Groundwater vulnerability assessment using a GIS-based DRASTIC method in the Erbil Dumpsite area (Kani Qirzhala), Central Erbil Basin, North Iraq

Groundwater vulnerability assessment is a crucial step in the efficient management of groundwater resources,especially in areas with intensive anthropogenic activities and groundwater pollution.In the present study,the DRASTIC method was applied using Geographic Information System(GIS)to delineate groundwater vulnerability zones in the Erbil Dumpsite area,Central Erbil Basin,North Iraq.Results showed that the area was classified into four vulnerability classes:Very low(16.97%),low(27.67%),moderate(36.55%)and high(18.81%).The southern,south-eastern and northern parts of the study area exhibited the highest vulnerability potential,while the central-northern,northern and north-western regions displayed the lowest vulnerability potential.Moreover,results of the single-parameter sensitivity analysis indicated that amongst the seven DRASTIC parameters,the unsaturated zone and the aquifer media were the most influencing parameters.In conclustion,the correlation of 25 nitrate concentration values with the final vulnerability map,assessed using the Pearson correlation coefficient,yielded a satisfactory result of R=0.72.

Vulnerability assessment of coastal wetlands in Minjiang River Estuary based on cloud model under sea level rise

The change of coastal wetland vulnerability affects the ecological environment and the economic development of the estuary area.In the past,most of the assessment studies on the vulnerability of coastal ecosystems stayed in static qualitative research,lacking predictability,and the qualitative and quantitative relationship was not objective enough.In this study,the“Source-Pathway-Receptor-Consequence”model and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change vulnerability definition were used to analyze the main impact of sea level rise caused by climate change on coastal wetland ecosystem in Minjiang River Estuary.The results show that:(1)With the increase of time and carbon emission,the area of high vulnerability and the higher vulnerability increased continuously,and the area of low vulnerability and the lower vulnerability decreased.(2)The eastern and northeastern part of the Culu Island in the Minjiang River Estuary of Fujian Province and the eastern coastal wetland of Meihua Town in Changle District are areas with high vulnerability risk.The area of high vulnerability area of coastal wetland under high emission scenario is wider than that under low emission scenario.(3)Under different sea level rise scenarios,elevation has the greatest impact on the vulnerability of coastal wetlands,and slope has less impact.The impact of sea level rise caused by climate change on the coastal wetland ecosystem in the Minjiang River Estuary is mainly manifested in the sea level rise,which changes the habitat elevation and daily flooding time of coastal wetlands,and then affects the survival and distribution of coastal wetland ecosystems.

Flood Vulnerability Assessment Using Satellite Imagery Data

As flood extreme occurrences are projected to increase in intense and frequency due to climate change, the assessment of vulnerability and the identification of the most vulnerable areas, populations, assets and systems are an urgent need. Vulnerability has been widely discussed and several flood projection tools have been developed using complex hydrological models. However, despite the significant contribution of flood projection maps to predicting the impact of potential floods, they are difficult and impractical to use by stakeholders and policy makers, while they have proven to be inefficient and out of date in several cases. This research aims to cover the gaps in coastal and riverine flood management, developing a method that models flood patterns, using geospatial data of past large flood disasters. The outcomes of this research produce a five scale vulnerability assessment method, which could be widely implemented in all sectors, including transport, critical infrastructure, public health, tourism, constructions etc. Moreover, they could facilitate decision making and provide a wide range of implementation by all stakeholders, insurance agents, land-use planners, risk experts and of course individual. According to this research, the majority of the elements exposed to flood hazards, lay at specific combinations between 1) elevation (Ei) and 2) distance from water-masses (Di), expressed as (Ei, Di), including: 1) in general landscapes: ([0 m, 1 m), [0 km, 6 km), [0 m - 3 m), [0 km, 3 km)) and ([0 m - 6 m), [0 km, 1 km)), 2) in low laying regions: ([0 m, 1 m), [0 km, 40 km), [0 m - 3 m), [0 km, 30 km)) and ([0 m - 6 m), [0 km, 15 km)) and 2) in riverine regions: ([0 m, 4 m), [0 km, 3 km)). All elements laying on these elevations and distances from water masses are considered extremely and highly vulnerable to flood extremes.

The role of hazard vulnerability assessments in disaster preparedness and prevention in China

China is prone to disasters and escalating disaster losses. Effective disaster mitigation is the foundation for efficient disaster response and rescue and for reducing the degree of hazardous impacts on the population. Vulnerability refers to the population's capacity to anticipate, cope with, and recover from the impact of a hazardous event. A hazard vulnerability assessment(HVA) systematically evaluates the damage that could be caused by a potential disaster, the severity of the impact, and the available medical resources during a disaster to reduce population vulnerability and increase the capacity to cope with disasters. In this article, we summarized HVA team membership, content(disaster identification, probability and consequences), and methods and procedures for an HVA that can be tailored to China's needs. We further discussed the role of epidemiology in an HVA. Disaster epidemiology studies the underlying causes of disasters to achieve effective disaster prevention and reduction. In addition, we made several recommendations that are already in practice in developed countries, such as the U.S., for future implementation in China and other developing countries. An effective HVA plan is crucial for successful disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.

Practical seismic resilience evaluation and crisis management planning through GIS-based vulnerability assessment of buildings

The objective of this paper is to demonstrate how assessment of seismic vulnerability can be effective in protection against earthquakes.Findings are reported from a case study in a densely populated urban area near an active fault,utilizing practical methods and exact engineering data.Vulnerability factors were determined due to technical considerations,and a field campaign was performed to collect the required data.Multi-criteria decision making was carried out by means of an analytical hierarchy process including a fuzzy standardization.Earthquake scenarios were applied through an implicit vulnerability model.GIS was utilized and the results were analyzed by classifying the state of vulnerability in levels as very low,low,moderate,high,and very high.Seismic resilience was evaluated as vulnerabilities below the moderate state,being about 40% in an intensity of 6 Mercalli and less than 10% in 10 Mercalli.It is concluded that seismic resilience in the area studied is not acceptable,the area is vulnerable in the expected scenarios,and due to the high seismicity of the region,proper crisis management planning is required in parallel with attempts toward retrofitting.In this regard,an emergency map was developed with reference to the assessed vulnerabilities.

Vulnerability Assessment of Shallow Groundwater in Ordos Cretaceous Basin

[Objective] The aim was to evaluate the vulnerability to pollution of shallow groundwater in Or（los Cretaceous Basin system. [Method] Mathematical modeling, GIS spatial analysis and multivariate statistical analysis technologies were introduced to improve the traditional groundwater vulnerability assessment model of DRASTIC in view of its strong subjective for expert estimation and weight assigning. In the meantime, the intensi- ty and reasons of vulnerability to pollution of groundwater in the area were studied, and measures to protect local groundwater were proposed. [Resultl Using improved DRASTIC method to assess the vulnerability to pollution of groundwater in Ordos Cretaceous Basin system was objective and reliable. The application of fertilizer was the main influential factors to the vulnerability to pollution of groundwater in Ordos Cretaceous Basin sys- tem. It was advised to lessen the usage of fertilizer and not to drink water from lake or deep ground water. Density, rock, and evaporation were fac- tors that led to intensive vulnerability to pollution of groundwater in shallow areas. [ Conclusion] The study provided a new method for the evaluation of vulnerability to pollution of groundwater in Ordos Basin.

Vulnerability assessment of the Satluj catchment for sustainable development of hydroelectric projects in the northwestern Himalaya

Hydropower if scientifically developed is considered to be one of the clean and non-polluted renewable energy sources.But its impacts always exist on physical and social environment of the area.The present study was conducted in the River Satluj basin which is well known for its hydropower potential.The main objective of the study was to understand the vulnerability of the Satluj basin and to develop a strategy for the development of hydropower projects.This basin has been facing many problems relating to construction of haphazard development of hydropower projects.This has led multi-hazards like landslides,floods,earthquakes,etc.Here,vulnerability assessment index was assessed quantitatively and qualitatively.Geographical Information System and people’s perception were used to study these aspects in the basin.The parameters considered for vulnerability assessment were slope,slope profile,relative relief,curvature,slope aspect,soil texture,lithology,river morphometry,precipitation,hydroelectric projects,land use and land cover,mass-movement,flood,geological elements and earthquake occurrences.The highest vulnerability was found in the middle zone,and finally on the basis of parameters analyzed;the hydropower’s development strategy was developed.

Internet of Things Based Solutions for Transport Network Vulnerability Assessment in Intelligent Transportation Systems

Intelligent Transportation System(ITS)is essential for effective identification of vulnerable units in the transport network and its stable operation.Also,it is necessary to establish an urban transport network vulnerability assessment model with solutions based on Internet of Things(IoT).Previous research on vulnerability has no congestion effect on the peak time of urban road network.The cascading failure of links or nodes is presented by IoT monitoring system,which can collect data from a wireless sensor network in the transport environment.The IoT monitoring system collects wireless data via Vehicle-to-Infrastructure(V2I)channels to simulate key segments and their failure probability.Finally,the topological structure vulnerability index and the traffic function vulnerability index of road network are extracted from the vulnerability factors.The two indices are standardized by calculating the relative change rate,and the comprehensive index of the consequence after road network unit is in a failure state.Therefore,by calculating the failure probability of road network unit and comprehensive index of road network unit in failure state,the comprehensive vulnerability of road network can be evaluated by a risk calculation formula.In short,the IoT-based solutions to the new vulnerability assessment can help road network planning and traffic management departments to achieve the ITS goals.

Groundwater Quality Analysis and Vulnerability Assessment in Longdong Area

Groundwater is important drinking water source in Longdong area. In recent years,as gradual expanding of industrial and agricultural production scales,seen from change trend of water quality,major impact factors of groundwater in the zone were ammonia nitrogen,COD,sulfate and total dissolved solid. By using specific thought of parameter system method,vulnerability assessment factor system of groundwater and meter point system calculation model in the zone were established. Via calculation and analysis,vulnerability distribution of groundwater in the zone was obtained. According to vulnerability index（ higher,moderate and lower）,zone dividing was conducted,and the areas were respectively 623. 25,4 005. 00 and 6 621. 75 km2,which respectively accounted for 5.54%,35. 60% and 58. 86%. The evaluation provided research basis for prevention,control and protection of groundwater environment in Longdong area.

Seismic Vulnerability Assessment from Earthquake Damages Historical Data Using Constrained Optimization Technique

This present work falls within the context of efforts that have been made over the past many years, aimed in improving the seismic vulnerability modelling of structures when using historical data. The historical data describe the intensity and the damages, but do not give information about the vulnerability, since only in the ’90 the concept of vulnerability classes was introduced through the EMS92 and EMS98 scales. Considering EMS98 definitions, RISK-UE project derived a method for physical damage estimation. It introduced an analytical equation as a function of an only one parameter (Vulnerability Index), which correlates the seismic input, in term of Macroseismic Intensity, with the physical damage. In this study, we propose a methodology that uses optimization algorithms allowing a combination of theoretical-based with expert opinion-based assessment data. The objective of this combination is to estimate the optimal Vulnerability Index that fits the historical data, and hence, to give the minimum error in a seismic risk scenario. We apply the proposed methodology to the El Asnam earthquake (1980), but this approach remains general and can be extrapolated to any other region, and more, it can be applied to predictive studies (before each earthquake scenarios). The mathematical formulation gives choice for regarding, to the optic of minimizing the error, either for the: 1) very little damaged building (D0-D2 degree) or 2) highly damaged building (D4-D5 degree). These two different kinds of optics are adapted for the people who make organizational decisions as for mitigation measures and urban planning in the first case and civil protection and urgent action after a seismic event in the second case. The insight is used in the framework of seismic scenarios and offers advancing of damage estimation for the area in which no recent data, or either no data regarding vulnerability, are available.

COMMUNAL VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT FOR NATURAL DISASTERS

An integral part of risk assessment for natural hazards, communal vulnerability assessment (CVA) is now receiving considerable attention, with the on-going International Decade of Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR). This article expounds the definition of the CVA concept and its implication. In addition, it offers a brief discussion of the reasons why CVA has been neglected and its relationship with socio-economic and physical vulnerability assessment. The article also gives an explorative exposition of the methodology and application of communal vulnerability analysis in risk reduction.

Recharge and vulnerability assessment of groundwater resources in North west India:Insights from isotope-geospatial modelling approach

Recent studies indicate dwindling groundwater quantity and quality of the largest regional aquifer system in North West India,raising concern over freshwater availability to about 182 million population residing in this region.Widespread agricultural activities have resulted severe groundwater pollution in this area,demanding a systematic vulnerability assessment for proactive measures.Conventional vulnerability assessment models encounter drawbacks due to subjectivity,complexity,data-prerequisites,and spatial-temporal constraints.This study incorporates isotopic information into a weighted-overlay framework to overcome the above-mentioned limitations and proposes a novel vulnerability assessment model.The isotope methodology provides crucial insights on groundwater recharge mechanisms(18O and 2H)and dynamics(3H)-often ignored in vulnerability assessment.Isotopic characterisation of precipitation helped in establishing Local Meteoric Water Line(LMWL)as well as inferring contrasting recharge mechanisms operating in different aquifers.Shallow aquifer(depth<60 m)showed significant evaporative signature with evaporation loss accounting up to 18.04%based on Rayleigh distillation equations.Inter-aquifer connections were apparent from Kernel Density Estimate(KDE)and isotope correlations.A weighted overlay isotope-geospatial model was developed combining 18O,3H,aquifer permeability,and water level data.The central and northern parts of study area fall under least(0.29%)and extremely(1.79%)vulnerable zones respectively,while majority of the study area fall under moderate(42.71%)and highly vulnerable zones(55.20%).Model validation was performed using groundwater NO3-concentration,which showed an overall accuracy up to 82%.Monte Carlo Simulation(MCS)was performed for sensitivity analysis and permeability was found to be the most sensitive input parameter,followed by 3H,18O,and water level.Comparing the vulnerability map with Land Use Land Cover(LULC)and population density maps helped in precisely identifying the high-risk sites,warranting a prompt attention.The model developed in this study integrates isotopic information with vulnerability assessment and resulted in model output with good accuracy,scientific basis,and widespread relevance,which highlights its crucial role in formulating proactive water resource management plans,especially in less explored data-scarce locations.

Network Embedding Algorithm for Vulnerability Assessment of Power Transmission Lines Using Integrated Structure and Attribute Information

In power systems,failures of vulnerable lines can trigger large-scale cascading failures,and vulnerability assessment is dedicated to locating these lines and reducing the risks of such failures.Based on a structure and attribute network embedding(SANE)algorithm,a novel quantitative vulnerability analysis method is proposed to identify vulnerable lines in this research.First,a two-layered random walk network with topological and electrical properties of transmission lines is established.Subsequently,based on the weighted degree of nodes in the two-layered network,the inter-layer and intra-layer walking transition probabilities are developed to obtain walk sequences.Then,a Word2Vec algorithm is applied to obtain lowdimension vectors representing transmission lines,according to obtained walk sequences for calculating the vulnerability index of transmissions lines.Finally,the proposed method is compared with three widely used methods in two test systems.Results show the network embedding based method is superior to those comparison methods and can provide guidance for identifying vulnerable lines.

Vulnerability Assessment Method for Immovable Cultural Relics Based on Artificial Neural Networks—An Example of a Heavy Rainfall Event in Henan Province

Cultural relic conservation capability is an important issue in cultural relic conservation research,and it is critical to decrease the vulnerability of immovable cultural relics to rainfall hazards.Commonly used vulnerability assessment methods are subjective,are mostly applied to regional conditions,and cannot accurately assess the vulnerability of cultural relics.In addition,it is impossible to predict the future vulnerability of cultural relics.Therefore,this study proposed a machine learning-based vulnerability assessment method that not only can assess cultural relics individually but also predict the vulnerability of cultural relics under different rainfall hazard intensities.An extreme rainfall event in Henan Province in 2021 was selected as an example,with a survey report on the damage to cultural relics as a database.The results imply that the back propagation(BP)neural network-based method of assessing the vulnerability of immovable cultural relics is reliable,with an accuracy rate higher than 92%.Based on this model to predict the vulnerability of Zhengzhou City’s cultural relics,the vulnerability levels of cultural relics under different recurrence periods of heavy rainfall were obtained.Among them,the vulnerability of ancient sites is higher than those of other cultural relic types.The assessment model used in this study is suitable for predicting the vulnerability of immovable cultural relics to heavy rainfall hazards and can provide a technical means for cultural relic conservation studies.

A Vulnerability Assessment Framework for Cultural Heritage Sites:The Case of the Roman Ruins of Tróia

This article contributes to developing an indicator-based vulnerability assessment framework for cultural heritage sites.It provides a vulnerability index for heritage sites potentially exposed to multiple hazards,including sudden-onset and slow-onset hazards,while considering climate change influences.Through determining particular criteria and indicators,the Cultural Heritage Vulnerability Index incorporates structural and non-structural factors of the heritage site and its local and national settings.The assessment procedure was applied to the case of the Roman Ruins of Tróia in Portugal.The findings highlight those areas of sensitivity(e.g.,the existing deterioration patterns and types of foundation)and coping and adaptive capacities(e.g.,institutional setting and response plan)that significantly contribute to the level of vulnerability and risk.The results of vulnerability assessment will further enable determining priorities and developing risk mitigation and preparedness measures,in particular reducing structural sensitivity and promoting coping capacities.

Application of Hazard Vulnerability Analysis Based on Kaiser Model in Neonatal Breast Milk Management

Objective:To analyze the existing risks in breast milk management at the neonatal department and provide corresponding countermeasures.Methods:22 risk events were identified in 7 risk links in the process of bottle-feeding of breast milk.Hazard Vulnerability Analysis based on the Kaiser model was applied to investigate and evaluate the risk events.Results:High-risk events include breast milk quality inspection,hand hygiene during collection,disinfection of collectors,cold chain management,hand hygiene during the reception,breast milk closed-loop management,and post-collection disposal.Root cause analysis of high-risk events was conducted and breast milk management strategies outside the hospital and within the neonatal department were proposed.Conclusion:Hazard Vulnerability Analysis based on the Kaiser model can identify and assess neonatal breast milk management risks effectively,which helps improve the management of neonatal breast milk.It is conducive to the safe development and promotion of bottle feeding of breast milk for neonates,ensuring the quality of medical services and the safety of children.

Eco-environmental vulnerability assessment for large drinking water resource： a case study of Qiandao Lake Area, China

The Qiandao Lake Area （QLA） is of great significance in terms of drinking water supply in East Coast China as well as a nationally renowned tourist attraction. A series of laws and regulations regarding the QLA environment have been enacted and implemented throughout the past decade with the aim of negating the harmful effects associated with expanding urbanization and industrialization. In this research, an assessment framework was developed to analyze the eco-environ- mental vulnerability of the QLA from 1990-2010 by integrating fuzzy analytic hierarchy process （FAHP） and geographical information systems （GIS） in an attempt to gain insights into the status quo of the QLA so as to review and evaluate the effectiveness of the related policies. After processing and analyzing the temporal and spatial variation of eco-environmental vulnerability and major environ- mental issues in the QLA, we found that the state of eco- environmental vulnerability of the QLA was acceptable, though a moderate deterioration was detected during the study period. Furthermore, analysis of the combination of vulnerability and water quality indicated that the water quality showed signs of declination, though the overall status remained satisfactory. It was hence concluded that the collective protection and treatment actions were effective over the study period, whereas immediately stricter measures would be required for protecting the drinking water quality from domestic sewage and industrial wastewater. Finally, the spatial variation of the eco-environmental vulnerability assessment also implied that specifically more targeted measures should be adoptedin respective regions for long-term sustainable develop- ment of the QLA.

Comprehensive Assessment of Eco-environment Vulnerability in Hebei Province Based on ArcGIS

[Objective] This study aimed to assess the vulnerability of ecological environment in Hebei Province.[Method] Based on ArcGIS,by using the dominant factor and maximum limits factor method,we established the sensitivity-reality indicator system and assessment model of the eco-environment vulnerability in Hebei Province to quantitatively evaluate its eco-environment vulnerability,and analyzed its spatial distribution.[Result] The status quo of environmental degradation was inconsistent with the sensitivity of eco-environment in Hebei Province.The area of severely vulnerable region accounted for only 4.1% of total area in Hebei Province,mainly distributed in nine counties or districts of Baxia region,Zhangjiakou,northwestern Hebei,which was covered with mountains and basins,showing bands,which resulted from the vulnerability of soil erosion and land desertification.In addition,the moderately vulnerable region made up 38.4%,having the largest proportion,and mainly distributed in the mountain and basin region in northwestern Hebei,Yanshan Mountain and the most regions of Taihang Mountain,due to the vulnerability of soil erosion.At the same time,there were also large patches of moderately vulnerable region in Bashang and Baxia of Zhangjiakou,owning to the vulnerability of land desertification.Besides,most plains were mildly vulnerable and slightly vulnerable regions,and their areas accounted for 25.1% and 32.4% respectively of total area.[Conclusion] The research could provide scientific references for safeguarding the ecological security and main functional district planing of Hebei Province.

Climate Change Vulnerability and Disaster Risk Assessment Using Remote Sensing Technology and Adaptation Strategies for Resiliency and Disaster Risk Management in Selected Coastal Municipalities of Zambales, Philippines

The Philippines is one of the most hazard prone and vulnerable countries in the world to climate change effects due to its geographical location. Climate change is already happening and affecting many places causing huge problems to coastal ecosystems. Vulnerability and disaster assessment and mapping in coastal areas are essential tasks and undertakings for coastal disaster risk management. The objectives of this study were to assess the climate change vulnerability and disaster risks in the four municipalities (Sta. Cruz, Candelaria, Masinloc and Palauig) of Zambales and to determine the climate change community-based adaptation (CBA) and ecosystem-based adaptation (EBA) strategies. Remote sensing, GIS, secondary data gathering and key informant interview were used to assess vulnerability and disaster risks and mapping in the four municipalities. Survey questionnaire, focus group discussion and key informant interview were utilized in gathering data for the determination of climate change adaptation strategies. Using remote sensing technology, it was revealed that coastline changes have occurred in the shorelines of the four coastal municipalities after a decade. Sea level rise happened in Sta. Cruz and Masinloc, Zambales while there was build-up of soil in the coastline of Candelaria and Palauig, Zambales. Twelve hazard maps, 12 vulnerability maps and 12 disaster risk maps were generated for the three major disasters (flood, landslide, storm surge) in the four coastal municipalities. Based on the flood vulnerability and disaster risk assessment, the municipality of Palauig was found to be the most prone to flooding while the municipality of Candelaria was found to be the most vulnerable to landslide compared to other municipalities. All coastal barangays in the four municipalities were susceptible to storm surge. The four coastal municipalities were conducting community-based adaptation (CBA) and ecosystem-based adaptation (EBA) approaches in order to protect their coastal resources from the damaging impacts of climate change and improve the resilience of their local communities.

Application of BCP-2007 and UBC-97 in seismic vulnerability assessment of gravity designed RC buildings in Pakistan

Recent earthquakes in Pakistan （Kashmir 2005, Balochistan 2008, and Balochistan 2013） revealed the vulnerability of existing building stock and the deficiencies in the then prevalent Pakistan Seismic Code （PSC-86 （1986））. This study investigates, through an analytical framework, the seismic vulnerability of these and other such buildings, in accordance with the newly developed Building Code of Pakistan - Seismic Provisions 2007 （BCP-SP 07）. Detailed failure mode is presented for buildings designed as per the new code. Collapse of structures is predicted for only 8% increase in PGA after moderate damage. A previously developed method, based on Eurocode-8 （2004）, is used as baseline. A deficient reinforced concrete frame, typical to local building practices, is analyzed and assessed for vulnerability using the BCP- SP 07 （2007） framework. A comparison is drawn for the same building, based on Eurocode- 8 （2004）. Derived vulnerability curves show that the previous framework overestimated the damage and hence the vulnerability. Comparison of vulnerability parameters with previous studies show slight difference in performance of buildings.