If a slope's underlying foundation is unstable, heavy rainfall could be all it takes to trigger a landslide. In fact, rainfall is the most common catalyst for landslides. An open sourced computer model developed at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center uses precipitation data to identify areas all over the globe that are potential landslide hazards. The model first looks at areas that have recently experienced heavy rainfall using data from the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission. When the rainfall estimates are unusually high, the model checks other known conditions of the area that may encourage landslides, such as recent road construction, steep hills, and other factors. A "nowcast" map then combines the rainfall data and these other factors to mark areas that might have landslides. Scientists have used these models to conduct studies on long term landslide patterns and landslide warning signs. Watch the video to learn more.
Visualizations by: Helen-Nicole Kostis, Scientific consulting by: Dalia B Kirschbaum, Thomas A. Stanley, Produced by: Joy Ng, Ryan Fitzgibbons, Written by: Kasha Patel
For more information or to download this public domain video, go to svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/13126