Analysis of landscape changes using high-resolution satellite images at former rice fields after earthquake and liquefaction in Central Sulawesi Province

Abstract

An earthquake and liquefaction in Palu and Sigi on September 28, 2018, caused serious damage in the rice fields and agricultural infrastructure. The aim of this research was studying and mapping the impact of the disasters by using high-resolution satellite images and field verification. This research uses a visual analysis method to compare images before and after the disasters. The results showed that 6,467 ha of rice fields affected by the disaster. The heavy damaged rice fields were caused by earthquakes, damaged river embankment, and liquefaction. The landscape with undulating slope having height difference of 1 to 5 m, reversed soil surface, crack width > 100 cm, damage on the irrigation system, and sand boiling, were naturally cannot be used again for rice fields. It can be used as tourism spot or historical sites with natural landscape. Whereas rice fields with undulating slope having height difference 20 to 100 cm, crack width up to 100 cm, and sand boiling were classified as moderate. The lightly damaged rice fields could not be planted because the irrigation system was destroyed. It can be used as rice fields after repairing the irrigation system to support water availability.