QUANTITATIVE VULNERABILITY FUNCTIONS FOR USE IN MOUNTAIN HAZARD RISK MANAGEMENT THE CHALLENGE OF TRANSFER

In natural hazards research, risk is defined as a function of (1) the probability of occurrence of a hazardous process, and (2) the assessment of the related extent of damage, defined by the value of elements at risk exposed and their physical vulnerability. Until now, various works have been undertaken to determine vulnerability values for objects exposed to torrent processes. Yet, many studies only provide rough estimates for vulnerability values based on proxies for process intensities. However, the deduced vulnerability functions proposed in the literature show a high range, in particular with respect to medium and high process intensities. In our study, we compare vulnerability functions for torrent processes derived from studies in test sites located in the Austrian Alps and in Taiwan. Based on this comparison we address challenges for future research in order to enhance mountain hazard risk management with a particular focus on vulnerability on a catchment scale.

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