Evaluation of geohazards in the Cape Girardeau area using LiDAR and GIS, Southeast Missouri, USA

Abstract The New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ) has historically recorded some of the largest intensity earthquakes in North America, including significant earth movements that resulted about 2000 felt during 1811–1812. region continues to experience mass wasting due movements. aim this study is understand influence geologic variables on processes greater Cape Girardeau area, which forms commercial center Missouri's fertile "Bootheel" region. Earth movement susceptibility was evaluated and Bollinger counties portions Stoddard Scott by mapping potential landslide features topographic maps, field verification such features, geospatial analysis recent LiDAR imagery. In order evaluate changes surface morphology, slope inclination, hillshade aspect, hydrology, lithology, faults, precipitation, seismicity, sinkholes, geohydrology were considered. Geographically weighted geomorphologic identified zones relative risk. addition, data for oil gas pipelines, bridges, utilities, open pit mines associated with public economic infrastructure. results suggest anthropogenic commonly urban development impact land use, runoff, infiltration, failures, while sustained precipitation seismic ground shaking tend trigger landslides. scale area robust, varying from as small one-half hectare much 67 km 2 . vulnerability population susceptible areas tends increase at lower elevations alluvial flood plains. Thus, hazard evaluation can be useful both community planning well emergency preparedness.