Landslide hazard mapping in Chefchaouen, Morocco: AHP-GIS integration


Dahmani L., Laaribya S., Naim H., DİNDAROĞLU T.

International Journal of Environmental Studies, 2024 (Scopus) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/00207233.2024.2412483
  • Journal Name: International Journal of Environmental Studies
  • Journal Indexes: Scopus, Academic Search Premier, PASCAL, ABI/INFORM, Aerospace Database, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, Environment Index, Greenfile, Metadex, Pollution Abstracts, Public Affairs Index, Veterinary Science Database, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Keywords: AHP, Chefchaouen, GIS, landslides, Risk, susceptibility
  • Karadeniz Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Chefchaouen province, located in northern Morocco, is prone to landslides because of its geological features, climate change, and human activities. We investigated landslide dynamics in this mountainous province using a multi-criteria spatial approach and GIS, applying the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Our findings identified 1267.877 km2 as low-risk, 1695.334 km2 as moderate-risk, and 904.2071 km2 as high-risk, mainly in the northern and northwestern regions. Forests were the most susceptible at 13.83%, followed by agricultural and bare lands, with water bodies least affected. Contributing factors include deforestation, wildfires, and agricultural practices. Our results highlight the need for targeted risk mitigation and continuous land use monitoring. Strategies like slope stabilisation and reforestation can improve landslide prediction and prevention, enhancing community resilience in Chefchaouen. This study’s innovative approach and insights into landslide prediction and prevention provide valuable knowledge to the field.