Susceptibility assessment and driving factor analysis of geological hazards in complex landform areas: insights from sichuan, China

Abstract

Geological hazards pose a significant threat to the safety of residents and the socio-economic development of mountainous regions. A scientifically sound susceptibility assessment is crucial for disaster prevention and mitigation. Taking Sichuan Province as a case study, this research constructs a 15 m × 15 m grid scale and employs the information value model to assess geological hazard susceptibility, while integrating the geodetector method to quantify key driving factors and their interactions. The results indicate that high-susceptibility areas account for 22.73% of the province’s total area but contain 65.15% of the identified geological hazard points, demonstrating the model’s high spatial resolution and predictive accuracy. Elevation, slope, land use type, and road networks are the primary influencing factors, with interactions between elevation and slope, as well as land use type and precipitation, further amplifying geological hazard susceptibility. Moreover, areas within 0–300 m from roads exhibit significantly higher geological hazard susceptibility than other regions, highlighting engineering disturbances as a key triggering factor. The findings provide a scientific basis for geological hazard prevention and control in Sichuan Province and other mountainous areas. It is recommended to strengthen monitoring and early warning systems in high-susceptibility zones, optimize infrastructure planning, and implement ecological restoration measures to reduce disaster risks. This study enhances the understanding of the spatial distribution and driving mechanisms of geological hazards, offering theoretical support for disaster prevention and mitigation strategies in mountainous regions.