A disaster waiting to happen—On the dynamic relations between geological processes and development in a desert environment

The paper reviews the dynamic relations between geology, soil mechanics, planning and construction in a desert environment. It claims that misunderstanding environmental processes, disregarding geological properties and climatic uncertainties, while planning for construction and development, can have decisive outcomes of potentially catastrophic implications, such as destabilizing the very terrain on which a project is built. To make this point, it reviews the evolution of a relatively small settlement located in the arid Negev Desert Highlands, Israel, and the way this has affected the very cliff on which it is built.

► We present the first comprehensive analysis of the specific site and complexities. ► Combined analysis of aerial photos, photogrammetric data, GIS, ground observations. ► Clear causality between geology, design, practices, and potential disaster. ► We propose general construction guidelines for similar environments. ► We propose actions to mitigate gradual developments, and those of an imminent earthquake.