[U-04] Geospatial Applications for Societal Benefits

[U04-06] Spectral characterization in landslides areas: The case of Mankayan, Benguet, Philippines

*Jenielyn Tuando Padrones¹, J-M Emmanuel V Tolentino², Tomas D Reyes, Jr. ¹, Decibel V. Faustino-Eslava³, Naruse Nobayasu^4,5, Takahashi Yukihiro⁶ (1.Institute of Renewable Natural Resources, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines, 2.College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines, 3.Earth Systems Research Team Laboratory (EaRTLab), School of Environmental Science and Management, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines, 4.School of Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan, 5.Blue Planet Sensing, Ltd., Iwamizawa, Hokkaido, Japan, 6.Department of Cosmosciences, Graduate School of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan)

Keywords:Spectrometer, spectral signature, comparative analysis, X-ray Diffraction, soil mineralogy

This research explores the nuanced characterization of spectral signatures in landslide-prone regions, focusing on the case study of Mankayan, Benguet. Utilizing a handheld spectrometer, comprehensive ground-based spectral profiles were collected for soil, rocks, and vegetation. The approach effectively delineated diverse terrains and vegetation types, offering valuable insights for terrain analysis and vegetation differentiation within the landslide scarps. Reflectance data analysis uncovered distinctive vegetation, rock, and soil trends, highlighting the spectrometer's ability to capture spectral signatures across the 400 nm to 1050 nm range.

Additionally, the study investigates the impact of moisture content on spectral data. Comparative analysis with Landsat 8 reflectance data revealed similarities in trends but also identified certain limitations. To further enhance our understanding, X-ray diffraction (XRD) will be employed to determine the mineralogy of soil materials and ascertain alteration products. This information will then be compared with the results obtained from field spectra analysis.