Analogy between grid-based modeling of landslide and avalanche using GIS with surface flow analysis

Mountainous areas with steep slopes are vulnerable to landslide and often to avalanche according to the climate condition. In the rainy season, heavy rainfall causes landslides, and avalanche can be a serious threat to mountainous areas in winter. However, avalanche has not been emphasized relatively as compared with landslides in some nations like Korea. This paper estimates the landslide and avalanche hazard of the mountainous area with distinct seasons such as Provo Canyon in Utah and Seorak Mountain in Korea. To predict susceptibility of landslides and avalanches, several geomorphological factors were considered. These predictive factors were derived from digital elevation map, and the grid-based modeling was applied for landslide and avalanche susceptibility mapping within a geographical information system (GIS). To simulate debris flow and avalanche paths from the high potential areas, GIS-based surface flow analysis was used. As a result, this study provides information about ares prone to natural hazards, and it can be useful ancillary data for people attempting to avoid potentially hazardous areas.