Spatial Planning Decision Based on Geomorphic Natural Hazards Distribution Analysis in Cluj County, Romania

Abstract

Spatial planning decisions form the basis of territorial progress by enhancing the resilience and opportunities for local and regional development. Therefore, decisions made as a result of multidisciplinary studies based on GIS assessment of all involved factors can provide a real and up-to-date image of the analyzed territory. In this context, geomorphic processes are among the factors restricting development, affecting built-up areas, transport infrastructure, and economic activities. This paper assesses geomorphic processes at the level of Cluj County, Romania, which mainly consist of active landslides that directly impact the accessibility of communities and their degree of safety, while accelerated soil erosion severely affects the output of land used for agriculture. GIS technology and a semi-quantitative model for determining the landslide hazard were used to classify landslides across occurrence probability classes. This methodology was implemented in Romania through Government Decision no. 447/2003. The USLE model was used to determine the soil erosion. As a result, the territory of Cluj County, which is the study area of this paper, was entirely included in one of the classes of risk concerning active geomorphic processes. Another important aspect consisted of categorizing transport infrastructure according to risk classes. A population risk assessment was also performed, taking into account the degree of accessibility of the territorial emergency department in the event that such hazards and processes occur. These results form the basis of proposals to efficiently plan the county territory, adapting decisions to the present trends in the evolution.