Quantitative assessment of the role of natural and anthropogenic factors in landslide activation in Son La province, Vietnam

Background. Landslides represent an exogenous geological process (EGP) most intensively developed in mountainous areas, leading to human casualties and enormous property losses to the existing infrastructure of the area. Son La is a mountainous province in northwestern Vietnam that is frequently affected by landslides. The present research work observes the correlation between natural and anthropogenic factors, as well as the spatial distribution of landslide phenomena in Son La province; a set of preventive anti-landslide measures and solutions is proposed.

Aim. To assess the role of factors and conditions affecting the degree of landslide activity in the province of Son La and to propose measures preventing or minimizing the negative impact of land-slide processes on the environment.

Materials and methods. To achieve this objective, the authors employed the analysis and processing of field research data, as well as the modified frequency ratio (MFR) method in combination with GIS technologies. Thus, the frequency ratio value (weight) for each studied factor that determines the presence and degree of landslide activity was determined; remote sensing was used to identify the representativeness of the factors.

Results. The studies and assessment of the role of factors influencing landslides in Son La province show that their significance in descending order is as follows: land use; altitude above sea level; distance to roads; stratigraphic and genetic complexes and suites; distance to erosion network; slope steepness; slope exposure; distance to geological and tectonic faults; average annual precipitation. All listed factors are ranked by the prediction rate (PR). Among them, land use has the greatest effect on the degree of landslide activation in Son La province. In addition, a set of measures is proposed to prevent or minimize landslide processes in the studied area.

Conclusion. The results of the present study provide an important scientific and practical basis for assessing the stability of the geological environment in Son La province, helping local authorities to rationally use the territory and take into account the landslide situation in the general planning of the socio-economic development of the province.

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