Open AccessPreliminary landslide mapping in Denmark indicates an underestimated geohazard
Author(s) -
Kristian Svennevig,
Gregor Lützenburg,
Marie Keiding,
Stig A. Schack Pedersen
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
geus bulletin
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2597-2162
pISSN - 2597-2154
DOI - 10.34194/geusb.v44.5302
Subject(s) - landslide , geohazard , hazard , geology , scale (ratio) , natural hazard , geography , landslide classification , orthophoto , erosion , physical geography , cartography , geomorphology , remote sensing , oceanography , chemistry , organic chemistry
The process of coastal erosion is well known to the public and decision-makers in Denmark; however, there is little awareness of the risks posed by larger landslides. Only a few scientific studies investigate landslides in Denmark, and as a result, the country is underrepresented in international landslide inventories. Here, we present a systematically produced preliminary landslide inventory based on digital elevation models and high-resolution orthophotos. So far, the preliminary inventory documents 3026 morphological expressions of landslides close to the coast and inland, showing that landslides are more widespread in Denmark than previously recognised. A number of these landslides are near buildings and infrastructure. This paper therefore highlights the potential for geohazardous landslides to occur in Denmark on a national scale and discusses some of the implications. Two of the major questions arising from this study are (1) how to approach potential geohazards in a country with no framework or precedence for landslide hazard and risk management and (2) how landslides and associated risk in Denmark will evolve under a changing climate.