Journal Description
GeoHazards
GeoHazards
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on theoretical and applied research across the whole spectrum of geomorphological hazards, namely endogenous and exogenous hazards, as well as those related to climate change and human activity, published quarterly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within ESCI (Web of Science), Scopus, GeoRef, and other databases.
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 20.4 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 4.8 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2024).
- Recognition of Reviewers: APC discount vouchers, optional signed peer review, and reviewer names published annually in the journal.
- GeoHazards is a companion journal of Water.
Latest Articles
Seismic Performances of Masonry Educational Buildings during the 2023 Türkiye (Kahramanmaraş) Earthquakes
GeoHazards 2024, 5(3), 700-731; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards5030036 - 12 Jul 2024
Abstract
►
Show Figures
Huge losses of life and property occurred as a result of two independent catastrophic earthquakes on 6 February 2023 in the Eastern Anatolian Fault Zone, where no significant earthquake has occurred in approximately 500 years. The earthquakes, whose epicenters were in the Pazarcık
[...] Read more.
Huge losses of life and property occurred as a result of two independent catastrophic earthquakes on 6 February 2023 in the Eastern Anatolian Fault Zone, where no significant earthquake has occurred in approximately 500 years. The earthquakes, whose epicenters were in the Pazarcık and Elbistan districts of Kahramanmaraş province at 9 h intervals, had magnitudes of Mw = 7.7 and Mw = 7.6 and caused different levels of structural damage, especially in masonry-style structures in rural areas. In this study, the damage that occurred in masonry village schools, especially in rural areas, during these two earthquakes was evaluated in terms of the characteristics of the earthquake and within the scope of civil engineering, and the causes of the damage were discussed. The damage levels of the masonry schools examined were classified using the European Macroseismic Scale (EMS-98). Information about the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes was given and structural analyses were carried out for a widely used reference school building. The school building block was analytically modeled, and its seismic load-bearing capacities were predicted through pushover analysis in TREMURI software. The study also includes repair and strengthening recommendations for such structures.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
The Use of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for First-Failure Landslide Detection
by
Michele Mercuri, Deborah Biondino, Mariantonietta Ciurleo, Gino Cofone, Massimo Conforti, Giovanni Gullà, Maria Carmela Stellato and Luigi Borrelli
GeoHazards 2024, 5(3), 683-699; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards5030035 - 12 Jul 2024
Abstract
The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can significantly assist landslide detection and characterization in different geological contexts at a detailed scale. This study investigated the role of UAVs in detecting a first-failure landslide occurring in Calabria, South Italy, and involving weathered granitoid
[...] Read more.
The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can significantly assist landslide detection and characterization in different geological contexts at a detailed scale. This study investigated the role of UAVs in detecting a first-failure landslide occurring in Calabria, South Italy, and involving weathered granitoid rocks. After the landslide event, which caused the interruption of State Road 107, a UAV flight was carried out to identify landslide boundaries and morphological features in areas where there are problems of safe access. The landslide was classified as flow-type, with a total length of 240 m, a maximum width of 70 m, and a maximum depth of about 6.5 m. The comparison of the DTMs generated from UAV data with previously available LIDAR data indicated significant topographic changes across the landslide area. A minimum negative value of −6.3 m suggested material removal at the landslide source area. An approximate value of −2 m in the transportation area signified bed erosion and displacement of material as the landslide moved downslope. A maximum positive value of 4.2 m was found in the deposition area. The landslide volume was estimated to be about 6000 m3. These findings demonstrated the effectiveness of UAVs for landslide detection, showing their potentiality as valuable tools in planning further studies for a detailed landslide characterization and for defining the most appropriate risk mitigation measures.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Natural Hazards and Disaster Risks Reduction, 2nd Volume)
►▼
Show Figures
![](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/geohazards/geohazards-05-00035/article_deploy/html/images/geohazards-05-00035-g001-550.jpg?1720778533)
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Alpine Catchments’ Hazard Related to Subaerial Sediment Gravity Flows Estimated on Dominant Lithology and Outcropping Bedrock Percentage
by
Davide Tiranti
GeoHazards 2024, 5(3), 652-682; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards5030034 - 5 Jul 2024
Abstract
Sediment gravity flows (SGFs) cause serious damage in the Alpine regions. In the literature, several methodologies have been elaborated to define the main features of these phenomena, mainly considering the rheological features of the flow processes by laboratory experiments or by flow simulation
[...] Read more.
Sediment gravity flows (SGFs) cause serious damage in the Alpine regions. In the literature, several methodologies have been elaborated to define the main features of these phenomena, mainly considering the rheological features of the flow processes by laboratory experiments or by flow simulation using 2D or 3D propagation models or considering a single aspect, such as the morphometric parameters of catchments in which SGFs occur. These very targeted approaches are primarily linked to the definition of SGFs’ propagation behavior or to identify the predisposing role played by just one feature of catchments neglecting other complementary aspects regarding phenomena and the environment in which SGFs can occur. Although the research aimed at the quantification of some parameters that drive the behavior of SGFs provides good results in understanding the flow mechanisms, it does not provide an exhaustive understanding of the overall nature of these phenomena, including their trigger conditions and a complete view of predisposing factors that contribute to their generation. This paper presents a research work based on the collection and cross-analysis of lithological, geomechanical, geomorphological and morphometrical characteristics of Alpine catchments compared with sedimentological and morphological features of SGF deposits, also taking in to account the rainfall data correlation with historical SGF events. A multidisciplinary approach was implemented, aiming at quantifying SGF causes and characteristics starting from the catchments’ features where the phenomena originate in a more exhaustive way. The study used 78 well-documented catchments of Susa Valley (Western Italian Alps), having 614 historical flow events reported, that present a great variability in geomorphological and geological features. As the main result, three catchment groups were recognized based on the dominant catchment bedrock’s lithology characteristics that influence the SGFs’ rheology, sedimentological and depositional features, triggering rainfall values, seasonality, occurrence frequency and alluvial fan architecture. The classification method was also compared with the catchments’ morphometry classification, demonstrating that the fundamental role in determining the type of flow process that can most likely occur in a given catchment is played by the bedrock outcropping percentage, regardless of the results provided by the morphometric approach. The analysis of SGF events through the proposed method led to a relative estimate of the hazard degree of these phenomena distinguished by catchment type.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Landslide Research: State of the Art and Innovations)
►▼
Show Figures
![](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/geohazards/geohazards-05-00034/article_deploy/html/images/geohazards-05-00034-g001-550.jpg?1721011524)
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Addressing the Effect of Intra-Seasonal Variations in Developing Rainfall Thresholds for Landslides: An Antecedent Rainfall-Based Approach
by
Chakrapani Lekha Vishnu, Thomas Oommen, Snehamoy Chatterjee and Kochappi Sathyan Sajinkumar
GeoHazards 2024, 5(3), 634-651; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards5030033 - 3 Jul 2024
Abstract
We developed a rainfall threshold model with the objective of limiting the effects of uncertainties typically associated with them, such as a lack of robust landslide database, the selection of the contributing rain gauge, seasonal variations in rainfall patterns, and the effect of
[...] Read more.
We developed a rainfall threshold model with the objective of limiting the effects of uncertainties typically associated with them, such as a lack of robust landslide database, the selection of the contributing rain gauge, seasonal variations in rainfall patterns, and the effect of extreme rainfall conditions. With the aid of gauge-corrected satellite precipitation data and a landslide database compiled from various sources, separate rainfall thresholds were developed for two waves of the monsoon season in the Western Ghats, India. The daily vs. antecedent rainfall distributions for different scenarios of antecedent rainfall were analyzed for landslide occurrence. The different scenarios considered included 1, 2, 3, 5, 10-, 20-, 30- and 40-day antecedent rainfalls along with the monsoon antecedent defined as the cumulative rainfall from the start of the monsoon to the day prior to landslide occurrence, and the event antecedent defined as the cumulative rainfall from the start of a rainfall event to the day prior to landslide occurrence. A statistically defined critical value was used to define the thresholds for extreme rainfall conditions, while ordinary least squares and quantile regression models were compared to identify the best-fit model for the non-extreme rainfall threshold. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed on all these models and the best model was chosen based on the efficiency values. The daily vs. monsoon antecedent threshold was the best model for the first monsoon wave, and the daily vs. event antecedent model was the best model for the second monsoon wave. A separate rainfall threshold was defined for the entire monsoon without subdivision into separate waves, and corresponding ROC statistics were compared with the former approach to analyze the efficacy of intra-seasonal variations in rainfall threshold development. The results suggest that cumulative rainfall makes a significant contribution towards landslide initiation and that intra-seasonal variations should be necessarily considered in rainfall threshold modeling.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Landslide Research: State of the Art and Innovations)
►▼
Show Figures
![](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/geohazards/geohazards-05-00033/article_deploy/html/images/geohazards-05-00033-g001-550.jpg?1720016042)
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
A Virtual Reality Simulation of a Real Landslide for Education and Training: Case of Chiradzulu, Malawi, 2023 Landslide
by
Ali Asgary, Ali Hassan and Tricia Corrin
GeoHazards 2024, 5(3), 621-633; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards5030032 - 3 Jul 2024
Abstract
Virtual reality (VR) is a promising new educational and training tool in the field of disaster and emergency management, especially for hazards that are not frequent or well known to the public and require spatial and situational understanding. The objective of this paper
[...] Read more.
Virtual reality (VR) is a promising new educational and training tool in the field of disaster and emergency management, especially for hazards that are not frequent or well known to the public and require spatial and situational understanding. The objective of this paper is to describe an educational VR simulation that was developed based on a landslide that really occurred in Southern Malawi during the March 2023 Cyclone Freddy. The cyclone induced several landslides that caused many casualties and significant damage. The VR simulation framework consisted of four critical steps using Unity3D for the creation of the simulation including data preparation, terrain and environmental modeling, landslide simulation development, and virtual reality interactions. The simulation scenarios were diversified to include three distinct landscapes that can help users learn how factors such as terrain can influence landslide impacts. The VR simulation offers users an intimate, firsthand experience of the landslide’s unfolding and allows users the ability to explore various facets of the landslide phenomena. This VR simulation aims to provide an educational tool to facilitate an in-depth understanding of and interaction with a real-word landslide to learn about the impacts of landslides and how different factors can influence these impacts.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Landslide Research: State of the Art and Innovations)
►▼
Show Figures
![](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/geohazards/geohazards-05-00032/article_deploy/html/images/geohazards-05-00032-g001-550.jpg?1719995862)
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Analysis of the Impact Area of the 2022 El Tejado Ravine Mudflow (Quito, Ecuador) from the Sedimentological and the Published Multimedia Documents Approach
by
Liliana Troncoso, Francisco Javier Torrijo, Elias Ibadango, Luis Pilatasig, Olegario Alonso-Pandavenes, Alex Mateus, Stalin Solano, Ruber Cañar, Nicolás Rondal and Francisco Viteri
GeoHazards 2024, 5(3), 596-620; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards5030031 - 30 Jun 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
Quito (Ecuador) has a history of mudflow events from ravines that pose significant risks to its urban areas. Located close to the Pichincha Volcanic Complex, on 31 January 2022, the northwest and central parts of the city were hit by a mudflow triggered
[...] Read more.
Quito (Ecuador) has a history of mudflow events from ravines that pose significant risks to its urban areas. Located close to the Pichincha Volcanic Complex, on 31 January 2022, the northwest and central parts of the city were hit by a mudflow triggered by unusual rainfall in the upper part of the drainage, with 28 fatalities and several properties affected. This research focuses on the affected area from collector overflow to the end, considering sedimentological characteristics and behavior through various urban elements. This study integrates the analysis of videos, images, and sediment deposits to understand the dynamics and impacts of the mudflow using a multidisciplinary approach. The methodology includes verifying multimedia materials using free software alongside the Large-Scale Particle Image Velocimetry (LSPIV) to estimate the kinematic parameters of the mudflow. The affected area, reaching a maximum distance of 3.2 km from the overflow point, was divided into four zones for a detailed analysis, each characterized by its impact level and sediment distribution. Results indicate significant variations in mudflow behavior across different urban areas, influenced by topographical and anthropogenic factors. Multimedia analysis provided insights into the mudflow’s velocity and evolution as it entered urban areas. The study also highlights the role of urban planning and infrastructure in modifying the mudflow’s distribution, particularly in the Northern and Southern Axes of its path, compared with a similar 1975 event, seven times larger than this. It also contributes to understanding urban mudflow events in Quito, offering valuable insights for disaster risk management in similar contexts.
Full article
![](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/geohazards/geohazards-05-00031/article_deploy/html/images/geohazards-05-00031-g001-550.jpg?1719737531)
Figure 1
Open AccessReview
Worldwide Research Trends and Networks on Flood Early Warning Systems
by
Oscar Calvo-Solano and Adolfo Quesada-Román
GeoHazards 2024, 5(3), 582-595; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards5030030 - 23 Jun 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
This review paper examined the global landscape of research on continental flood early warning systems (EWS), shedding light on key trends, geographic disparities, and research priorities. Continental floods stand as one of the most pervasive and devastating disasters worldwide, necessitating proactive measures to
[...] Read more.
This review paper examined the global landscape of research on continental flood early warning systems (EWS), shedding light on key trends, geographic disparities, and research priorities. Continental floods stand as one of the most pervasive and devastating disasters worldwide, necessitating proactive measures to mitigate their impact. Drawing upon a comprehensive analysis of the scholarly literature indexed in the Web of Science repository, this study unveiled significant patterns in EWS research. While the emphasis on flooding is evident, a considerable portion of research focuses on precipitation as a variable and modeling approaches. Furthermore, the influence of climate change emerges as a prominent theme, though distinguishing between climate change and variability remains a crucial area for exploration. Geographically, Europe, particularly England and Italy, dominates research efforts in flood related EWS. Conversely, the limited representation of Central America and other regions such as Asia and Oceania, underscores the need for greater attention to regions facing significant flood risks. Importantly, the concept of total link strength emerges as a valuable metric, highlighting collaborative networks established by European countries and the United States. Based on these findings, recommendations are proposed to enhance the inclusivity and effectiveness of flood related EWS research, including a broader consideration of socio-economic factors, fostering collaboration among researchers from diverse regions, and prioritizing initiatives to strengthen research capacities in vulnerable areas. Ultimately, this study provides valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners seeking to advance flood risk management strategies on a global scale.
Full article
![](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/geohazards/geohazards-05-00030/article_deploy/html/images/geohazards-05-00030-g001-550.jpg?1719130886)
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Combined Effect of the Microstructure and Mechanical Behavior of Lateritic Soils in the Instability of a Road Cut Slope in Rwanda
by
Roberto Valentino, Mattia Pizzati and Jules Mizero
GeoHazards 2024, 5(2), 559-581; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards5020029 - 18 Jun 2024
Abstract
A very common hazard in Rwanda is represented by the instability of steep road cut slopes in lateritic soil. In its natural state, this material appears as a fine-grained weak and altered rock, generally in unsaturated conditions. Steep cut slopes made by this
[...] Read more.
A very common hazard in Rwanda is represented by the instability of steep road cut slopes in lateritic soil. In its natural state, this material appears as a fine-grained weak and altered rock, generally in unsaturated conditions. Steep cut slopes made by this material could remain stable for a long time unless weathering weakens its mechanical behavior and heavy rainfall provokes a rapid landslide. This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation on the microstructural, petrophysical, and geotechnical properties of lateritic soil from a road cut slope located in Kabaya (Ngororero District—Rwanda), which was recently subjected to a landslide. The mechanical properties of the material are strictly related to the geological origin and history of the deposits, their formation environment, and weathering processes. These characteristics were revealed by peculiar microstructural features (micro-texture, porosity, and degree of alteration of original mineral paragenesis). The experimental investigations included identification and classification tests, direct shear tests on saturated samples, and swelling tests. This multidisciplinary approach provided insights into the relationship between geotechnical properties and the microstructural, petrophysical, and chemical characteristics of the altered rocks. This study showed how different levels of chemical alteration operated by weathering processes, in conjunction with brittle deformation related to the tectonic history, formed in the same site two shallow rock layers with similar macro-scale features and mechanical behaviors but markedly different microstructural and chemical properties. The innovative aspect of this research suggests an integrated multidisciplinary approach to considering microstructural aspects in addition to mechanical behavior in the slope stability analyses in lateritic soil. In particular, this study demonstrates the importance of such an approach since the failure mechanism is better explained if it is based on microstructural observations instead of considering the soil shear strength parameters only. This research helped to explain the formation of the landslide failure mechanism in a specific road cut slope, which could be assumed as representative of many other similar slopes subjected to landslides in Rwanda.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Geotechnics for Hazard Mitigation)
►▼
Show Figures
![](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/geohazards/geohazards-05-00029/article_deploy/html/images/geohazards-05-00029-g001-550.jpg?1718697500)
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Cliff Retreat Rates Associated with a Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Facility in Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
by
Brent Goehring, Elizabeth Miller, Kay Birdsell, Emily S. Schultz-Fellenz, Richard Kelley, Sean French and Philip H. Stauffer
GeoHazards 2024, 5(2), 547-558; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards5020028 - 18 Jun 2024
Abstract
We present an analysis and interpretation of potential cliff stability at a low-level waste disposal facility at Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico, using cliff morphologic and fracture characteristics coupled with carbon-14 surface exposure dating. Our study is important as it directly bears
[...] Read more.
We present an analysis and interpretation of potential cliff stability at a low-level waste disposal facility at Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico, using cliff morphologic and fracture characteristics coupled with carbon-14 surface exposure dating. Our study is important as it directly bears on the licensing criteria for low-level radioactive waste sites. We find that future characteristic cliff failures will likely not breach disposal pits and shafts over the 1000-year minimum regulatory period. Further, we find, using a multivariate regression model, that slope angle and cliff face aspect are sub-equal in importance to predict regions of high risk of failure when combined with surface exposure ages and assuming that old exposure ages are most indicative of stability (instability) and therefore can aid decision making in final design implementation.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Landslide Prediction, Monitoring and Early Warning)
►▼
Show Figures
![](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/geohazards/geohazards-05-00028/article_deploy/html/images/geohazards-05-00028-g001-550.jpg?1718681794)
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
An Efficient Solution for Probabilistic Slope Seismic Stability Analysis Based on Polynomial Chao Kriging Metamodel
by
Tingting Zhang and Daniel Dias
GeoHazards 2024, 5(2), 530-546; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards5020027 - 13 Jun 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
Slope stability analysis plays a crucial role in geotechnical engineering, particularly in regions susceptible to seismic activity. The inherent non-homogeneity and uncertainty of soil properties pose significant challenges in assessing slope stability under seismic conditions. To address these complexities, a novel and efficient
[...] Read more.
Slope stability analysis plays a crucial role in geotechnical engineering, particularly in regions susceptible to seismic activity. The inherent non-homogeneity and uncertainty of soil properties pose significant challenges in assessing slope stability under seismic conditions. To address these complexities, a novel and efficient methodology named DUBLA-PDM-PCK is proposed. In this methodology, the effects of soil non-homogeneity and uncertainty, along with the time and spatial variations of seismic loading, are systematically considered. The deterministic framework integrates discretized upper bound limit analysis (DUBLA) to accommodate soil non-homogeneous characteristics, and the pseudo-dynamic method (PDM) to model seismic loading variability. Then, a robust and efficient probabilistic analysis method, PCK-MA, is implemented utilizing adaptive Polynomial Chaos Kriging metamodeling, Monte Carlo Simulation, and Analysis of Covariance to investigate the uncertainty of the parameters. This approach treats nine key parameters, including soil cohesion, friction angle, non-homogeneous coefficients, horizontal and vertical seismic coefficients, period, and amplification factor, as random variables to assess their uncertainty effects on failure probability (stability level) and sensitivity indices. The DUBLA-PDM-PCK methodology offers a streamlined and reliable tool tailored for assessing slope stability in seismic environments, demonstrating notable efficiency in addressing soil variability and seismic loading uncertainties. Its application holds promise for guiding engineering practices and enhancing understanding of slope behavior in regions prone to seismic hazards.
Full article
![](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/geohazards/geohazards-05-00027/article_deploy/html/images/geohazards-05-00027-g001-550.jpg?1718267242)
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Modelling and Validation of the Derna Dam Break Event
by
Alessandro Annunziato, Marzia Santini, Chiara Proietti, Ludovica de Girolamo, Valerio Lorini, Andrea Gerhardinger and Michele Tucci
GeoHazards 2024, 5(2), 504-529; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards5020026 - 1 Jun 2024
Abstract
The catastrophic failure of two dams in Libya on 10 and 11 September 2023 resulted in the devastating flooding of the city of Derna, which is located downstream of the dams, causing more than 6000 fatalities and displacing thousands of residents. The failure
[...] Read more.
The catastrophic failure of two dams in Libya on 10 and 11 September 2023 resulted in the devastating flooding of the city of Derna, which is located downstream of the dams, causing more than 6000 fatalities and displacing thousands of residents. The failure was attributed to heavy rainfall from Storm Daniel, leading to the dams reaching full capacity and subsequently overflowing and failing. This paper presents an analysis of the dam break, including the modelling of flow discharge and the resulting flooding of Derna. For validation purposes, this study compares the modelled quantities with post-event satellite imagery from UNOSAT and Copernicus, local reports, and data collected from social media using AI detection. The findings provide valuable insights into the dynamics of the dam break and its initial parameters, as well as an assessment of the accuracy of the results. The analysis is performed using a rapid estimation technique developed by JRC to provide the international emergency community with a swift overview of the impact and damage assessment of potential or actual dam break events. The use of all available data shows a satisfactory comparison with the calculated quantities. The rapid modelling of dam break events and combined analysis of multiple data types are proven suitable for promptly assessing the expected dynamic of the event, as well as reconstructing the unknown initial conditions before the break. Incorporating sensitivity analyses provides an estimate of the uncertainties associated with the deduced values of the unknown parameters and their relative importance in the analysis.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Geotechnics for Hazard Mitigation)
►▼
Show Figures
![](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/geohazards/geohazards-05-00026/article_deploy/html/images/geohazards-05-00026-g001-550.jpg?1719368626)
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Leveraging Sentinel-2 and Geographical Information Systems in Mapping Flooded Regions around the Sesia River, Piedmont, Italy
by
George P. Petropoulos, Athina Georgiadi and Kleomenis Kalogeropoulos
GeoHazards 2024, 5(2), 485-503; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards5020025 - 28 May 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
Sentinel-2 data are crucial in mapping flooded areas as they provide high spatial and spectral resolution but under cloud-free weather conditions. In the present study, we aimed to devise a method for mapping a flooded area using multispectral Sentinel-2 data from optical sensors
[...] Read more.
Sentinel-2 data are crucial in mapping flooded areas as they provide high spatial and spectral resolution but under cloud-free weather conditions. In the present study, we aimed to devise a method for mapping a flooded area using multispectral Sentinel-2 data from optical sensors and Geographical Information Systems (GISs). As a case study, we selected a site located in Northern Italy that was heavily affected by flooding events on 3 October 2020, when the Sesia River in the Piedmont region was hit by severe weather disturbance, heavy rainfall, and strong winds. The method developed for mapping the flooded area was a thresholding technique through spectral water indices. More specifically, the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) and the Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI) were chosen as they are among the most widely used methods with applications across various environments, including urban, agricultural, and natural landscapes. The corresponding flooded area product from the Copernicus Emergency Management Service (EMS) was used to evaluate the flooded area predicted by our method. The results showed that both indices captured the flooded area with a satisfactory level of detail. The NDWI demonstrated a slightly higher accuracy, where it also appeared to be more sensitive to the separation of water from soil and areas with vegetation cover. The study findings may be useful in disaster management linked to flooded-area mapping and area rehabilitation mapping following a flood event, and they can also valuably assist decision and policy making towards a more sustainable environment.
Full article
![](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/geohazards/geohazards-05-00025/article_deploy/html/images/geohazards-05-00025-g001-550.jpg?1716892068)
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Applying SLAM-Based LiDAR and UAS Technologies to Evaluate the Rock Slope Stability of the Grotta Paglicci Paleolithic Site (Italy)
by
Luisa Beltramone, Vivien De Lucia, Andrea Ermini, Matteo Innocenti, Daniele Silvestri, Andrea Rindinella, Annamaria Ronchitelli, Stefano Ricci, Francesco Boschin and Riccardo Salvini
GeoHazards 2024, 5(2), 457-484; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards5020024 - 25 May 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
This study focuses on slope stability and geological hazard analyses at the Italian Paleolithic site of Grotta Paglicci. The site is characterized by a cave that contains rich archaeological and anthropological finds, spanning various Paleolithic periods, and includes faunal remains, lithic artifacts, human
[...] Read more.
This study focuses on slope stability and geological hazard analyses at the Italian Paleolithic site of Grotta Paglicci. The site is characterized by a cave that contains rich archaeological and anthropological finds, spanning various Paleolithic periods, and includes faunal remains, lithic artifacts, human burials, ornaments, mobiliary art objects, and unique Paleolithic wall paintings. The study employs a multi-technique approach that includes topographic surveys carried out by the robotic total station and GNSS receivers, photogrammetric acquisitions with an unmanned aerial system, 3D SLAM-based LiDAR mapping, and an engineering geological survey. The collected data allowed for the creation of georeferenced 3D models that were utilized in rock slope stability analysis and modeling. The results of this comprehensive survey highlighted how the bedding and joint discontinuities influence rock stability in both the external and internal areas of the cave. The integrated use of SLAM-based LiDAR and photogrammetry has been proven to be an efficient and essential tool in the evaluation of the structural interactions between the external morphology and the cave, thus allowing the proposal of safety measures that will keep the site accessible for future activities.
Full article
![](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/geohazards/geohazards-05-00024/article_deploy/html/images/geohazards-05-00024-g001-550.jpg?1718087164)
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Minor Irrigation Tank Rehabilitation Using Run-Off and Storage Capacity: A Case Study from Ambuliyar Sub-Basin, Tamil Nadu, India
by
Nasir Nagoor Pitchai, Somasundharam Magalingam, Sakthi Kiran Duraisamy Rajasekaran and Selvakumar Radhakrishnan
GeoHazards 2024, 5(2), 441-456; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards5020023 - 20 May 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
This research examines the significance of restoring efficient water management systems in India’s semiarid environment, with special emphasis on the role of traditional irrigation structures, such as tanks, in collecting and storing limited water resources. Assessing the benefits of any restoration program, especially
[...] Read more.
This research examines the significance of restoring efficient water management systems in India’s semiarid environment, with special emphasis on the role of traditional irrigation structures, such as tanks, in collecting and storing limited water resources. Assessing the benefits of any restoration program, especially when socioeconomic and environmental benefits are involved, is challenging. In the context of tank rehabilitation, a cost-benefit analysis will be conducted regarding economic and ecological returns in the post-desiltation phase. Since the restoration process requires a significant investment, assessing the project’s viability during the planning stage is better. The present study proposes a novel method to indirectly analyse the cost-benefit of the tank restoration process by correlating run-off and storage capacity of tanks before the planning phase. The Ambuliyar sub-basin, which covers an area of 930 square kilometres in Tamil Nadu, India, comprising 181 tanks (water bodies) of varying sizes and shapes, was taken for this study. This study employed the Soil Conservation Service Curve Number (SCS-CN) method, incorporating factors such as soil type, land cover, land use practices, and advanced remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) tools to simulate surface run-off. Run-off volume and tank capacity were compared for all seasons at the micro-watershed level. The results demonstrated that the run-off volume in each micro-watershed significantly exceeded the tank capacity across all seasons. Even during the summer, the run-off volumes in the micro-watershed were considerably higher than the tank capacity. The findings suggest tank restoration can effectively store run-off and significantly fulfil agricultural and other essential needs throughout the year, thereby improving the local rural economy. This study also highlights the need for periodic maintenance and rehabilitation of these tank systems to retain their functionality.
Full article
![](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/geohazards/geohazards-05-00023/article_deploy/html/images/geohazards-05-00023-g001-550.jpg?1716457997)
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Geoinformatics-Based Mapping of Environmental Sensitive Areas for Desertification over Satara and Sangli Districts of Maharashtra, India
by
Chandra Shekhar Dwivedi, Dishant, Bikash Ranjan Parida, Arvind Chandra Pandey, Ravi Kumar and Navneet Kumar
GeoHazards 2024, 5(2), 415-440; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards5020022 - 17 May 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
Desertification processes in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid conditions have been enhanced in recent decades. The geospatial database and associated satellite data can be effectively employed for regional planning to address desertification and land degradation. In this study, the Mediterranean Desertification and Land
[...] Read more.
Desertification processes in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid conditions have been enhanced in recent decades. The geospatial database and associated satellite data can be effectively employed for regional planning to address desertification and land degradation. In this study, the Mediterranean Desertification and Land Use (MEDALUS) model has been used to map environmentally sensitive areas due to desertification in the Satara and Sangli districts of Maharashtra, India. This was achieved by combining Landsat-8 multispectral data, Census data, soil data, and climatic variables like temperature, rainfall, and evapotranspiration. The algorithm of MEDALUS is the geometric mean of four indicators, namely soil quality index (SQI), climate quality index (CQI), vegetation quality index (VQI), and socio-economic quality index (SEQI). The findings indicated that the majority of the study area comes under the potential category of desertification (60.32%) followed by fragile (27.87%) and critical (11.81%). Areas with a high propensity for desertification were found over the low to very low climatic quality and moderate to high soil quality including lower socio-economic quality. The lower socio-economic quality is mainly due to high to very high population density (>100 people/km2), low to moderate illiteracy rate (<16%), and low to moderate work participation rate (<50%) that incentivize unsustainable land use practices. The study provides a valuable tool for understanding and managing natural resources. It offers a detailed analysis of the environmental sensitivity of the study area, taking into account various factors like land use, vegetation cover, slope, and soil erosion potential. The developed comprehensive map of the area helps in identifying the most sensitive regions and developing appropriate conservation strategies. The information obtained from the study can be utilized to develop and implement successful measures to prevent or alleviate desertification, which is crucial for sustaining the health of ecosystems and the welfare of local residents.
Full article
![](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/geohazards/geohazards-05-00022/article_deploy/html/images/geohazards-05-00022-g001-550.jpg?1717072737)
Figure 1
Open AccessReview
Marine Geohazards of the Bay of Naples (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy): A Review Integrating Morpho-Bathymetric and Seismo-Stratigraphic Analysis
by
Gemma Aiello and Mauro Caccavale
GeoHazards 2024, 5(2), 393-414; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards5020021 - 10 May 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
Marine geohazards in the Bay of Naples, an eruptive region during the late Quaternary, have been assessed based on both morpho-bathymetric and seismic data. Previously identified areas of high marine hazard with slide potential (northern Ischia slope, Naples canyons, and Sorrento Peninsula–Capri slope)
[...] Read more.
Marine geohazards in the Bay of Naples, an eruptive region during the late Quaternary, have been assessed based on both morpho-bathymetric and seismic data. Previously identified areas of high marine hazard with slide potential (northern Ischia slope, Naples canyons, and Sorrento Peninsula–Capri slope) have been confirmed and integrated through the seismo-stratigraphic analysis of selected seismic sections. We evaluated the occurrence of important fossil submarine landslides in the stratigraphic record. Several kinds of submarine landslides have been individuated through morpho-bathymetric and seismic interpretation, including creeping, debris avalanches, and debris flows, among others, often controlled by volcanic eruptions. Submarine landslides of Naples Bay are primary geohazards in the marine and coastal areas, which has been ascertained with significant volcanic and tsunami hazards involving the gulf. Despite previous studies on these topics, much work is still needed to compile a systematic database of the submarine landslides of the Bay of Naples, representing a future step of this research.
Full article
![](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/geohazards/geohazards-05-00021/article_deploy/html/images/geohazards-05-00021-g001-550.jpg?1715335849)
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Geospatial Insights into Greece’s Desertification Vulnerability: A Composite Indicator Approach
by
Kleomenis Kalogeropoulos, Dimitrios E. Tsesmelis, Andreas Tsatsaris, Efthimios Zervas, Christos A. Karavitis, Constantia G. Vasilakou and Pantelis E. Barouchas
GeoHazards 2024, 5(2), 374-392; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards5020020 - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
The Environmentally Sensitive Areas Index (ESAI) is a comprehensive tool for assessing the susceptibility of areas to desertification. This index analyzes various parameters that are vital for environmental health. Through this index, factors such as human activities, geology, soil quality, vegetation and climate
[...] Read more.
The Environmentally Sensitive Areas Index (ESAI) is a comprehensive tool for assessing the susceptibility of areas to desertification. This index analyzes various parameters that are vital for environmental health. Through this index, factors such as human activities, geology, soil quality, vegetation and climate patterns are scrutinized. The analysis assigns weights to each participating factor. Thus, the index is derived from the aggregation of four categories (vegetation, climate, soil quality and management practices), and each of them is independently assessed to understand ecological health. In this way, the level of vulnerability to desertification is effectively measured. The application of the index in Greece (for a period of 20 years, 1984–2004) showed signs of environmental degradation and identified many areas with a high risk of desertification. Notably, there was a substantial increase in cultivated land within rural areas, contributing to shifts in the environmental landscape. Furthermore, this period is distinguished as the driest in the last century, with a peak between 1988 and 1993. The consequential rise in irrigation demand, driven by the simultaneous growth of crops and the intensification of agricultural practices, underscores the intricate interplay between human activities and environmental vulnerability.
Full article
![](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/geohazards/geohazards-05-00020/article_deploy/html/images/geohazards-05-00020-g001-550.jpg?1715340511)
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Geospatial Analysis and Mapping of Regional Landslide Susceptibility: A Case Study of Eastern Tennessee, USA
by
Qingmin Meng, Sara A. Smith and John Rodgers
GeoHazards 2024, 5(2), 364-373; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards5020019 - 17 Apr 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
A landslide is the movement of rocks, debris, and/or soils down a slope, which often includes falls, topples, slides, flows, and spreads. Landslides, a serious natural hazard to human and human activity, often occur in the coastal and mountainous areas in the United
[...] Read more.
A landslide is the movement of rocks, debris, and/or soils down a slope, which often includes falls, topples, slides, flows, and spreads. Landslides, a serious natural hazard to human and human activity, often occur in the coastal and mountainous areas in the United States. Although there are some studies that have explored the landslide probability, which is typically directly modeled by inputting potential environmental variables into statistical regression models, this study designed an alternative geospatial analysis and modeling approach. We first conducted statistical diagnostic tests to examine the significance of potential driving factors including landform, land use/land cover, landscape, and climate. In eastern Tennessee, USA, we first applied the t-test and chi-squared test to select the significant factors driving landslides, including slope, clay percentage in the soil, tree canopy density, and distance to roads, having a p-value of less than 0.05. We then incorporated the four identified significant factors as covariates into logistic regression to model the relationship between these factors and landslides. The fitted logistic model, with a high area under the ROC (AUC) score of 0.94, was then applied to predict landslides and make a regional landslide susceptibility map for eastern Tennessee. The landslide’s potential impacts on eastern Tennessee were also discussed, and implications for local governments and communities for current physical infrastructure protection and new infrastructure development were summarized.
Full article
![](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/geohazards/geohazards-05-00019/article_deploy/html/images/geohazards-05-00019-g001-550.jpg?1713332749)
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Analysis of Uncertainty in Internal Erosion Simulations for DLBreach and WinDAM C
by
Anthony Atkinson and Mitchell Neilsen
GeoHazards 2024, 5(2), 350-363; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards5020018 - 16 Apr 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
The work detailed here is part of an international initiative on the evaluation of dam safety simulation software for internal erosion performance and best practices. The primary experiments involve simulating uncertainty in the failure events of two dams with two different models: DLBreach
[...] Read more.
The work detailed here is part of an international initiative on the evaluation of dam safety simulation software for internal erosion performance and best practices. The primary experiments involve simulating uncertainty in the failure events of two dams with two different models: DLBreach and WinDAM C. DLBreach is a physically-based dam/levee breach model developed by Wu. WinDAM C is also a physically based dam breach model capable of analyzing both dam overtopping and internal erosion. The dams selected for the analysis include a 1.3 m high dam tested in the lab and a larger 15.56 m high dam, which suffered a failure in the field. The findings from these experiments are extended with a further analysis on variance, sensitivity, and optimization. Finally, a regression model is trained using the results of these simulators as an inquiry into how well such a system can be captured using machine learning techniques. The results of these experiments, together with the results of the other members of the initiative, improve our understanding of the influences that users bring to using these tools.
Full article
![](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/geohazards/geohazards-05-00018/article_deploy/html/images/geohazards-05-00018-g001-550.jpg?1713249613)
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Relative Sea Level and Coastal Vertical Movements in Relation to Volcano-Tectonic Processes at Mayotte Island, Indian Ocean
by
Julien Gargani
GeoHazards 2024, 5(2), 329-349; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards5020017 - 12 Apr 2024
Cited by 1
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
During the last 10 kyr, significant subsidence and uplift occurred on Mayotte Island in the Comoros archipelago (Indian Ocean), but the role of volcanic processes in Holocene vertical movements has been neglected in the research so far. Here, we show that an abrupt
[...] Read more.
During the last 10 kyr, significant subsidence and uplift occurred on Mayotte Island in the Comoros archipelago (Indian Ocean), but the role of volcanic processes in Holocene vertical movements has been neglected in the research so far. Here, we show that an abrupt subsidence of 6–10 m occurred between 9.4 and 10 kyr ago, followed by an uplift of the same amplitude at a rate of 9 mm/yr from 8.1 to 7 kyr ago. A comparison of the relative sea level of Mayotte and a reference sea level curve for the global ocean has been conducted using a modeling approach. This shows that an increasing and decreasing pressure at depth, equivalent to the process caused by a deep magma reservoir (50–70 km), was responsible for ~6–10 m subsidence and 6–10 m uplift, whereas loading by new volcanic edifices caused subsidence during the last few thousand years. Surface movements and deep pressure variations may be caused by pulses from the deep mantle, related to superplume activity, but uncertainties and unknowns about these phenomena are still present and further studies are needed. A better understanding of the volcano-tectonic cycle may improve assessments of volcanic hazards.
Full article
![](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/geohazards/geohazards-05-00017/article_deploy/html/images/geohazards-05-00017-g001-550.jpg?1712905807)
Figure 1
Highly Accessed Articles
Latest Books
E-Mail Alert
News
Topics
Topic in
Atmosphere, GeoHazards, Geosciences, Remote Sensing, Water
Natural Hazards and Environmental Challenges in the Anthropocene Age
Topic Editors: Johnbosco C. Egbueri, Chaitanya B. Pande, Quoc Bao PhamDeadline: 30 September 2024
Topic in
Applied Sciences, Geographies, GeoHazards, Geosciences, Remote Sensing, Water
Earth Observation Systems in Geology Mass Identification, Investigation and Inventory Mapping
Topic Editors: Shibiao Bai, Jinghui FanDeadline: 31 December 2024
Topic in
Applied Sciences, GeoHazards, Geosciences, Remote Sensing, Minerals, Materials, IJGI
Geotechnics for Hazard Mitigation
Topic Editors: Mowen Xie, Yan Du, Yujing Jiang, Bo Li, Xuepeng ZhangDeadline: 31 March 2025
Topic in
Earth, GeoHazards, IJGI, Land, Remote Sensing, Smart Cities, Infrastructures, Automation
Machine Learning and Big Data Analytics for Natural Disaster Reduction and Resilience
Topic Editors: Isam Shahrour, Marwan Alheib, Anna Brdulak, Fadi Comair, Carlo Giglio, Xiongyao Xie, Yasin Fahjan, Salah ZidiDeadline: 30 June 2025
![loading...](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/img/loading_circle.gif?9a82694213036313?1720776611)
Conferences
Special Issues
Special Issue in
GeoHazards
Landslide Research: State of the Art and Innovations
Guest Editor: Davide TirantiDeadline: 15 February 2025
Special Issue in
GeoHazards
Active Faulting and Seismicity—2nd Edition
Guest Editor: Dimitrios PapanikolaouDeadline: 31 May 2025
Topical Collections
Topical Collection in
GeoHazards
Geohazard Characterization, Modeling, and Risk Assessment
Collection Editors: Zhong Lu, Tiago Miguel Ferreira