Effects of forest harvesting on the occurrence of landslides and debris flows in steep terrain of central Japan

Auteur(s) et Affiliation(s)

IMAIZUMI, F.

Graduate School of Life and Environmental Science, University of Tsukuba, Ikawa University Forest, Shizuoka, Japon

SIDLE, R.C.

Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japon

KAMEI, R.

ING Life Insurance Company, Tokyo, Japon

Description :
The AA. examined the effects of forest harvesting on the frequency of landslides and debris flows in the Sanko catchment using 9 aerial photo periods covering 1964 to 2003. Trends of new landslides and debris flows correspond to changes in slope stability explained by root strength decay and recovery; the direct impact of clearcutting on landslide occurrence was greatest in forest stands that were clearcut 1 to 10 yr earlier with progressively lesser impacts continuing up to 25 yr after harvesting. Sediment supply rate from landslides in forests clearcut 1 to 10 yr earlier was about 10-fold higher than in control sites. To estimate the effect of forest harvesting and subsequent regeneration on the occurrence of mass wasting in other regions, changes in root strength caused by decay and recovery of roots should be investigated for various species and environmental conditions.

Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Earth surface processes and landforms, issn : 0197-9337, 2008, vol. 33, n°. 6, p. 827-840, nombre de pages : 14, Références bibliographiques : 42 ref.

Date :
2008

Editeur :
Pays édition : Royaume-Uni, Chichester, Wiley

Langue :
Anglais