Statistic versus deterministic method for landslide susceptibility mapping

Abstract

The present work aims to assess the landslide susceptibility of a hilly area, using two methods: the weight of evidence statistical method (WOE) that is based on bivariate statistical analysis and the deterministic approach based on the infinite slope model. To document the efficiency of this quantitative methods, a landslide prone area along Prahova Subcarpathian Valley was chosen, where landslide hazard interacts with human settlement and activities. The Landslide susceptibility map derived from the WOE method has been compared with that produced from the deterministic method and the results analyzed. The values obtained were also in good agreement with the field observations. Results show that the main controlling factors in the evolution of landslides are the slope gradient, saturation condition and lithology. Beside these, factors like morphography (slope aspect and flow direction) or human intervention (land use, roads, buildings) can interfere. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013.