BEYOND THE BARRIER: COMMUNICATING GEOLOGICAL HISTORY AND HAZARDS IN THE SEA TO SKY CORRIDOR, B.C

Beyond the Barrier is a 20-minute documentary supported by Quest University Canada that explores the geology of the west coast of British Columbia, in particular the area known as the Sea to Sky corridor, which runs through West Vancouver, Squamish and Whistler. The purpose of this documentary is to engage the local Sea to Sky community in learning about the geologic processes and history that have shaped their backyards, and to explore how living within a hazardous landscape like the Coast Belt can change the way we see ourselves as humans with respect to nature. The Barrier, a 300-meter-tall cliff formed by over-thickening of lava against a valley glacier, is used as a framing tool because its formation and current condition encapsulate four of the major processes that created and continue to create the sea to sky corridor and many of the earth’s landscapes: subduction-driven uplift, glaciation, volcanism and erosion. In addition, the Barrier represents a significant hazard to the communities living below it. The fractured volcanic walls hold back Lake Garibaldi, suspending 1 billion m³ of water at 1470 meters above the major highway of the region; partial collapse of the structure could threaten local infrastructure and flood the areas below. To explain the potential hazard of the Barrier, the documentary first explains how each of the four processes outlined above affected the formation of the Barrier and contribute to its inherent instability. To do this, other, more recognizable local landmarks are recruited; the Stawamus Chief pluton, a popular hiking destination, is used as an example of uplift. Mount Garibaldi, whose landslide-scarred face is visible from Squamish’s main street, tells the story of the effects of erosion. This communicates the interconnectedness of each feature of the landscape, and how these processes link well-known but not necessarily well-understood local geological landmarks. Beyond the Barrier ultimately aims to instill wonder, respect and understanding of the landscapes and the place we call home.