Publications

Publications found: 7385

Ai piedi della parete più alta delle Alpi. Il Ghiacciaio del Belvedere al Monte Rosa

Mortara G. (1, 2), Carton A. (3), Chiarle M. (1), Tamburini A. (4), 2017, Ai piedi della parete più alta delle Alpi. Il Ghiacciaio del Belvedere al Monte Rosa, Itinerari glaciologici sulle montagne italiane - Dalle Alpi Marittine all'Alpe Veglia, edited by Comitato Glaciologico Italiano, pp. 193–214. Roma_ Società Geologica Italiana, 2017,

Abstract
Il Monte Rosa è il massiccio più glacializzato delle Alpi Occidentali, condiviso tra Piemonte, Valle ...
Il Monte Rosa è il massiccio più glacializzato delle Alpi Occidentali, condiviso tra Piemonte, Valle d'Aosta e Canton Vallese (CH). E' solcato da sette vallie coronate da una ventina di cime superiori a 4000 m, dalle quali fluiscono alcuni grandi ghiacciai vallivi. Tra questi assume un posto di rilievo il Ghiacciaio del Belvedere, che spinge la sua caratteristica lingua bilobata in prossimità dell'abitato di Macugnaga, la "perla" della Valle Anzasca. L'itinerario proposto si sviluppa in un ambiente di grandissimo fascino, già celebrato dai viaggiatori, esploratori e vedutisti dei secoli XVIII e XIX. Fa da scenografico sfondo la maestosa parete nord-orientale del Monte Rosa corazzata di ghiaccio e culminante nella rocciosa piramide della Punta Dufour (4634 m). Il percorso prevede 5 soste ed offre l'emozione di attraversare senza difficoltà un ghiacciaio "nero" e l'opportunità di cogliere segni evidentissimi della trasformazione morfologica e paesaggistica in atto nell'ambiente glaciale alpino.
Read more

Pericolosità naturale in ambiente glaciale e periglaciale_ passato, presente e futuro delle Alpi

Chiarle M. (1), Deline P. (2), Giardino M. (3), 2017, Pericolosità naturale in ambiente glaciale e periglaciale_ passato, presente e futuro delle Alpi, Itinerari glaciologici sulle montagne italiane - Capitoli tematici, edited by Comitato Glaciologico Italiano, pp. 71–81. Roma_ Società Geologica Italiana, 2017,

Abstract
I bacini che ospitano o hanno ospitato nel recente passato masse glaciali si caratterizzano per ...
I bacini che ospitano o hanno ospitato nel recente passato masse glaciali si caratterizzano per una elevata dinamicità ambientale, sia durante le fasi di avanzata glaciale che durante quelle di regresso. I ghiacciai esercitano infatti un'intensa azione di modellamento del paesaggio geomorfologico che, al loro ritiro, deve ritrovare un equilibrio con le condizioni ambientali circostanti. Questo continuo divenire dell'ambiente d'alta quota in risposta alle oscillazioni glaciali non di rado si associa a fenomeni di instabilità naturale che possono generare pericolosità e rischi anche molto elevati, non solo per le loro velocità (anche > 100 km/h), le distanze di risentimento (anche decine di km) ed i volumi in gioco (talora milioni di m3) ma talvolta anche per l'assenza di una fase preparatoria chiaramente identificabile ai fini dell'allerta.
Read more

monitoraggio della frana del gollone con interferometria radar terrestre

Daniele Giordan, Paolo Allasia, Niccolò Dematteis, 2017, monitoraggio della frana del gollone con interferometria radar terrestre, 2017/5, 2017,

Abstract
report finale di attività del monitoraggio della frana del Gollone ...
report finale di attività del monitoraggio della frana del Gollone
Read more

sistema di monitoraggio della frana di Monesi di Mendatica-maggio 2017

Daniele Giordan, Paolo Allasia, Niccolò Dematteis, 2017, sistema di monitoraggio della frana di Monesi di Mendatica-maggio 2017, 2017/8, 2017,

Abstract
report di aggiornamento del monitoraggio di maggio 2017 ...
report di aggiornamento del monitoraggio di maggio 2017
Read more

sistema di monitoraggio della frana di Monesi di Mendatica-aprile 2017-supplemento

Daniele Giordan, Paolo Allasia, Niccolò Dematteis, 2017, sistema di monitoraggio della frana di Monesi di Mendatica-aprile 2017-supplemento, 2016/8, 2017,

Abstract
supplemento al report di aggiornamento del monitoraggio di aprile 2017 ...
supplemento al report di aggiornamento del monitoraggio di aprile 2017
Read more

sistema di monitoraggio della frana di Monesi di Mendatica-aprile 2017

Daniele Giordan, Paolo Allasia, Niccolò Dematteis, 2017, sistema di monitoraggio della frana di Monesi di Mendatica-aprile 2017, 2017/7, 2017,

Abstract
report di aggiornamento del monitoraggio di aprile 2017 ...
report di aggiornamento del monitoraggio di aprile 2017
Read more

sistema di monitoraggio della frana di Monesi di Mendatica

Daniele Giordan, Paolo Allasia, Niccolò Dematteis, 2017, sistema di monitoraggio della frana di Monesi di Mendatica, 2017/6, 2017,

Abstract
report di aggiornamento del monitoraggio di marzo 2017 ...
report di aggiornamento del monitoraggio di marzo 2017
Read more

AZIONE 2 – ATTIVITÀ B_ Modellazione della pericolosità posta dai differenti tipi di frana (frane superficiali, colate, crolli) presenti nell’area di studio”

Mauro Rossi, Massimiliano Alvioli, Ivan Marchesini, Mauro Cardinali, Francesco Bucci, Fausto Guzzetti, Michele Santangelo, Federica Fiorucci, 2017, AZIONE 2 – ATTIVITÀ B_ Modellazione della pericolosità posta dai differenti tipi di frana (frane superficiali, colate, crolli) presenti nell’area di studio”, pp.1–46, 2017,

Abstract
Gli obiettivi del documento sono quelli di descrivere le attività di modellazione della suscettibilità e pericolosità ...
Gli obiettivi del documento sono quelli di descrivere le attività di modellazione della suscettibilità e pericolosità posta da differenti tipologie di frana (frane superficiali o di scivolamento, colate, crolli) presenti nelle aree di studio e riassumere i risultati ottenuti. Il documento elenca inizialmente gli approcci selezionati (Capitolo 1) e i dati di frana e tematici utilizzati nella modellazione (Capitolo 2). Successivamente sono descritti le metodologie di modellazione utilizzate e le assunzioni modellistiche per le frane di tipo scivolamento (Capitolo 3), crollo (Capitolo 4) e colamento (Capitolo 5). Nel Capitolo 6 sono analizzati i risultati ottenuti ed è proposta una modalità di combinazione delle zonazioni di suscettibilità per ogni tipologia di frana ai fini della realizzazione di una mappa di suscettibilità composita per sintetizzare i risultati modellistici ottenuti nell'area di studio. Il Capitolo 7 riporta l'elenco dei file digitali contenenti i risultati della modellazione, mentre il Capitolo 8 riporta la bibliografia di riferimento.
Read more

Surface velocity distribution and rheological proprties estimation of debris flows

Tecca,P.R., Genevois R., Deganutti A.M., 2017, Surface velocity distribution and rheological proprties estimation of debris flows, Italian journal of engineering geology and environment (Testo stamp.) 2 - 2017 (2017): 57–65. doi_10.4408/IJEGE.2017-02.O-03,

DOI: 10.4408%2FIJEGE.2017-02.O-03

Abstract
Debris flows are among the most dangerous natural hazards in mountainous areas. In European Alps, they ...
Debris flows are among the most dangerous natural hazards in mountainous areas. In European Alps, they are associated to summer heavy rainfalls and can be extremely destructive. Nevertheless, their rheology, at field scale, is still not well known. These mixtures of debris, water and air behave as non- Newtonian fluids, with a plastic yield strength, a high bulk density and a high dynamic viscosity. Indeed, these parameters are difficult to measure in the field. In this paper, data from a monitoring system are used to measure the surface velocity of debris flows, through image analysis, following the trajectories of single particles on the flow surface, and to infer shear strength and viscosity of flows. The surface velocity distribution shows at times either rigid plugs of different width or plug does not exist at all. Our observations indicate the existence of both Bingham and Newtonian behaviour even in a single surge, as the consequence of significant changes in stage, solid concentration and in particle- size. Shear strength and viscosity, can be evaluated through appropriate relationships. The analysis and processing of surface velocity distribution allow realistic estimations of crucial aspects of flow behaviour like impact forces and run-out, parameters essential for the designing of effective countermeasures.
Read more

Experimental survey of glacier monitoring with Metasensing FastGBSAR

Daniele Giordan Paolo Allasia Niccolò Dematteis, 2017, Experimental survey of glacier monitoring with Metasensing FastGBSAR, 2017,

Abstract
This report presents the data and results of an experimental survey campaign performed during the ...
This report presents the data and results of an experimental survey campaign performed during the period 13-19 June 2016, for monitoring the surface deformations of the Planpincieux glacier with the FastGBSAR developed and marketed by the MetaSensing Company. The activity was carried out within a partnership between the MetaSensing Company and the consortium of the research institutes composed by CNR IRPI, Università di Pavia and CTTC, aiming at evaluating the performances of the FastGBSAR instrument. In particular, this apparatus is able to provide an image every 10 seconds. Within this agreement MetaSensing offered a free use of the device during the survey and provided direct technical support, while the other members dealt with the logistic issues, monitoring activities and data processing. One of the objectives was the testing by the research team of the operative and measurement performances of the FastGBSAR in an unfavourable environment (long range and high atmospheric inhomogeneity) and the identification of possible issues, considering that it was the first long-lasting campaign performed in on-field conditions without constant supervision. The results of the data processing will be available for scientific and research purposes.
Read more

Un caso di studio_ valanga di ghiaccio del 25 agosto 2005 sul Ghiacciaio del Belvedere

Tamburini A. (1), Mortara G. (2), Chiarle M. (2), Cordola M. (3), 2017, Un caso di studio_ valanga di ghiaccio del 25 agosto 2005 sul Ghiacciaio del Belvedere, Eventi di piena e frana in Italia Settentrionale nel periodo 2005-2016, edited by Luino F., Turconi L., pp. 7–9. Bussoleno_ SMS, 2017,

Abstract
Nella notte tra il 24 e il 25 agosto si originò una gigantesca valanga di ...
Nella notte tra il 24 e il 25 agosto si originò una gigantesca valanga di ghiaccio che si staccò dalla parete nord-orientale del Monte Rosa, ad una quota di 3700 m ed in poco tempo raggiunse la superficie del sottostante Ghiacciaio del Belvedere, espandendosi fino alla piana del Rifugio Zamboni.
Read more

Evaluation of the SBAS InSAR Service of the European Space Agency’s Geohazard Exploitation Platform (GEP)

Jorge Pedro Galve, José Vicente Pérez-Peña, José Miguel Azañón, Damien Closson, Fabiana Caló, Cristina Reyes-Carmona, Antonio Jabaloy, Patricia Ruano, Rosa María Mateos, Davide Notti, Gerardo Herrera, Marta Béjar-Pizarro, Oriol Monserrat, Philippe Bally, 2017, Evaluation of the SBAS InSAR Service of the European Space Agency’s Geohazard Exploitation Platform (GEP), Remote sensing (Basel) 9 (2017). doi_10.3390/rs9121291,

DOI: 10.3390%2Frs9121291

Abstract
The analysis of remote sensing data to assess geohazards is being improved by web-based platforms ...
The analysis of remote sensing data to assess geohazards is being improved by web-based platforms and collaborative projects, such as the Geohazard Exploitation Platform (GEP) of the European Space Agency (ESA). This paper presents the evaluation of a surface velocity map that is generated by this platform. The map was produced through an unsupervised Multi-temporal InSAR (MTI) analysis applying the Parallel-SBAS (P-SBAS) algorithm to 25 ENVISAT satellite images from the South of Spain that were acquired between 2003 and 2008. This analysis was carried out using a service implemented in the GEP called "SBAS InSAR". Thanks to the map that was generated by the SBAS InSAR service, we identified processes not documented so far; provided new monitoring data in places affected by known ground instabilities; defined the area affected by these instabilities; and, studied a case where GEP could have been able to help in the forecast of a slope movement reactivation. This amply demonstrates the reliability and usefulness of the GEP, and shows how web-based platforms may enhance the capacity to identify, monitor, and assess hazards that are associated to geological processes.
Read more

Mapping Vulnerable Urban Areas Affected by Slow-Moving Landslides Using Sentinel-1 InSAR Data

Bejar-Pizarro, Marta; Notti, Davide; Mateos, Rosa M.; Ezquerro, Pablo; Centolanza, Giuseppe; Herrera, Gerardo; Bru, Guadalupe; Sanabria, Margarita; Solari, Lorenzo; Duro, Javier; Fernandez, Jose, 2017, Mapping Vulnerable Urban Areas Affected by Slow-Moving Landslides Using Sentinel-1 InSAR Data, Remote sensing (Basel) 9 (2017). doi_10.3390/rs9090876,

DOI: 10.3390%2Frs9090876

Abstract
Landslides are widespread natural hazards that generate considerable damage and economic losses worldwide. Detecting terrain ...
Landslides are widespread natural hazards that generate considerable damage and economic losses worldwide. Detecting terrain movements caused by these phenomena and characterizing affected urban areas is critical to reduce their impact. Here we present a fast and simple methodology to create maps of vulnerable buildings affected by slow-moving landslides, based on two parameters_ (1) the deformation rate associated to each building, measured from Sentinel-1 SAR data, and (2) the building damage generated by the landslide movement and recorded during a field campaign. We apply this method to Arcos de la Frontera, a monumental town in South Spain affected by a slow-moving landslide that has caused severe damage to buildings, forcing the evacuation of some of them. Our results show that maximum deformation rates of 4 cm/year in the line-of-sight (LOS) of the satellite, affects La Verbena, a newly-developed area, and displacements are mostly horizontal, as expected for a planar-landslide. Our building damage assessment reveals that most of the building blocks in La Verbena present moderate to severe damages. According to our vulnerability scale, 93% of the building blocks analysed present high vulnerability and, thus, should be the focus of more in-depth local studies to evaluate the serviceability of buildings, prior to adopting the necessary mitigation measures to reduce or cope with the negative consequences of this landslide. This methodology can be applied to slow-moving landslides worldwide thanks to the global availability of Sentinel-1 SAR data.
Read more

Geo-hydrological partitioning of the territory and slope stability models

M. Alvioli, 2017, Geo-hydrological partitioning of the territory and slope stability models, DIPLOMAZIA2 Science and Knowledge for Diplomacy, edited by Stefania Zitelli, pp. 89–91. P.le Aldo Moro, 7 00185 Roma_ CNR edizioni, 2017,

Abstract
Riassunto della lezione telematica tenuta per il corso Diplomazia2 ...
Riassunto della lezione telematica tenuta per il corso Diplomazia2
Read more

Analysis of rainfall trend in southern Italy through the application of the ITA technique

Caloiero T., Coscarelli R., Ferrari E., 2017, Analysis of rainfall trend in southern Italy through the application of the ITA technique, European Water 59 (2017): 199–206.,

Abstract
In the last decades, climate change has been the focus of considerable international attention due ...
In the last decades, climate change has been the focus of considerable international attention due to the increase of phenomena such as flood, heat waves, forest fires and droughts. In this context, research on the patterns of precipitation trends, both at regional and local scale, has been paramount because these variations can negatively impact on ecosystems, agriculture, water supply and management, human welfare and regional political stability. In this paper, an investigation of the temporal rainfall variability has been carried out using a homogeneous monthly rainfall dataset of 559 rain gauges with more than 50 years of observation. The region under investigation is a large portion of the Italian peninsula, ranging from the Campania and the Apulia regions in the North, to Sicily in the South, and covering an area of about 85,000 km2. Possible trends in monthly and seasonal rainfall values have been investigated by means of a new graphical methodology (Innovative Trend Analysis), which allows the trend identification of the low, medium and high values of a series. As a result, different values and tendencies of the highest and the lowest rainfall values have emerged among the five regions considered in the analysis. Especially at seasonal scale, a negative trend has been detected in winter and in autumn in the whole study area, whereas not well defined trend signals have been identified in summer and spring.
Read more

Sistema di monitoraggio sperimentale del fronte glaciale del ghiacciaio di Planpincieux (AO) – report di aggiornamento relativo alle attività svolte nel periodo 15

Daniele Giordan, Paolo Allasia, Niccolò Dematteis, 2017, Sistema di monitoraggio sperimentale del fronte glaciale del ghiacciaio di Planpincieux (AO) – report di aggiornamento relativo alle attività svolte nel periodo 15, 2017,

Abstract
Relazione di avanzamento lavori sulle attività di monitoraggio del ghiacciaio di Planpincieux ...
Relazione di avanzamento lavori sulle attività di monitoraggio del ghiacciaio di Planpincieux
Read more

Sistema di monitoraggio sperimentale del fronte glaciale del ghiacciaio di Planpincieux (AO) – report di aggiornamento relativo alle attività svolte nel periodo 01

Daniele Giordan, Paolo Allasia, Niccolò Dematteis, 2017, Sistema di monitoraggio sperimentale del fronte glaciale del ghiacciaio di Planpincieux (AO) – report di aggiornamento relativo alle attività svolte nel periodo 01, 2017,

Abstract
Relazione di avanzamento lavori sulle attività svolte nei mesi da gennaio a luglio 2017 ...
Relazione di avanzamento lavori sulle attività svolte nei mesi da gennaio a luglio 2017
Read more

Sistema di monitoraggio sperimentale del fronte glaciale del ghiacciaio di Planpincieux (AO) – relazione conclusiva delle attività 2017

Daniele Giordan Paolo Allasia Niccolo Dematteis, 2017, Sistema di monitoraggio sperimentale del fronte glaciale del ghiacciaio di Planpincieux (AO) – relazione conclusiva delle attività 2017, 2017,

Abstract
Rapporto finale delle attività di monitoraggio del ghiacciaio di Planpincieux del 2017 ...
Rapporto finale delle attività di monitoraggio del ghiacciaio di Planpincieux del 2017
Read more

Coupling GB-SAR and visual photography for 3D modelling of an Alpine glacier surface kinematics

Niccolò Dematteis Guido Luzi Daniele Giordan Francesco Zucca Paolo Allasia, 2017, Coupling GB-SAR and visual photography for 3D modelling of an Alpine glacier surface kinematics, EGU 2017, pp. 7329–7329, Vienna, 23-28/04/2017,

Abstract
We present the 3-dimensional modelling of a glacier kinematics, obtained by coupling the results of ...
We present the 3-dimensional modelling of a glacier kinematics, obtained by coupling the results of two monitoring campaigns, simultaneously collecting data from two different and independent remote sensing devices, focused on the surface deformation of the Planpincieux glacier, on the Italian side of the Mont Blanc massif. The analysed period lasted 25 days and occurred in correspondence of the beginning of the Alpine cold season. The unstable weather conditions, affecting both the monitored surfaces and the signal propagation, demanded an accurate understanding of the atmospheric effect and the development of a specific correction procedure for radar data. The considered devices are a low-cost optical photography station (OPS) and a ground-based synthetic aperture radar (GB-SAR). The OPS is placed frontally to the glacier surface and measures the daily motion components orthogonal to the line of sight (LOS). The processing is performed through spatial cross-correlation between consecutive images, acquired at the same hours to limit shadow effects. The images are orthorectified on a 1 m-resolution digital surface model (DSM) of the glacier and a pixel-to-metric conversion is performed. The GB-SAR acquires data every 16 minutes. The GB-SAR location is decided aiming at maximising the parallel condition to the LOS and the estimated direction of the main flow. The main processing steps include i) a coherence-driven pixel-selection criterion to identify glacier areas, ii) 2D unwrapping algorithm, iii) atmosphere phase screen (APS) filtering with a newly 2D polynomial model, function of the elevation. The radar maps are also georeferenced on the DSM. Finally, from the 3 different components of the glacier surface motion it is possible to reconstruct the actual deformation vector. The results are mapped on the DSM. The proposed method allows to determine the evolution of the 3-dimensional kinematics of the observed surface; it can be applied in general to the gravitational processes.
Read more

Assessment of Glacier and Permafrost Hazards in Mountain Regions

Lead Authors_ Allen S.K. (1), Frey H. (1), Huggel C. (1), Contributing Authors_ Bründl M. (2), Chiarle M. (3) et al., 2017, Assessment of Glacier and Permafrost Hazards in Mountain Regions, 2017,

Abstract
Hazards relating to glaciers and permafrost are a threat to lives and livelihoods in many ...
Hazards relating to glaciers and permafrost are a threat to lives and livelihoods in many mountain regions. In view of rapid global warming and related changes in the mountain cryosphere, landscapes are evolving and new threats are emerging. Coupled with ongoing expansion of people and their infrastructure into high mountain valleys there is an increasing potential for societal losses and far-reaching disasters. Recognizing the need for a structured and comprehensive approach to hazard assessment underpinned by latest scientific understanding, GAPHAZ has produced a technical guidance document as a resource for international and national agencies, responsible authorities and private companies.
Read more

GIS tools for preliminary debris-flow assessment at regional scale

Cavalli M., Crema S., Trevisani S., Marchi L, 2017, GIS tools for preliminary debris-flow assessment at regional scale, Journal of Mountain Science 14 (2017): 2498–2510. doi_10.1007/s11629-017-4573-y,

DOI: 10.1007%2Fs11629-017-4573-y

Abstract
The assessment of the areas endangered by debris flows is a major issue in the ...
The assessment of the areas endangered by debris flows is a major issue in the context of mountain watershed management. Depending on the scale of analysis, different methods are required for the assessment of the areas exposed to debris flows. While 2-D numerical models are advised for detailed mapping of inundation areas on individual alluvial fans, preliminary recognition of hazard areas at the regional scale can be adequately performed by less data-demanding methods, which enable priority ranking of channels and alluvial fans at risk by debris flows. This contribution focuses on a simple and fast procedure that has been implemented for regional-scale identification of debris-flow prone channels and prioritization of the related alluvial fans. The methodology is based on the analysis of morphometric parameters derived from Digital Elevation Models (DEMs). Potential initiation sites of debris flows are identified as the DEM cells that exceed a threshold of slope-dependent contributing area. Channel reaches corresponding to debris flows propagation, deceleration and stopping conditions are derived from thresholds of local slope. An analysis of longitudinal profiles is used for the computation of the runout distance of debris flows. Information on erosion-resistant bedrock channels and sediment availability surveyed in the field are taken into account in the applications. A set of software tools was developed and made available (https://github.com/HydrogeomorphologyTools) to facilitate the application of the procedure. This approach, which has been extensively validated by means of field checks, has been extensively applied in the eastern Italian Alps. This contribution discusses potential and limitations of the method in the frame of the management of small mountain watersheds.
Read more

Structural Health Monitoring of a Road Tunnel Intersecting a Large and Active Landslide

Giulia Bossi , Luca Schenato, Gianluca Marcato, 2017, Structural Health Monitoring of a Road Tunnel Intersecting a Large and Active Landslide, Applied sciences 7 (2017). doi_10.3390/app7121271,

DOI: 10.3390%2Fapp7121271

Abstract
Dealing with engineering structures that are not easily replaceable requires frequent assessment of the damage ...
Dealing with engineering structures that are not easily replaceable requires frequent assessment of the damage state of the construction in order to estimate its durability and reliability. The procedures that allow damage to be detected and identified are broadly defined as Structural Health Monitoring (SHM). In this work, a SHM network has been deployed in a road tunnel that intersects a massive landslide, whose movements are causing the formation of cracks along the tunnel lining. The monitoring system measures in real time the displacements across major cracks and the rotation of the tunnel segments; data are gathered and made easily accessible through a web-based platform. The mechanisms by which the tunnel deforms under the landslide-induced stress have been defined through the analysis of three years of monitoring data. The factors triggering an increase in deformation rates and causing damage to the structure have also been investigated. This evidence will support the design of mitigation works to extend the life-span of the tunnel.
Read more

Meteorological tools in support to the railway security system on the Calabria region

Sante Laviola, Salvatore Gabriele, Giulio Iovine, Luca Baldini, Francesco Chiaravalloti, Stefano Federico, Mario Marcello Miglietta, Lisa Milani, Antonio Procopio, Nicoletta Roberto, Alessandro Tiesi, Mario Agostino, Raffaele Niccoli, Sergio Stassi, Valeria Rago, 2017, Meteorological tools in support to the railway security system on the Calabria region, EGU General Assembly 2017, Vienna, 23-28/4/2017,

Abstract
RAMSES (RAilway Meteorological SEcurity System) is a pilot project co-funded by the Italian Railway Company - ...
RAMSES (RAilway Meteorological SEcurity System) is a pilot project co-funded by the Italian Railway Company - RFI S.p.A. and conceived for the mitigation of the hydrological risk along the Calabria railways. RAMSES aims at improving the forecast of very short life-cycle convection systems, responsible of intense and localized rainfalls affecting small catchment areas, which are often underestimated by the numerical weather models and even non-adequately detected by the network of sparse raingauges. The RAMSES operational design is based on a synergistic and integrated architecture, providing a series of information able to identify the most active convective cells and monitoring their evolution in terms of vertical structure, rain intensity and geo-hydrological effects at ground (debris flow, landslides, collapses of bridges, erosion of the ballast). The RAMSES meteorological component is designed to identify and track the short-term evolution (15-60 min) of convective cells, by means of imaging techniques based on dual-polarization weather radar and Meteosat data. In support of this quasi-real time analysis, the numerical model WRF provides the weather forecast at 3-6 hours range by ingesting, through the assimilation system LAPS, the observational data (rain gauges, ground weather stations, radar, satellites) in order to improve the initial condition. Finally, the hydraulic flow modeling is used to assess the ground effects in terms of landslide susceptibility, rainfallrunoff intensity, debris impact on the drainage network and evaluate of risk along the railway track.
Read more

Gli Ipogei in Puglia tra Conservazione e Innovazione

Calderazzi A., Pagliarulo R., Strafella F., 2017, Gli Ipogei in Puglia tra Conservazione e Innovazione, Cavità di origine antropica, modalità d'indagine, analisi della pericolosità, monitoraggio e valorizzazione, pp. 116–116, Roma, 1 dicembre 2017,

Abstract
Le forme del paesaggio pugliese sono variabili e disegnano un composito panorama geografico nel cui ...
Le forme del paesaggio pugliese sono variabili e disegnano un composito panorama geografico nel cui ambito si distinguono diverse aree caratterizzate da peculiarità geomorfologiche delimitate da confini orografici. Essendo la Puglia costituita essenzialmente da depositi carbonatici caratterizzati da diffuse morfologie carsiche, è una delle regioni a più elevata densità di ipogei con alta valenza archeologica e storico- artistica, attualmente in stato di conservazione precario, per cui, in alcuni casi viene obliterata la lettura completa dell'insediamento stesso. Il patrimonio ipogeo, molto complesso e articolato, è basato su una pluralità di processi insediativi e culturali di epoche e connotazioni diverse, strettamente integrati nel tessuto edilizio attuale. Le ricerche svolte hanno riguardato, con approccio multidisciplinare e multiscala, le diverse problematiche relative alle tipologie di ipogei, analizzando la loro ubicazione, genesi, il sistema di integrazione con la città e il possibile recupero funzionale. Il metodo di indagine è stato di tipo deduttivo
Read more

Quantitative Impact of Climate Variations on Groundwater in Southern Italy

D. Ducci, M. Polemio, 2017, Quantitative Impact of Climate Variations on Groundwater in Southern Italy, Congress on Groundwater and Global Change in the Western Mediterranean, pp. 9–12, Granada, 6-9/11/2017,

Abstract
The variability of precipitation and temperature, the combined effect of which determines a decreasing trend ...
The variability of precipitation and temperature, the combined effect of which determines a decreasing trend of recharge, is critic for groundwater resources due to the overlapping with the increasing exploitation. In Campania, from the eighties to 2008 precipitation has decreased, not uniformly in the whole region; now the trend seems increasing, but this trend is highly influenced by the period 2008-2011, very rainy. In Apulia, the decreasing trend of rainfall is notable after 1980_ the droughts of 1988-92 and 1999-2001 appear to be exceptional. The Apulian piezometric trend of the last 40 years highlights the dramatic decrease of groundwater availability. This remarkable lowering defines a widespread quantity degradation. The situation severity of groundwater resources is worsened by the effects on the quality of groundwater resources due to the salinization of the wide coastal aquifers of the whole Southern Italy.
Read more

Quantitative Impact of Climate Variations on Groundwater in Southern Italy

D. Ducci, M. Polemio, 2017, Quantitative Impact of Climate Variations on Groundwater in Southern Italy, Congress on Groundwater and Global Change in the Western Mediterranean, pp. 189–189, Granada, 6-9/11/2017,

Abstract
The variability of precipitation and temperature, the combined effect of which determines a decreasing trend ...
The variability of precipitation and temperature, the combined effect of which determines a decreasing trend of recharge, is critic for groundwater resources due to the overlapping with the increasing exploitation. In Campania, from the eighties to 2008 precipitation has decreased, not uniformly in the whole region; now the trend seems increasing, but this trend is highly influenced by the period 2008-2011, very rainy. In Apulia, the decreasing trend of rainfall is notable after 1980_ the droughts of 1988-92 and 1999-2001 appear to be exceptional. The Apulian piezometric trend of the last 40 years highlights the dramatic decrease of groundwater availability. This remarkable lowering defines a widespread quantity degradation. The situation severity of groundwater resources is worsened by the effects on the quality of groundwater resources due to the salinization of the wide coastal aquifers of the whole Southern Italy.
Read more

Distributed fiber-optic sensors for levee monitoring

Simonini, P. Bossi, G., 2017, Distributed fiber-optic sensors for levee monitoring, Smart Rivers International Conference, Ferrara, 20-22/09/2017,

Abstract
The presentation describes the monitoring sistem (consisting of traditional and innovative fiber optic distibuted sensors) ...
The presentation describes the monitoring sistem (consisting of traditional and innovative fiber optic distibuted sensors) deployed in a Levee in Salorno (BZ, Italy).
Read more

Monitoraggio della galleria “San Lorenzo” in rapporto ai movimenti franosi esterni per il periodo 7 aprile 2016 – 2 marzo 2017

Marcato G., Schenato L., Bossi G., 2017, Monitoraggio della galleria “San Lorenzo” in rapporto ai movimenti franosi esterni per il periodo 7 aprile 2016 – 2 marzo 2017, 2017,

Abstract
Il presente documento rappresenta la relazione finale inerente l'incarico che ANAS Compartimento della Viabilità per ...
Il presente documento rappresenta la relazione finale inerente l'incarico che ANAS Compartimento della Viabilità per il Friuli Venezia Giulia ha affidato al CNR-IRPI UOS di Padova. Il monitoraggio effettuato negli anni da il CNR IRPI della Sede Secondaria di Padova per conto della Direzione Regionale della Protezione Civile ha messo in risalto come parte del versante sud del Monte Tinisa e del Clap di Lavres siano in movimento. Anas dopo aver ricostruito un tratto di galleria tra il 2005 e il 2008, dal 2014 ha implementato un sistema di monitoraggio in continuo delle lesioni sui conci 27,28,29 della galleria stradale San Lorenzo, costituito da 24 fessurimetri e 4 clinometri. Scopo di tale impianto di monitoraggio è di fornire dati per individuare eventuali correlazioni tra l'attività delle deformazioni e fattori perturbativi quali le precipitazioni e le acque circolanti nell'ammasso roccioso. Il sistema si integra al monitoraggio della Protezione Civile in atto per il controllo dei fenomeni franosi dell'area. Si presentano i dati di monitoraggio dal marzo 2016 al marzo 2017 che coprono un intero ciclo stagionale.
Read more

Valutazione dell’errore associato alle semplificazioni delle eterogeneità stratigrafiche – il metodo Boolean Stochastic Generation (BoSG).

Bossi G., Gottardi G., 2017, Valutazione dell’errore associato alle semplificazioni delle eterogeneità stratigrafiche – il metodo Boolean Stochastic Generation (BoSG)., Incontro Annuale dei Ricercatori di Geotecnica 2017- IARG 2017, Matera, 05-07/07/2017,

Abstract
Lo studio presenta un nuovo approccio nella modellazione geotecnica che si basa sulla generazione stocastica ...
Lo studio presenta un nuovo approccio nella modellazione geotecnica che si basa sulla generazione stocastica di diverse distribuzioni di strati di terreno, seguendo una logica booleana - il metodo è stato perciò chiamato BoSG (Boolean Stochastic Generation - Generazione Stocastica Booleana). Con questo metodo è possibile randomizzare la presenza di uno specifico materiale interdigitato in una matrice uniforme. Il metodo si presta per l'analisi di problemi geotecnici caratterizzati dalla presenza di materiali con proprietà meccaniche significativamente diverse. La memoria presenta due applicazioni del metodo_ una su un pendio semplice con un modello tridimensionale, l'altra l'implementazione del BoSG su un modello bidimensionale di una colata lenta a Cortina d'Ampezzo. Viene analizzata l'influenza della presenza di lenti di materiale a maggiore resistenza per quanto riguarda la stabilità dei pendi, la variabilità dei risultati e l'applicazione del metodo per l'identificazione di zone ottimali per una seconda campagna d'indagini
Read more

Proposta di interventi per la mitigazione del rischio per una colata lenta nelle Dolomiti (BL).

Giulia Bossi, Simonetta Cola, 2017, Proposta di interventi per la mitigazione del rischio per una colata lenta nelle Dolomiti (BL)., IAGIG 2017 - Incontro Annuale dei Giovani Ingegneri Geotecnici, pp. 130–133, Catania, 19-20/05/2017,

Abstract
A Cortina d'Ampezzo (BL), nel versante occidentale della valle, insiste una frana che si sviluppa per ...
A Cortina d'Ampezzo (BL), nel versante occidentale della valle, insiste una frana che si sviluppa per una lunghezza di 3.5 km. Il fenomeno franoso attraversa un'area fortemente antropizzata con impianti sciistici, alcuni abitati e la Strada Statale 48 per il passo Falzarego. Il monitoraggio degli spostamenti profondi e superficiali, effettuato con inclinometri e GPS, ha permesso di quantificare la velocità di avanzamento delle varie porzioni di frana e di localizzare la superfice di scivolamento. Si è così impostato un modello agli elementi finiti della frana. Tale modello, calibrato sulla base dei risultati di prove di laboratorio e via back-analysis sui dati di monitoraggio, ha permesso di valutare gli effetti indotti da alcuni interventi strutturali proposti per la mitigazione del rischio in quest'area.
Read more

Assessing the stability of a complex landslide through geotechnical modelling

Zabuski L., Bossi G., Marcato G., 2017, Assessing the stability of a complex landslide through geotechnical modelling, CGE-2017 - 2nd Second International Conference "Challenges in Geotechnical Engineering", Kyiv, 21-23/11/2017,

Abstract
Two adjacent landslides affect the National Road 52 "Carnica" in the Tagliamento River valley, Carnian ...
Two adjacent landslides affect the National Road 52 "Carnica" in the Tagliamento River valley, Carnian Alps (46°23'49" N, 12°42'51" E). The phenomena have been studied for more than a decade allowing a detailed geological and geomorphological reconstruction to be delineated. That was done on the ground of a large number of monitoring data collected during more than 10 years of investigations. Since the landslide are threatening an important road countermeasure works to ameliorate stability conditions of the slides need to be designed. The paper focuses on the creation of a numerical model capable to reconstruct the dynamic of both landslides and to be consistent with monitoring data. Two cross-sections, one for each landslide, have been selected for the analysis. The geometry of the slip surface was reconstructed on the basis of control points like the slip surface readings in inclinometers and on geomorphological evidence for the contour. The FLAC2D code is used to evaluate actual stability of these landslide. Results will be used to plan countermeasure works.
Read more

A monitoring network to measure the cracks in a tunnel subject to shear deformation induced by landslide

Bossi G., Schenato L., Marcato G., 2017, A monitoring network to measure the cracks in a tunnel subject to shear deformation induced by landslide, CGE-2017 - 2nd Second International Conference "Challenges in Geotechnical Engineering", Kyiv, 21-23/11/2017,

Abstract
This works describes the monitoring activity of a road tunnel that interferes with a large ...
This works describes the monitoring activity of a road tunnel that interferes with a large landslide provided for the Italian National Road Authority (ANAS). The monitoring network controls the cracks that formed on the tunnel lining due to the unremitting movements of the landslide. Scope of the monitoring campaign is to understand the dynamic of the process with respect to triggering factors such as rainfall, snow melt, and saturation of the rock mass. This is done in order to provide the Road Authority suggestion for effective structural mitigation works that would ensure the safety and durability of the road tunnel.
Read more

Clustering sediment connectivity maps to distinguish hillslope processes

Crema, Stefano; Bossi, Giulia, 2017, Clustering sediment connectivity maps to distinguish hillslope processes, Rendiconti online Società Geologica Italiana 42 (2017): 23–26. doi_10.3301/ROL.2017.05,

DOI: 10.3301%2FROL.2017.05

Abstract
The availability of increasingly higher resolution Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) allows to perform a detailed ...
The availability of increasingly higher resolution Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) allows to perform a detailed characterization of the morphological features on selected areas of interest. There is a growing interest, within the scientific community, for automatic DTM-based procedures to extract geomorphological features or to model surface processes. Among these, the Index of sediment Connectivity (IC), which estimates the degree of linkage that controls sediment fluxes throughout landscape, and, in particular, between sediment sources and downstream areas, has proved to be a powerful morphometric tool. In particular, IC may be used to better portray and highlight sediment dynamics and pathways at catchment scale. In this work, we compare IC maps for two alpine areas. The first area is a typical debris-flow catchment, while the second area is characterized by the presence of a large deep-seated gravitational slope deformation. Two types of numerical analysis are presented_ i) the aggregation and normalization of the IC values and ii) cluster analysis. Our preliminary results show that the spatial information, which is maintained in the cluster analysis and lost in the aggregate procedure, is extremely valuable for the identification and the clustering of areas that are affected by the same predominant geomorphological process.
Read more

Landslide risk assessment_ the Passo della Morte case study (Eastern Italian Alps).

Giulia Bossi, Gianluca Marcato, 2017, Landslide risk assessment_ the Passo della Morte case study (Eastern Italian Alps)., International Conference on Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Technology for Large-Scale Landslides, pp. 1–10, Taichung, Taiwan, 01/11/2017,

Abstract
Large landslide, especially large slow-moving landslide, do not always show clear sign of deformation. The detection ...
Large landslide, especially large slow-moving landslide, do not always show clear sign of deformation. The detection of displacements may come through monitoring although it is difficult to implement when large areas are involved and when cost effectiveness is an issue. Besides large landslides are usually located along major valleys due to the cumulated effect of tectonic effects and geomorphological constraints. Major transport routes and other infrastructures are also located along major valleys since they are usually the location of larger settlements due to the historical preference of building where there is more sunlight, the valley floor is flatter, streams are less active and commerce is easier. In this work we present a situation in which the design and construction of a new infrastructure, a road tunnel, did not take into account the presence of a large slow-moving landslide thus increasing the costs of variation during construction, reparations and maintenance. In order to plan properly mitigation works it was first of all fundamental to delineate the style of activity of the different portions of the affected slope and to characterize properly their cinematics. The paper describes the investigation strategy adopted and its different phases to detect and focus on the most hazardous phenomena and prioritize interventions.
Read more

Morphodynamics of glacial and periglacial environments and related hazards_ case studies in the mountains of Northern Italy and Western Canada

Chiarle M. (1), Clague J. (2), Falorni G. (3), Geertsema M. (4), Giardino M. (5), Mortara G. (1, 6), Menounos B. (7), Nigrelli G. (1), Perotti L. (5), Roberti G. (2), Viani C. (5), Ward B. (2), van Wyk de Vries B. (8), 2017, Morphodynamics of glacial and periglacial environments and related hazards_ case studies in the mountains of Northern Italy and Western Canada, 9th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON GEOMORPHOLOGY (9th ICG) - Geomorphology and Society, New Delhi, India, 6-11/11/2017,

Abstract
The analysis of glacial and periglacial morphodynamics and the study of past climate changes are ...
The analysis of glacial and periglacial morphodynamics and the study of past climate changes are important tasks for scientific and management purposes within recently deglaciated areas. Climate changes and related effects occurring in the last decades cause uncertainties on the survival of glaciers and affect stability of mountains. A systematic study of natural hazards related to glacial and periglacial morphodynamics of the Western Alps in Italy and the Coast Mountain and the Cordillera in Canada started only in the early 1990s. Since then, several instability phenomena of these glacial and periglacial environments have been analyzed, as well as their relationship with the climatic and environmental changes taking place since the end of the Little Ice Age. From the beginning of the 2000s, it became clear that environmental changes related to global warming were accelerating so quickly in high elevation and glaciated mountains. Within this perspective, we started an international effort to collect data and compare geomorphic processes occurring in the high mountains of two distant geographic areas, but with similar physiographic characteristics. Aims was to provide scientists and local administrations with the most advanced knowledge and tools to deal with climate-related instability events occurred in glacial and periglacial areas of the Italian Alps and of Western Canada, such as landslides, debris flows, glacial lake outburst floods, ice avalanches. We identified the types of instability mainly conditioned by climate change and discussed hazard scenarios. Methodological approaches used in Italy and Canada for studying the impacts of degrading permafrost and glacier ice loss on mountain environments were compared, and strategies for communication and dissemination of results were addressed. Studies have shown differences and similarities among the two areas, which highlight the effects of regional/local physiography and climate and, at the same time, confirm the global scale of the changes underway.
Read more

Misurazioni di concentrazioni di attività del gas Radon in acqua ad uso pubblico nella Provincia di Cosenza. Un possibile protocollo regionale ad adempimento del D.Lgs. 15 febbraio 2016, n.28.

Durante G., Trozzo R., Capua M., Orbe J., Tene T., Buttafuoco G., Lupiano V., Rago V., IovineG., 2017, Misurazioni di concentrazioni di attività del gas Radon in acqua ad uso pubblico nella Provincia di Cosenza. Un possibile protocollo regionale ad adempimento del D.Lgs. 15 febbraio 2016, n.28., Convegno Nazionale AIRP di Radioprotezione - Sorgenti di radiazioni_ dai modelli alle misure, pp. 379–385, Salerno, 8-10/11/2017,

Abstract
Il Decreto Legislativo 28/2016 stabilisce i criteri per la tutela della salute della popolazione da ...
Il Decreto Legislativo 28/2016 stabilisce i criteri per la tutela della salute della popolazione da gas radon e trizio, presenti nelle acque destinate al consumo umano, in ottemperanza della Direttiva EURATOM 2013/51. La legge definisce quali sono gli obblighi degli Enti Pubblici competenti a svolgere controlli per scopi di tutela della salute e impone alle Regioni l'elaborazione e la messa in atto di un programma di controllo che deve essere approvato dal Ministero della Salute. La realizzazione di tale programma di controllo non può prescindere dall'analisi delle caratteristiche geologiche del territorio che influenzano, spesso in modo rilevante,la concentrazione di attività del radon. In questo lavoro sono presentati i primi risultati ottenuta da una collaborazione finalizzata alla messa a punto di tecniche di misura di concentrazione di gas radon in acqua sorgiva e di una metodologia standard di campionamento, ottenuti nell'ambito di protocolli d'intesa recentemente stipulati tra ArpaCal e Dipartimento di Fisica dell'Università della Calabria (UNICAL). In particolare, sono confrontate misure di gas radon su acque prelevate da "pubblici fontanini" effettuate con due metodiche differenti, vantaggiose in circostanze diverse_ la tecnica spettrometrica non richiede degassaggio ed è basata sulla spettrometria gamma al Germanio iperpuro di tipo "N" ad alta risoluzione, un secondo metodo utilizza la tecnica emanometrica e celle a scintillazione. Sono presentati i primi risultati del monitoraggio di un'area ristretta in provincia di Cosenza, ottenuti seguendo un dedicato protocollo di campionamento e di misura. La scelta delle sorgenti si basa su criteri geologici e di volume utili per l'elaborazione del programma di controllo delle acque destinate al consumo umano, come da indicazioni contenute nell'Allegato II della sopracitata legge 28/2016. I criteri geologici derivano dai risultati di recenti studi, effettuati in Calabria centro-settentrionale (Iovine et al., 2017). I risultati preliminari, ottenuti in un'area ristretta sono incoraggianti ed il metodo seguito è potenzialmente estensibile all'intera Regione Calabria.
Read more

Tree species identity and diversity drive fungal richness and community composition along an elevational gradient in a Mediterranean ecosystem

Alessandro Saitta, Sten Anslan, Mohammad Bahram, Luca Brocca, Leho Tedersoo, 2017, Tree species identity and diversity drive fungal richness and community composition along an elevational gradient in a Mediterranean ecosystem, Mycorrhiza (Berl.) (2017). doi_10.1007/s00572-017-0806-8,

DOI: 10.1007%2Fs00572-017-0806-8

Abstract
Ecological and taxonomic knowledge is important for conservation and utilization of biodiversity. Biodiversity and ecology ...
Ecological and taxonomic knowledge is important for conservation and utilization of biodiversity. Biodiversity and ecology of fungi in Mediterranean ecosystems is poorly understood. Here, we examined the diversity and spatial distribution of fungi along an elevational gradient in a Mediterranean ecosystem, using DNA metabarcoding. This study provides novel information about diversity of all ecological and taxonomic groups of fungi along an elevational gradient in a Mediterranean ecosystem. Our analyses revealed that among all biotic and abiotic variables tested, host species identity is the main driver of the fungal richness and fungal community composition. Fungal richness was strongly associated with tree richness and peaked in Quercus-dominated habitats and Cistus-dominated habitats. The highest taxonomic richness of ectomycorrhizal fungi was observed under Quercus ilex, whereas the highest taxonomic richness of saprotrophs was found under Pinus. Our results suggest that the effect of plant diversity on fungal richness and community composition may override that of abiotic variables across environmental gradients.
Read more

Tectonically induced base-level change in the Quaternary revealed by alluvial fan shifts and rivers re-organization. A case study in the Northern Apennines of Italy

F. Mirabella , F. Bucci, M. Cardinali, M. Santangelo, M.R. Barchi, F. Guzzetti, 2017, Tectonically induced base-level change in the Quaternary revealed by alluvial fan shifts and rivers re-organization. A case study in the Northern Apennines of Italy, Penrose Conference City of Apiro, Central Italy, 25-29, Sept. 2017. 250 Million Years of Earth History in Central Italy, 2017,

Abstract
In active continental extensional basins, subsidence induced by normal faults activity at their hanging-wall is ...
In active continental extensional basins, subsidence induced by normal faults activity at their hanging-wall is the main factor in the creation of an accommodation space where rivers deliver their sediments. The sediments ages, lithology and geometry provide the timing and rate of faults activity. The migration of active extensional tectonics through time produces a correspondent shift in the position of the active depocenter. This process produces features like wind gaps, abandoned valleys, streams captures and drainage inversions which provide hints on timing and rate of active tectonics migration. In this work, we address the issue of how the investigation of the recent geological history of a fossil alluvial fan can provide new insights on the spatial migration of active tectonics through time and the consequent re-organization of the rivers network. We investigate a fossil alluvial fan originally deposited into a lower Pleistocence depocenter, which has been uplifted about 200 m at a normal fault foot-wall above the present-day alluvial plain. The area, comprised between Perugia and Spoleto in central Italy, is presently active as indicated by both GPS measures, historical and present-day seismicity. Based on detailed mapping of the Quaternary deposits, information on the age of the mapped deposits, paleo-currents indicators, geomorphological investigations, and high resolution seismic reflection profiles we reconstruct a peculiar geological history of the area_ the eastern part of a lower Pleistocene depocenter in which an alluvial fan was deposited underwent a sudden increase in the activity of a NE-dipping normal fault system. Consequently, the alluvial fan was cut and the western part of the depocenter was de-activated, undergoing incision. On the other hand the increase of subsidence in the eastern part of the basin promoted the deposition of a thick sequence of alluvials and headward erosion of the rivers which suddenly enlarged their drainage areas producing rivers captures and inversions. This process occurred in the last 0.8 Myr. By analyzing the present-day alluvial fans areas vs their contributing areas we discuss the variability of the data distribution in the reconstructed geological history of the study area. We stress that a widely multidisciplinary investigation of rivers anomalies and basins subsidence distribution can provide extremely useful hints in the understanding of the steadiness/unsteadiness of faults behavior.
Read more

Statistical approaches for the definition of landslide rainfall thresholds and their uncertainty using rain gauge and satellite data

Rossi, M.; Luciani, S.; Valigi, D.; Kirschbaum, D.; Brunetti, M. T.; Peruccacci, S.; Guzzetti, F., 2017, Statistical approaches for the definition of landslide rainfall thresholds and their uncertainty using rain gauge and satellite data, Geomorphology (Amst.) 285 (2017): 16–27. doi_10.1016/j.geomorph.2017.02.001,

DOI: 10.1016%2Fj.geomorph.2017.02.001

Abstract
Models for forecasting rainfall-induced landslides are mostly based on the identification of empirical rainfall thresholds ...
Models for forecasting rainfall-induced landslides are mostly based on the identification of empirical rainfall thresholds obtained exploiting rain gauge data. Despite their increased availability, satellite rainfall estimates are scarcely used for this purpose. Satellite data should be useful in ungauged and remote areas, or should provide a significant spatial and temporal reference in gauged areas. In this paper, the analysis of the reliability of rainfall thresholds based on rainfall remote sensed and rain gauge data for the prediction of landslide occurrence is carried out. To date, the estimation of the uncertainty associated with the empirical rainfall thresholds is mostly based on a bootstrap resampling of the rainfall duration and the cumulated event rainfall pairs (D,E) characterizing rainfall events responsible for past failures. This estimation does not consider the measurement uncertainty associated with D and E. In the paper, we propose (i) a new automated procedure to reconstruct ED conditions responsible for the landslide triggering and their uncertainties, and (ii) three new methods to identify rainfall threshold for the possible landslide occurrence, exploiting rain gauge and satellite data. In particular, the proposed methods are based on Least Square (IS), Quantile Regression (QR) and Nonlinear Least Square (NLS) statistical approaches. We applied the new procedure and methods to define empirical rainfall thresholds and their associated uncertainties in the Umbria region (central Italy) using both rain-gauge measurements and satellite estimates. We finally validated the thresholds and tested the effectiveness of the different threshold definition methods with independent landslide information. The NLS method among the others performed better in calculating thresholds in the full range of rainfall durations. We found that the thresholds obtained from satellite data are lower than those obtained from rain gauge measurements. This is in agreement with the literature, where satellite rainfall data underestimate the "ground" rainfall registered by rain gauges. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Read more

Reliability of water content estimation by profile probe and its effect on slope stability

Di Matteo L.; Pauselli C.; Valigi D.; Ercoli M.; Rossi M.; Guerra G.; Cambi C.; Ricco R.; Vinti G., 2017, Reliability of water content estimation by profile probe and its effect on slope stability, Landslides (Berl., Print) (2017): 1–8. doi_10.1007/s10346-017-0895-7,

DOI: 10.1007%2Fs10346-017-0895-7

Abstract
Shallow landslide failures are distributed worldwide and cause economic losses and fatalities. A proper evaluation ...
Shallow landslide failures are distributed worldwide and cause economic losses and fatalities. A proper evaluation of the possible occurrence of shallow landslides requires reliable characterization of water content. Volumetric water content (?) is commonly estimated using dielectric sensors, which use manufacturers' calibration curves developed for specific soil types. In this study, we present the experimental results achieved during a laboratory calibration of a capacitance probe (PR2/6 probe), tested on two sandy soils widely outcropping in Central Italy. The proposed equations demonstrate a more reliable estimation of ? with respect to the generalized soil equation provided by the manufacturer, which overestimates ? by up to 10 percentage points. Such overestimation could affect the evaluation of suction stress in partially saturated shallow soils affecting the slope stability analysis. Although the use of ? from correct calibration equations provides less precautionary factor of safety values, a reliable evaluation of the soil moisture condition is fundamental when mapping and predicting the spatial and temporal occurrence of shallow landslides. The use of the PR2/6 probe with the appropriate soil calibration equations in early warning monitoring systems will provide a more reliable forecast, minimizing the number of false alarms.
Read more

Landslide susceptibility modeling in a landslide prone area in Mazandarn Province, north of Iran_ a comparison between GLM, GAM, MARS, and M-AHP methods

Pourghasemi, Hamid Reza; Rossi, Mauro, 2017, Landslide susceptibility modeling in a landslide prone area in Mazandarn Province, north of Iran_ a comparison between GLM, GAM, MARS, and M-AHP methods, Theoretical and applied climatology 130 (2017): 609–633. doi_10.1007/s00704-016-1919-2,

DOI: 10.1007%2Fs00704-016-1919-2

Abstract
Landslides are identified as one of the most important natural hazards in many areas throughout ...
Landslides are identified as one of the most important natural hazards in many areas throughout the world. The essential purpose of this study is to compare general linear model (GLM), general additive model (GAM), multivariate adaptive regression spline (MARS), and modified analytical hierarchy process (M-AHP) models and assessment of their performances for landslide susceptibility modeling in the west of Mazandaran Province, Iran. First, landslides were identified by interpreting aerial photographs, and extensive field works. In total, 153 landslides were identified in the study area. Among these, 105 landslides were randomly selected as training data (i.e. used in the models training) and the remaining 48 (30 %) cases were used for the validation (i.e. used in the models validation). Afterward, based on a deep literature review on 220 scientific papers (period between 2005 and 2012), eleven conditioning factors including lithology, land use, distance from rivers, distance from roads, distance from faults, slope angle, slope aspect, altitude, topographic wetness index (TWI), plan curvature, and profile curvature were selected. The Certainty Factor (CF) model was used for managing uncertainty in rule-based systems and evaluation of the correlation between the dependent (landslides) and independent variables. Finally, the landslide susceptibility zonation was produced using GLM, GAM, MARS, and M-AHP models. For evaluation of the models, the area under the curve (AUC) method was used and both success and prediction rate curves were calculated. The evaluation of models for GLM, GAM, and MARS showed 90.50, 88.90, and 82.10 % for training data and 77.52, 70.49, and 78.17 % for validation data, respectively. Furthermore, The AUC value of the produced landslide susceptibility map using M-AHP showed a training value of 77.82 % and validation value of 82.77 % accuracy. Based on the overall assessments, the proposed approaches showed reasonable results for landslide susceptibility mapping in the study area. Moreover, results obtained showed that the M-AHP model performed slightly better than the MARS, GLM, and GAM models in prediction. These algorithms can be very useful for landslide susceptibility and hazard mapping and land use planning in regional scale.
Read more

Introduction to a thematic set of papers on methods to assess the reliability of landslide hazard mapping

Vessia, G.; Coco, L.; Rossi, M., 2017, Introduction to a thematic set of papers on methods to assess the reliability of landslide hazard mapping, Bulletin of engineering geology and the environment (Print) 76 (2017): 393–395. doi_10.1007/s10064-017-1026-3,

DOI: 10.1007%2Fs10064-017-1026-3

Read more

GLACIER EVOLUTION IN A CHANGING WORLD

Danilo Godone, 2017, GLACIER EVOLUTION IN A CHANGING WORLD, RIJEKA: INTECH OPEN ACCESS PUBLISHER, 2017,

Abstract
Glaciers have always played an important role in human history, and currently, they are carefully ...
Glaciers have always played an important role in human history, and currently, they are carefully observed as climate change sentinels. Glacier melt rate is increasing, and its mass balance is continuously negative. This issue deserves accurate and in-depth studies in order to, adequately, monitor its state. This circumstance in fact endangers the water supply, affecting human settlements but also creating new environments allowing the colonization by pioneer communities and the formation of new landscapes. This book is subdivided into two main sections in order to deal with the two topics of worldwide research on glaciers and ecology in glacial environments. In the first one "Glaciers in the World," several reviews and studies are collected. It is an overview of glaciers, their state, and research carried out in different continents and contexts. The second section "Glacial Ecosystems" focuses, on the other hand, on glacier environments and ecological researches.
Read more

Glacier-related hazards in a changing mountain environment_ an Italian-Canadian perspective

Chiarle M. (1,2), Mortara G. (1,2), Perotti L. (2,3), Giardino M (2,3), 2017, Glacier-related hazards in a changing mountain environment_ an Italian-Canadian perspective, 2017 CGU Annual Meeting, Vancouver (CA), 28-31/05/2017,

Abstract
A systematic study of glacier-related hazards in the Western Alps started in Italy only in ...
A systematic study of glacier-related hazards in the Western Alps started in Italy only in the early 1990s, and greatly benefited from the pioneering studies of John Clague. He analyzed natural instability processes in the glaciated environment and their relationship with the climatic and environmental changes taking place since the end of the Little Ice Age. From the beginning of the 2000s, it became clear that environmental changes related to global warming were accelerating so quickly in high elevation and glaciated mountains. An international effort to collect and exchange data was thus required, in order to provide scientists and local administrations with the most advanced knowledge and tools to deal with the impacts of climate change. This was the premise behind the start of a fruitful scientific collaboration developed over nearly 10 years between the authors and John Clague and other Canadian scientists, with the aim to compare geomorphic processes occurring in the high mountains of two distant geographic areas, but with similar physiographic characteristics. In this framework, we analyzed and compared instability events occurred in glacial and periglacial areas of the Italian Alps and of Western Canada, such as landslides, debris flows, glacial lake outburst floods, ice avalanches. We identified the types of instability mainly conditioned by climate change and discussed hazard scenarios. Methodological approaches used in Italy and Canada for studying the impacts of degrading permafrost and glacier ice loss on mountain environments were compared, and strategies for communication and dissemination of results were addressed. Studies have shown differences and similarities among the two areas, which highlight the effects of regional/local physiography and climate and, at the same time, confirm the global scale of the changes underway. These fruitful research results fed educational activities and research training within international academic exchange programs such as GeoNatHaz.
Read more

Session Introduction–Landslide Interaction with the Built Environment

M.G. Winter, T.A. Dijkstra, J. Wasowski, 2017, Session Introduction–Landslide Interaction with the Built Environment, Landslide Interaction with the Built Environment, edited by M.G. Winter, T.A. Dijkstra, J. Wasowski, 2017,

Abstract
The main goal of Theme 5 (Volume 5) is to draw attention to the variety ...
The main goal of Theme 5 (Volume 5) is to draw attention to the variety of landslides that have an impact on communities, infrastructure and cultural heritage. This sub-theme focuses on the interaction of landslides with the built environment, whether triggered in natural or engineered slopes. The broad relevance of this sub-theme is clear and the associated socio-economic issues are particularly important given population growth and the associated demand for new and enhanced infrastructure. It provides an overview of methodologies and techniques that can be used to identify the effects of landslides on buildings, infrastructure and large engineering works, as well as cultural heritage.
Read more

Detection and monitoring of slow landslides using Sentinel-1 multi-temporal interferometry products

J. Wasowski, F. Bovenga, R. Nutricato, D. O. Nitti and M. T. Chiaradia., 2017, Detection and monitoring of slow landslides using Sentinel-1 multi-temporal interferometry products, Advancing Culture of Living with Landslides, vol. 2 Advances in Landslide Science., edited by Mikos et al., pp. 249–256, 2017,

Abstract
Landslide investigations can now benefit from high quality information obtainable using multi-temporal interferometry (MTI) techniques ...
Landslide investigations can now benefit from high quality information obtainable using multi-temporal interferometry (MTI) techniques (e.g., PSInSAR, SBAS) and images acquired by satellite synthetic aperture radars (SAR). MTI is only little affected by bad weather and can provide long-term (years), regular (weekly-monthly), precise (mm) measurements of ground displacements over large areas (thousands of km2), with the possibility of exploiting the same series of radar images for regional to slope-scale investigations. Spatially dense measurements can be obtained (from hundreds to thousands data per km2). Furthermore, by offering regular global-scale coverage, improved temporal resolution (from 12 to 6 days) and free imagery, the new radar satellite mission Sentinel-1 of the European Space Agency (ESA) can now guarantee wider and more efficient application of MTI to landslide investigations. In this work we demonstrate for the first time the excellent potential of MTI based on Sentinel-1 for the detection and monitoring of slope instabilities affecting small hilltop towns in the Apennine Mountains of southern Italy. The is done by comparing the MTI results based on Sentinel-1 images with those based on ENVISAT data (ESA satellite retired few years ago). The comparison shows that by using Sentinel-1 imagery a few times higher density of radar targets (measurement points) can be obtained. Thanks to this and more frequent measurement capability of Sentinel-1, landslide detection and monitoring can be more effective.
Read more

High resolution satellite multi-temporal interferometry for monitoring infrastructure instability hazards

Wasowski, Janusz; Bovenga, Fabio; Nutricato, Raffaele; Nitti, Davide Oscar; Chiaradia, Maria Teresa, 2017, High resolution satellite multi-temporal interferometry for monitoring infrastructure instability hazards, Infrastructure journal 2 (2017): 1–9. doi_10.1007/s41062-017-0077-4,

DOI: 10.1007%2Fs41062-017-0077-4

Abstract
Advanced remote sensing techniques are now capable of delivering more rapidly high quality information that ...
Advanced remote sensing techniques are now capable of delivering more rapidly high quality information that is sufficiently detailed (and cost-effective) for many engineering applications. Here we focus on synthetic aperture radar (SAR), multi-temporal interferometry (MTI). With radar satellites periodically re-visiting the same area, MTI provides information on distance changes between the on-board radar sensor and the targets on the ground (e.g., human-made structures such as buildings, roads and other infrastructure). The detected distance changes are thus interpreted as evidence of ground and/or structure instability. In settings with limited vegetation cover, MTI can deliver very precise (mm resolution), spatially dense information (from hundreds to thousands measurement points/km 2) on slow (mm-cm/year) deformations affecting the ground and engineering structures. Radar satellites offer wide-area coverage (thousands km 2) and, with the sensors that actively emit electromagnetic radiation and thus can "see'' through the clouds, one can obtain deformation measurements even under bad weather conditions. We illustrate the potential of high resolution MTI and explain what this technique can deliver to assist in infrastructure instability hazard assessment. This is done by presenting selected examples of MTI applied to monitor post-construction behavior of engineering structures. The examples are from Italy and include_ an earthfill dam, an off-shore vertical breakwater built to protect an oil terminal, city buildings and a highway. We also stress that the current approach to the assessment of instability hazard can be transformed by capitalizing more on the presently underexploited advantage of the MTI technique, i.e., the capability to provide regularly spatially dense quantitative information for large areas where engineering infrastructure may currently be unaffected by instability, but where the terrain and infrastructure history (e.g., aging) may indicate potential for future failures.
Read more

RECOGNITION OF LANDSLIDES IN LUNAR IMPACT CRATERS

M. Scaioni 1, V. Yordanov 1, M.T. Brunetti 2, M.T. Melis 3, A. Zinzi 4, Z. Kang 5, P. Giommi, 2017, RECOGNITION OF LANDSLIDES IN LUNAR IMPACT CRATERS, European Journal of Remote Sensing 51 (2017): 47–61. doi_10.1080/22797254.2017.1401908,

DOI: 10.1080%2F22797254.2017.1401908

Abstract
Landslides have been observed on several planets and minor bodies of the solar System, including ...
Landslides have been observed on several planets and minor bodies of the solar System, including the Moon. Notwithstanding different types of slope failures have been studied on the Moon, a detailed lunar landslide inventory is still pending. Undoubtedly, such will be in a benefit for future geological and morphological studies, as well in hazard, risk and susceptibility assessments. A preliminary survey of lunar landslides in impact craters has been done using visual inspection on images and digital elevation model (DEM) (Brunetti et al. 2015) but this method suffers from subjective interpretation. A new methodology based on polynomial interpolation of crater cross-sections extracted from global lunar DEMs is presented in this paper. Because of their properties, Chebyshev polynomials were already exploited for parametric classification of different crater morphologies (Mahanti et al., 2014). Here, their use has been extended to the discrimination of slumps in simple impact craters. Two criteria for recognition have provided the best results_ one based on fixing an empirical absolute thresholding and a second based on statistical adaptive thresholding. The application of both criteria to a data set made up of 204 lunar craters' cross-sections has demonstrated that the former criterion provides the best recognition.
Read more

Site effects in the Amatrice municipality through dense seismic network and detailed geological-geophysical survey

Giovanna Cultrera, Mauro Cardinali, Roberto de Franco, Maria Rosaria Gallipoli, Francesca Pacor, Floriana Pergalani, Giuliano Milana, Massimiliano Moscatelli, S. Amoroso, P. Bordoni, A. Bucci, E. D'Alema, M. D'Amico, F. Cara, S. Carannante, R. Cogliano, G. Di Giulio, D. Di Naccio, D. Famiani, C. Felicetta, A. Fodarella, G. Franceschina, G. Lanzano, S. Lovati, L. Luzi, C. Mascandola, M. Massa, A. Mercuri, D. Picaredda, M. Pischiutta, S. Pucillo, R. Puglia, G. Riccio, M. Vassallo; F. Bucci, F. Fiorucci, M. Santangelo ; G. Boniolo, G. Caielli, A. Corsi, A. Tento; E. Gueguen, T.A. Stabile; M.P. Boni, M. Compagnoni, S. Munda; C. Di Salvo, G.P. Cavinato, G. Cosentino, I. Gaudiosi, S. Giallini, M. Mancini, E. Peronace, F. Polpetta, M.L. Putignano, M. Simionato, P. Sirianni, V. Scionti, F. Stigliano, G. Vignaroli, 2017, Site effects in the Amatrice municipality through dense seismic network and detailed geological-geophysical survey, European Geosciences Union General Assembly 2017, pp. 1–1, Vienna, 23-28/04/2017,

Abstract
After the first mainshock of the 2016 Central Italy seismic sequence, several Italian Institutions (under ...
After the first mainshock of the 2016 Central Italy seismic sequence, several Italian Institutions (under the umbrella of the Italian Center for Seismic Microzonation; http_//www.centromicrozonazionesismica.it) conducted a preparatory survey to seismic microzonation of the Amatrice municipality, badly affected by the Mw 6.0 Amatrice earthquake of August 24. Despite the difficulties due to the heavily damaged investigated area and the winter weather condition, a large amount of different data were gathered in a very short time_ (i) geological and geomorphological surveys (field trip and photo-geological interpretation), (ii) geophysical measurements (noise single-station and arrays, geoelectric, seismic refraction, MASW), and (iii) continuous seismic recordings from temporary network. In particular, 35 seismic stations were installed from half-September to early-December in an area of 170 km2, equipped with both velocimeter and accelerometer. They recorded thousands of earthquakes, including the Mw 6.5 of October 30, 2016; the continuous data will be organized in the EIDA repository (http://www.orfeuseu.org/data/eida) through the INGV EIDA-node. The sites selection was performed according to the following criteria_ representativeness of the geological conditions of 26 hamlets that experienced a damage level greater than VII MCS degree, optimization of the network geometry for array analysis, redundancy of bedrock reference sites, safety and accessibility. The photo-geology and the field investigations allowed the realization of a detailed geological-technical map of the area, characterized by peculiar features, namely the distinction between bedrock and Quaternary deposits (alluvial deposits and terraces, alluvial fans, landslides) and morpho-structural features (faults, folds, bedding attitude). Preliminary results allowed also the evaluation of the velocity models that show surface shear wave velocities (Vs) ranging from 200 m/s to 600 m/s. Data analysis of seismic recordings (earthquakes and noise) indicate peculiar amplification effect in several hamlets and in the village of Amatrice itself, even though the correlation with geology is not always straightforward.
Read more

Rainfall thresholds for possible landslide occurrence in Italy

Peruccacci, Silvia; Brunetti, Maria Teresa; Gariano, Stefano Luigi; Melillo, Massimo; Rossi, Mauro; Guzzetti, Fausto, 2017, Rainfall thresholds for possible landslide occurrence in Italy, Geomorphology (Amst.) 290 (2017): 39–57. doi_10.1016/j.geomorph.2017.03.031,

DOI: 10.1016%2Fj.geomorph.2017.03.031

Abstract
The large physiographic variability and the abundance of landslide and rainfall data make Italy an ...
The large physiographic variability and the abundance of landslide and rainfall data make Italy an ideal site to investigate variations in the rainfall conditions that can result in rainfall-induced landslides. We used landslide information obtained from multiple sources and rainfall data captured by 2228 rain gauges to build a catalogue of 2309 rainfall events with mostly shallow landslides in Italy between January 1996 and February 2014. For each rainfall event with landslides, we reconstructed the rainfall history that presumably caused the slope failure, and we determined the corresponding rainfall duration D (in hours) and cumulated event rainfall E (in mm). Adopting a power law threshold model, we determined cumulated event rainfall rainfall duration (ED) thresholds, at 5% exceedance probability, and their uncertainty. We defined a new national threshold for Italy, and 26 regional thresholds for environmental subdivisions based on topography, lithology, land-use, land cover, climate, and meteorology, and we used the thresholds to study the variations of the rainfall conditions that can result in landslides in different environments, in Italy. We found that the national and the environmental thresholds cover a small part of the possible DE domain. The finding supports the use of empirical rainfall thresholds for landslide forecasting in Italy, but poses an empirical limitation to the possibility of defining thresholds for small geographical areas. We observed differences between some of the thresholds. With increasing mean annual precipitation (MAP), the thresholds become higher and steeper, indicating that more rainfall is needed to trigger landslides where the MAP is high than where it is low. This suggests that the landscape adjusts to the regional meteorological conditions. We also observed that the thresholds are higher for stronger rocks, and that forested areas require more rainfall than agricultural areas to initiate landslides. Finally, we observed that a 20% exceedance probability national threshold was capable of predicting all the rainfall induced landslides with casualties between 1996 and 2014, and we suggest that this threshold can be used to forecast fatal rainfall-induced landslides in Italy. We expect the method proposed in this work to define and compare the thresholds to have an impact on the definition of new rainfall thresholds for possible landslide occurrence in Italy, and elsewhere.
Read more
« Older posts
Newer posts »

Data from https://intranet.cnr.it/people/