Assessing the potential for mass movements of the Danube Bend (Hungary) endangering transport infrastructure: an integration of field observations and UAV and other imagery

The Danube Bend is one of the environmental hotspots of Northern Hungary.
Numerous geodynamic, geomorphological, fluvial and anthropogenic processes contribute to the formation of spectacular and dynamic landscapes, which result in mass movements of varying magnitude, threatening the transport infrastructure crossing the area. The combination of continuous uplift and the incision of the Danube, the largest river in Central Europe, has created steep slopes in critical or sub-critical state for mass movements. Recent landslides, which have brought road and rail traffic to a standstill for considerable periods, have shown that research into the (in)equilibrium of slopes is an important issue.

For this study, a variety of remote sensing observations have been integrated, including satellite and UAV imagery, LiDAR data and derived data, as well as field observations Workflows such as laser scanning and Structure from Motion to create digital surface and digital terrain models with an accuracy of tenths of a metre horizontally and a few centimetres vertically.
Vegetation is also an important issue, as it can partly stabilise slopes and can provide protection, so detailed mapping has also been carried out. Geomorphological observations, satellite and recent UAV imagery were used to map the potential for mass movements, and a rough estimate of the amount of loose material available for mass movements was made. The results provide important spatial and temporal input for road safety and the maintenance and safe upkeep of roads and railways.

_{MÁV Hungarian State Railways is thanked for providing facilities and data.}

_{FV is supported by EFOP-3.6.3-VEKOP-16-2017-00001: Talent Management in Autonomous Vehicle Control Technologies – (financed by the Hungarian Government & the European Social Fund).}

_{BK is supported by the NRDI Fund of Hungary, Thematic Excellence Programme no. TKP2020-NKA-06 (National Challenges Subprogramme) funding scheme.}