Field Reconnaissance Report of Landslides Triggered by the January 12, 2010, Haiti Earthquake

摘要

Shaking from the January 12, 2010, Haiti earthquake (M 7.0) caused devastating structural damage and triggered many landslides that blocked roads, dammed rivers and streams, and threatened infrastructure in many parts of Haiti. The earthquake had a complex mechanism that included both thrust and left-lateral strike-slip movement. We began analysis of satellite imagery to map triggered landslides almost immediately after the earthquake. When the scope of the disaster became clear, the U.S. Agency for International Development, Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA), requested that the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) assess various seismic hazards, including those from landslides. Using funding provided by OFDA, we departed for Haiti on March 25, 2010, to conduct a preliminary hazard assessment; the brief mission included aerial helicopter reconnaissance of areas affected by landslides and ground inspections at some accessible landslide sites. This brief report summarizes our activities and preliminary findings.