Distribution patterns of landslides triggered by the 2022 MS 6.8 Luding earthquake, Sichuan, China

At 12:52 pm on September 5, 2022, an MS 6.8 earthquake occurred in Luding County, Sichuan Province, China. Based on high-resolution aerial photographs and satellite imageries obtained after the earthquake, as well as field investigation, a total of 8685 earthquake-triggered landslides(EQTLs) were interpreted. The landslides covered an area of 30.7km2, with a source area of 9.4 km2. These EQTLs were mainly distributed in areas with a seismic intensity of VIII and IX. Most of the landslides were small and medium in size, and their types included landslide,rockfall, and rock slump. Characteristic landslide distributions were found, EQTLs were distributed along the Xianshuihe fault, landslide area decreased gradually with an increased distance to the fault;EQTLs were distributed along the Daduhe River and roads; besides, landslide distribution was associated with ground deformation caused by the earthquake.EQTLs’ characteristics indicated that, a large number of EQTLs were located near the foot of the slope; the full area of EQTLs and their source area followed a power function. This study concluded that Luding EQTLs were greater in number and area but relatively smaller in terms of affected area. Investigations on geo-hazards post-earthquake and risk assessment were proposed in the earthquake-stricken area to support the rehabilitation and reconstruction.