Geomorphological applications for susceptibility mapping of landslides in natural parks

Abstract

This work establishes a mapping procedure to determine the risk of susceptibility to hillside movements (landslides) that can be applied to any territory by means of algebraic mapping of the passive or determining factors that influence risk. On the one hand, derivative morphometric mappings obtained from a Digital Terrain Model that notably influence the genesis of active processes have been generated; these mappings include gradient mapping, aspect mapping and type of curvature mapping. On the other hand, the basic thematic maps that characterise the materials susceptible to being mobilised have also been generated; these include domain geomorphologic mapping, lithological mapping, hydrogeological mapping and vegetation mapping. The result is a map of landslide susceptibility, for which five degrees of risk susceptibility have been, established (very high, high, medium, low and very low). Overlaying the inventory mapping of the hillside movements in two natural spaces of the Central Spanish Mountain System on the landslide susceptibility map validated the procedure when existing slides were found to be in the Very High and High susceptibility sectors of the validation map. This procedure is effective and inexpensive, which makes it very useful during the initial stages of the planning and management of natural spaces.