Environment, Geography, Landslide, and Sustainability: An Overview of Geography–Landslide Interface

Abstract

This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the intricate relationships between environment, geography, landslides, and sustainability. Landslides, as complex geomorphological phenomena, play a crucial role in shaping landscapes and pose significant risks to human societies worldwide. We explore the geographical aspects of landslides, examining their spatial distribution using high-resolution DEMs and the geomorphological factors influencing their occurrence. The chapter probes into the environmental determinants of landslide susceptibility, including lithology, and hydrological processes. The impacts of climate change on landslide dynamics are critically assessed using the latest IPCC AR6 projections. The chapter examines cutting-edge approaches in landslide hazard assessment, including the integration of InSAR for ground deformation monitoring, LiDAR for high-resolution topographic mapping, and deep learning models such as convolutional neural networks for automated landslide detection. The chapter concludes by identifying emerging research directions, such as the application of UAV-based photogrammetry for rapid landslide inventory mapping and the integration of landslide risk assessment into sustainable development planning using multi-criteria decision analysis techniques. This holistic approach aims to bridge the gap between scientific understanding and practical implementation, fostering resilience and sustainability in landslide-prone regions.