Quick multiparametric hazard analysis for shallow landslides

This paper presents a quick and multiparametric method for shallow landslides susceptibility and hazard zoning, based on the principles of the Rock Engineering System (RES). The implementation of this methodology is achieved through the identification of the most sensitive triggering parameters and the study of their interrelationships. An interaction matrix is used to define a susceptibility index. The Geographical Information System is used for spatial data management so as to draw landslide susceptibility and hazard maps. The proposed approach is applied to the Municipality of Cellio (VC) located in the Valsesia area (northern Italy) using data updated to 2012. In order to validate the method, the hazard map obtained is compared with known landslides occurred in the last 7 years and with a deterministic method, the Stability Index Mapping (SINMAP). The results are found to be in good agreement. With respect to other hazard assessment approaches, the proposed method has the great advantage of providing reliable susceptibility and hazard maps at small scales in a short time and without requiring a high number of parameters. Therefore, it can be easily applied for preliminary hazard assessment, monitoring and territorial planning activities.