.

Damage & rock slope stability

Using an integrated remote sensing-numerical modelling approach, we aim to enhance our understanding of the factors and mechanisms that affect the formation and evolution of slope damage, and subsequently the relation between damage and slope stability.