Aftermath of Wildfires: Visualizing Landslide Risk

Hurricane-force winds, fires that devastated neighborhoods in hours, and toxic debris left behind—survivors of the Eaton and Palisade wildfires have already endured so much. As they begin the long process of rebuilding, another hazard looms: landslides. Much like the 2018 Mondecity fire, the steep hills surrounding Los Angeles pose a significant risk. Geologists are closely assessing the increased risk of mudslides in the aftermath wildfires.

To put these risks into context, we created an illustration of the post-fire landscape. Created for Science News magazine, our goal was to clearly communicate the underlying processes that contribute to these hazards.

Illustrating the Hidden Dangers of Landslides

The potential consequences of post-fire landslides are severe. Debris flows can travel at high speeds, carrying mud, rocks, and other debris that can damage or destroy homes, infrastructure, and natural resources. They can also block roads and waterways, disrupting transportation and access to essential services. In addition to the immediate physical damage, landslides can have long-lasting economic and social impacts on affected communities.

However, despite the blackened landscape, the risk arises from a combination of what is on the surface AND what lies beneath. Wildfires increase landslide risk by:

1. Loss of Vegetation: Wildfires burn away trees and plants that normally anchor soil, leaving slopes exposed and unstable.
2. Hydrophobic Soil Formation: Intense heat causes soils to become water-repellent, preventing rain from soaking in and increasing surface runoff.
3. Heavy Rainfall: When storms arrive, intense rain can quickly overwhelm the altered landscape, triggering debris flows that rush down hillsides, carrying mud, rocks, and remnants of burned structures.

The Process Behind the Illustration

Like nearly all of our SayoStudio visuals, we started the science visualization with a pencil sketch. While 3D software can quickly generate images and AI can automate visual creation, sketching is an invaluable step in concept development. Hand-drawn sketches allow for exploration of different compositions, refining ideas before committing to a final version. They also provide a clear starting point for discussions with clients, offering them a draft-like representation that invites feedback and revisions without the finality of a fully rendered digital piece. This collaborative process helps ensure the final illustration meets both artistic and scientific accuracy standards.
To create this illustration, we combined several techniques:

• Initial Sketching: We began with pencil concept sketches to plan composition and key visual elements.
• 3D Modeling: We used 3D software to construct an accurate representation of the topography, with vegetation and homes in the pre-burn regions.
• Hand-Drawn Details: Finally, we added layers of hand-drawn textures and elements to emphasize the loss of vegetation and post-fire landscape changes.

This approach allowed us to create a visually engaging yet scientifically accurate depiction of post-wildfire landslide risks.

Learn More About Wildfire Risk

For more details, read Science News’ article here. The threat of landslides adds another layer of complexity to the already daunting task of rebuilding after the devastating wildfires. As communities grapple with the physical, emotional, and economic toll of the fires, they must also remain vigilant against the potential for further natural disasters. The ongoing efforts of geologists, emergency responders, and community organizations are crucial in helping residents navigate these challenges and build a more resilient future. (learn more about mitigation efforts)

Want to explore the broader impacts of wildfires? Check out our blog post on how fires affect the giant sequoias.