A novel matrix for landslide hazard identification combining remote sensing observation and geomorphological interpretation

Abstract

Abstract Active potential landslides pose substantial threats to lives and property in alpine‐canyon terrain worldwide. Identifying landslide‐prone areas and assessing the failure likelihood of potential landslides are crucial for risk mitigation. However, uncertainties from incomplete inventories and variable data quality limit the reliability and practical application of landslide hazard assessments. This study proposes a novel metric method to assess potential landslide hazard in alpine‐canyon regions by integrating the advanced observation capability of remote sensing techniques and reliability of geomorphic surveying. A comprehensive inventory of potential landslides was established via multi‐temporal interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) mapping of the eastern Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, with landslide types classified based on their material compositions and movement characteristics. The observed time‐series displacements and geomorphological deformation features indicate the progressive creep behaviour of landslide movement, reflecting the different hazard levels of potential landslides across their multiple stages of development. The dynamic trends of most potential landslides are characterised by seasonal accelerating creep and geomorphic movement features that range from localised to intense deformation. The hazard assessment demonstrates that 23.7% of potential landslides have reached or exceeded the high hazard level, with most of these having large and deep characteristics, and closely related to active fault zones in the study area. Internal geological conditions and fluctuating precipitation commonly elevate the landslide hazard level in critical regions. This integrated analysis of the dynamic evolution of potential landslides and geomorphic deformation features improves hazard prediction for landslides in mountainous regions undergoing long‐term creep.