LANDSLIDE HAZARD MAPPING NEAR THE ADMIRAL ÁLVARO ALBERTO NUCLEAR COMPLEX, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL.

Abstract

Technological accidents can be vast in scope and require a rapid response to evacuate the affected region. Access routes to nuclear power stations are essential for the preparation of emergency plans in the event of technological disasters. The Admiral Álvaro Alberto Nuclear Power Plant (Central Nuclear Almirante Álvaro Alberto - CNAAA) in Angra dos Reis, Brazil, is located in a region with high rainfall and rugged terrain. This article presents digital image processing and geoprocessing procedures for mapping landslide-susceptible areas and landslide scars associated with the CNAAA access routes. Digital Elevation Models and their derivations were used to identify landslide-susceptible areas, and LANDSAT images were used to map the land cover. The information was superimposed, and the hazard areas and potential landslide scars were mapped. Most of the study area is medium or high risk for landslide events. Landslides scars mapping achieved over 50% of accuracy representing a potential methodology for the risk assessment and landslides monitoring in the study area. The results demonstrate that further and detailed studies must be performed in the areas in order to maintain the access roads available for eventual evacuations in a technological disaster event.