A critical review on landslide susceptibility zonation: recent trends, techniques, and practices in Indian Himalaya

The Indian Himalayan region is highly susceptible to landslides because of its complex geology, rugged topography, steep slopes augmented by seismo-tectonic activities and heavy rainfalls, and often causes life losses with huge economic damages. Therefore, landslide susceptibility zonation (LSZ) mapping provides an effective solution for the end-users to estimate the vulnerability level and determine potential consequences. To date, different methodological frameworks have been implemented in terms of spatial modelling and predict future landslide locations for meeting these needs. Hence, it is necessary and meaningful to conduct a review of the current state of the studies addressed to LSZ mapping in the Indian Himalayan region. Based on this, the present paper reviews 144 research articles published in the last decade (2010-2020) to understand the recent trends, techniques and practices adopted by researches. Along with the review process, some critical points are emphasized with short- and long-term visions based on the issues discussed by various researchers; thereby, we try to ensure that this review work presents a more general deliberation of LSZ mapping which may also be relevant for global practitioners. At the same time this review also serves as a relevant database for scientist and researchers working in the field of landslide particularly in the Himalayan region.

Automated summary

The Indian Himalayan region is prone to landslides due to its complex geology, rugged topography, steep slopes, seismic activity, and heavy rainfall. Landslide susceptibility mapping is an effective solution for estimating vulnerability and determining potential consequences. This paper reviews 144 research articles published from 2010 to 2020 to understand the recent trends, techniques, and practices in landslide susceptibility zoning in the region. The review provides valuable insights for global practitioners and serves as a relevant database for scientists and researchers in the field of landslides, particularly in the Himalayan region.