New application of open source data and Rock Engineering System for debris flow susceptibility analysis

Abstract This research describes a quantitative, rapid, and low-cost methodology for debris flow susceptibility evaluation at the basin scale using open-access data geodatabases. The proposed approach can aid decision makers in land management territorial planning, by first screening areas with higher susceptibility. Five environmental predisposing factors, namely, bedrock lithology, fracture network, quaternary deposits, slope inclination, hydrographic were selected as independent parameters their mutual interactions described quantified Rock Engineering System (RES) methodology. For each parameter, specific indexes proposed, aiming to provide final synthetic representative index of scale. was tested four basins located Upper Susa Valley (NW Italian Alps) where events are predominant natural hazard. matrix represent useful standardized tool, universally applicable, since it is type characteristic basin.