Preliminary landslide mapping in Denmark indicates an underestimated geohazard

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 la...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Kristian Svennevig, Gregor Luetzenburg, Marie K. Keiding, Stig Asbjørn Schack Pedersen
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland 2020-11-01
Series:GEUS Bulletin
Subjects:
Online Access:https://geusbulletin.org/index.php/geusb/article/view/5302/11145
Description
Summary: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.
ISSN:2597-2154