Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1219
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1219
13 May 2024
 | 13 May 2024

Invited Perspectives: Integrating hydrologic information into the next generation of landslide early warning systems

Benjamin B. Mirus, Thom A. Bogaard, Roberto Greco, and Manfred Stähli

Abstract. Although rainfall-triggered landslides are initiated by subsurface hydro-mechanical processes related to the loading, weakening, and eventual failure of slope materials, most landslide early warning systems (LEWS) have relied solely on rainfall event information. In previous decades, several studies demonstrated the value of integrating proxies for subsurface hydrologic information to improve rainfall-based forecasting of shallow landslides. More recently, broader access to commercial sensors and telemetry for real-time data transmission has invigorated new research into hydrometeorological thresholds for LEWS. Given the increasing number of studies across the globe using hydrologic monitoring, mathematical modeling, or both in combination, it is now possible to make some insights into the advantages versus limitations of this approach. The extensive progress demonstrates the value of in situ hydrologic information for reducing both failed and false alarms, through the ability to characterize infiltration during, as well as the drainage and drying processes between major storm events. There are also some areas for caution surrounding the long-term sustainability of subsurface monitoring in landslide-prone terrain, as well as unresolved questions in hillslope hydrologic modeling, which relies heavily on the assumptions of diffuse flow and vertical infiltration but often ignores preferential flow and lateral drainage. Here, we share a collective perspective based on our previous collaborative work across Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia to discuss these challenges and provide some guidelines for integrating knowledge of hydrology and climate into the next generation of LEWS. We propose that the greatest opportunity for improvement is through a measure-and-model approach to develop an understanding of landslide hydro-climatology that accounts for local controls on subsurface storage dynamics. Additionally, new efforts focused on the subsurface hydrology are complementary to existing rainfall-based methods, so leveraging these with near-term precipitation forecasts is also a priority for increasing lead times.

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Benjamin B. Mirus, Thom A. Bogaard, Roberto Greco, and Manfred Stähli

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-1219', Luigi Lombardo, 27 May 2024
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-1219', Wei-Li Liang, 09 Jun 2024

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-1219', Luigi Lombardo, 27 May 2024
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-1219', Wei-Li Liang, 09 Jun 2024
Benjamin B. Mirus, Thom A. Bogaard, Roberto Greco, and Manfred Stähli
Benjamin B. Mirus, Thom A. Bogaard, Roberto Greco, and Manfred Stähli

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Latest update: 23 Nov 2024
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Short summary
Early warning of increased landslide potential provides situational awareness to reduce landslide-related losses from major storm events. For decades, landslide forecasts relied on rainfall data alone, but recent research points to the value of hydrologic information for improving predictions. In this article, we provide our perspectives on the value and limitations of integrating subsurface hillslope hydrologic monitoring data and mathematical modeling for more accurate landslide forecasts.