Earth Science Week 2023
Today we are observing landslides using LiDAR technology! Landslides are common in north central Arkansas in Newton, Madison, Washington, and Crawford Counties. They can be identified using Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data that is processed to create digital slope models within ESRI ArcGIS mapping software.
On the above digital slope model, the darker areas indicate steep slopes, whereas lighter areas indicate more gradual slopes. Note the translational landslide located in the center of the image outlined in red. Landslide dimensions are 607 feet in length and 236 feet at its widest point with the toe and flanks clearly visible.
Mass movement of material occurs through a wide variety of processes that result in the downward and outward movement of rock, soil, artificial fill, or a combination of these. The materials may move by falling, toppling, sliding, spreading, or flowing. Mass movement in Arkansas can be attributed to multiple causes, some of which include weak, weathered, and highly jointed, or faulted bedrock, permeability of the rock material, amount of water, and human interaction.
The photo above shows an example of a landslide south of Jasper, Arkansas between Highway 7 and County Road NC6020 near Newton County Road Department & Fairgrounds.
Office of the State Geologist Blog 