Landslides pose a significant threat to the lives and homes of approximately 6.5 million Americans residing in perilous zones, according to experts. Recent research identifies areas with the highest risk.
The study, published in the Earth’s Future journal, is a pioneering effort that delves into the human geography of landslides across the United States, providing a comprehensive map highlighting danger hotspots nationwide.
While the steepest terrains are primarily located in the western US, population density indicates that over half of those living in landslide hazard zones are situated on the East Coast.
Regions such as the Rocky Mountains, Alaska, and Hawaii—home to smaller communities—comprise a mere 4% of the population in landslide hazard zones. In contrast, states like Nebraska, Minnesota, and Illinois, despite flatter terrain, account for around 700,000 residents living in landslide-prone areas.
To assess the number of people in landslide danger zones accurately, researchers utilized data from the United States Geological Survey alongside building spatial footprints and nighttime occupancy estimates.
However, the study did not factor in daytime visitors or tourists, nor did it evaluate landslide frequency, which is typically higher in western regions.
Unlike wildfires and other large-scale natural disasters that impact vast regions, landslides typically affect only localized areas, often leaving adjacent regions unharmed.
“The susceptibility at one location can differ vastly from that of a neighboring location just 10, 20, or 30 meters away,” explained Prof Joseph Wartman, a civil engineer at the University of Washington and co-author of the study.
Rural communities bear the brunt of this threat, accounting for 62% of individuals residing in landslide hotspots. Unfortunately, these areas often have limited resources to recover from natural disasters, as highlighted by the researchers.
Compared to urban settings, rural regions generally have fewer available resources and a larger proportion of low-income residents. “Our findings reveal that this urban-rural divide is prevalent across the entire United States,” Wartman noted.
The authors of the study aspire for their research to inspire similar studies internationally, raising awareness about landslide risks.
“This provides a framework that can be replicated in other nations and regions around the world,” added Daniel Acosta-Reyes, a civil engineer at the University of Washington and the study’s lead author.
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Source: www.sciencefocus.com
