Landslide early warning systems

Two categories of landslide early warning systems (LEWSs) can be defined as a function of the scale of analysis. Systems addressing single landslides at slope scale can be named local LEWSs (Lo-LEWSs), systems operating over broad areas at regional scale are herein referred to as territorial systems (Te-LEWSs). In the literature several proposals are schematizing the structure of LEWSs.

They highlight the importance of the interconnection among different know-how and system components, as well as the vital role played by the actors involved in designing and deploying these systems. This worldwide review is organized, describing and discussing the main components of 24 Te-LEWSs, following an original conceptual model based on four main tiles: setting, modelling, warning and response.

Governmental institutions predominantly manage Te-LEWSs. Thus, information is often difficult to find in the literature and, when available, is only sometimes complete and thorough. The information considered herein has been retrieved from different sources: articles published in the scientific literature, grey literature, personal contacts with system managers, and web pages.

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