Topic Editors

Health Science Department, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
Institute of Methodologies for Environmental Analysis, National Research Council of Italy, 85050 Tito Scalo, PZ, Italy
Institute of Methodologies for Environmental Analysis (IMAA) of the National Research Council (CNR), 85050 Tito, Italy
Dr. Ida Giulia Presta
Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science, National Research Council, Roma, Italy
Dr. Mayank Mishra
Department of Engineering, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy

Natural Hazards Monitoring, Risk Assessment, Modelling and Management in the Artificial Intelligence Era

Abstract submission deadline
31 March 2026
Manuscript submission deadline
30 June 2026
Viewed by
125

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Natural hazards such as floods, landslides, droughts, volcanic eruptions, forest fires, and earthquakes have always affected the Earth and human life, shaping the evolution of our planet and life. In recent years, climate change coupled with the growing and not homogeneously distributed anthropic pressure have increased the severity and frequencies of natural hazards (NHs). NHs thus require innovative ways of predicting and mitigating their occurrence in order to save vulnerable communities who are at risk. The management of natural hazard risks requires a holistic approach, integrating different methodologies and data to ensure a comprehensive overview of the entire phenomena in all its phases. Ground information, drones, satellites, and modelled data should be combined and integrated by using different approaches/technologies in attempt to enhance their main advantages of providing reliable and continuous information.

In this regard, Decision Support Systems (DSSs) can improve decision-making and provide support to identify areas of high risk. However, classic DSSs commonly rely on static models and pre-established rules that do not adapt to the complex and dynamic natural environments of today. Thus, it is paramount to monitor and assess NHs for risk management and better provide DSSs for risk mitigation and minimizing infrastructure losses arising from these NHs. DSSs in the age of AI can generate actionable insights and better understand the natural hazard risk-prone areas by applying machine learning or deep learning models to process large volumes of different kinds of data and recognize patterns. The field of natural hazards is considered to be one where AI can save human lives and losses by better predicting natural hazards, enabling timely preparedness and, when they happen, provide mitigation strategies to better manage them. In addition to managing natural hazards, several other applications of these AI techniques can be used, such as predicting structural vulnerability to seismic events, landslides, and flood risk management and monitoring. The use of innovative technologies, such as digital twins, AI, and DSSs, can support natural risk assessment at the spatial level but also within the urban environment. Consequently, it can support urban planning choices and governance as a result of scenario assessments and data-driven predictive models in order to make more sustainable choices.

The integration of AI with digital twin improves the analytical and operational capabilities of geospatial systems, which through the analysis of historical data and the integration of real-time information (IoT) are able to highlight even “hidden patterns” in the data, identifying new models capable of improving forecasts with greater control over the quantification of uncertainty and the variability of the phenomenon analysed.

This Topic aims to focus on natural hazard assessment, monitoring, and management to understand the risks of natural hazards, such as floods, landslides, droughts, and seismic events. This Topic invites the submission of articles focused on, but not limited to, the following areas:

  • Monitoring of natural hazards for risk assessment and communication.
  • Digital twins (DTs)/prototypes of DTs in natural hazard forecasting, early warning, monitoring, and supporting tools for urban governance.
  • DSSs to extract meaningful information in the artificial intelligence era, eventually serving to reduce risk and provide support tools to mitigate natural hazards.
  • The role of AI and digital twins to assess the economic impacts of natural hazards and the cost-effectiveness of various mitigation strategies.
  • Novel techniques to analyse big data coming from Earth observation platforms, drones, and other geospatial data in order to provide timely information related to the extend, exposure, and impacts of natural hazards.

Dr. Raffaele Albano
Dr. Teodosio Lacava
Dr. Antonietta Varasano
Dr. Ida Giulia Presta
Dr. Mayank Mishra
Dr. Meriam Lahsaini
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • natural hazards monitoring and mapping
  • disaster warnings with innovative tools
  • natural disasters
  • earth observation data
  • disaster risk management
  • decision support systems
  • climate-induced disasters
  • AI for disaster management

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
AI
ai
3.1 7.2 2020 18.9 Days CHF 1600 Submit
Hydrology
hydrology
3.1 4.9 2014 15.3 Days CHF 1800 Submit
ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information
ijgi
2.8 6.9 2012 35.8 Days CHF 1900 Submit
Remote Sensing
remotesensing
4.2 8.3 2009 23.9 Days CHF 2700 Submit
Smart Cities
smartcities
7.0 11.2 2018 28.4 Days CHF 2000 Submit

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