ABSTRACT
This chapter identifies urban regions vulnerable to contamination and those areas where widespread contamination is less likely. It explains why certain types of geology may be especially susceptible to contamination—a topic explored and discussed. The chapter also explains why certain types of geology may be especially susceptible to contamination-a topic explored and discussed. The concept of geologic vulnerability relies on the assessment and representation of various hydrogeologic parameters such as vadose zone characteristics (e.g., thickness and infiltration capacity), depth to water, and amount of recharge. Geologic vulnerability mapping provides a starting point for quantifying anticipated environmental risk at a particular site and also highlight locations where additional information is required. The utility of this concept, however, becomes more important when the geologic data are supplemented with environmental, economical, and political insight gained through past environmental cleanup efforts. A specific example of this data augmentation is provided at the end of the chapter.
