Sediments sources typology and mapping based on remote sensed data analysis
Résumé
Before studying the sedimentary cascade from the point of view of connectivity, it is necessary to identify
and characterise the functioning of its components and elementary (de)couplings from the source zones.
For this purpose, the open-air laboratory represented by the geomorphological disaster of 5-6 July in the
Asakura region (Kyushu) allows us to study the sedimentary sources with an estimated sample of more
than 1500 mass movements triggered by the heavy rainfall during this High-Magnitude / Low-Frequency
(HMLF) event.
This work follows three stages: i) identification and mapping of source zones, ii) characterisation of their
nature and iii) estimation of their contribution to the sedimentary cascade.
The mapping of source zones was carried out using multispectral satellite remote sensing combined with
a machine-learning method. The images used are from the Pleiades sensor, which provides a very high
resolution (VHR) spatial (0.50 m with Pansharpening) and spectral (RGB PIR). The semi-supervised
classification was performed by the Random Forest learning algorithm using the Dzetsaka extension in
QGIS. Bare soils on slopes are interpreted as instability zones subject to lateral transfer. The typology of
the source areas was carried out in two steps. Firstly, the nature of the mass movements and therefore of
the source zones was characterised using expert analysis methods associated with morphological criteria
(length/width ratio). Secondly, the contribution of the source zones to the sedimentary cascade was
estimated using expert analysis methods and geomorphological criteria (e.g. types of contact, obstacles to
sedimentary continuity, etc.).
The mapped sedimentary sources represent 6.7 km² and 3.5% of the study area (193 km²). There is a
spatial concentration of source areas in the southwest of the study area. The machine error of the
classification is about 97% and the operator error is 58%. The nature of the sedimentary sources is
characterised by a broad spectrum of hydro-gravity processes that can be grouped mainly between
slides/slope failures and flow-like landslide (e.g. debris avalanche, mud flow). These sedimentary sources
actively contribute to the sedimentary cascade through generally efficient lateral and longitudinal
couplings despite local difficulties of sediment export due to decouplings or anthropogenic /
environmental obstacles to sediment continuity.