We live where the Bow and Elbow rivers meet after flowing down from the Rocky Mountains and winding through the Foothills. A dynamic landscape surrounds us, the product of ancient mountain building, succeeding ice ages, and river erosion. To our west, the Rocky Mountains bring us warm Chinook winds, abundant water, and recreational opportunities unparalleled on Earth. Beneath the prairie landscape lies a sedimentary basin rich in natural resources, including oil, natural gas, and coal.

We play a major role in shaping our landscape. As the population of Calgary grows, so does the need for wise land-use decisions based in part on geological hazard assessments and resource protection. It is necessary to understand the Earth's materials and processes that shape our geological landscape in order to make knowledgeable decisions that will allow us to enjoy our home in the future.