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Deep learning can predict global earthquake-Triggered landslides

  • Xuanmei Fan*
  • , Xin Wang
  • , Chengyong Fang
  • , John D. Jansen
  • , Lanxin Dai
  • , H. Tanyas
  • , Nan Zang
  • , Ran Tang
  • , Qiang Xu
  • , Runqiu Huang
  • *Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

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Abstract

Earthquake-Triggered (coseismic) landsliding is among the most lethal of disasters, and rapid response is crucial to prevent cascading hazards that further threaten lives and infrastructure. Current prediction approaches are limited by oversimplified physical models, regionally focused databases, and retrospective statistical methods, which impede timely and accurate hazard assessments. To overcome these constraints, we developed the first comprehensive global database of ∼400 000 landslides associated with 38 of the most catastrophic earthquakes over the past 50 years. Leveraging this extensive dataset, we developed advanced deep-learning models that predict the probability of landsliding for any earthquake worldwide with an average spatial accuracy of ∼82% in less than a minute, without relying on prior local knowledge. Our framework enables swift disaster evaluation during the critical early hours following an earthquake while also enhancing pre-event hazard planning. This study offers a scalable and efficient tool to mitigate the catastrophic impacts of earthquake-Triggered landslides, representing a transformative advance in global geohazard prediction.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbernwaf179
JournalNational Science Review
Volume12
Issue number7
Early online date9 May 2025
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jul 2025

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities
    SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

Keywords

  • Deep Learning (DL)
  • Earthquake-Triggered landslides
  • Global database
  • Landslide prediction model
  • ITC-GOLD

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