Application of the Landsat-5TM image data in the feasibility study of mudflow hazards in the southern Taihang Mountains

The Taihang Mountains area is an area in North China where serious mudflow hazards take place frequently. The hazards often obstrust traffic and make it difficult to carry out conventional ground investigations of the mudflow hazards. This paper introduces the feasibility study of mudflow hazards by using Landsat-5TM data. The study has achieved a great success through ado pting both the faint spectral enhancement technique for mudflow fans (or ot her depositional areas) and comprehensive study of the environmental backgr ound of pregnant mudflows. Thus, remote sensing as a fast, convenient, low- cost and effective technical method can be used to recognise the situation of mudflow hazards so that effective rescue can be provided.