Abstract
We examined the characteristics of slope failure and their temporal changes, as well as the effect of deforestation on the occurrence of slope failure, for a granite basin on the island of Yakushima in Kagoshima prefecture, Japan, by interpreting aerial photographs taken in May 1977, November 1990, and May 2004. Shallow landslides and deep-seated landslides were observed. The percentage areas of slope failure for May 1977, November 1990, and May 2004 were about 1.0%, 1.2%, and 1.6%, respectively. The aerial photographs taken in May 2004, for which the number of prior heavy rain days was the greatest of the three study periods, showed the highest total area of slope failure. Aerial photographs taken in November 1990, for which the period since deforestation was 16 to 20 years, showed the greatest percentage area of slope failure in the deforested areas.
https://ror.org/03ss88z23 
