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Demarcation of liquefaction zones and risk reduction in Fiji Islands from a geomatics perspective: a case study of Viti Levu Island

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Abstract

Liquefaction induced by tectonism is lethal which warrants up-front risks reduction planning. It is one of the geohazards associated with seismic ground shaking or tremor which result in collapse of buildings, loss of lives and environmental disturbances. Numerous procedures have been employed to identify potential liquefaction zones. The present study aims at assessing the site-soil-geology of Viti Levu Island using the GIS and remote sensing techniques. Site-soil-geology, geomorphology and SRTM DEM data were the main sources of layers used to carry out such analysis using the Saaty’s analytical hierarchical process and ArcGIS multi-criteria analysis. In the ArcGIS 10.5 spatial analyst tool, the raster calculator, reclassify and weightage overlay tools were chosen for this study. The final result of liquefaction potential zone indicates the ‘low’, ‘moderate’, ‘high’ and ‘very high’ zones for spatial planners and decision makers to formulate policies. Emphasizing the preventative measures as pro-active role rather than re-active role has been highlighted in this spatial physical planning exercise.

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(Source: Fiji Ministry of Information, 2018)

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Acknowledgements

First author is acknowledge the BULA Scholarship for providing financial support through the period of his Ph. D study at Papua New Guinea University of Technology. Also appreciate the Land and Survey Department of PNG UNITECH for providing access to all the relevant facilities. I am gratefully acknowledge the anonymous reviewers for providing their informative comments to allow me provide a quality research. This paper would not be possible without the assistance, support and dedication of the following institutions. Firstly, the European Union for financing this post graduate programme. Secondly, the Papua New Guinea University of Technology for hosting the research and allowing access to their laboratory. Thirdly, the Lands and Survey Department for accommodating this 3-year programme. Fourthly, the co-authors for their willingness to share knowledge for the betterment the research community and Fiji’s as a whole. We thankall the reviewers for their meticulous observation, constructive remarks and informative comments which qualifies the publication of this manuscript.

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  1. Department of Surveying and Land Studies, Papua New Guinea University of Technology, Lae, 411, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea

    Joeli Varo, Tingneyuc Sekac, Sujoy Kumar Jana & Dilip Kumar Pal

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Varo, J., Sekac, T., Jana, S.K. et al. Demarcation of liquefaction zones and risk reduction in Fiji Islands from a geomatics perspective: a case study of Viti Levu Island. Spat. Inf. Res. 27, 643–658 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41324-019-00265-1

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