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GeoHazards, Volume 7, Issue 3 (August 2026) – 23 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Characterising the near-surface structural properties of volcanic terrains is crucial for understanding lava emplacement and assessing seismic hazards. A key metric is the shallow shear-wave velocity structure (Vs30), which governs ground-motion amplification. Although Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) is widely used to assess stiffness, its non-unique inversions often smear velocity profiles and obscure sharp stratigraphic boundaries. To address these limitations, this study presents an integrated, multi-scale geophysical framework applied at two distinct Icelandic sites. By pairing structural imaging (P-wave CMP reflection, 3D GPR) with shear-wave velocity profiling (MASW, HVSR), the approach helps constrain the geometries of complex volcanic strata and faults. View this paper
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12 pages, 3464 KB  
Article
Low-Cost Ambient-Vibration Monitoring of an Unstable Coastal Rock Block: Identification of the Fundamental Resonance of Kounopetra (Kefalonia, Greece) with a Force-Balance IoT Node
by Ioannis Vlachos, Dionysios T. G. Katerelos, Markos Avlonitis, Nikos Aravantinos-Zafiris and Ioannis Karydis
GeoHazards 2026, 7(3), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards7030101 - 19 Aug 2026
Viewed by 317
Abstract
Unstable rock blocks and cliffs pose a widespread geohazard, and their mechanical state can be tracked through their ambient-vibration resonance frequencies, whose decrease anticipates progressive failure. Such monitoring is usually performed with expensive broadband instrumentation, limiting spatial and temporal coverage. Here we assess [...] Read more.
Unstable rock blocks and cliffs pose a widespread geohazard, and their mechanical state can be tracked through their ambient-vibration resonance frequencies, whose decrease anticipates progressive failure. Such monitoring is usually performed with expensive broadband instrumentation, limiting spatial and temporal coverage. Here we assess whether a low-cost, IoT-enabled node—built around a Raspberry Pi single-board computer, a 24-bit sigma-delta digitiser and a force- balance accelerometer (Geobit FBA-200)—can identify the resonance of an unstable coastal rock block at the celebrated “moving rock” of Kounopetra (Paliki peninsula, Kefalonia, Greece), a site historically renowned for visually perceptible rocking boulders. We stress that the low-amplitude 7.7 Hz structural eigenvibration characterised here is a distinct phenomenon from the historically documented ∼0.3 Hz macroscopic, quasi-rigid rocking of the boulder: the former is the ambient–vibration resonance of the fractured rock mass, the latter a large-amplitude rigid-body oscillation. Two identical nodes recorded ground acceleration simultaneously for nine hours: one on the fractured Kounopetra rock mass and one on stable ground 25 m away, used as a reference. The rock station exhibits a clear, temporally stable fundamental resonance at f0 = 7.7 Hz (Q ≈ 50, damping ζ ≈ 1%), amplified by up to an order of magnitude relative to the reference and entirely absent from it, whereas a narrow 20.5 Hz line present on both nodes is identified as instrument-related and discarded. A simultaneous two-station analysis further shows that the ambient sources are extremely local (only 0.4% of transient activity is common to the two nodes 25 m apart), quantifying a design constraint for differential schemes. The results demonstrate that a low-cost force-balance node is sufficient to establish a resonance baseline for an unstable rock block, opening the way to dense, affordable early-warning networks; the main limitations are the single vertical component and the short record, which preclude polarisation analysis and long-term tracking of f0. Full article
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12 pages, 14544 KB  
Brief Report
Multi-Temporal UAV Observations of Post-Seismic Surface Collapse Evolution Following the 2026 M5.2 Liuzhou Double Earthquake in a Karst Terrain, Guangxi Province, China
by Zeyu Liang and Aixia Dou
GeoHazards 2026, 7(3), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards7030100 - 17 Aug 2026
Viewed by 335
Abstract
On 18 May 2026, a M5.2 double earthquake struck the Taiyangzhen area of Liunan District, Liuzhou City, Guangxi, China, triggering shallow surface collapses in this karst terrain. We conducted three UAV orthophoto surveys of the meizoseismal area on 20 May, 23 May, and [...] Read more.
On 18 May 2026, a M5.2 double earthquake struck the Taiyangzhen area of Liunan District, Liuzhou City, Guangxi, China, triggering shallow surface collapses in this karst terrain. We conducted three UAV orthophoto surveys of the meizoseismal area on 20 May, 23 May, and 24 May, and interpreted 17 collapse monitoring units from the imagery. The total collapse area increased from 75.3 m2 on 20 May to 499.1 m2 on 23 May, and further to 553.9 m2 on 24 May. On 20 May, only 7 of 17 units exhibited collapses; by 23 May, all 17 units were affected. Among them, 7 pre-existing collapse patches expanded, and 10 new collapses emerged between 20 and 23 May. Depth measurements revealed measurable depths of 0.18–7.60 m for 7 collapses, and all 6 units with bi-temporal depth data showed continued deepening from 23 to 24 May. Ponding water was observed in up to 10 units, consistent with the 98.7 mm of rainfall recorded during 18–24 May. Multi-temporal UAV surveys reveal that post-seismic surface collapse development in karst terrain extends well beyond the mainshock, with both rapid expansion of pre-existing failures and delayed emergence of new collapses driven by the coupled effects of seismic weakening and hydrologic forcing. Full article
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17 pages, 2354 KB  
Article
Regional Sensitivity Analysis of Slope Stability in Weathered Marly Soils: Parameter Ranking and Threshold Robustness at Moulay Yacoub, Morocco
by Asmae El Karma, Benaissa Kissi and Hamza Khatib
GeoHazards 2026, 7(3), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards7030099 - 16 Aug 2026
Viewed by 270
Abstract
Weathered marl hillslopes fail repeatedly across peri-urban Morocco, yet engineers investigating them rarely know which soil or geometric property most deserves their limited testing budget. This study answers that question for the landslide-prone slopes of Moulay Yacoub, in the northern pre-Rifian domain, by [...] Read more.
Weathered marl hillslopes fail repeatedly across peri-urban Morocco, yet engineers investigating them rarely know which soil or geometric property most deserves their limited testing budget. This study answers that question for the landslide-prone slopes of Moulay Yacoub, in the northern pre-Rifian domain, by ranking the sensitivity of the factor of safety (FoS) to cohesion (c), friction angle (φ), unit weight (γ), slope height (H) and slope angle (β) under dry, deep-water-table conditions. Latin hypercube sampling generated 400 configurations over ranges drawn from site data; the FoS of each was computed by Bishop’s simplified method in Talren, and regional sensitivity analysis—the two-sample Kolmogorov–Smirnov statistic with a relative sensitivity index—ranked the five inputs. Cohesion governs the response by a wide margin (D = 0.470; 38.2% of total sensitivity at FoS = 1.2), ahead of slope height and friction angle (D ≈ 0.26); slope angle is marginal, and unit weight is not discriminating. Repeating the analysis at four thresholds (1.1–1.4) shows that the primacy of cohesion is threshold-independent, and that the apparent significance of slope angle at stricter thresholds is a statistical power effect, not a mechanical one. Site investigation in comparable marl settings should prioritise cohesion characterisation. Full article
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34 pages, 43370 KB  
Article
Scenario-Based Seismic Risk Assessment of Six Armenian Cities: Integration of Hazard, Exposure, and Vulnerability Models
by Mikayel Gevorgyan, Gohar Hovhannisyan, Arkadi Karakhanyan, Hektor Babayan, Suren Arakelyan, Gevorg Babayan, Elya Sahakyan and Lilit Sargsyan
GeoHazards 2026, 7(3), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards7030098 - 14 Aug 2026
Viewed by 1194
Abstract
Armenia is located within the Arabia–Eurasia collision zone and is exposed to a significant seismic hazard associated with active fault systems capable of generating destructive earthquakes. The 1988 Spitak earthquake highlighted the vulnerability of Armenian urban areas and the need for reliable seismic [...] Read more.
Armenia is located within the Arabia–Eurasia collision zone and is exposed to a significant seismic hazard associated with active fault systems capable of generating destructive earthquakes. The 1988 Spitak earthquake highlighted the vulnerability of Armenian urban areas and the need for reliable seismic risk assessment methods. This study presents the first harmonized scenario-based seismic risk assessment framework for six major Armenian cities by integrating seismotectonic source characterization, deterministic ground-motion modeling, locally derived Vs30-based site characterization, GIS-based exposure modeling, and vulnerability assessment within the ELER (Earthquake Loss Estimation Routine) platform. Vulnerability functions were adapted to Armenian building typologies and calibrated using observed damage from the 1988 Spitak earthquake. Deterministic earthquake scenarios (Mw 6.5–7.3) were developed based on the seismic potential of the country’s principal active fault systems. The results reveal substantial spatial variability in seismic risk controlled by differences in ground-motion intensity, local site conditions, building vulnerability, and population exposure. Masonry-dominated urban areas exhibit the highest relative structural losses, whereas Yerevan experiences the greatest absolute losses because of its large population and concentrated building stock. Severe damage and collapse (D4–D5) may affect more than 20–25% of buildings in the most vulnerable cities. Validation against observed 1988 earthquake damage demonstrates the applicability of the proposed framework for seismic risk reduction, emergency preparedness, and long-term urban resilience planning in Armenia. Full article
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25 pages, 9542 KB  
Article
Evolution of Glacial Lakes and GLOF Hazards to Transportation Routes in the Southeastern Tibetan Engineering Corridor
by Jin Li, Shu Zhu, Yanbing Wang, Xuwen Tian, Xin Yao and Zhenkai Zhou
GeoHazards 2026, 7(3), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards7030097 - 12 Aug 2026
Viewed by 448
Abstract
The southeastern Tibetan engineering corridor hosts the densest transportation network in Tibet, China, and is traversed by large-scale railway and power corridor projects under construction. This region is home to numerous glacial lakes, some of which are prone to glacial lake outburst floods [...] Read more.
The southeastern Tibetan engineering corridor hosts the densest transportation network in Tibet, China, and is traversed by large-scale railway and power corridor projects under construction. This region is home to numerous glacial lakes, some of which are prone to glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), posing potential threats to the infrastructure. However, the spatiotemporal evolution and GLOF susceptibility of these lakes remain unclear. Using Landsat 5–9 and Sentinel-2 satellite imagery, we analyzed the spatiotemporal characteristics of glacial lakes from 1990 to 2020. Based on historical GLOF events, we established a susceptibility assessment criterion and determined the susceptibility levels of all glacial lakes in the study area. Results show that the number and area of glacial lakes increased by 40.4% and 26.2%, respectively, from 1990 to 2020, with expansion rates of 2.47 lakes/year and 0.26 km2/year. We identified 31 very highly and 48 highly susceptible lakes, mainly distributed along the Gongrigabu River and the Parlung Tsangpo River. Among them, 35 lakes are most likely to impact National Highways G219 and G318 within the study area. Additionally, three channels with glacial lake clustering amplification effects were found, which may lead to the superposition and amplification of flood impacts, significantly increasing GLOF risks and hazards. Our findings provide crucial references for ensuring the safe operation of local transportation networks and reducing GLOF risks in ongoing large-scale construction projects. Full article
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18 pages, 8556 KB  
Article
Locally Assembled, Cost-Effective Creepmeters for Monitoring Aseismic Creep Displacement Along the West Valley Fault (Philippines)
by Rolly E. Rimando, Deo Carlo E. Llamas and Bryan J. Marfito
GeoHazards 2026, 7(3), 96; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards7030096 - 6 Aug 2026
Viewed by 826
Abstract
Arduino-based creepmeters utilizing a Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT) and ultrasonic sensors were fabricated to monitor displacement changes along the creeping segment of the West Valley Fault (WVF) in southeastern Metro Manila, Philippines. Along with a custom-assembled, Arduino-based rain gauge, these instruments were [...] Read more.
Arduino-based creepmeters utilizing a Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT) and ultrasonic sensors were fabricated to monitor displacement changes along the creeping segment of the West Valley Fault (WVF) in southeastern Metro Manila, Philippines. Along with a custom-assembled, Arduino-based rain gauge, these instruments were initially intended to prevent data gaps during the COVID-19 pandemic when commercial data recorders experienced operational downtime. However, they have since proven to be cost-effective alternatives for determining short-term slip rates and monitoring displacement variations driven by episodic and seasonal precipitation changes. The LVDT creepmeter provides higher accuracy for displacement and slip rate determination. Conversely, the ultrasonic creepmeter is better suited for tracking abrupt displacement changes and, to some extent, longer-term displacement trends as it is more sensitive to environmental conditions. Deploying low-cost monitoring instruments in active fault regions bridges critical data gaps and improves the understanding of creep triggers and mechanisms. Although vertical creep occurs along pre-existing tectonic features of the WVF creeping segment, our creepmeter monitoring reveals sustained, accelerated creep within its southern portion. This localized movement is driven primarily by nontectonic forces—chiefly groundwater extraction, with episodic and seasonal precipitation influences. Consequently, this implies a continued ground rupture hazard and the potential for induced seismicity. Full article
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26 pages, 3655 KB  
Article
GIS-Based Flood Susceptibility Assessment Using the Analytical Hierarchy Process: A Case Study of the Sebeya Catchment, Rwanda
by Assiel Mugabe, Telesphore Kabera, Felicien Majoro, Leopold Mbereyaho and Ma-Lyse Nema
GeoHazards 2026, 7(3), 95; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards7030095 - 4 Aug 2026
Viewed by 660
Abstract
Flood susceptibility mapping is crucial for understanding flood-prone areas and mitigating the associated risks in vulnerable regions like the Sebeya Catchment. This study adopted a GIS-based Analytical Hierarchy Process (GIS-AHP) integrated with local community knowledge to evaluate flood susceptibility using 10 conditioning factors: [...] Read more.
Flood susceptibility mapping is crucial for understanding flood-prone areas and mitigating the associated risks in vulnerable regions like the Sebeya Catchment. This study adopted a GIS-based Analytical Hierarchy Process (GIS-AHP) integrated with local community knowledge to evaluate flood susceptibility using 10 conditioning factors: Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), Elevation, Rainfall, Slope, Land use/Land cover (LULC), Soil types, Normalized Difference Vegetative Index (NDVI), Distance to roads, Distance to rivers, and drainage density. These factors were selected based on their established influence on flood susceptibility as identified through literature review, expert consultation, and local community experience in the flood-affected zones. Spatial datasets were gathered from remote sensing platforms, Digital Elevation Models, Meteorological records, and existing geospatial databases, and were processed within a GIS environment. The pairwise comparison matrix of the AHP was used to derive weighting coefficients representing the relative contribution of each factor in inducing flood, with Rainfall (0.23), Slope (0.15), Distance to river (0.12), drainage density (0.12), and Elevation (0.11) as the most influential criteria. The findings revealed that 88.4% of the study area falls within a moderate flood-susceptible zone, whereas 6.4% and 5.2% fall within high and low susceptible zones, respectively. The current study indicates that damage to infrastructure, loss of livelihoods, displacement of communities, and increased costs of disaster response are key consequences observed in affected regions. A confusion matrix approach was employed to validate the flood susceptibility map, and the results indicate 0.97 as an overall accuracy, confirming strong model performance and reliability. The proposed adaptive strategies for enhancing flood resilience include improvement in land use planning, use of early warning systems, and sustainable catchment management. Full article
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23 pages, 35440 KB  
Article
When Land Use/Land Cover Misleads: Limitations in Data-Driven Flood and Landslide Susceptibility Assessment
by Sara Guerra Fardin, José Luís Zêzere, Tatiana Sussel Gonçalves Mendes and Silvio Jorge Coelho Simões
GeoHazards 2026, 7(3), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards7030094 - 4 Aug 2026
Viewed by 615
Abstract
Data-driven models are increasingly used for flood and landslide susceptibility mapping in rapidly urbanizing regions, particularly in the Global South. In this context, land use and land cover (LULC) is routinely adopted as a conditioning factor, although its geomorphological meaning and temporal consistency [...] Read more.
Data-driven models are increasingly used for flood and landslide susceptibility mapping in rapidly urbanizing regions, particularly in the Global South. In this context, land use and land cover (LULC) is routinely adopted as a conditioning factor, although its geomorphological meaning and temporal consistency with hazard inventories are seldom evaluated. Information Value (IV) models have been widely applied to landslide susceptibility, but their use for flood susceptibility in complex coastal cities remains limited. This study evaluates IV-based flood and landslide susceptibility in Vitória, Brazil, a predominantly insular city characterized by sharp geomorphological contrasts and high population density. Two LULC datasets with different levels of urban detail were tested as conditioning factors alongside topographic and hydrological variables. Eighteen models were constructed for each hazard and validated using Area Under the Curve (AUC) metrics and expert judgement. Morphological attributes were the most important predictors: slope alone achieved an AUC of 0.90 for landslides, whereas elevation reached 0.71 for floods. The inclusion of LULC increased AUC values to 0.94–0.95 for landslides and 0.85–0.89 for floods, but also introduced spatial and temporal biases associated with stationary and coarsely classified land cover. Our findings highlight the limitations of incorporating LULC as a conditioning factor without temporal harmonization with hazard inventories or adequate urban class disaggregation. We argue that, in complex urban settings, LULC is more appropriately interpreted as a proxy for exposure and vulnerability than as a dominant predisposing factor, and that its use in predictive models should be critically assessed to avoid misleading conclusions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-Hazard Risk Assessment: Frameworks, Tools, and Case Studies)
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22 pages, 7505 KB  
Article
Segment-Based Landslide Susceptibility Along Mountainous Road Corridors: Validating Random Forest Model with SLAM LiDAR in Northeastern Iraq
by Rekan Shafiq Mohammed Ali, Qahtan Ahmed Mohammed Alnuaimy and Arsalan Ahmed Othman
GeoHazards 2026, 7(3), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards7030093 - 3 Aug 2026
Viewed by 396
Abstract
Mountainous road corridor landslides pose major dangers to infrastructure and transportation networks in areas with rugged terrain, fractured limestone lithology, and road-induced instability. This research presents a segment-based Random Forest (RF) model to evaluate landslide susceptibility along a mountainous road corridor spanning about [...] Read more.
Mountainous road corridor landslides pose major dangers to infrastructure and transportation networks in areas with rugged terrain, fractured limestone lithology, and road-induced instability. This research presents a segment-based Random Forest (RF) model to evaluate landslide susceptibility along a mountainous road corridor spanning about 20 km in northeastern Iraq. Ten conditioning factors for landslide susceptibility were determined using Google Earth Engine (GEE) and GIS analysis. The model, validated using a 70/30 train/test split, achieved a mean cross-validation AUC of 0.783 ± 0.072 and an independent test AUC of 0.725 (accuracy = 0.735; Cohen’s Kappa = 0.401; recall = 0.750). To carry out independent multi-scale validation, the RF susceptibility maps were compared with a high-resolution SLAM LiDAR–AHP susceptibility approach within an overlapping ~2 km subsection, providing cross-scale validation of corridor-scale RF susceptibility predictions using a high-resolution susceptibility mapping framework. Comparison of the two approaches showed high spatial agreement, with 88.9% of the 18 overlapping segments exhibiting exact or one-class agreement between the two approaches. Full article
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18 pages, 41933 KB  
Article
Evolution and Analysis of Landslides in Lowland Areas: The Case Study of Reuil in the Champagne Vineyard Region (Marne, France)
by Auguste Benoit, Nicolas Bollot, Théo Krauffel, Julien Berthe, Delphine Combaz, Alain Devos and Olivier Lejeune
GeoHazards 2026, 7(3), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards7030092 - 3 Aug 2026
Viewed by 356
Abstract
The slopes of the Champagne vineyards are regularly affected by landslides. Given the high societal and economic stakes, these processes cause significant damage and pose a major challenge for the wine industry, forestry and heritage preservation. Numerous studies have already been conducted to [...] Read more.
The slopes of the Champagne vineyards are regularly affected by landslides. Given the high societal and economic stakes, these processes cause significant damage and pose a major challenge for the wine industry, forestry and heritage preservation. Numerous studies have already been conducted to understand their behavior and hydrodynamic functioning. They show varied morphologies and a dominant influence of water resources. However, this forcing does not explain the spatial distribution of current landslides, which occur in upper-slope positions, on the steepest terrain recently planted with vines. Using the two shallow landslides at Reuil, located in the heart of the Marne Valley in the Champagne vineyards, as a study site, recent landslide activity is analyzed through a comparative analysis of three DTMs derived from LiDAR HD data and two UAV photogrammetric surveys. This study reveals the affected areas and displaced volumes, which can reach up to 900 m3. Landslide activity was then correlated with regional climatic data. This research shows that landslides are more likely to occur during a period of excessive rainfall following a drier period. Diachronic analysis of aerial images also demonstrates the influence of land use on landslide activity. In particular, land clearing and vineyard operations on the steepest plots constitute a significant anthropogenic forcing affecting slope stability. Taken together, these results provide greater insight into the changing geomorphological dynamics of the Champagne vineyards. On the one hand, they clarify how landslides occur at vineyard plot scale. On the other hand, they provide initial insights into the resilience of stakeholders (winegrowers, etc.) affected by these instabilities. Full article
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13 pages, 2469 KB  
Communication
Analysis of the Influence of Weak Stratum State on the Stability of Dip Slope and Anti-Dip Sides of Rock Foundation Pits
by Changchun Li, Jin Xu, Bei Zhang, Xiaogang Wu and Yansen Wang
GeoHazards 2026, 7(3), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards7030091 - 25 Jul 2026
Viewed by 442
Abstract
Based on urban subway foundation pit projects in typical limestone areas, this paper employs 3DEC numerical simulation to investigate the effects of the thickness and burial depth of weak interlayers on the deformation characteristics and stability of the dip slope and anti-dip sides [...] Read more.
Based on urban subway foundation pit projects in typical limestone areas, this paper employs 3DEC numerical simulation to investigate the effects of the thickness and burial depth of weak interlayers on the deformation characteristics and stability of the dip slope and anti-dip sides of rock foundation pits. The results reveal asymmetric deformation responses between the two slope types. The anti-dip side undergoes bending and toppling deformation; the displacement within the weak interlayer is greater than that of the overlying rock mass, and the spatial position of the weak interlayer governs the maximum deformation of the anti-dip side. In comparison, the thickness and burial depth of the weak interlayer exert a significant influence on the horizontal displacement of the dip slope side. Two quantitative critical thresholds are identified: (1) an interlayer thickness threshold—when t ≥ 4 m, the extrusion displacement of the weak interlayer is distinctly larger than that of the adjacent hard rock, while t ≤ 3 m shows no obvious displacement difference due to the clamping effect of surrounding rock—and (2) a burial depth threshold—slope displacement rises sharply when interlayer burial depth reaches 22.66~26.15 m, while shallow-buried interlayers (12.20~19.18 m) only cause limited deformation. Additionally, the existence of weak interlayers leads to substantially larger displacement in the upper hard rock stratum relative to the lower stratum. These findings provide a reliable reference for the supporting optimization and stability design of rock foundation pits. Full article
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21 pages, 1255 KB  
Article
Spatial Leakage in Classifying NASA FIRMS Thermal Anomalies as Wildfire Incidents: A Leakage-Controlled Evaluation of Radiometric, Temporal, and Spatiotemporal Features
by Armin Soltan and Alberto González-Martínez
GeoHazards 2026, 7(3), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards7030090 - 22 Jul 2026
Viewed by 1057
Abstract
NASA’s Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) provides near-real-time thermal anomaly detections from VIIRS, but not all detections correspond to wildfire incidents: industrial heat, agricultural burning, and sensor artifacts produce false alarms that contribute to alert fatigue for emergency-management analysts. We study [...] Read more.
NASA’s Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) provides near-real-time thermal anomaly detections from VIIRS, but not all detections correspond to wildfire incidents: industrial heat, agricultural burning, and sensor artifacts produce false alarms that contribute to alert fatigue for emergency-management analysts. We study whether contextual machine learning (ML) features improve wildfire-incident classification from FIRMS detections, and—more importantly—whether reported gains survive leakage-controlled evaluation. We construct a labeled dataset by matching 521,395 VIIRS SNPP detections across CONUS in 2024 to 3766 NIFC 2024 wildfire perimeters, yielding 131,771 (25.3%) wildfire-matched and 389,624 candidate non-wildfire detections spanning 1067 distinct wildfire incidents. We benchmark five operational baselines and six classifiers under four validation regimes (random, event-aware, 5° spatial-block, and temporal holdout) with and without raw geographic coordinates. A naive random split inflates LightGBM to F1 = 0.985, but a leakage-controlled event-aware split reduces it to F1 = 0.767, and a spatial-block holdout to F1 = 0.627. Feature attribution shows geographic coordinates account for 88.9% of model gain—the summed share of LightGBM’s total split-gain attributed to the three coordinate features within the full-feature model; removing coordinates improves spatial-block generalization from F1 = 0.627 to 0.818, demonstrating that raw coordinates drive memorization of where 2024 fires occurred rather than transferable discrimination. We further show that spatiotemporal clustering must be causal: a model using full-partition clustering appears strong (F1 = 0.908) but leaks future detections, whereas a properly causal trailing-window version ties plain LightGBM in-distribution (F1 = 0.762). Combining causal clustering with no raw coordinates is the most robust configuration under spatial transfer (spatial-block F1 = 0.868 vs. 0.627 for the coordinate model). Bootstrap 95% confidence intervals show these gaps far exceed statistical uncertainty, and sensitivity analyses show the conclusions are robust to the spatial-block size and to the clustering-window choice. Under natural class prevalence (14%), precision falls to 0.69, and results are sensitive to the labeling buffer. All ML models nonetheless far exceed FIRMS high-confidence thresholding (F1 = 0.128). We argue that spatial leakage—not raw accuracy—is the central methodological issue for FIRMS wildfire-incident classification, and recommend coordinate-free, causal spatiotemporal-clustering features evaluated under spatial holdout. The system is intended as an analyst-prioritization decision-support layer, not autonomous incident confirmation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Machine Learning and AI in Geohazard Detection and Prediction)
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27 pages, 28297 KB  
Article
Deformation Laws of Coal Mining-Affected Slopes in Loess Gully Area
by Zhanrong Zhu, Shiyue Fang, Husheng Cao, Qihao Zou, Kehua Li and Chi Li
GeoHazards 2026, 7(3), 89; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards7030089 - 20 Jul 2026
Viewed by 338
Abstract
The loess gully region is characterized by complex terrain with crisscrossing gullies, where coal mining can readily induce surface subsidence and slope deformation. Such deformation often leads to geological hazards and ecological issues, including collapses, landslides, soil erosion, vegetation dry up, and land [...] Read more.
The loess gully region is characterized by complex terrain with crisscrossing gullies, where coal mining can readily induce surface subsidence and slope deformation. Such deformation often leads to geological hazards and ecological issues, including collapses, landslides, soil erosion, vegetation dry up, and land degradation. Therefore, understanding the deformation behavior of mining-induced slopes is essential for the restoration and management of mine geological environments. This study focuses on five slopes within working faces 50205 and 50206 of the Zhen’er Coal Mine in Fugu County. Using a combination of 3DEC numerical simulations and orthophoto-based fracture identification, we systematically investigated mining-induced slope deformation under the complex topographic conditions of the loess gully region. The goal is to answer three key questions: where mining-induced slope deformation primarily occurs, how it evolves over time, and what the main controlling factors are. Spatially, the primary deformation zones and their propagation paths vary significantly among the five slopes. The largest deformation occurs in the slope body directly above the main section of the working face, gradually decreasing toward the edges of the working face. Temporally, mining-induced slope deformation exhibits a time lag, meaning that surface responses lag behind underground mining activities and continue to develop even after the working face is fully extracted. In the loess gully region, slope deformation induced by mining is controlled not only by mining activities but also by topographic factors such as slope shape, aspect, gradient, and height. The spatiotemporal evolution of deformation becomes even more complex for slopes that span multiple working faces. These findings provide a scientific basis for monitoring mining-induced slope deformation and preventing geological disasters in the loess gully region, while also offering practical guidance for safe mining operations and hazard control in similar settings. Full article
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27 pages, 12349 KB  
Article
Comparative Landslide Susceptibility Mapping in Longchuan, Guangdong Province, China, Using Explainable Machine Learning
by Xi Wang, Rongjiang Cai and Shufang Zhao
GeoHazards 2026, 7(3), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards7030088 - 19 Jul 2026
Viewed by 532
Abstract
Landslide susceptibility assessment is essential for disaster-risk reduction, land-use regulation, and territorial spatial planning in mountainous and hilly regions. However, the practical application of machine learning-based susceptibility models is often limited by the trade-off between predictive accuracy and model interpretability, as well as [...] Read more.
Landslide susceptibility assessment is essential for disaster-risk reduction, land-use regulation, and territorial spatial planning in mountainous and hilly regions. However, the practical application of machine learning-based susceptibility models is often limited by the trade-off between predictive accuracy and model interpretability, as well as the instability of factor importance across different algorithms and study areas. Taking Longchuan County in northeastern Guangdong Province, China, as a case study, this research develops a comparative explainable machine learning framework to evaluate landslide susceptibility and examine the cross-model stability of SHAP-based factor attribution under local geo-environmental conditions. Fifteen conditioning factors were initially derived from multi-source geological, topographic, hydrological, environmental, and anthropogenic datasets. After multicollinearity screening using Pearson correlation analysis, twelve key factors were retained for model construction. A total of 363 historical landslide points and an equal number of non-landslide samples were divided into training and testing datasets using a stratified 70:30 sampling strategy. Eight machine learning models were optimized through grid-search parameter tuning and then comparatively evaluated. The results show that all models achieved strong predictive performance, with test-set AUC values exceeding 0.938. Among them, the Gradient Boosting Decision Tree model performed best, with an AUC of 0.9520 and the most stable control of overfitting, followed closely by CatBoost with an AUC of 0.9512. SHAP-based interpretation further revealed that the normalized difference water index, relief, and distance to rivers were the dominant factors controlling landslide susceptibility in the study area, with the normalized difference water index serving as a key explanatory factor across models. The proposed framework improves the transparency and reliability of landslide susceptibility assessment and provides a methodological reference for localized, explainable machine learning applications in geohazard risk management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Machine Learning and AI in Geohazard Detection and Prediction)
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24 pages, 17608 KB  
Article
A Systematic Comparison of Statistical and Machine-Learning Models for Mapping Landslide Susceptibility: Evidence from the 2018 Rainfall-Induced Landslides in Hiroshima
by Kumari Kanchana Mallika Achchillage, Tsuyoshi Wakatsuki, Chiaki T. Oguchi and Masahiko Osada
GeoHazards 2026, 7(3), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards7030087 - 18 Jul 2026
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Abstract
Landslide susceptibility mapping (LSM) is an essential tool for hazard assessment and land-use planning in landslide-prone areas. This study compares three statistical models—Frequency Ratio (FR), Weight of Evidence (WoE), and Logistic Regression (LR)—with six machine-learning algorithms: Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), [...] Read more.
Landslide susceptibility mapping (LSM) is an essential tool for hazard assessment and land-use planning in landslide-prone areas. This study compares three statistical models—Frequency Ratio (FR), Weight of Evidence (WoE), and Logistic Regression (LR)—with six machine-learning algorithms: Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), k-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), and Decision Tree (DT), for regional landslide susceptibility assessment in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. A balanced dataset comprising 1936 landslide and 1936 non-landslide samples was developed from the 2018 rainfall-induced landslide inventory, utilizing seven conditioning factors: slope angle, profile curvature, aspect, elevation, lithology, soil water index, and 24 h cumulative rainfall. Model performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. Among the statistical models, WoE exhibited the highest performance, while SVM provided the most balanced results among the machine-learning models. Both modeling approaches consistently identified lithology and slope angle as the primary controls on landslide occurrence. Independent validation demonstrated comparable predictive performance for both models; however, spatial validation showed that WoE assigned 96.72% of observed landslides to the High and Very High susceptibility classes, compared to 72.54% for SVM. These findings underscore the importance of integrating conventional classification metrics with spatial validation to enhance the evaluation and interpretation of landslide susceptibility models for regional hazard assessment. Full article
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20 pages, 22251 KB  
Article
DEDICA: A Database and Analytical Framework for Technology and Knowledge Transfer to Strengthen Territorial Governance
by Olga Petrucci, Giovanna De Chiara, Angela Di Perna and Vera Corbelli
GeoHazards 2026, 7(3), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards7030086 - 13 Jul 2026
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Abstract
This study presents DEDICA (Database of Hydrogeological Instability Events in Calabria, southern Italy), developed by the District Basin Authority of the Southern Apennines (ABDAM) in collaboration with the CNR-IRPI. The database integrates digitized historical sources, chronicle-based records, and previously unpublished archival data that [...] Read more.
This study presents DEDICA (Database of Hydrogeological Instability Events in Calabria, southern Italy), developed by the District Basin Authority of the Southern Apennines (ABDAM) in collaboration with the CNR-IRPI. The database integrates digitized historical sources, chronicle-based records, and previously unpublished archival data that were systematically analyzed, validated, and georeferenced within a GIS environment. After two years of development, DEDICA includes 5329 landslides, 2097 flood events, and 1711 urban flooding occurrences spanning the period 1900–2025. The system supports continuous data updating, enabling both the integration of recent events and the refinement of historical records. The database provides a comprehensive tool for identifying areas prone to geo-hydrological hazards based on historical recurrence, supporting hazard assessment, land-use planning, and risk management strategies. The methodological framework, database structure, and data processing workflow are described in detail. Spatio-temporal analyses highlight the distribution of instability processes, identifying the most affected sectors and revealing seasonal patterns and long-term trends. DEDICA represents a pilot initiative within a broader program aimed at extending the inventory to all regions under ABDAM jurisdiction, ultimately contributing to the development of a unified geo-hydrological hazard database for southern Italy. Full article
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26 pages, 14663 KB  
Article
High-Resolution Subsurface Geophysical Characterisation of Icelandic Volcanic Layering
by John McBride, Kevin A. Rey, Stephen T. Nelson, Luke K. McBride, Jakobi D. Baumann and Jacob Ramsey
GeoHazards 2026, 7(3), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards7030085 - 9 Jul 2026
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Abstract
Integrating geophysical techniques at two contrasting locations—fractured young lavas in southwestern Iceland and older layered basalts in eastern Iceland—constrains the structure and shear-wave velocity of the volcanic subsurface. The results show that relying on a single geophysical method often yields non-unique solutions that [...] Read more.
Integrating geophysical techniques at two contrasting locations—fractured young lavas in southwestern Iceland and older layered basalts in eastern Iceland—constrains the structure and shear-wave velocity of the volcanic subsurface. The results show that relying on a single geophysical method often yields non-unique solutions that can obscure velocity profiles and overlook sharp structural contrasts. Findings from southwestern Iceland reveal that young, faulted ‘a‘ā flows have a complex architecture with shallow, eroded layers, resulting in a reduced Vs30. Conversely, older Miocene bedrock in eastern Iceland shows a well-layered, consolidated structure with a higher Vs30. We demonstrate that modelling Scholte waves from legacy marine seismic data can generate regional velocity models consistent with onshore measurements. Full article
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21 pages, 13834 KB  
Article
Quantifying the Role of Vertical Seismic Forces in Pseudo-Static Slope Stability: A Parametric Study with Practical Analytical Indicators
by A. S. M. Fahad Hossain, Saif Ahmed Santo and Miroslav Nastev
GeoHazards 2026, 7(3), 84; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards7030084 - 9 Jul 2026
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Abstract
Vertical seismic forces may exceed horizontal components under certain conditions; however, they are often neglected in engineering practice. The primary justification in pseudo-static slope stability analysis is that the simultaneous increase/decrease in resisting and driving forces due to vertical loading results in a [...] Read more.
Vertical seismic forces may exceed horizontal components under certain conditions; however, they are often neglected in engineering practice. The primary justification in pseudo-static slope stability analysis is that the simultaneous increase/decrease in resisting and driving forces due to vertical loading results in a negligible net change in the factor of safety (FS); peak horizontal and vertical accelerations rarely occur simultaneously; and standard horizontal coefficients are generally sufficiently conservative. The present study systematically quantifies the combined influence of horizontal and vertical seismic forces on slope stability. Three representative slope geometries with inclinations of 1:1.5, 1:2, and 1:3 were analyzed using the pseudo-static limit equilibrium method (PS-LEM); the framework was additionally validated using the pseudo-static finite element method (PS-FEM) against a documented landslide case history. Horizontal seismic coefficients (Kh) of 0.025, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.20 were evaluated in combination with PVA/PHA ratios of 0, 0.25, 0.50, and 1.0 under both upward and downward vertical loading. Three analytical parameters are introduced: (i) Factor of Safety Reduction Index (FSRI), (ii) Vertical Force Sensitivity Ratio (VSR), and (iii) Asymmetry Index (AI). The results show FS reductions up to 10.6% under critical downward loading and a consistently asymmetric response. A preliminary validation against the 2008 Sichuan Daguangbao landslide supports the predictive capability of the framework, although broader validation across additional case histories is required to establish general applicability. The findings support the explicit inclusion of vertical seismic forces in slope stability assessments, particularly in near-field regions with PVA/PHA ratios exceeding 0.5. Full article
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20 pages, 2195 KB  
Article
On the Seismic Response of Irregular Concrete Building with Shark Dampers Considering SSI Effects
by Maria Eleni Diamantidou, Panagiota S. Katsimpini, George A. Papagiannopoulos and George D. Hatzigeorgiou
GeoHazards 2026, 7(3), 83; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards7030083 - 6 Jul 2026
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Abstract
This study investigates the three-dimensional seismic response of plan-irregular reinforced concrete (RC) frame structures subjected to near-fault pulse-like ground motions. The primary scientific contribution lies in evaluating how perimeter-distributed, short-stroke displacement-activated hysteretic dampers interact with complex structural torsional modes under the coupled influence [...] Read more.
This study investigates the three-dimensional seismic response of plan-irregular reinforced concrete (RC) frame structures subjected to near-fault pulse-like ground motions. The primary scientific contribution lies in evaluating how perimeter-distributed, short-stroke displacement-activated hysteretic dampers interact with complex structural torsional modes under the coupled influence of soil–structure interaction (SSI). Through unscaled nonlinear time–history analyses, this research exposes a critical vulnerability: foundation flexibility elongates the structural period, moving the system into close resonance with near-fault pulse content and more than doubling peak inter-storey drift demands. Concurrently, we demonstrate that the supplemental hysteretic system provides immediate elastic stiffness that successfully counteracts this SSI-induced period elongation, restricting peak drift amplifications to under 0.21% while actively mitigating torsional twisting. These findings provide a quantitative framework for the dual management of foundation flexibility and torsional irregularity using short-stroke metallic yielding devices. Full article
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25 pages, 3905 KB  
Article
How Do Changes in Land Use and Land Cover Aggravate the Flooding Hazard?
by Dimitrios Malamataris, Philippos Ganoulis, Panagiota Galiatsatou, Iraklis Nikoletos, Haris Prapas and Dimitrios Galiatsatos
GeoHazards 2026, 7(3), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards7030082 - 5 Jul 2026
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Abstract
Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) change is widely acknowledged as a pivotal driver of environmental change, exerting an escalating influence on surface hydrological processes. The accelerating pace of LULC alterations in response to burgeoning human populations underscores the pressing need for a [...] Read more.
Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) change is widely acknowledged as a pivotal driver of environmental change, exerting an escalating influence on surface hydrological processes. The accelerating pace of LULC alterations in response to burgeoning human populations underscores the pressing need for a comprehensive evaluation of their ramifications on surface runoff dynamics. This study investigates the impacts of LULC changes on flood behavior in a Mediterranean watershed in Crete, Greece (Geropotamos watershed). LULC data spanning the years 1990, 2006, and 2018 were procured from the European CORINE Land Cover database at a refined spatial resolution. The HEC-HMS hydrological model is employed to simulate peak discharge and associated hydrograph characteristics under varying recurrence intervals. Subsequently, selected river segments within the studied catchments undergo hydrodynamic flood modelling using the HEC-RAS hydraulic model. Flood depth maps are generated to illustrate the evolution of inundated areas relative to LULC change. The overarching objective of this research is to furnish a comprehensive understanding of how spatiotemporal variations in land use and land cover in-fluence flood characteristics, thereby facilitating informed decision making for sustainable planning. Full article
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27 pages, 42832 KB  
Article
An Assessment of Evacuation Shelter Operations and Spatial Distribution Characteristics of Disaster Relief Volunteers Under Large-Scale Earthquake Scenarios
by Chia-Hao Chang, Kuo-Chen Ma and An-Chi Li
GeoHazards 2026, 7(3), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards7030081 - 2 Jul 2026
Viewed by 444
Abstract
In large-scale seismic scenarios, the operational continuity of evacuation shelters is frequently compromised by limited governmental capacity, necessitating the strategic integration of Disaster Relief Volunteers (DRVs). Traditional assessments often rely on coarse regional aggregates, overlooking the critical spatial mismatch between volunteer availability and [...] Read more.
In large-scale seismic scenarios, the operational continuity of evacuation shelters is frequently compromised by limited governmental capacity, necessitating the strategic integration of Disaster Relief Volunteers (DRVs). Traditional assessments often rely on coarse regional aggregates, overlooking the critical spatial mismatch between volunteer availability and localized demand. In this study, a high-resolution, spatially explicit framework was developed to evaluate urban operational resilience in New Taipei City. Utilizing the TERIA platform, a nocturnal magnitude 6.8 Shanjiao Fault rupture was simulated, identifying that approximately 460,000 individuals would be affected, with shelter demand reaching 300,000—double the current capacity. Service areas were delineated using ArcGIS Network Analyst (Dijkstra’s algorithm) based on an 800 m walking threshold, further refined by a secondary assignment rule to redistribute “shadow demand” from peripheral populations. Quantitative analysis of the newly introduced “DRV shortfall” metric reveals that 74% of shelters (148/200) face concurrent spatial and manpower saturation. Notably, 42 analysis units lack resident volunteers entirely, with the most severe shortfall magnitude reaching 361 DRVs at a single “high-risk convergence node”. These results uncover a profound deficiency in urban disaster resilience driven by significant spatial mismatch. This research contributes a three-fold advancement: (i) the high-resolution coupling of volunteer residential data with dynamic demand patterns; (ii) the formalization of the DRV shortfall as a standardized metric for resource adequacy; and (iii) the formulation of a strategic policy framework for multi-shelter activation sequencing, “Support Hub” designation, and resource synchronization in hyper-dense urban environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Seismological Research and Seismic Hazard & Risk Assessments)
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11 pages, 581 KB  
Review
Lake Sarez and the Usoi Dam in Tajikistan: Hazard Assessment, Stability and Risk Management Perspectives
by Zafarjon Sultonov and Hari K. Pant
GeoHazards 2026, 7(3), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards7030080 - 1 Jul 2026
Viewed by 975
Abstract
Lake Sarez in Tajikistan, formed by a major earthquake-induced landslide in 1911, is located in the highly seismically active Pamir–Hindu Kush region. The lake is impounded by the Usoi Dam, one of the largest natural landslide dams in the world, which has raised [...] Read more.
Lake Sarez in Tajikistan, formed by a major earthquake-induced landslide in 1911, is located in the highly seismically active Pamir–Hindu Kush region. The lake is impounded by the Usoi Dam, one of the largest natural landslide dams in the world, which has raised concerns regarding its long-term stability and associated downstream flood hazards. Due to its geomorphological setting and potential exposure to multiple triggering mechanisms, including seismic activity and landslides, Lake Sarez is widely considered a high-consequence hazard system. Although the dam has remained stable for over a century and is currently monitored using modern geodetic and satellite-based technologies, uncertainties remain regarding its internal structure and response to extreme external forcing. While existing early warning systems enhance preparedness in downstream communities, effective long-term risk reduction requires continued monitoring, improved hazard modeling, and strengthened regional cooperation. This review synthesizes existing studies on the geological setting, hazard potential, stability assessments, and disaster risk management strategies related to Lake Sarez. It highlights the importance of integrated multi-hazard analysis and precautionary risk governance in managing low-probability but high-impact natural dam failure scenarios. Full article
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22 pages, 14868 KB  
Article
A Borehole–Geophysical Data Fusion Method for Stratigraphic Modeling and Its Applications to Landslide Stability: A Case Study
by Jing Zhang, Yang Cheng, Liang Wang, Helong Liu, Jiajia Zhu, Zhengwei Li and Tianzheng Li
GeoHazards 2026, 7(3), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards7030079 - 1 Jul 2026
Viewed by 565
Abstract
Accurate characterization of subsurface stratigraphy is essential for reliable landslide stability assessment. However, stratigraphic models constructed solely from sparse borehole data are often constrained by incomplete spatial coverage and substantial interpretive uncertainty. To address this issue, this study developed an integrated probabilistic stratigraphic [...] Read more.
Accurate characterization of subsurface stratigraphy is essential for reliable landslide stability assessment. However, stratigraphic models constructed solely from sparse borehole data are often constrained by incomplete spatial coverage and substantial interpretive uncertainty. To address this issue, this study developed an integrated probabilistic stratigraphic modeling framework that combines borehole data with electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) data. In the proposed framework, borehole logs provide direct lithological labels and spatial prior information, while the inverted ERT resistivity profile is introduced as a continuous geophysical constraint. Specifically, logarithmic resistivity and the borehole-derived expected stratigraphic configuration were combined into a support vector machine classifier to establish a nonlinear mapping between geophysical responses and stratigraphic categories. A bootstrapping strategy was also used to quantify the stratigraphic uncertainty. The proposed method was then applied to the Panzhuangzu Landslide in Henan Province, China. Based on the probabilistic stratigraphic models, multiple plausible stratigraphic realizations were generated, and their corresponding stability responses are evaluated through numerical analysis. Monte Carlo simulations were further performed to examine how stratigraphic uncertainty propagates into landslide stability predictions. The results show that incorporating ERT data improves the geological plausibility of the inferred stratigraphy. Compared with the borehole-only case, the results obtained from the integrated framework exhibited reduced uncertainty in both the inferred stratigraphic model and the corresponding landslide stability assessment. These findings indicate that the proposed borehole–geophysical data fusion method can provide a more reliable geological basis for landslide stability analysis. Full article
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