In the cool-temperate zone along the Sea of Japan of Honshu island, the vegetation pattern is usually characterized by Fagus crenata on the slope and Pterocarya rhoifolia, Aesculus turbinate, and Cercidiphyllum japonicum in the riparian area. But in these areas, sometimes riparian forest tree species distribute on the slope, and it is pointed out effect of landslides. This study was conducted to clarify the distribution pattern of riparian forest tree species on landslides and its factors on Mt. Hakusan, Ishikawa prefecture.

As a result of GIS analysis between topographical features of the slope include landslides and distributional properties of vegetation, riparian forest tree species mainly distribute concave slope, Fagus crenata mainly distribute convex slope, shrubs distribute steep slope. Disturbances such as slope failures and wet soil conditions inhibit growth of Fagus crenata and allow to growth riparian forest tree species. As with studies in the riparian area, Pterocarya rhoifolia tended to distribute more impactful site of disturbance than Aesculus turbinate. In part of steep slope, shrubs such as Alnus fauriei dominate because of the snow pressure.

As background of distribution of riparian forest tree species on the slope, landslides that caused by annual precipitation reached about 3,000mm and geological condition seemed to be a key factor.