Spatial heterogeneity of landslide distribution and its drivers in the Yangtze River Basin: a remote sensing and GIS-based multi-factor analysis

Introduction The Yangtze River Basin (YRB) is a region of immense economic and ecological significance in China, whose complex topography and climatic variability render it particularly susceptible to landslide disasters. Methods In this study, landslide spatial density (LSD) is adopted as a quantitative indicator and multiple linear regression analysis alongside the geographic detector method are employed to evaluate the influence of natural and anthropogenic factors on LSD. A Composite Human Activity Intensity Index (CHAII) is developed from nighttime light intensity, population density, and distances to impermeable surfaces and cultivated land. Factors analyzed include CHAII, slope, topographic ruggedness, precipitation, and distances to river and fault lines. Results Results reveal that precipitation and distance to fault are the most significant drivers of LSD across the YRB, with precipitation exhibiting the highest explanatory power. CHAII, precipitation, and topographic ruggedness show strong positive correlations with LSD, whereas slope, distance to river, and distance to fault are negatively correlated. Notably, slopes of 20°–30° correspond to reduced LSD, suggesting a localized mitigating effect. Regionally, intense precipitation in the upper YRB substantially amplifies landslide risk even under low levels of human activity, whereas in the middle YRB natural and anthropogenic factors jointly influence LSD, reflecting a transitional zone. In the lower YRB, interactions between human activity and natural factors become more pronounced, increasing spatial heterogeneity of LSD. Discussion The findings provide important scientific insights for landslide risk management and contribute to the sustainable development of the YRB.