Abstract Almost all areas of the UK have been affected by periglaciation during the Quaternary and, as such, relict periglacial geohazards can provide a significant technical and commercial risk for many civil engineering projects. The processes and products associated with periglaciation in the relict periglacial landscape of the UK are described in terms of their nature and distribution, the hazards they pose to engineering projects, and how they might be monitored and mitigated. A periglacial landsystems classification is applied here to show its application to the assessment of ground engineering hazards within upland and lowland periglacial geomorphological terrains. Techniques for the early identification of the susceptibility of a site to periglacial geohazards are discussed. These include the increased availability of high-resolution aerial imagery such as Google Earth, which has proved to be a valuable tool in periglacial geohazard identification when considered in conjunction with the more usual sources of desk study information such as geological, geomorphological and topographical publications. Descriptions of periglacial geohazards and how they might impact engineering works are presented, along with suggestions for possible monitoring and remediation strategies.

Abstract The largest UNESCO World Heritage Site in the UK is found in Cornwall and west Devon, and its designation is based specifically on its heritage for metalliferous mining, especially tin, copper and arsenic. With a history of over 2000 years of mining, SW England is exceptional in the nature and extent of its mining landscape. The mining for metallic ores, and more recently for kaolin, is a function of the distinctive geology of the region. The mining hazards that are encountered in areas of metallic mines are a function of: the Paleozoic rocks; the predominant steeply dipping nature of mineral veins and consequent shaft mining; the great depth and complexity of some of the mines; the waste derived from processing metallic ores; the long history of exploitation; and the contamination associated with various by-products of primary ore-processing, refining and smelting, notably arsenic. The hazards associated with kaolin mining are mainly related to the volume of the inert waste products and the need to maintain stable spoil tips, and the depth of the various tailings’ ponds and pits. The extent of mining in Cornwall and Devon has resulted in the counties being leaders in mining heritage preservation and the treatment and remediation of mining-related hazards.

Abstract Gypsum and anhydrite are both soluble minerals that form rocks that can dissolve at the surface and underground, producing sulphate karst and causing geological hazards, especially subsidence and sinkholes. The dissolution rates of these minerals are rapid and cavities/caves can enlarge and collapse on a human time scale. In addition, the hydration and recrystallization of anhydrite to gypsum can cause considerable expansion and pressures capable of causing uplift and heave. Sulphate-rich water associated with the deposits can react with concrete and be problematic for construction. This paper reviews the occurrence of gypsum and anhydrite in the near surface of the UK and looks at methods for mitigating, avoiding and planning for the problems associated with these rocks.