Integrated geospatial assessment of geodynamic hazard along the pipelines in the Ukrainian Carpathians
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24028/gj.v48i2.353442Keywords:
geodynamic hazard, pipelines, geoinformation analysis, risk assessment, geospatial zoningAbstract
This study addresses the problem of assessing the impact of hazardous geological processes on the functioning of pipelines. The study area lies within the Ukrainian Carpathians, a region of high geodynamic activity and frequent landslides. The relevance of the research is determined by the increasing frequency and intensity of exogenous processes in mountainous areas, the ongoing effects of climate change, and the necessity to enhance the reliability and safety of critical infrastructure. The aim of the study is to identify areas of increased geodynamic hazard along the pipelines in the Ukrainian Carpathians through a comprehensive assessment of multi-factor remote sensing data.
The proposed methodology integrates morphometric, climatic, and infrastructure-related components using remote sensing data and GIS-based spatial analysis. A set of topographic indices derived from the SRTM digital elevation model was calculated to characterize the potential susceptibility of the territory to landslide development and erosion processes. These indices reflect slope steepness, flow accumulation, surface runoff energy, and terrain ruggedness, which are key factors controlling slope instability in mountainous environments. In addition, land surface temperature, derived from Landsat imagery, and average annual precipitation were incorporated to account for climatic influences on slope processes.
All factors were integrated within a unified geoinformation environment to map the distribution of potential geodynamic hazards along the pipeline. The resulting map represents a raster-based hazard index that reflects the combined influence of natural and anthropogenic factors. The results make it possible to delineate high-risk zones. They can be used to improve monitoring systems, maintenance planning, and preventive risk management strategies in mountainous regions, particularly within the Ukrainian Carpathians.
To assess the reliability of the proposed model, the obtained hazard levels were compared with the spatial distribution of documented landslides within the study area, based on regional geological records and open geospatial datasets. The analysis revealed a clear spatial correspondence between high-hazard zones and recorded landslide occurrences, indicating a statistically meaningful correlation and confirming the adequacy and practical applicability of the proposed geospatial assessment approach.
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