GIS based statistical and physical approaches to landslide susceptibility mapping (Sebinkarahisar,Turkey)

The case study presents GIS-aided statistically and physically based landslide susceptibility mapping in the landslide-prone Avutmus district of Sebinkarahisar (Giresun, Turkey). Field investigations, analysis of geological data and laboratory tests suggested that two important factors have acted together to cause sliding: ground water pressures and toe erosion. Frequency ratio (FR) and stability index mapping (SINMAP) were used to create the landslide susceptibility maps based on a landslide inventory; distance from drainage systems, faults and roads; slope angle and aspect; topographic elevation and topographical wetness index; and vegetation cover. Validation of the models indicated high quality susceptibility maps with the more realistic results were obtained from the statistically based FR model.