Susceptibility Analysis of Geohazards in the Longmen Mountain Region after the Wenchuan Earthquake

Abstract

Multitemporal geohazard susceptibility analysis can not only provide reliable results but can also help identify the differences in the mechanisms of different elements under different temporal and spatial backgrounds, so as to better accurately prevent and control geohazards. Here, we studied the 12 counties (cities) that were severely affected by the Wenchuan earthquake of 12 May 2008. Our study was divided into four time periods: 2008, 2009–2012, 2013, and 2014–2017. Common geohazards in the study area, such as landslides, collapses and debris flows, were taken into account. We constructed a geohazard susceptibility index evaluation system that included topography, geology, land cover, meteorology, hydrology, and human activities. Then we used a random forest model to study the changes in geohazard susceptibility during the Wenchuan earthquake, the following ten years, and its driving mechanisms. We had four main findings. (1) The susceptibility of geohazards from 2008 to 2017 gradually increased and their spatial distribution was significantly correlated with the main faults and rivers. (2) The Yingxiu-Beichuan Fault, the western section of the Jiangyou-Dujiangyan Fault, and the Minjiang and Fujiang rivers were highly susceptible to geohazards, and changes in geohazard susceptibility mainly occurred along the Pingwu-Qingchuan Fault, the eastern section of the Jiangyou-Dujiangyan Fault, and the riparian areas of the Mianyuan River, Zagunao River, Tongkou River, Baicao River, and other secondary rivers. (3) The relative contribution of topographic factors to geohazards in the four different periods was stable, geological factors slowly decreased, and meteorological and hydrological factors increased. In addition, the impact of land cover in 2008 was more significant than during other periods, and the impact of human activities had an upward trend from 2008 to 2017. (4) Elevation and slope had significant topographical effects, coupled with the geological environmental effects of engineering rock groups and faults, and river-derived effects, which resulted in a spatial aggregation of geohazard susceptibility. We attributed the dynamic changes in the areas that were highly susceptible to geohazards around the faults and rivers to the changes in the intensity of earthquakes and precipitation in different periods.