This paper explores openly available geo-spatial and earth observatory data to understand landslide risk in data scarce rural areas of Nepal. It attempts to explore the application of open-source data and analytical models to inform future landslide research. The first step of this procedure starts from the review of global open datasets, literatures and case studies relevant to landslide research. The second step is followed by the case study in one of the mountainous municipalities of Nepal where we tested the identified open-source data and models to produce landslide susceptibility maps. Past studies and experiences show that the major potential sites of landslide in Nepal are highly concentrated in a geologically weak area such as the active fault regions, shear zones, axis of folds and unfavorable setting of lithology. Triggering factors like concentrated precipitation, frequent earthquake phenomenon and haphazard infrastructural development activities in the marginally stable mountain slopes have posed serious issues of landslides mostly through the geologically weak regions. In this context, openly available geo-spatial datasets can provide baseline information for exploring the landslide hazard scenario in the data scarce areas of Nepal. This research has used the available open-source data to produce a landslide susceptibility map of the Bithadchir Rural Municipality in Bajhang District and Budiganga Municipality in Bajura District of the Sudurpaschim Province of Nepal. We used qualitative analysis to evaluate the parameters and assess the susceptibility of landslide; the result was classified into five susceptibility zones: Very High, High, Moderate, Low, and Very Low. Slope and Aspect were identified to be the major determinants for the assessment. This approach is applicable, specifically, for the preliminary investigation in the data scarce region using open data sources. Furthermore, the result can be used to plan and prioritize effective disaster risk reduction strategies.

The study was carried out in Tinau-Mathagadhi section of Palpa District, Lumbini Province. The output of the landslide susceptibility analysis using frequency ratio (FR) is evaluated. Google Earth (CNES/Airbus and Maxar Technologies) Imagery of 50 cm spatial resolution was used to detect landslides. Data training and testing sampling was created using the landslide inventory. Eight causative factors were derived from topographic, geological, and land-use maps. The causative factors and training events were used to determine the FR ratings. The objective of present study is to address the effect of the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) along with other important parameters in landslide susceptibility mapping. The integration of causative factors that assigned FR scores yielded the landslide susceptibility map. The validation of 79.6% was obtained using the ROC-AUC curve. Among eight causative factors, it was found that distance from the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT), aspect, land-use, and geology are dominating factors in the occurrence of the landslide. The FR method is based on a quantitative relationship between landslide inventory and landslide affecting factors. The method is valid for Tinau-Mathagadhi section and MBT is one of the causes of landslides in this area.

The Mandre-Khursanibari section of Arghakhanchi and Palpa districts consists of numerous landslides, small to large. Prospecting weak geological sections like the location of the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) and inherently weak lithological settings in addition to other factors are the main objectives of the present research. In this study, the results of the landslide susceptibility analysis using frequency ratios (FR) are assessed. The Mandre-Khursanibari segment was subjected to landslide detection using imagery (Google Earth) with a spatial resolution of 50 cm. The landslide inventory was used to construct training and testing data. Based on topographic, geological, and land-use maps, nine contributing variables were identified. The FR ratings were established using the contributing elements and training data. The map illustrating landslide risk was produced by integrating the influencing components that determined FR ratings. The ROC-AUC curve shows a validation rate of 82.2 % in the present model of LSI. The three most important elements in the occurrence of the landslide, out of the nine potential causes, are distance from the thrust (MBT), land use, and distance from the road. However, the role of adverse lithological setting is found to be a minor in many sections of this region. The MBT is one of the main causes of landslides in this area.

Systematic information and in-depth knowledge of geological controls, mode of occurrences, distribution patterns and mineral association are very essential for exploring the new deposits and development of mineral resources of the country in general. In present study, an attempt has been made to clarify the geological controls of economic and sub-economic mineral deposits of Nepal. Investigation has shown that mineral deposits in Nepal Himalaya are controlled by particular geological conditions and tectonics. Till the date, economic potential of 63 mineral commodities from Nepal have been established by Department of Mines and Geology. Several economic to sub economic deposits of the country are explored and some are under mining process. Analysis of geological controls of above mentioned economic and sub-economic mineral deposits shows that they are either syngenetically or epigenetically confined to particular stratigraphic and tectonic units. These deposits are related in time and space to certain events of crustal movement representing different metallogenic epochs.

An inventory map of geotouristic sites was prepared on the scale of 1 : 5 000 along the Chandragiri-Chitlang Range, southwestern part of the Kathmandu Valley of central Nepal. From the ridges and peaks of the Chandragiri-Chitlang range, visitors can witness breathtaking views of the surrounding hills, modern buildings, and ancient temples of the Kathmandu Valley from a distance. The objective of the study was to explore the geotouristic sites around the Kathmandu Valley. For this purpose, all the available information related to geology, environment, geography, culture, religion, and other touristic components was reviewed thoroughly, and extensive fieldwork was carried out with the purpose of geological mapping and data collection. The Chandragiri-Chitlang range is a renowned place and open book not only for geologis ts but also for the nature lover, climbers, trekkers, photographers, videographers, cultural tourists, biologists, and ayurvedic and it has a great prospect for tourism due to its geomorphological variation, unique geological features, beautiful natural scene, unique trekking trails, culture, biodiversity, adventurous way, heritage, and historical sites. Major geotouristic sites, which attract tourists throughout the year in this range are the lush green Chandragiri Hill, Chandragiri Temple with children’s playground and exciting recreational equipment, snowfall, on the winter season, Chitlang Homestay, Chobhar Hill, Taudaha natural pond, Pharping Hill, Champadevi Temple, Gupteshwor cave, Chobhar cave, Thankot, and Matatirtha Temple, etc. Geologically, the study area comprises the lower four geological units of the Phulchoki Group of the Kathmandu Complex from older to younger sequences i.e. the Tistung Formation, the Sopyang Formation, the Chandragiri Limestone, and the Chitlang Formation along with alluvial fan deposits and Kathmandu Lake sediments. The basin of Kathmandu is filled with the lacustrine-fluvial deposits of ancient lakes followed by river deposits. The Chandragiri Thrust, Chitlang Syncline, Kirtipur Anticline are the major regional-scale geological structures within the study area. Unique old-fashioned footrail attracts tourists and increased the charm of traveling in this place. The homestays in Chitlang village, joyful of culture and environment, provide a tranquil retreat away from the bustling crowds of Kathmandu. Preparation of a tourist guidebook and planning and development from the perspective of a geotouristic approach is recommended after this research. Reconstruction and establishment of trekking foot trails and tourist information centers based on currently available natural and human resources without investing high costs can be carried out for sustainable tourism development in this range.