Landslide susceptibility assessment using an integrated approach of the analytic network process and fuzzy logic, a case of Urmia Lake Basin

Abstract

The occurrence of landslides has always been a problem in spatial planning as an environmental threat. The aim of the present study was to zoning landslide sensitive areas in the Urmia Lake Basin and to investigate the correlation between the characteristics of the region and the amount of landslide. To achieve these purposes, the situation of landslide sensitive areas in the Lake Urmia Basin was investigated using a combination of Fuzzy and Analytical Network Process (ANP) methods. The criteria' weight is obtained using the ANP, fuzzy Membership command, linear function, the fuzzy weight of the sub-criteria, and their fuzzy membership degree (between 0 and 1) are calculated. The weighted raster layers were combined using the Gamma overlay function. As a result of this operation, a classified map has been obtained which shows that 16.6% of the area has a very high landslide susceptibility, and the highest area of the study area, i.e., 27.32%, has a relatively high landslide susceptibility. The results of the present study were compared with the data recorded using field observations at landslide sites. The results showed that out of 182 points collected, 148 points (equivalent to 81.31%) correspond to class 6 (very high landslide susceptibility) and class 7 (extremely probable). The results of this research can be used in crisis management, identifying the suitability of the region in terms of geomorphological features, identifying environmental and natural hazards.