GEOLOGIC HAZARD ASSESSMENT OF MASS WASTING ALONG CALIFORNIA'S CENTRAL PACIFIC COAST

On May 27th 2017, California’s Central Pacific Coast was bombarded with over one million tons of unconsolidated rocks from a mass-wasting event, that has been recorded to be the greatest in California’s history. Over 65 feet of sediments covered the highway and alluvium spanned over 1,500 feet across State Route 1. The Cabrillo Highway is a known tourist and recreational route that runs parallel to California’s coast. The purpose of the study is to assess landslide potential across the coastal highway. Using hyper spectral imagery, and digital elevation data, a spatial analysis of probable geologic hazards will evaluate potential landslide locations from Monterey to Cambria, California. Applications in IDRISI Remote Sensing Software and Geographic information Systems will be applied to analyze slope aspect, NDVI of vegetation health and local liquefaction potential of the Santa Lucia Range of Central California. The information derived from the study can be utilized in future environmental risk management by the California government.