About the LAZR Lab
The Landscape Hazards Research (LazR) lab works to address natural hazards such as landslides, debris flows and flooding, by combining high-resolution geospatial data with in-situ soil and hydrologic monitoring and publicly available remote sensing data. Research areas include using multitemporal high-resolution landscape change detection for hazard analysis, post storm-event investigations, slope hydrology and landslide initiation, the evolution of slopes and landscapes over time, and the development of weather-driven landslide forecasting methods.
We are affiliated with the Landslide and Engineering Geology team at the Kentucky Geological Survey, and with the Environmental Sciences department at the University of Kentucky. Our lab teams with the Kentucky Geological Survey’s Surface Processes and Modeling (SP&M) lab and Civil Engineering’s Soil Mechanics lab to produce a full suite of hazard related data and analysis.
Research Areas
- Multitemporal, high-resolution landscape change detection and hazard analysis
- Landslide mapping and long-term monitoring
- Post storm-event mapping and investigation
- Slope hydrology, landslide initiation and runout
- Development of real-time weather-driven landslide forecasting methods
- Tectonic and climate-driven landscape evolution
Tools
The LazR lab tools include multiple lidar and high-resolution imagery systems, using both handheld and UAV platforms. Our affiliated labs in soil mechanics and surface processes and modeling (SP&M) expand the lab capabilities for soil and landscape hazard analysis and modeling.
Latest LAZR News
View All NewsKentucky Geological Survey visits Kentucky River landslide area in Frankfort
More than 500 homes in Franklin County were invaded by the Kentucky River during historic flooding last April. But in some places, homes were also affected by land movement. At that time, it was a difficult task to tell someone they weren't allowed in their own home. But that’s what Autumn Goderwis, the planning director for Franklin County, had to do because of landslides.
UK landslide research expands to Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati
The Kentucky Geological Survey (KGS) received a $182,961 grant from the U.S. Geological Survey to advance geological understanding and hazard preparedness for Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati. The project will produce landslide inventory maps and landslide susceptibility maps for the region that will benefit city planners, local governments and landowners.
Kentucky Geological Survey Landslides and Engineering Geology Team monitors landslides in the Commonwealth with an eye towards developing a weather-driven landslide forecasting model
Landslides have a significant impact on Kentucky, causing an estimated $10 to $20 million in damage annually and affecting roads, infrastructure, buildings, property, and private residences. In order to expand our research and get that information to interested stakeholders, the Kentucky Geological Survey (KGS) Landslide and Engineering Geology Team (1) supports state and local officials' responses to landslides, (2) learns from landslide events to inform landslide investigations and improve mitigation efforts, (3) evaluates hazard and reduces landslide risk, and (4) monitors and assesses slope response to a changing climate, working towards developing a weather-driven landslide forecasting model for the Commonwealth.
Contact & Location
Landscape Hazards Research
About This Location
The Landscape Hazards Research lab produces high-resolution geospatial data, hydrologic and soil data to understand and mitigate landscape hazards.
Principal Investigator
Additional Team Members
Matt Crawford
Geologist V
Hudson Koch
Geologist II
Ryan Ramsey
Geologist I
Evelyn Bibbins
Geologist I
Jason Dortch
Geologist V
Ryan Thigpen
Associate Professor