New Look at Landslide Potential Shows 44% of U.S. Is at Risk

Landslide Risk Hits Home: New Federal Database Helps Users Determine Likelihood of Landslide in Their Community

For years, landslides have been a persistent hazard in the United States, causing significant damage and loss of life. Now, a groundbreaking new map released by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provides a detailed picture of where these geologic hazards are most likely to occur. The map indicates that nearly 44% of the U.S. could potentially experience landslide activity, making it essential for everyone to be aware of the risks and take steps to mitigate them.

A New Era in Landslide Mapping

In the past, detailed landslide maps were limited to areas where the risks were considered high. However, this new map expands the assessment to cover many other hazardous areas across the country, offering a comprehensive view of landslide susceptibility. The map covers the contiguous U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, providing a highly detailed, county-by-county picture of where these damaging, disruptive, and potentially deadly geologic hazards are more likely to occur.

How Landslides Impact Communities

Landslides can have devastating consequences. They are not just isolated events but can have long-term effects on communities. For instance, the landslide that destroyed a rural neighborhood and claimed 43 lives in Oso, Washington, in 2014, was the deadliest in U.S. history. Such tragedies serve as a reminder of the importance of understanding and preparing for landslide hazards.

Understanding the Risk

Landslides are the mass movement of earth and rock, often triggered by heavy rains, wildfires, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions. The severity and frequency of landslides vary significantly. They can range from shallow to deep-seated, depending on whether they originate in the soil layer or deeper down. Some types, such as debris flows, are especially hazardous and can be triggered by heavy rainfall.

Identifying High-Risk Areas

The new map provides a crucial tool for identifying high-risk areas. This detailed information will support risk-reduction and land-use planning efforts. It highlights where potentially unstable areas are, enabling planners and engineers to better prioritize and mitigate future landslide hazards.

How the Map Was Created

The map was created using an inventory of nearly 1 million previous landslides, high-resolution national elevation data from the USGS 3D Elevation Program, and advanced computing. This comprehensive approach ensures that the map is highly accurate and provides a detailed view of landslide locations.

Why Awareness Matters

Awareness of landslide risk is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it can help communities prepare for potential hazards. Secondly, it can assist in the development of effective mitigation strategies. Thirdly, it can inform land-use planning decisions to avoid areas prone to landslides.

Steps to Mitigate Landslide Risk

1. Know Your Community: Check the USGS national landslide inventory to see if your community has previously experienced landslides.
2. Understand Soil Conditions: Steep slopes are generally more susceptible to landslides after fires or when the ground is saturated.
3. Stay Informed: Follow local weather forecasts and stay alert for warnings about heavy rainfall or other triggers of landslides.
4. Plan Ahead: Ensure that your home or workplace is built on stable ground and that any necessary repairs or modifications are done promptly.
5. Be Prepared: Keep emergency supplies and a plan ready in case of a landslide.

The Future of Landslide Mapping

The new map represents a significant step forward in landslides mapping and risk assessment. It highlights the need for continued research and improvements in landslide mapping. Further investigations are necessary to better assess susceptibility and determine whether regions with high relief and steep topography require additional landslide inventory mapping.

Conclusion

The new USGS map is a powerful tool for understanding and mitigating landslide risk. It underscores the importance of community awareness and preparedness. By understanding the likelihood of landslides in your community and taking steps to mitigate risks, individuals can significantly reduce the impact of these geologic hazards. The future of landslide mapping is bright, and this new map is a testament to the progress made in this field.: https://phys.org/news/2024-09-landslides.html: https://www.usgs.gov/news/national-news-release/new-usgs-map-shows-where-landslides-are-most-likely-occur-us: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20205001165/downloads/Kirschbaum_Mirus_etal.LASL-D-19-00683_R1%28inpress%29.pdf: https://www.fox44news.com/news/ap-things-to-know-about-the-risk-of-landslides-in-the-us/: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240911180002.htm