Abstract
Given active tectonism, rough terrain, and climate, the mountainous ranges in northern Pakistan are prone to geohazards, including earthquakes, unstable slopes, and landslides. The frequent landsliding in the region poses a risk to communities, economic activities, and transportation networks. In this context, the unstable slope above Mayun village calls for a multi-method approach for better assessment of the slope for planning interventions aimed at hazard mitigation. We conducted an integrated study including uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) in coordination with geomorphic field observations to image the possible slip surfaces for a comprehensive understanding of a potential future rockslide with significant socioeconomic consequences. UAV-derived results helped delineate the overall extent of the unstable slope and its downslope area in a quick, remote, and safe way. GPR profiles have enabled the reconstruction of the bedrock’s morphology and its internal structure and the depth distribution of cracks running through the overburden and bedrock. The results provided insight into the stable and unstable compartments of the slope due to the thin cover of surficial deposits, high impedance contrast at the overburden-bedrock interface, lateral heterogeneities, and presence of open cracks, and almost detached blocks, respectively. These data on the dynamic properties of a landslide-prone slope could be used for the correct planning of civil infrastructure to minimize the potential risk of building damage in the seismically active Hunza valley.
Highlights
Pakistan is considered among one of the most seismically active zones in the world due to ongoing collision between the Eurasian and Indian plates resulting in the convergence of the latter at a rate of 50 mm/year (Alvarez, 2010)
Rough terrain, and climatic factors, northern Pakistan is frequently exposed to landslides and large earthquakes with devastating impacts on society and the economy (Shafique et al, 2015; Khan et al, 2021)
The 2010 Attabad landslide dam is the latest example in the region that claimed human lives and affected the operation of the world’s highest international highway, i.e., Karakoram Highway (KKH), by blocking the Hunza River
Summary
Pakistan is considered among one of the most seismically active zones in the world due to ongoing collision between the Eurasian and Indian plates resulting in the convergence of the latter at a rate of 50 mm/year (Alvarez, 2010). In North Pakistan, the western Karakoram region has a remarkable history of seismicity, extreme climate, and a diverse topographical setting, such as valleys, ridges, and slopes. The Hunza valley of the western Karakoram has been known for slope instabilities (Bird and Bommer, 2004). In such a high mountain environment, slopes are considered high-risk. This study is focused on the Mayun village in the Hunza valley situated within 1 km of the main Karakoram thrust (MKT), where the
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