Tag: landslides

Welcome to Our New Assistant Professor, Dr. Xiang Li

xiang li
Dr. Xiang Li

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Xiang Li as the newest member of our faculty in the Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences at Michigan Tech. Dr. Li brings valuable experience and knowledge that will significantly contribute to our department’s goals in geological engineering.

Dr. Li received his PhD in Geotechnical Engineering from Northwestern University in 2022. His primary research interests lie in geological and geotechnical modeling, with a focus on the dynamics of landslides triggered by precipitation. Before joining Michigan Tech, Dr. Li was a Postdoctoral Scholar at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he expanded his expertise by advancing geomechanics theory through the use of large datasets acquired via Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) remote sensing. This approach not only enables the acquisition of large-scale ground deformation data to refine and improve models but also offers future applications in soil-structure interaction, coastal infrastructure resilience, and earthquake engineering. Recently, Dr. Li published a lead-author paper in the prestigious journal Geophysical Research Letters.

In his new role, Dr. Li will be actively involved in teaching and research in support of our Geological Engineering program. With his expertise and innovative research approach, Dr. Li is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of our program, driving forward our commitment to excellence, and expanding our impact in the field. We look forward to the contributions he will bring to our department. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Li to our department and the university.

Dr. Xiang Li, an incoming Assistant Professor of GMES, publishes his research on predicting landslides

Xiang Li

Dr. Xiang Li, who will join GMES as an assistant professor of geological engineering in August, has published a paper as the lead author in the prestigious journal Geophysical Research Letters. Dr. Li is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California, Los Angeles.

The paper, titled “Exploring the Behaviors of Initiated Progressive Failure and Slow-Moving Landslides in Los Angeles Using Satellite InSAR and Pixel Offset Tracking,” reveals that the Rolling Hills Estates landslide, which destroyed 12 homes in California on July 8, 2023, could have been predicted within a three-day time lag using Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) observation data. These findings provide strong evidence that satellite remote sensing data can significantly contribute to landslide early warning systems and help understand the impacts of climate change on landslide hazards.

Dr. Li’s publication was featured in the LA Times and Phys.org, underscoring the importance and relevance of his work.

This research illustrates how geological engineering can contribute to innovative solutions for predicting natural disasters and potentially saving lives.

Increasing red areas on a topographical map showing displacement in cm.
An animation depicting the land movement on Peartree Lane in Rolling Hills Estates before the July 2023 landslide (by Xiang Li).