LANDSAT APPLIED TO LANDSLIDE MAPPING.

A variety of features characteristic of rotational landslides may be identified on Landsat imagery. These include tonal mottling, tonal banding, major and secondary scarps, and ponds. Band 7 (0. 8-1. 1 mu m) is the most useful band for landslide recognition, due to accentuation of ponds and shadows. Examination of both bands 7 and 5 (0. 6-0. 7 mu m), including vegetation information, was found to be most suitable. Although, given optimum terrain conditions, some landslides in Colorado may be recognized, many smaller landslides are not identifiable. Consequently, Landsat is not recommended for detailed regional mapping, or for use in areas similar to Colorado, where alternative (aircraft) imagery is available. However, Landsat may prove useful for preliminary landslide mapping in relatively unknown areas.