Predictive landslide susceptibility assessment using the weight-of-evidence method in north-central Garhwal Himalaya,India |
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| Authors: | Vijendra Kumar Pandey |
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| Institution: | 1. Centre for the Study of Regional Development, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, Indiavkpandey@jnu.ac.in |
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| Abstract: | Landslides are frequent natural disasters in mountainous regions, particularly in the Himalayas in India during the southwest monsoon season. Although scientific study of landslides has been in progress for years, no significant achievement has been made to preclude landsliding and allay disasters. This research was undertaken to understand the areal distribution of landslides based on geological formations and geomorphological processes, and to provide more precise information regarding slope instability and mechanisms of failure. After completing a landslide inventory, prepared through field investigation and satellite image analysis, 493 landslides, comprising 131 investigated in the field and 362 identified from satellite imagery, were identified and mapped. The areal distribution of these landslides shows that sites more prone to landsliding have moderate to steep slopes, the lithology of the Lesser Himalayan formations, and excavations for road corridors. Landslide susceptibility zones were delineated for the area using the weight-of-evidence method on the basis of the frequency and distribution of landslides. Weights of selected variables were computed on the basis of severity of triggering factors. The accuracy of landslide susceptibility zones, calculated statistically (R2 = .93), suggests high accuracy of the model for predicting landsliding in the area. |
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| Keywords: | landslide susceptibility geomorphological hazard landslide inventory Garhwal Himalaya weight-of-evidence |
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