A new technique for the detection of large scale landslides in glacio-lacustrine deposits using image correlation based upon aerial imagery: a case study from the French Alps

Landslide monitoring has benefited from recent advances in the use of image correlation of high resolution optical imagery. However, this approach has typically involved satellite imagery that may not be available for all landslides depending on their time of movement and location. This study has investigated the application of image correlation techniques applied to a sequence of aerial imagery to an active landslide in the French Alps. We apply an indirect landslide monitoring technique (COSI-Corr) based upon the cross-correlation between aerial photographs, to obtain horizontal displacement rates. Results for the 2001-2003 time interval are presented, providing a spatial model of landslide activity and motion across the landslide, which is consistent with previous studies. The study has identified areas of new landslide activity in addition to known areas and through image decorrelation has identified and mapped two new lateral landslides within the main landslide complex. This new approach for landslide monitoring is likely to be of wide applicability to other areas characterised by complex ground displacements.