April 2026 SCGS Meeting

South Coast Geological Society invites you to attend our April 2026 meeting and lecture! Dr. Stratis Karantanellis, Assistant Professor in the Department of Geological Sciences at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), will present his lecture titled: From Field Mapping to AI: A Multi-Temporal Approach to Landslide Monitoring and Prediction.

Abstract:

Landslides continue to pose substantial threats to lives, infrastructure, and the environment worldwide. For decades, engineering geologists have relied on proven traditional methods, such as field mapping, geotechnical surveys, borehole sampling, and manual monitoring of slope stability, to assess and mitigate landslide hazards. While these techniques remain essential for groundtruthing and understanding site-specific processes, they often struggle to capture the spatial and temporal complexity of rapidly evolving slopes. This presentation explores the synergy between traditional ground-based approaches and advanced 4D remote sensing technologies, which collect three-dimensional data over time to map and monitor landslides with unprecedented detail.

Modern tools, including satellite imagery, UAV-based photogrammetry, and terrestrial LiDAR, when combined with sensor networks, provide continuous, high-resolution information on slope movement, deformation, and triggering events. By integrating these datasets with object-based frameworks, we enhance our ability to characterize landslide mechanisms and support comprehensive hazard assessment. The true potential is unlocked through artificial intelligence: machine learning algorithms ingest and analyze these multi-modal, multi-temporal data to automate hazard classification, identify complex precursors, and predict future landslide activity. Case studies are highlighting the benefits of merging established field methods with remote sensing techniques.

Speaker Information:

Dr. Stratis Karantanellis is an engineering geologist specializing in geohazards, slope stability analysis, and advanced remote sensing technologies. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geological Sciences at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), where he leads research initiatives focused on integrating traditional field methods with remote sensing and artificial intelligence for landslide hazard assessment and risk management. Dr. Karantanellis holds a doctoral degree from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, where his research provided foundational contributions to landslide detection and hazard evaluation. He continued his academic journey as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Michigan, further advancing his expertise in multi-sensor landslide monitoring and geohazard modeling. He has also served as a visiting scholar at the University of California, Berkeley, where he collaborated on international geotechnical risk analysis projects. His research emphasizes quantitative risk assessment, landslide monitoring, and automated geohazard classification. In recognition of his professional leadership, Dr. Karantanellis serves as Vice President of the International Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment (IAEG), actively participating in global collaborations and technical committees that advance engineering geology. Dr. Karantanellis' vision centers on promoting scientific excellence, nurturing international and interdisciplinary partnerships, and pioneering innovative solutions to protect communities and infrastructure from natural hazards. His ongoing efforts continue to advance the field of engineering geology, with a special focus on resilient and sustainable development in hazard-prone regions.

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Thank you to our individual and corporate sponsors whose generous donations help make these events sustainable! If you or your company would like to become a 2026 corporate sponsor, please contact [email protected].

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Dave and Busters

20 City Blvd West

Orange, CA

Member : $50

Non-member: $60

Students and early-career geologists (0-1 year job experience): $20

Membership Dues:

As a reminder, annual membership dues expire at the end of each calendar year.

2026 Membership dues can be paid here as a registration add-on: $50

Dues can also be paid in-person by visiting the Treasurer during meeting check-in!

Note: Membership dues increased to $50 beginning in March.

Current university students do not need to pay annual membership dues.

6:00 PM - Check-in and social hour

6:30 PM - Dinner served

7:00 PM - Presentation begins after brief announcements

Please register by Friday, April 3. Walk-ins are accepted, but early registration helps ensure enough food is prepared.

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