Document Type : Research Article
Authors
1 Ph.D. candidate in Geomorphology, Physical Geography Department, Social Sciences Faculty, Mohaghegh Ardebili University, Ardebil, Iran
2 Professor in Geomorphology, Physical Geography Department, Social Sciences Faculty, Mohaghegh Ardebili University, Ardebil, Iran
Abstract
The aim of this research was to detect and determine landslide susceptibility and its affective factors in the Balikhly catchment located at Ardabil Province. In this regard, raster layers of independent variables and dependent variable (landslide inventory) were prepared based on landslide information method (LIM) relying on topography and geology maps, digital elevation models (DEM), and satellite imagery. The independent variables included elevation, slope, aspect, lithology, annual rainfall, ruggedness, general curvature, topographic wetness index, vegetation index, distance from fault, distance from river and distance from road. The results of overlaying of the independent variables with the dependent variable in geographic information system (GIS) showed that the circumstances for landslide occurrence were more prevalent at altitudes of 2400 to 2800 meters, slope over 40 degrees, north aspect, concave surface, rugged surface, loose sediments (marl, shale and conglomerate), rainfall of 500 to 550 mm, moderate vegetation index (0.35-05), distance less than 500 meters to faults, distance less than 200 meters to rivers, distance of 600 to 1000 meters to roads. Of the independent variables, 3 variables including the slope, ruggedness and distance to fault were recognized as the most important factors influencing the landslide occurrence. Furthermore, the zoning map of the landslide susceptibility showed that 56% of the catchment area is situated in areas of high and very high susceptibility classes, indicating the considerable potential of the region in terms of mass movement risk. In contrast, 23% of the catchment area had low risk potential. It was suggested that it was inhibited of encroachment, irregular livestock and construction of the road in rangelands regarding the incidence of landslides in rangelands.
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