ARKANSAS LANDSLIDE GEODATABASE DEVELOPMENT AND CASE HISTORY

The Geohazards Section of the Arkansas Geological Survey initiated a landslide inventory geodatabase in early 2016. This geodatabase is being developed utilizing: 1) Field mapping, 2) Collaboration with others, and 3) Remote sensing imagery.

Over 20 landslides have been delineated to date due to an ongoing field mapping project, within the Mountainburg and Fern Quadrangles, Crawford County, Arkansas. Although time consuming, this technique is valuable. The geologic regime and active earth processes are becoming much better defined using this technique. Based on X-ray diffraction tests, the AGS staff has identified deposits which are believed to significantly contribute to the slope instability problems being experienced in the region.

Collaboration with others encompasses geohazard education/outreach with: 1) County and regional planning districts, 2) Local, county and state emergency operations management and hazard mitigation officials, and 3) Local, county, state and federal elected officials.

Due to the sparse remote sensing imagery coverage in Arkansas in the areas of interest, it has been challenging to utilize this technology. The AGS continues to reach out to universities/related non-profit/state agencies/ partnerships with state/federal agencies, and private organizations for collaboration.

This geodatabase will be utilized to produce online and hard copy geohazard maps which will delineate landslide locations as well as landslide susceptibility areas. These products are expected to be utilized by the public, local, county and state agencies in response to the various needs.