Landslide Hazard Assessment Induced by Active Tectonics in the Golpayegan Region using AHP

Abstract

The Golpayegan region in central Iran is significantly affected by active tectonic processes, making it highly susceptible to landslides. This study evaluates landslide hazards induced by active tectonics using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) integrated with a Geographic Information System (GIS). Various conditioning factors were considered, including lithology, slope angle, elevation, proximity to faults, seismic activity, drainage density, land use, and precipitation. These factors were weighted based on expert judgment and previous studies to develop a comprehensive landslide susceptibility map. The results indicate that regions in close proximity to active faults, particularly along steep slopes and weak geological formations, exhibit a higher probability of landslides. The generated susceptibility map classifies the study area into five hazard levels: very low, low, moderate, high, and very high. A validation process was conducted using historical landslide data, revealing a strong correlation between high-risk zones and previously recorded landslide occurrences. The accuracy of the AHP model was further assessed through statistical validation methods, confirming its reliability for hazard assessment.