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Landslide HotSpot Mapping by means of Persistent Scatterer Interferometry

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Abstract

Landslide detection and mapping represent fundamental requirements for every hazard and risk evaluation and consequent improvement of the management strategies for such natural hazards. Optical and radar remote sensing can be used to observe landslide-induced ground deformation, ranging from regional to local scales. This work presents a methodology called Landslide HotSpot Mapping; this approach integrates cartographic, thematic and optical data with Persistent Scatterer Interferometry for the identification of extremely slow to very slow moving landslides, and for the evaluation of their state of activity and intensity. This methodology scans wide areas to detect hotspots, which are narrow unstable zones characterized by higher landslide hazard. To these hotspots, priority has to be given when planning field surveys and in situ validation campaigns, so that field work time and effort can be optimized and significantly reduced. The approach is tested in Central Calabria, over a 4,470 km2 area located in southern Italy. ENVISAT ascending images acquired between 2003 and 2009 and processed with the Persistent Scatterer Pairs (PSP) technique are used to analyse deformation patterns. Combining conventional photo-interpretation with the analysis of PSP data, 64 new landslides are identified and the spatial (boundaries) and temporal (activity) information of 980 pre-mapped phenomena (23.6% of updated inventory) are updated. 1,012 active (continuous or reactivated) landslides are identified and 4 hotspot areas selected: San Fili, Rende, Lago, Catanzaro. Urgent field checks have to be organized for these hotspots to validate the satellite-based observations and to design appropriate mitigation measures to reduce impacts on the elements at risk.

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Acknowledgments

This work was carried out within the SAFER (Services and Applications For Emergency Response) project, funded by the European Community’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under EC-ESA Grant Agreement n.218802. ENVISAT ASAR data were provided by the ESA managed GSC-DA, funded by the FP7/2007-2013 under EC-ESA Grant Agreement n.223001, and were processed by e-GEOS with the PSP-DIFSAR technique. The authors would like to thank the Italian Civil Protection Department for helping with the selection of the area of interest and the ancillary data collection, and for making the PAI (Piano Stralcio di Bacino per l’Assetto Idrogeologico) available.

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  1. Gaia Righini

    Present address: ENEA, Via Martiri di Monte Sole 4, 40129, Bologna, Italy

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Earth Sciences, University of Firenze, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121, Florence, Italy

    Silvia Bianchini, Francesca Cigna, Chiara Proietti & Nicola Casagli

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  1. Silvia Bianchini
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Correspondence to Silvia Bianchini.

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Bianchini, S., Cigna, F., Righini, G. et al. Landslide HotSpot Mapping by means of Persistent Scatterer Interferometry. Environ Earth Sci 67, 1155–1172 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-012-1559-5

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