Wide Area Detection and Distribution Characteristics of Landslides along Sichuan Expressways

Abstract

Wide area landslide detection is a major international research hotspot in the field of geological hazards, and the integration of multi-temporal optical satellite images and spaceborne interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) appears to be an effective way to realize this. In this paper, a technical framework is presented for wide area landslide detection: (i) multi-temporal satellite optical images are used to detect landslides with distinguishable geomorphological features; (ii) Generic Atmospheric Correction Online Service (GACOS) assisted InSAR stacking is employed to generate annual surface displacement rate maps in radar line of sight using satellite SAR images from both ascending and descending tracks, which are in turn utilized to automatically detect active landslides from ground motion using hotspot analysis, and (iii) the distribution characteristics of the detected landslides are investigated by examining their relationships with topographic and hydrological factors. Three expressways in Sichuan Province, China—namely the Yakang (Ya’an-Kangding), Yaxi (Ya’an-Xichang), and Lushi (Luding-Shimian) expressways—and their surrounding regions (a total area of approximately 20,000 square kilometers) were chosen as the study area. A total of 413 landslides were detected, among which 320 were detected using multi-temporal satellite optical images, and 109 were detected using GACOS-assisted InSAR stacking. It should be noted that only 16 landslides were detected by both approaches; these landslides all exhibited not only obvious geomorphological features but also ground motion. A statistical analysis of the topographic and hydrological factors shows that of the detected landslides: 81% are distributed at elevations of 1000–2500 m, over 60% lie within the elevation range of 100~400 m, and 90% present with medium and steep slopes (20°~45°), and 80% are located within areas seeing an annual rainfall of 950~1050 mm. Nine landslides were found to pose potential safety hazards to the expressways. The research findings in this paper have directly benefitted the Sichuan expressways; equally important, it is believed that the technical framework presented in this paper will provide guidance for hazard mitigation and the prevention of transportation hazards in the future.