Remote Sensing based Early Warning Systems for Detection and Assessment of Landslides: A Case Study of Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

Case studies within the framework of "Remote Sensing-Based Early Warning Systems for Slope Failures" present real-world instances of applying remote sensing technologies in monitoring slopes and detecting changes in elevation. The study focuses on Himachal Pradesh, India, known for its rugged terrain and varying climatic conditions. Himachal Pradesh, situated in North-West India, spans from 30°22'40" to 33°12'20" north latitudes and 75°45'55" to 79°04'20" east longitudes. With altitudes ranging from 271 meters to 6,751 meters, this mountain region exhibits diverse topography and climate. Geospatial data reveals its complexities, combining elevation, slope, hillside and roughness information to offer insights into the terrain's dynamics. The geological map highlights the State's Precambrian formations shaped by the collision of the Indian and Asian landmasses, resulting in the distinctive Himalayan landscape. The region has also experienced concentrated orographic precipitation, glacial activity and rapid erosion. Analyzing historical earthquakes and active faults reveals the seismic activity's correlation with landslides, highlighting their potential to trigger slope failures. The landslide inventory map records 6,289 landslides, outlining their distribution and movement patterns. Further insight is gained from the Landslide sustainability map, classifying regions into susceptibility levels. Integrated geospatial analyses provide a comprehensive understanding of Himachal Pradesh's terrain, offering practical applications in risk assessment, infrastructure planning and environmental conservation.