Landslide susceptibility mapping using AHP method and GIS in the peninsula of Tangier (Rif-northern morocco)

Abstract

The peninsula of Tangier (Northern Morocco) is submitted to a significant number of landslides each year due to its lithological, structural and morphological complexity; which cause a lot of damage to the road network and other related infrastructure. The main objective of this study is to create a landslide indexed susceptibility map of Tangier peninsula, by using AHP (Analytical Hierarchical Processes) model to calculate each factor’s weight. The work is made via GIS by using an ArcGIS AHP extension. In the current research, First of all, the four main types of landslides were identified and mapped from existing documents, works and new data which came from either remote sensing or fieldwork. Lithology, land use, slope, hypsometry, exposure, fault density and drainage network density were used as main parameters controlling the occurrence of the selected landslides. Then, afterward, each parameter is classified into a number of significant classes based on their relative influence on gravitational movement genesis. The validity of the susceptibility zoning map which is obtained through linear summation of indexed maps was tested and cross-checked by inventoried and studied landslides. The obtained landslide susceptibility map constitutes a powerful decision-making tool in land-use planning, i.e. New highways, secondary highways, railways, etc. within the national development program in the Northern provinces. It is a necessary step for the landslides hazard assessment in the Tangier peninsula in northern Morocco.