Abstract:
[Objective] On January 1, 2024, a M
w 7.5 earthquake occurred on the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, resulting in more than 200 fatalities. The seismic event triggered significant crustal deformation, tsunamis, and landslides, leading to widespread damage across the region. Historically, this area has been prone to destructive earthquakes and associated geological hazards, such as landslides. Therefore, accurately evaluating the tectonic activity of major fault zones in the region is both critically important and urgently needed. [Methods] This study aims to employ quantitative morphotectonic analysis of drainage landscape to investigate the characteristics of active tectonic deformation and its implications for potential seismic hazards. Based on ASTER GDEM data with a spatial resolution of 30 meters, the drainage network within the study area was delineated. Geomorphic indices, including slope, relief, hypsometrical integral (HI), and normalized channel steepness index (k
sn), were calculated for each (sub)watershed basin. Additionally, the stability of drainage divides was assessed. Using this information, and integrating post-earthquake aerial imagery and landslide interpretation data, the influence of earthquake-induced landslides on drainage divides was analyzed. [Results] Comparative analysis of topographic slope, relief, HI, and k
sn values revealed that the northern coastal region of the peninsula has undergone significant tectonic deformation, exhibiting distinct segmentation characteristics. As well, active tectonic zones were identified in the central and southern parts of the peninsula, with spatial distributions closely aligned with known surface fault zones. Earthquake-induced landslides were predominantly concentrated in areas of high uplift, along drainage divides, and on steep slopes adjacent to river channels, characterized by steep topography and elevated k
sn values. Some landslides even crossed the divides, thereby altering the overall morphology of the drainage basins. [Conclusion] As revealed by our geomorphological analysis, the northern regions exhibiting high tectonic activity are consistent with areas that experienced significant surface uplift during the 2024 Noto earthquake. Moreover, the central and southern regions, which are characterized by ongoing active deformation, also require careful assessment of their seismic hazards. [Significance] The findings of this study provide a crucial scientific basis for evaluating future seismic risk in the Noto Peninsula.