Mass movement risk in a Portuguese municipality: Tabuaço case study

摘要

In the past century, Portugal was affected by several natural disasters, such as mass movements, which often causedhigh levels of destruction. However, data on past events related to mass movements were scattered. Massmovements are one of the most relevant geomorphological hazards in Portugal, by the high levels of peopleaffected, destruction of assets and disruption of economic and social activities. The main objective of this study wasto identify the risk of mass movements in the municipality of Tabuaço, integrated in an important Oporto wineproduction area, the Douro Wine Region, using geographic information systems. The results show the main areassusceptible to this type of risk, according to a realistic and practical methodology resulting from a deep knowledgeof the terrain. This study can prove to be a powerful tool for adaptation and mitigation by civil protectionauthorities and for the creation of new policies for municipal and spatial planning, to support decision makers.