Assessing the relation between land take and landslide hazard. Evidence from Sardinia, Italy

The process of land-taking and soil sealing involves changing the way land is used, which in turn can make the land more vulnerable to landslides. This means that the land may not be able to withstand the forces of landslides as effectively as it could before. Therefore, this study examines how land-taking processes, such as urbanization, can increase the risk of landslides. The study asks the research question, “To what extent do land-taking processes increase landslide hazard?”. The impact of land take is measured using a regression model that analyzes land cover variables, including artificialized land, and other land cover types grouped according to the LEAC (Land and Ecosystem Accounting) classification. The study is conducted in Sardinia and shows that land-taking processes, including urbanization, increase the size of the area prone to landslides. The study offers suggestions for planning policies to mitigate the impacts of land cover transitions on landslide hazards.