Assessing Landslide Susceptibility Using GIS: A Case Study of Xinluo District, Longyan, China

ABSTRACT Landslides represent the most prevalent type of geological hazard in Xinluo District, Longyan, posing significant impacts on local socio-economic development. Based on historical data of landslide events and the predisposing environmental conditions, this study selected three major assessment factors - topography, geological environment, and human activity-corresponding to eight causative factors: elevation, slope gradient, slope aspect, lithology, surface drainage, mean annual precipitation, distance to roads, and land use type. Using the information value model within a GIS platform, a landslide susceptibility assessment was conducted for Xinluo District. The results indicate that the landslide susceptibility in the area can be classified into four levels: very high, high, moderate, and low susceptibility zones, with areas of 306.37, 782.48, 927.15, and 519.82 km2, accounting for 12.08, 30.86, 36.56, and 20.50% of the total area, respectively. The high and moderate susceptibility zones are predominant, while the low susceptibility zone is relatively less extensive. The very high susceptibility zones are primarily distributed in certain townships. These findings can provide a scientific basis for landslide hazard prevention and mitigation strategies in Xinluo District.