ÓLAFSFJÖRÐUR, ISLAND

This study focuses on the conceptual approach to natural hazard investigations in regions lacking hazard zoning or where only rudimentary hazard assessments exist. The Icelandic sample area of Ólafsfjörður is located in a high mountain environment in northern Iceland. It is subject to frequent processes such as snow avalanches, debris flows and rock fall. The objective of this procedure is to identify the risk potential on a regional scale. The first step is hazard process identification, followed by the application of GIS-based avalanche and rock fall simulation models in a worst-case scenario. Next, the damage potential, representing objects of human interest, is acquired. In a final step the spatial extents of hazard processes and human settlements are overlapped allowing an overview of potential zones of conflict. The results reveal that a considerable number of objects are located within potential avalanche runout. This concept allows the areas of conflict to be quickly obtained while forming the foundation for further detailed studies. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG