Regional liquefaction susceptibility mapping in the Himalayas using geospatial data and AHP technique

Abstract

Liquefaction susceptibility (LS) assessment is a necessary input for seismic zonation studies. LS can be done using geospatial models by integration of thematic layers. In this study, we have used analytical hierarchy process for integration of thematic layers (e.g. water table depth, peak horizontal acceleration, etc.) to generate a regional LS map for Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh in India. The final map was classified as liquefaction-likely, liquefaction-possible and liquefaction-not-likely zones. Results show Doon valley and Himalayan foothills are more prone to LS than the higher Himalayas.