Geomorphic Characterization and Quantitative Assessment of Landslide Dam Formation in Potential Landslide Hazard Areas

Landslide dam hazards have become one of the disaster types of increasing global concern. Once a landslide dam is formed, its typically short lifespan, high uncertainty, and sudden failure can pose severe threats to protected targets both upstream and downstream. The ability to identify locations within landslide-prone areas where landslide dams are likely to form would substantially enhance disaster prevention and mitigation capabilities. This study focuses on historical landslide events and landslide-dammed lake cases. Satellite imagery is employed to quantify key geomorphic parameters, including landslide elevation, slope gradient, and channel width. Both the longitudinal accumulation characteristics along the river channel and the lateral mobility of the landslide mass are considered. Through nondimensional analysis, this study seeks to identify quantitative threshold values linking historical landslide characteristics to landslide dam formation. These thresholds are used to preliminarily assess the likelihood of landslide dam formation in potential landslide hazard areas and to further delineate locations with dam-formation potential. The results are expected to provide a scientific basis for improving early warning systems and disaster prevention and mitigation planning related to landslide dams.