A GIS-based study of factors related to landslides events in a tectonic active area

Geologic, tectonic, geomorphic conditions of a mountainous environment along with precipitation and human activities influence landslide occurrences. In many cases, their relation to landslide events is not well defined. The scope of the present study is to identify the influence of physical and anthropogenic factors in landslide activity. The study area is a mountainous part of northern Peloponnesus in southern Greece. It is located on the eastern part of the Gulf of Corinth and is considered as one of the most active tectonic rifts of the world.

The existing landslides, lithology, tectonic elements, slope angle, rainfall, road network along with land use of the study area was taken into consideration. Each physical and anthropogenic factor was further divided into sub-categories. Statistical approaches based on the observed relationship between each factor and the spatial distribution of landslides is very useful to reveal the correlation between landslide locations and factor.

Statistical analysis of landslide frequency and density was applied while frequency and density ratios were calculated. This analysis was further combined with Geographical Information Systems to evaluate the collected data and determine the association relation of physical and anthropogenic factors with landslide activity.