Private

FS 3.502

Natural hazards in mountainous regions

Details

Full Title
FS 3.502: Natural hazards in mountainous regions – Introduction to the different types of natural hazards common in mountain regions
Scheduled
TBA
Location
TBA
Convener
Maria Honisch
Co-Conveners
Alaq Al-Rubaye, Mona Siahkouhi,
Assigned to Synthesis Workshop
---
Thematic Focus
No focus defined
Keywords
soil mechanics, natural hazards, geotechnical analysis, geological analysis, landslides

Description

Mountainous regions are prone to a variety of natural hazards, including landslides, avalanches, earthquakes, and floods, which can have devastating impacts on communities and infrastructure. Understanding these hazards and implementing effective mitigation strategies are crucial for reducing risk and enhancing resilience. This session aims to provide participants with a comprehensive introduction to the types of natural hazards prevalent in mountainous regions and the existing strategies employed to mitigate their effects. Discussions will focus on: Identifying and characterizing different natural hazards in mountain environments, evaluating the effectiveness of various mitigation measures, such as engineering solutions, land-use planning, and early warning systems, exploring interdisciplinary approaches that integrate geosciences, engineering, and social sciences for comprehensive hazard assessment, understanding the role of community engagement and educational researches in disaster preparedness and response.

Participants are encouraged to share their experiences, challenges, and successes related to natural hazard management in mountainous regions.

This session will provide a foundation for understanding the geotechnical factors that contribute to these events as well as a discussion and sharing of ideas about mitigation techniques and their effectiveness.

Submitted Abstracts

ID: 3.7637

Geo-Hydrological Disasters in the Himalayas: Vulnerability, Risk Assessment and Mapping

Saurav Kumar

Abstract/Description

The Himalayas are prone to several geo-hydrological disasters such as flash floods, debris flows, landslides, mass movements, and rock falls. The Cloudbursts and glacier bursts usually trigger these disasters that are very active and frequent in the Himalayan regions and happens mainly during the peak monsoon season usually from July to September. The study assesses the geo-hydrological disasters of the Uttarakhand Himalaya that occurred from July to September, 2022. Additionally, the study examines the magnitude of the disaster and maps the disaster hotspot areas in the Uttarakhand regions. The study employs both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The Data on geo-hydrological disasters which occurred during the monsoon season were collected from the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority. Besides, an empirical study of the Song and Bandal and River valleys was carried out. These two river valleys were severely hit by cloudburst-triggered debris flows and flash floods in 2022. A household-level survey of the damage caused by huge flash floods and debris flows in three villages of Bandal valley was carried out. The data was analyzed and mapped and the Uttarakhand Himalayas was divided into various disaster hotspot zones. The study suggests that the construction of settlements must be banned in the vulnerable areas, along the river valleys, and on the fragile slopes. Nature-based disaster risk reduction approach should be implemented to reduce the impact of geo-hydrological disasters in the Himalayan regions.

ID: 3.7713

Is the National Fire Policy Enough? Unveiling the Urgent Need for Change in Himalaya’s Forest Fire Management!

Laraib Ahmad
Saran, Sameer

Abstract/Description

Forest fires in mountainous regions, particularly in the Indian Himalayan Region, are becoming an increasingly inevitable and destructive phenomenon. Over recent years, the frequency, size, and intensity of these fires have grown significantly, exacerbating the challenges faced in fire management. Despite the increased financial investments and infrastructure support, existing fire management strategies at both state and central levels have remained largely ineffective. This study emphasizes the need for restructuring policies, such as the National Action Plan for Forest Fires and the Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme, to develop more science-based and practical approaches. The analysis of fire incidents, using near-real-time data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and fire spot information from NASA’s Fire Information Management System, will inform the policy review and highlight the necessity for a comprehensive, forest-type inclusive fire management framework. Building upon this context, the study further investigates the spatiotemporal patterns and predictive modeling of forest fires in Uttarakhand using a dataset from the Global Fire Atlas (2003–2016). This dataset includes key fire attributes such as fire start and end dates, duration, and burned area, alongside environmental variables derived from Google Earth Engine (GEE). These variables encompass elevation, slope, aspect, temperature trends, NDVI, precipitation, and proximity to roads. Through data preprocessing, including handling missing values and encoding categorical variables, and spatial autocorrelation analysis using Moran’s I and z-scores, the study identifies weak but statistically significant spatial clustering of fire duration and size. A range of machine learning (ML) and deep learning models, including Random Forest Regression, LightGBM, XGBoost, CatBoost, LSTM networks, and ARIMA, were used to predict fire duration. Model performance was evaluated using mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean squared error (RMSE), revealing the varying predictive capabilities of these algorithms. The results of this study provide valuable insights for optimizing fire management strategies, offering a basis for better resource allocation, risk mitigation, and environmental protection.

ID: 3.7847

The Mental Health Toll of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods in the Hunza Valley, Pakistan

Aaliya Aaliya
Waqas, Ahmed; Rahman, Atif; McAdoo, Brian

Abstract/Description

With human-induced climate change, glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) events have increased in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of the Pakistani Himalayas. In Hassanabad village of Hunza Valley, four massive GLOF events occurred in the past five years. However, to date, no studies have been conducted to examine how GLOF events impact the mental health of downstream communities. To address this scholarly gap, we conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study in Hassanabad to estimate the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among the residents impacted by past GLOF events. In August 2024, we administered a household survey using the stratified random sampling technique in Hassanabad. We used self-report measures of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). We performed multiple regression analyses to assess the significant associations. We surveyed 177 (58%) females and 128 (42%) males between 18 and 60 years (Mean 37.7, SD 12.65). Of the total surveyed (n=305), 213 (69.84%) witnessed four GLOFs. The overall prevalence of anxiety, depression, and PTSD in our sample was 15.08% (cut-off score ≥ 10, 95% CI), 15.40% (cut-off score ≥ 10, 95% CI), and 56.60% (cut-off score ≥ 33, 95% CI) indicating mild to severe symptoms among participants. When comparing gender-wise prevalence, women had a higher prevalence for anxiety (PrR=22.03%, 95% CI), depression (PrR=23.72%, 95% CI), and PTSD (PrR=66.24%, 95% CI) than men. Notably, males were predicted to have statistically significantly lower anxiety, depression, and PTSD scores (p<0.001) compared to females, holding all other predictors constant. Concerning age-wise prevalence, adults in the age group (46-60) had a higher prevalence of anxiety (PrR=20.87%, 95% CI), depression (PrR=18.68%, 95% CI), and PTSD (PrR=59.30%, 95% CI). Age was a statistically significant (p<0.001) predictor for PTSD. This study reveals higher levels of PTSD among the residents of Hassanabad. The prevalence of common mental disorders reflects the long-term impacts of these events. The study emphasizes the importance of early identification of mental health issues, the implementation of culturally tailored interventions targeting vulnerable groups, and the allocation of funding for mental health services before and after such hazards.

ID: 3.8554

Rockfall Hazards and Mitigation Strategies: A Focused Study on Rockfall Simulation in Gebel El-Mokattam, Egypt

Mohamed Abdelkader
Csámer, Árpád

Abstract/Description

Rockfalls are one of the main natural hazards that cause significant damage and loss of life globally, especially in mountainous regions. These hazards are particularly dangerous due to their unpredictability and varying magnitudes. Rapid urbanization and inadequate infrastructure in developing countries increase vulnerability to these risks. This study aimed to investigate the stability of rock slopes in the northern part of Gebel El-Mokattam in East Cairo, Egypt. This work includes intensive field and laboratory tests to collect geological, structural, geomorphological, and geotechnical data from this region. This area has been affected frequently by rockfalls and landslides that impacted both the inhabitants and infrastructure. Field investigations revealed that the rock slopes are primarily composed of highly fractured limestone with medium to weak strength interbedded with highly swelling clays. During this research, rockfall modeling was conducted through trajectographic analysis on representative slope profiles to simulate the path of falling blocks. This analysis provided valuable data on the kinetic energy, bounce height, and runout distance of falling blocks, helping to evaluate the risk to nearby buildings and infrastructure. Furthermore, a rockfall rating system has been applied to evaluate the magnitude of the risk. The results show a high risk of rockfalls. Therefore, several preliminary and major mitigation strategies were recommended and tested to reduce rockfall hazards, which are directly linked to the results of rockfall modeling. This study highlights the importance of rockfall modeling in understanding hazards in mountainous areas. Also, the findings of this research will assist land-use planners and decision-makers in selecting appropriate mitigation strategies in areas of complex geomorphological and geological factors.

ID: 3.8875

Hydrodynamic Approaches for Complex Mountain Disasters: 2021 Flash flood event in Central Himalaya, India

Praveen Kalura
Singh, Gagandeep

Abstract/Description

Growing disasters in high-altitude regions call for upgraded methods of assessing risks because both situations are becoming more common. In order to safeguard themselves from glacial flooding, hazardous weather conditions, and landslides, mountain communities require sustainable mitigation plans, early warning systems, and sophisticated monitoring apparatus. By utilizing scientific research and technology-based solutions, it is possible to enhance the resilience of local communities and infrastructure, safeguard lives, and protect fragile ecosystems. The Chamoli flash flood of February 7, 2021, in Uttarakhand, India was an extraordinary occurrence that was triggered by cascading hazards. It was the result of a significant rock-ice avalanche on the north face of Raunthi Peak, which dispersed a significant amount of ice and debris. In this research an attempt has been done to model the event starting from its origin at the reservoir while advancing through 40.8 kilometers of downstream watercourse. A breach of 26.4 million cubic meter storage at the source received modeling through HEC-RAS to produce peak inflows of about 12,762 cubic meters per second. The simulation model addressed the flow as unsteady while performing calculations five seconds apart and displaying results at two-minute intervals during six hours of simulation time. The peak discharges at Rishiganga Hydroelectric Project and Tapovan reached between 7,909 and 7,975 cubic meters per second and 5,780 and 5,958 cubic meters per second respectively. While velocities were at 7 and 4 meters per second, respectively, flow depths fell around 20 and 18 meters. High-resolution satellite imagery from before and after the incident verified precisely matching observed debris extents. Especially, the consistency between modeled and observed debris heights confirmed the dependability of the method, therefore illustrating the prospects of hydrodynamic models in hilly terrain. The alignment between modeled and observed debris heights validated the reliability of the method, hence demonstrating the potential of hydrodynamic models in mountainous regions. This event reminds us quite strongly of how urgently we need advanced risk assessment techniques in mountainous areas vulnerable to cascading events and the intensifying hazards influenced by climate change.

ID: 3.8881

Chemical and Physical Control of Bracken Fern Invasion: Impact on Soil Chemistry on Mulanje Mountain and Nyika Plateau, Malawi

Innocent Julius Taulo
Kalemba, Mphatso

Abstract/Description

Mountain soils are crucial for environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation. However, invasive species like bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) threaten these ecosystems. P. aquilinum, found globally except Antarctica, disrupts soil processes and biodiversity. In Malawi, particularly on Mulanje Mountain and Nyika plateau, it has become a dominant invasive species, significantly displacing grasslands and posing a substantial ecological threat. This study investigated the impact of physical and chemical control methods on soil chemistry in grasslands of Mulanje Mountain and Nyika National Park, Malawi, heavily invaded by the bracken fern Pteridium aquilinum. The research, conducted over four years, examined the effects of chemical treatments (Forester, Eco-Imazypyr, and lime application) and physical methods (mowing and slashing/cutting) on soil pH, soil organic carbon (SOC) stock, exchangeable calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), available phosphorus (P), total nitrogen (N), and the Carbon-to-Nitrogen (C:N) ratio. Four experimental plots (35m x 29m) were established at each site, with treatments randomly assigned and replicated. At least six soil samples were randomly collected from each of 5m x 5m quadrants at a depth of 0.15m before and after treatment application and analyzed using standard soil analysis procedures. Data were analyzed using ANOVA (Minitab 18.0). The results revealed significant differences (P<0.05) in total nitrogen levels, soil pH and organic carbon stock levels, with lime treatment resulting in the highest (14.46%) increase in pH from the initial 4.08 to 4.67 and Forester treatment yielding the most substantial (64.4%) increase in SOC from the initial 58.14Mg C/ha to 95.62Mg C/ha. The Forester treatment led to the most substantial (64.4%) increase in SOC, from 58.14 Mg C/ha to 95.62 Mg C/ha. No significant differences were observed in exchangeable calcium, magnesium, or C:N ratios. However, all treatments significantly enhanced available phosphorus in the soil, with physical methods, particularly mowing, showing notable effects. In conclusion, both physical and chemical control methods for P. aquilinum positively influenced soil chemistry. The increases in soil pH and organic carbon suggest improved soil health. These findings highlight the importance of implementing effective management strategies to preserve mountain soils and maintain ecological balance in the face of invasive species.

ID: 3.8916

Impact of Uprooting and Impala Chemical Application on Soil Physicochemical Properties: A Case Study of Controlling Acacia mearnsii (Black Wattle) on Nyika Plateau

Innocent Julius Taulo
Chimphepo, Lilian

Abstract/Description

Acacia mearnsii (Black Wattle), native to Australia, has become an invasive species in regions like Africa, including Malawi, causing ecological disruptions. Its aggressive growth threatens native biodiversity by outcompeting indigenous plant species and disrupting agricultural practices. Various control methods have been implemented, but their impact on soil’s physiochemical properties remains understudied. This study examines the impact of Acacia mearnsii control methods (uprooting and Impala chemical application) on soil properties in Nyika National Park over four years. Two experimental plots (29 m x 23 m) were established, and treatments were replicated at least five times in 5 m x 5 m quadrants. Soil samples were collected at a depth of 0.15 m before and after treatments and analyzed for pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (N), exchangeable calcium (Ca²⁺) and magnesium (Mg²⁺), available phosphorus (P), exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), and electrical conductivity (EC). Data analysis was conducted using One Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) via Minitab 18.0 to assess the effects of the treatments on soil properties. The findings showed significant differences (P < 0.05) between treatments in exchangeable magnesium and calcium levels, total nitrogen content, and electrical conductivity. Notably, Impala treatment increased SOC by 30.4% and exchangeable calcium by 81.7%, while uprooting increased SOC by 8.1% and calcium by 60.3%. Impala chemical treatment significantly enhances soil organic carbon (SOC) and exchangeable calcium levels more effectively than uprooting, indicating that chemical applications can provide a quicker restoration of vital soil nutrients. Conversely, uprooting demonstrated a substantial increase in available phosphorus, increasing it by 73.1%, suggesting its potential benefits for long-term nutrient availability, though Impala treatment resulted in a more pronounced increase of 90.5%. On the other side, uprooting decreased both exchangeable sodium levels and electrical conductivity, but Impala treatment led to significant increases in these parameters. Both treatments led to a reduction in total nitrogen levels, decreasing from an initial 2.52% to a final value of 0.61% for uprooting, and from 2.51% to 0.62% for Impala treatment. Therefore, both methods modify soil properties, offering insights for ecological restoration, with chemical interventions yielding quicker results and uprooting supporting sustained nutrient enhancement.

ID: 3.10386

Monitoring of Alpine environment with geomatics techniques

Myrta Maria Macelloni

Abstract/Description

Alpine mountainous and cryosphere are key elements for the future and its environment will be subject to strong modifications and more frequent hazards, hence monitoring it will be fundamental. Their complex systems need different and integrated techniques, different arising problems such as the difficulty in accessing with the classical methods and the large areas to cover. Remote sensing tools will be increasingly important in environmental monitoring and the prevention of climate change risks, especially in the next future. The use of visible images is what we usually use applied to the alpine cryosphere, but the cloud coverage and the necessity to monitor the movements led to the use of active sensors. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology has been increasingly utilized for glacier monitoring due to its ability to penetrate clouds and operate in all weather conditions, providing high-resolution images of the Earth’s surface. Hence, the multifrequency SAR data can be used going towards monitor the snow parameters (e.g. snow liquid water content) thanks to the response of soil and snow to the microwave response. Moreover, the Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) allow the measurement of the displacement of surface deformation with millimetric precision so it can be used for risk prevention in mountainous areas, detect crevasses under snow bridge and glacier dynamics. Therefore, the deformation detected from the SAR can be useful for monitoring landslides and subsidence and other geological hazards. An integrated approach in Earth Observation (EO) between passive and active sensors for environmental monitoring especially to deal with the climate change hazards. Combining satellite and ground observations together with physical based and data driven models, to monitor the environment developing a new approach, and focusing on mountainous areas analyzing the dynamics of the processes are the goal of my PhD project.

ID: 3.10774

Predictive Analysis of Debris Flow Impact on Pipelines in Mountainous Regions: An Experimental and Machine Learning Approach

Afnan Ahmad
Ali Khan, Mudassir; Sumair, Muhammad; Kumar, Manoj; Anggraini, Vivi

Abstract/Description

Debris flows are a significant geohazard in mountainous regions, posing substantial risks to critical infrastructure, including water, oil, and gas pipelines. Understanding and predicting the impact forces exerted by debris flows on pipelines is crucial for enhancing the resilience and sustainability of these infrastructures. This study investigates the relationship between the rheological properties of debris flows such as shear stress, shear strain, viscosity, and normal stress and the resulting impact forces on pipelines. The significance of this study lies in its potential to improve the design and protection of pipeline infrastructure, thereby reducing the risk of catastrophic failures and ensuring the safe and efficient operation of critical energy systems. The study utilizes a comprehensive dataset obtained from experimental measurements of debris flow samples with varying volume fractions (S0 to S7). Each sample was characterized by its rheological properties, including shear stress, shear strain, viscosity, and normal stress. These properties were measured using a digital hybrid rheometer. Utilizing experimental data from seven samples with varying volume fractions, various machine learning techniques (ML) were employed to predict impact forces. The ML techniques include Random Forest and Gradient Boosting Machines (GBM) models which are developed and validated using 5-fold cross-validation, demonstrating high predictive accuracy. The analysis revealed that rheological properties significantly influence the magnitude and distribution of impact forces on pipelines. The Random Forest model demonstrated high predictive accuracy, with an RMSE of 0.12 and an R² of 0.95, indicating strong model performance. The GBM model also showed robust predictive capabilities, with an RMSE of 0.15 and an R² of 0.93. These findings underscore the necessity for incorporating rheological properties into the design and protection of pipeline infrastructure. By integrating experimental data with advanced predictive modeling, this research provides practical guidance for enhancing the resilience and longevity of pipeline systems in geohazard-prone areas.

ID: 3.10914

Natural Hazards in India’s Mountain Regions: Analyzing Risks, Impacts, and Resilience Strategies

Saurabh Krishnan

Abstract/Description

Mountain regions are highly susceptible to various natural hazards due to their complex topography, fragile ecosystems, and dynamic climatic conditions. India’s mountainous regions, particularly the Himalayas, experience a range of natural disasters, including landslides, earthquakes, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), avalanches, and extreme weather events. These hazards pose significant threats to human settlements, infrastructure, and biodiversity, necessitating a comprehensive understanding and effective mitigation strategies. This paper provides an overview of different types of natural hazards in the mountain regions of India, with a specific focus on the Himalayas. The study is based on an extensive review of historical disaster data, remote sensing analysis, and field observations. Statistical data from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Geological Survey of India (GSI) indicate that over 15% of India’s total land area is prone to landslides, with states like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh being the most vulnerable. In recent decades, seismic records show that the Himalayan region experiences frequent earthquakes, with magnitudes often exceeding 6.0 on the Richter scale. Additionally, climate change has intensified glacial retreat, leading to an increase in the frequency of GLOFs. The study highlights key factors contributing to the occurrence of natural hazards, including deforestation, unplanned urbanization, and climate change. Case studies from recent disasters, such as the Kedarnath floods of 2013 and the Chamoli glacier burst in 2021, provide insights into the socio-economic and environmental consequences of these events. The research further evaluates the effectiveness of early warning systems, disaster preparedness measures, and community-based risk management strategies. Findings suggest that integrating scientific research with traditional knowledge and adopting NBS can significantly enhance resilience against natural hazards in mountain regions. Policy recommendations include strengthening land-use planning, investing in resilient infrastructure, and enhancing cross-border cooperation for transboundary hazard management. It provides for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of natural hazards in India’s mountainous regions. By understanding the patterns, causes, and consequences of these hazards, policymakers, researchers, and local communities can work together to develop sustainable strategies for disaster risk reduction.

ID: 3.11066

Mechanisms of Slope instabilities along the Hill Roads of Nepal: A Case Study from Beni-Jomson Road, Gandaki Province

Prakash Chandra Ghimire
Dhital, Meghraj; Paudayal, Khum Narayan

Abstract/Description

Nepal is situated in the seismically active Himalayan region, where the construction of roads has notably increased the frequency of slope instabilities. These instabilities, including landslides, rockfalls, topple events, debris flows, and gully erosion, are commonly observed along roads in the Nepal Himalayas. This research investigates the causes and mechanisms behind landslides along a section of the Beni-Jomsom Road in Gandaki Province, Nepal. The study applies time series analysis to examine the mechanisms and frequencies of different instability types, taking into account various environmental factors along the road. The research employs specific tools GIS, WAVELET, SPSS, ORIGIN to analyze the landform, surrounding geology, geological structures, and geotechnical characteristics of the soil and rocks. The study reveals that the primary causes of instability along the road are translational slides, debris flows, and rockfalls/rockslides, with these events occurring repeatedly after road construction. The results highlight a clear connection between road-building activities and the occurrence of slope instability in the region. This research will serve as an important reference for authorities, providing valuable insights for managing and mitigating slope instability in future road construction projects.

Key Words: Hill Roads, Slope instabilities, Mechanism, Time series analysis, Himalaya.

ID: 3.11922

Atlas of Morphosedimentary Connectivity in Alpine Torrent Watersheds.

Anaïs Fichot
Astrade, Laurent; Peiry, Jean-Luc

Abstract/Description

As part of the National Action Plan for the Prevention of Glacial and Periglacial Hazards, French scientific, technical experts, and mountain area managers collaborate to anticipate risks. Our objectives are fourfold: 1. identifying areas at risk from glacial and periglacial hazards, 2. developing tools and methods for characterization, 3. fostering a community of interest and exchange, 4. and supporting local authorities in their prevention efforts.

One of the effects of climate change is the cryosphere degradation. While many processes focus on upstream areas, we propose shifting attention to the transmission of these processes downstream by the way of the sedimentaruy cascade. Glacial retreat, permafrost degradation of rock faces, and destabilization of rock glaciers result in a sediment overproduct in the headwaters. When these sediments are mobilized and transported, they can pose a significant hazard to downstream streams and valley floors during floods or debris flows. The torrent thus becomes central to this sediment transfer, approached through the concept of sediment cascade. This concept allows us to conceptualize the efficiency of sediment transfers between geomorphological units of the watershed, emphasizing the interactions between these units rather than focusing solely on each of them.

I hold a background in geography, and since November 2024, I am working to prepare a PhD in geomorphology. My research addresses the issue of sedimentary connectivity in torrents within the context of climate change. As part of this, i am conducting an inventory of cryosphere-affected watersheds and identifying the parameters that explain the functioning of the sediment cascade. Our approach combines both local and regional scales. Several local case studies help to identify the diversity of sediment cascade efficiencies and examine explanatory parameters. The regional inventory allows us to map and characterize torrent-prone watersheds in the northern French Alps.

My ultimate goal is to synthesize this work into a susceptibility index of sediment cascade efficiency to better characterize watersheds. Our aim is to produce an atlas of torrent-prone watersheds as a reliable and accessible tool for both managers and researchers.

ID: 3.12047

Towards Decolonizing Disaster Risk Communication and Resilience Building; Indigenous Knowledge Insights from High Mountain Asia

Sultan Ahmed

Abstract/Description

This research examines disaster risk communication (DRC) and resilience-building in High Mountain Asia (HMA) through the lens of Indigenous Knowledge (IK) among the Wakhi people, who span the borders of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and China. Preliminary findings from the four countries reveal nuanced and complex dynamics: while elders emphasize the value of IK—rooted in centuries of evolution—youth increasingly favor scientific methods as more relevant to contemporary challenges. This contrast highlights a gap in DRC, as government-led initiatives prioritize scientific knowledge and adopt an autocratic, top-down approach, whereas NGOs employ participatory approaches, though their reach and effectiveness remain limited. Indigenous practices such as resilient construction, communal storage, land planning, and ritual offerings reflect a profound relationship with the environment, grounded in both practical adaptations and spiritual traditions. These practices embody a spiritual bond with nature, where rituals and offerings seek harmony with natural and supernatural forces, reinforcing both community resilience and individual confidence in facing disasters. Yet, formal systems often marginalize these practices. This study advocates for a decolonized approach that respects both scientific and Indigenous epistemologies, recognizing the unique resilience strategies of cross-border communities. By bridging these knowledge systems, this research aims to foster inclusive, context-sensitive frameworks for DRC in HMA.

ID: 3.12406

Construction and Demolition Wastes (C&DW) for a more sustainable Gabion application

Berhanu Arega Tadesse

Abstract/Description

Mountain regions necessitate efficient yet sustainable protection measures to face natural hazards. Gabions offer a convenient, environmental friendly solution to face problems ranging from soil erosion control, river bank stabilization, stream energy dissipation, landslides prevention, creation of rockfall safety barriers, and protection of structures like bridge abutments or viaduct foundation. Filling gabion baskets with natural resources like ad hoc quarried rock fragments often turns to be expensive and poses environmental concerns. C&DW offer an alternative solution for creating more sustainable structures, provided their engineering performance is proved together with their environmental compatibility. A comprehensive research has been undertaken in the geotechnical laboratory of the University of Cassino and Southern Lazio to investigate the mechanical and environmental performance of gabions filled with different C&DW. The mechanical performance is detected by performing unconfined and confined uniaxial compression tests using an ad-hoc designed equipment on smaller scale models (0.4×0.4×0.4 m) of gabions filled with different blocks. They include concrete fragments artificially created with variable types and proportions of components (cement, water and aggregates) to infer controlled properties to the constituent material. Their performance is compared with that of gabions filled with natural rock fragments, the latter used for reference. In all cases, the mechanical properties of the constituent materials are evaluated with specific tests (point load, uniaxial compression, Los Angeles abrasion and freeze-thaw) to characterize material strength and fix standard acceptance levels. In a second phase, focus is given to the combination of high-quality materials (recycled concrete) with lower-quality components (bricks) to optimize performance and resource utilization. Stiffness and strength of gabions are examined to determine their influence on the overall performance of structures distinguishing the effects of particle sizes, shapes, and material combinations on deformation behaviour and load-bearing capacity. This study contributes to the sustainability of mountain hazard mitigation measures, addressing the increasing need for high performance materials with circular economy solutions based on the transformation of wastes into valuable resources. Its outcomes aim to establish guidelines for the practical implementation of C&DW in gabion structures.

ID: 3.13933

Scrutinizing Environmental Hazards in Mountaineer’s Narratives Trough Archival and Visual Analysis

Hossein Rasaei

Abstract/Description

Ski season is becoming shorter due to the lack of enough snow pack; because of the poor quality of ice, climbers rarely can rely on any ice to fix their ice screws; rock fall is disappearing traditional climbing routes, and permafrost is retreating mountain glaciers. All these environmental changes are reshaping the physical landscape of mountains, and the spirit of mountain climbing as a sport, adventure, and recreation is changing. While scientific studies have documented these hazards, mountaineer’s narratives interwoven with such environmental change remain unexplored. By employing visual and archival methods, we scrutinized the 20 volumes of the Canadian Alpine Journal (1922-1931 and 2013-2022), categorizing the data into early and modern narratives. We hypothesized that early climbers would concentrate solely on heroism, first-ascent, and adventure themes, while more recent mountaineers, would heavily bring environmental change awareness. In contrast to our predictions, however, many old twentieth-century records reported many environmental hazards in their narratives, even without explicit modern environmental terms like permafrost and/or climate change. Our findings not only are a rich archival investigation, but also could be an important awareness for global mountain forums, stakeholders, guides, and scientists, sharing stories from the past, analyzing them with the current state, and planning adaptation strategies for the future of mountaineering.

ID: 3.12544

The Silent Threat of Sinking Mountains under Anthropogenic Induced Seismicity in Western and Central Himalayas

Diksha Verma
Kumar, Vishavjit

Abstract/Description

The susceptibility of mountain physiography towards natural hazard is due to numerous factors, primarily being the complex topography, climatic variability, and geological instability. The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is enriched with ecological and diverse resources, supporting the sustenance of nearly 50 million local communities. Existing research highlights that the Western and Central Himalayan Mountain faces heightened risks due to accelerated anthropogenic pressures including rapid urbanization, deforestation, and unplanned development. Historical records on seismicity shows that frequent earthquakes have occurred in the Himalayan states of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand as the region falls under seismic zones 4 or 5, which means the risk of earthquakes always remains high. Systematic review observed that many Himalayan states are facing the threat of land subsidence, because of induced seismicity resulting into frequent earthquakes in the Himalayas. The study is primarily focused on the issue of land subsidence due to weak geology of Himalayas, as the hazard affect human well-being and ecosystem resilience at heightened degree. Land subsidence can lead to socio-economic destruction including infrastructural damage, social displacement and frequent flooding. The study is also focussed on enlisting various method of assessing land deformation other than ground observation primarily based on remote sensing such as GPS surveys, MT-InSAR (Multi-Temporal Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry) and LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), to suggest region specific methodologies in response to natural hazards. These advancements facilitate the accurate measurement of ground points in research and detect asynchrony in them. The significant case studies of land subsidence in Western and Central Himalayas of India include sinking of different parts of Chenab valley in Jammu & Kashmir, Lindur village in Himachal Pradesh and Joshimath in Uttarakhand. The study highlights the need of preventive mitigation measures, including as controlled resource extraction, sustainable land-use planning, and comprehensive GIS monitoring, considering the sensitive tectonic activity in the region. The research offers vital insights to formulate resilience-focused actions and securing the long-term environmental and socio-economic sustainability for policymakers and disaster management authorities.

FS 3.501: Societal strategies to solve conflicts over water use(s)

FS 3.503: Exploring interactions between forest and snow: Insights, Methods, and Future Perspectives

#IMC: September 14 - 18 2025

FS 3.502

Natural hazards in mountainous regions

Details

Full Title

Scheduled

Location

Convener

Co-Conveners

Assigned to Synthesis Workshop

Thematic Focus

Keywords

Description

Submitted Abstracts

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

About us

Share this content

General Info

General Info

Get in contact

Personal Details

Address

Preferences