We developed GASAKe, Genetic Algorithm-based Self-Adaptive Kernel, a new model to predict the time of occurrence of rainfall induced landslides.
GASAKe predicts the time of occurrence of single landslides or groups of similar landslides, both shallow and deep-seated, using a threshold than when exceeded determines the initiation of the landslides. The triggering threshold is defined using historical information on rainfall and landslides.
GASAKe is a “black box” model based on the assumption that the stability of a slope depends on rainfall in a linear and stationary way. Compared to other models, GASAKe uses a discreet moving window (a “kernel”) and implements a “self adaptive” calibration procedure based on “genetic algorithms”.
Exploiting the discrete kernel, GASAKe is flexible and suitable to simulate very complex interactions between rainfall and slope stability. The self adaptive procedure allows GASAKe to modify iteratively the shape of the kernel, based on the modelling conditions.
Main outputs of GASAKe include a “mobilizing function” that allows to predict the time of occurrence of one or more landslides, and a critical rainfall initiation threshold.
