The sensitivity evaluation of ground fissures in Yuncheng, Shanxi, China with GIS and AHP method

Yuncheng, located in Shanxi graben basin, has been suffering large scale ground fissures hazard, which seriously constrained the urban construction and economic development. In order to monitor and mitigate this hazard, this paper thoroughly analyzes each hazard-formative factor of ground fissures, such as faults, earthquake, land subsidence, geomorphology, stratum and rainfall. Then we establish thematic layers for each hazard-formative factor by using the geographic information system (GIS) technology. The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method is applied to determine the weights of each impact factors to fissures, and finally the sensitivity assessment model for ground fissures of Yuncheng city is built. Lastly, the sensitivity model is verified with known fissures data, and a high consistency result is achieved. This research will play a directive role in the prevention and mitigation of ground fissures disaster in this region.