First, let me emphasise that my geology training only covers the basics of surficial geology and that I have no specific expertise in either landslides or geological engineering. Additionally, I have been unable to locate a copy of the recent ground investigation report on the Scarborough Council or Environment Agency websites. Having said all that, I would like to comment on the various facts that have come to light and juxtapose those facts against some of the things that I know about the area.

Knipe Point Drive, with its 56 bungalows, is situated on a cliff comprised of boulder clay, ie, a poorly consolidated (held together), over steepened, highly unstable environment that becomes increasingly unstable with the introduction of ground water or precipitation.

According to a BBC report that quotes the actual ground investigation report, there has been a "deep-seated translational landslide system" active in the Knipe Point area for many thousands of years".

Given these facts, I am willing to speculate that the ground investigation report will make no claims about being able to solve the slippage problem once and for all.

The Evening News website tells us that the cost of remedial work would run in the range of £20 million. In addition to this, it can be expected that, once the remedial work is completed, additional costs of monitoring, maintenance, and report writing will be ongoing for the foreseeable future.

Doubtless, the company engaged to write the report, and any companies subsequently engaged to carry out its recommendations, will do the best job that they are able to do.

I am also sure they will be quite happy to continue taking money in an attempt to fix a problem that, in all probability, isn't fixable.

This landslide has likely been in motion for thousands of years and it is likely to remain in motion for several thousand more. The best we can hope to do is slow it down.

Michelle Boast
Calgary, Alberta
Canada