Natural Hazards
Backed by its broad experience in landslides, rockfalls, debris flows, rock instabilities and other hydrological and geological hazards, Terranum provides innovative and tailored expertise in natural hazards, particularly in the following areas:
- Advice and support to project owners
- Regional susceptibility mapping of natural hazards
- Local-scale hazard mapping of geological and hydrological hazards
- Quantitative and qualitative risk analysis
- Advanced GIS analysis, modelling and interpretation
- Regional reconnaissance and detailed field mapping
- 2D and 3D trajectographic propagation modelling
- Conceptual modelling and slope stability calculations
- Identification and monitoring of pre-failure destabilizing factors
- Landslide monitoring using LiDAR, InSAR, GPS and geotechnical methods
In detail
Susceptibility mapping of gravitational hazards at a regional scale
Terranum produces indicative hazard maps on a regional scale by modelling the potential release areas and propagation zones of gravity hazards. To this end, we use remote sensing data (orthophoto, aerial LiDAR, spaceborne InSAR, etc.), advanced processing in geographic information systems (GIS), and specific modelling tools. The aim of these studies is to map, on a regional scale, areas potentially affected by landslides (superficial and deep-seated), rock avalanches, rockfalls, debris flows, surface runoff, floods, and snow avalanches.
Local slope stability studies
Terranum studies the activity, stability, hazard and risk of a specific phenomenon by means of detailed field mapping, identification and monitoring of the factors destabilising the slope or even triggering its failure (terrestrial laser scanning and ground-based InSAR surveys, geotechnical sensors, etc.), 2D and 3D modelling of the propagation zones, calculation of safety factors, and a GIS analysis of the assets in the exposed area.
Hazard mapping and risk management
Terranum produces hazard maps for all types of slope movements at local scales, in accordance with Swiss and international recommendations and standards. In addition, studies of direct and indirect risk can be carried out to identify and quantify threatened populations and objects. Terranum also acts as a support office for public administrations, when external assistance becomes necessary to deal with a complex project or study.
Landslide monitoring
Terranum designs comprehensive, customised monitoring systems for slope movements, from survey planning to data interpretation. Terranum has extensive experience with remote sensing methods such as LiDAR, photogrammetry and InSAR. Finally, to support risk management, Terranum can also design appropriate alert systems, from initial field studies to the design of early-warning management software.