Review Paper:
Remote Sensing
based Early Warning Systems for Detection and Assessment of Landslides: A Case Study
of Himachal Pradesh, India
Janaki V., Madhusudhan Reddy M., Ravi Kumar K., Sharath Chandra B. and Hima Bindu
O.S.D.
Disaster Advances; Vol. 17(3); 48-60;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/173da048060; (2024)
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.
