Inventory and distribution feature of shallow landslides triggered by heavy rain event in Shaoguan, Guangdong Province in April 2024

This study addresses the extreme rainfall event in Shaoguan, Guangdong Province, in April 2024. Utilizing high-resolution remote sensing imagery before and after the rainfall, landslide boundary were delineated through visual interpretation and verified by field validation. A detailed landslide inventory of 6 310 shallow landslides was constructed. The spatial distribution, geometric characteristics, and controlling factors of these landslides were systematically analyzed. Key Results include: (1) Spatial Distribution: The landslides demonstrated significant spatial clustering, with high-density regions concentrated along a northeast-southwest axis. Most landslides were small-scale, ranging from 102 to 103m2. (2) Geometric Characteristics: The analysis revealed a strong correlation between landslide mobility, initiating elevation differences, and the aspect ratios. (3) Controlling Factors: Natural terrain factors such as elevation, slope gradient, aspect, and the topographic wetness index (TWI) significantly influenced landslide distribution and scale. Additionally, human activities and riverine dynamics also played critical roles in triggering these landslides. This study not only deepens the understanding of landslide mechanisms triggered by extreme rainfall, but also provides a scientific basis for regional landslide disaster prevention, mitigation, and early warning system development.