Publications

Publications found: 811

Geotechnical analysis and optical fiber based monitoring of an existing river levee affected by piping

Cola, S.; Simonini, P.; Bossi, G.; Schenato, L.; De Polo, F., 2019, Geotechnical analysis and optical fiber based monitoring of an existing river levee affected by piping, 2nd International Conference on Natural Hazards and Infrastructure - ICONHIC 2019, Chania, 23 June 2019 - 26 June 2019,,

Abstract
The study examines a 350 m long section of the Adige river levee, located in ...
The study examines a 350 m long section of the Adige river levee, located in the Province of Bolzano (Italy) close to the village of Salorno, that has been affected in the recent past by moderate piping phenomena and subjected to subsequent interventions for the risk mitigation. Extensive geophysical and geotechnical investigations were performed to characterize the levee and its foundation soil. This careful investigation provided a multi-dimensional description of the levee and of the close soil water-meadows, which are possible preferential paths for piping. To measure preferential seepage paths, the foundation soil was instrumented using both piezometers and an advanced monitoring technique, the latter based on a fiber optic system installed in a shallow trench at the bank base on the landside. In the last ten days of October 2018, the Adige river was subjected to a relevant double flooding event that likely induced a significant seepage flow in the levee foundation soil. The paper presents some results of the geotechnical site monitoring together with a preliminary discussion of the data provided by the piezometers and optical fiber system.
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Preliminary numerical and experimental tests for the study of vibration signals in dry granular flows

Zarattini, Francesco; Pol, Antonio; Schenato, Luca; Tecca, Pia R.; Deganutti, Andrea M.; Garcia-Ruiz, Andrés; Sorianoamat, Miguel; Gonzàlez-Herràez, Miguel; Martins, Hugo F.; Pasuto, Alessandro; Palmieri, Luca; Gabrieli, Fabio, 2019, Preliminary numerical and experimental tests for the study of vibration signals in dry granular flows, 6th International Conference on Particle-Based Methods. Fundamentals and Applications, PARTICLES 2019, pp. 305–312, Barcelona, 28 October 2019 - 30 October 2019,

Abstract
Debris flows are one of the most important hazards in mountainous areas because of their ...
Debris flows are one of the most important hazards in mountainous areas because of their paroxysmal nature, the high velocities, and energy carried by the transported material. The monitoring of these phenomena plays a relevant role in the prevention of the effects of these events. Among different possibilities, fiber optical sensors appear well-suited for this purpose thanks to their fair cheapness (with the exception of the interrogator), the robustness to electromagnetic interferences, the adaptability in extreme harsh conditions (no power supply is required), the possibility of locating the interrogator many kilometers far away from the monitored site, and the unique feature to provide very-dense multipoint distributed measurements along long distances. In this work, the vibro-acoustics signal produced by these phenomena has been focused as a possible source of information for the prediction of incipient movement, and the tracking of their path, velocity and thickness. Few literature works investigate these aspects, and for this reason, a preliminary laboratory and numerical campaign have been carried out with dry granular flume tests on an inclined chute. The discrete element method has been used to simulate the tests and to synthesize the signal measured on an instrumented mat along the channel. The grain shapes of the granular material used in simulations have been obtained by a photogrammetric tridimensional reconstruction. The force-time signal has been also analyzed in time-frequency domain in order to infer the features of the flow. The numerical activity has been preparatory for the experiments carried out by instrumenting the flume with an optical fiber distributed vibration sensing system.
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Mapping water and sediment connectivity

Cavalli M., Vericat D., Pereira P., 2019, Mapping water and sediment connectivity, Science of the total environment 673 (2019): 763–767. doi_10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.04.071,

DOI: 10.1016%2Fj.scitotenv.2019.04.071

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Planning Landslide Countermeasure Works through Long Term Monitoring and Grey Box Modelling

Giulia Bossi, Gianluca Marcato, 2019, Planning Landslide Countermeasure Works through Long Term Monitoring and Grey Box Modelling, Geosciences (Basel) 9(4) (2019). doi_10.3390/geosciences9040185,

DOI: 10.3390%2Fgeosciences9040185

Abstract
The design of countermeasure works to mitigate landslide risk needs to deal with the multiple ...
The design of countermeasure works to mitigate landslide risk needs to deal with the multiple unknowns that are linked with soil properties, distribution and rheology. Most of the time, the degree of definition of all these elements is low. Through landslide monitoring, it is possible to acquire signals from the landslide that carry synthetic information about its dynamic. Thus, if it is possible to define a model that is able to link the landslide displacements with the triggering factors and to predict them consistently, that model may be used to evaluate the effect of a countermeasure work directly, bypassing the geomechanical uncertainty. In this paper, an example application of this approach is described. The displacements of a landslide located in North East Italy are connected with the water discharge of the small stream the crosses the landslide body. A countermeasure work that intercepts the discharge of the torrent is expected to reduce the landslide displacements of approximately 70%, with lower costs of construction and smaller impacts on the environment and landscape with respect of other types of structural mitigation works such as slope reprofiling and large retaining walls.
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The measure of friction angles for different types of granular material

Andrea Maria Deganutti, Pia Rosella Tecca, Rinaldo Genevois, 2019, The measure of friction angles for different types of granular material, Journal of mountain science (Online) 16 (2019): 769–777. doi_10.1007/s11629-018-5329-z,

DOI: 10.1007%2Fs11629-018-5329-z

Abstract
The aim of this research is to deepen the knowledge of the role of friction ...
The aim of this research is to deepen the knowledge of the role of friction on the dynamics of granular media; in particular the friction angle is taken into consideration as the physical parameter that drives stability, motion and deposition of a set of grains of any nature and size. The idea behind this work is a question_ is the friction angle really that fundamental and obvious physical parameter which rules stability and motion of granular media as it seems from most works which deal with particle dynamics? The experimental study tries to answer this question with a series of laboratory tests, in which different natural and artificial granular materials have been investigated in dry condition by means of a tilting flume. The characteristic friction angles, both in deposition (repose) and stability limit (critical) conditions, were measured and checked against size, shape, density and roughness of the considered granular material. The flume tests have been preferred to "classical" geotechnical apparatuses (e.g. shear box) since the flume experimental conditions appear closer to the natural ones of many situations of slope stability interest (e.g. a scree slope). The results reveal that characteristic friction angles depend on size and shape of grains while mixtures of granules of different size show some sorting mechanism with less clear behaviour.
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Rapporti tecnici mensili contratto NTSG s.r.l.

Schenato, L., 2019, Rapporti tecnici mensili contratto NTSG s.r.l., 2019,

Abstract
Questi documenti contengono la descrizione delle attività effettuate nell'ambito del contratto con NTSG s.r.l. relativamente ...
Questi documenti contengono la descrizione delle attività effettuate nell'ambito del contratto con NTSG s.r.l. relativamente a_ - supporto scientifico nell'individuazione di protocolli di misura con sensori in fibra ottica per le applicazioni di ingegneria civile; - supporto nell'eventuale verifica dei protocolli suddetti, tramite il supporto alla definizione di eventuali algoritmi numerici e/o modelli matematici; - supporto nell'eventuale verifica dei protocolli suddetti, alla progettazione di apparati strumentali e setup; - supporto nella elaborazione delle linee guida, ad uso esclusivamente interno, relative ai suddetti protocolli. Sono stati rilasciati 12 rapporti mensili (2019-2020). I risultati specifici sono oggetto di accordo di non divulgazione.
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D5.4 – Best Practice White Paper

Schenato, L., Pasuto, A., Aguilar-López, J.P., Bogaard, T.A., Tecca, P.R., Deganutti, A.M., 2019, D5.4 – Best Practice White Paper, D5.4, 2019,

Abstract
Questo documento contiene alcune linee guida per il monitoraggio arginale e delle colate detritiche ...
Questo documento contiene alcune linee guida per il monitoraggio arginale e delle colate detritiche
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D3.4 – Report on data analysis of debris-flow experiment

Schenato, L., Gabrieli, F., Tecca, P.R., Deganutti, A.M., Pasuto A., 2019, D3.4 – Report on data analysis of debris-flow experiment, D3.4, 2019,

Abstract
Questo documento contiene i risultati preliminari della sperimentazione condotta su canaletta artificiale del sensore distribuito ...
Questo documento contiene i risultati preliminari della sperimentazione condotta su canaletta artificiale del sensore distribuito di vibrazione sviluppato nell'ambito del progetto DOMINO - WaterWorks2014 Cofunded Call
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D1.7 – DPS characterization report

Luca Schenato, Luca Palmieri, 2019, D1.7 – DPS characterization report, D1.7, 2019,

Abstract
Questo rapporto descrive la caratterizzazione sperimentale del sensore distribuito di pressione sviluppato nell'ambito del progetto ...
Questo rapporto descrive la caratterizzazione sperimentale del sensore distribuito di pressione sviluppato nell'ambito del progetto DOMINO - WaterWorks2014 Cofunded Call
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SPERIMENTANDO 2019

Simonetta Bettiol, Marilena Varotto, Ariella Metellini, Mauro Mezzetto, Luca Poletto, Francesca Soramel, Rita Ghiraldini, Lucia Giuffreda, Andrea Gozzelino, Laura Magrinelli, Ariella Metellini, Barbara Montolli, Giuliana Salvagno, Paola Zuppella, Evandro Agostini, Raffaella Bedin, Luisa Bergamasco, Luisa Bragalenti, Valerio Causin, Stefano Ciroi, Mario Colombo, Luigi Gentile, Lucia Giuffreda, Andrea Gozzelino, Federica Dal Molin, Francesca Della Vedova, Mauro Dianin, Eufemia Gazerro, Rita Ghiraldini, Paola Guaita, Renato Macchietto, Laura Magrinelli, Barbara Montolli, Elena Pedrotti, Giuliana Salvagno, Stefania Turra, Chiara Zecchin, Michele Alberti, Cecilia Contarin, Oreste Bozzato, Marco Faggionato, Riccardo Fecchio, Roberto Mucci, Carlo Vinante, Antonio Zanardo, Gianni Trotter, Ludovica Todeschini, Andrea Brugiolo, Luca Poletto, Gianluca Rossi, Paola Zuppella, Luca Peruzzo, Alessandro Pasuto, Luca Balletti, Daniela Gaggero, Francesca Messina, Filippo Sozzi, Elena Baruffaldi, Paola Carraretto, Luisa Pegoraro, Carla Piovesana, Francesca Sturaro, Andrea Gozzelino, Stefano Pavinato, Enzo Bissiato, Davide Marcato, Michele Alberti, Marco Bregolato, Elena Lazzaretto, Luca Nobili, Ivan Proserpio, Paolo Rampin, Roberto Sannevigo, Patrizia Dall'Ara, Marta Bellio, Raffaella Celin, Francesca Cima, Vittorio Galligioni, Laura Guidolin, Nicoletta La Rocca, Gerolamo Lanfranchi, Dietelmo Pievani, Gianfranco Santovito, Simona Magliulo, Fabio Reffo, Francesca Soramel, Sofia Talas, Paola Zenere, Claudia Agnini, Massimiliano Zattin, Pietro Fiorentin, Valerio Causin, Michele Maggini, Floriana Casella, Bertoncello Olivella, Lucia Giuffreda, Mario Colombo, Federica Dal Molin, Rosa Maria Filippone, Andrea Occari, Stefania Turra, Luigi Gentile, Bruno Lorini, Alberta Angelini, Renato Macchietto, Emanuele Spada, Chiara Rossi, Antonio Geremia, Luisa Bergamasco, Elena Baruffaldi, Gianluca Rossi, Marco De Giorgi, Nicolò Antonelli, Giuliana Arzivino, Jona Benetazzo, Samuel Bresciani, Andrea Casotto, Sara Citter, Dedra Da Re, Luca Da Sois, Giovanni Dapit, Filippo Ferraro, Elena Filippi, Federico Gallina, Andrea Gozzelino, Darko Ivanovski, Stefania Lai, Luca Lionetto, Riccardo Lombardi, Alberto Manci, Alessio Meggiolaro, Martina Pacifico, Elena Pedrotti, Simone Pelizzola, Ivan Proserpio, Gianmarco Puggioni, Valeria Sartore, Irene Tersilli, Linda Tossut, Elena Zoppellari, Evandro Agostini, Ernesto Corazza, Andrea Nardi, Roberta Saini, Nicola Tiso, 2019, SPERIMENTANDO 2019, 2019,

Abstract
LA SCIENZA PER TUTTI La mostra scientifica interattiva Sperimentando compie 18 anni e festeggia con un'edizione ...
LA SCIENZA PER TUTTI La mostra scientifica interattiva Sperimentando compie 18 anni e festeggia con un'edizione accattivante per l'approccio e stimolante per la varietà dei temi proposti. L'esposizione vanta circa duecento esperimenti, la presenza di guide esperte permette di selezionare gli exhibit e adattare il percorso espositivo alle esigenze di scolaresche di ogni ordine e grado, famiglie, appassionati e curiosi_ tutti possono vivere la scienza in modo coinvolgente e divertente. Nel settore di Chimica si ripercorre la storia della fotografia e si sperimentano la stampa con sali d'argento, effetti di luci e ombre, diversi pigmenti e coloranti, ma anche filtri e display a cristalli liquidi. Si possono ammirare i colori delle reazioni, svelando quelli nascosti. In Scienze naturali e biologiche sono proposti modelli, esperimenti e curiosità su occhi e visione degli uomini e di alcuni animali. Si esplora inoltre il legame tra energia e vita, partendo dal Sole e passando, attraverso fotosintesi e respirazione, agli alimenti e alle reti alimentari in alcuni ecosistemi. Si approfondisce infine il legame tra scienza e sport, confrontando muscoli e sforzi, apparato scheletrico e leve, materiali usati e record, senza trascurare quelli del mondo animale. Particolarmente ricco ed eterogeneo è il settore di Fisica_ si osservano il comportamento della luce e le illusioni ottiche; si sperimentano fenomeni ondulatori in modo giocoso, con molle e strumenti musicali, senza tralasciare onde elettromagnetiche e terremoti. Si mette alla prova l'equilibrio di fluidi e solidi, talvolta sorprendente o improbabile. Come in una bottega galileiana si osservano moti, pendoli, piani inclinati e attriti, per poi addentrarsi nell' affascinante scoperta del Cosmo. L'energia, con le sue diverse forme e trasformazioni è protagonista di un insieme di exhibit, con particolare attenzione a elettromagnetismo e fonti rinnovabili. Un intero stand - curato dai Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro dell'INFN - è dedicato a scienza e nuove tecnologie_ illustra l'evoluzione dei sistemi informatici, presenta progetti innovativi, ma anche robot e diagnostica medica. Viene infine presentata la mostra "Cnr: 20 anni di mostre interattive": una selezione di exhibit di grande effetto provenienti da varie mostre interattive ideate e realizzate in vent'anni di esperienza dai progettisti ed educatori dell'Ufficio Comunicazione Informazione e URP del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, in particolare "Semplice e Complesso", "Le Meraviglie della Scienza" e "Agorà. Scienza e matematica dal Mediterraneo antico". Arricchiscono la mostra con la loro originalità i lavori proposti dagli studenti che partecipano ai Concorsi "L'arte sperimenta con la scienza" per l'ideazione dell'immagine-logo e "Sperimenta anche tu" per la realizzazione di esperimenti a tema. Completano il programma della manifestazione alcuni Laboratori che permettono approfondimenti su alcuni temi, e numerosi eventi come conferenze nelle scuole, visite a musei, alla Specola e ai Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro e il 30 e 31 marzo arriveranno anche i lavori che la delegazione italiana porterà alla prossima edizione della fiera europea "Science on stage". Ariella Metellini e Barbara Montolli Curatrici della mostra - AIF Sezione di Padova
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Preliminary numerical and experimental tests for the study of vibration signals in dry granular flows

FRANCESCO ZARATTINI 1, ANTONIO POL 1, LUCA SCHENATO 2, PIA R. TECCA 2, ANDREA M. DEGANUTTI 2, ANDRÉS GARCIA-RUIZ 4, MIGUEL SORIANOAMAT 4, MIGUEL GONZÀLEZ-HERRÀEZ 4, HUGO F. MARTINS 5, ALESSANDRO PASUTO 2, LUCA PALMIERI 3, FABIO GABRIELI 1, 2019, Preliminary numerical and experimental tests for the study of vibration signals in dry granular flows, VI International Conference on Particle-Based Methods_ fundamentals and applications (PARTICLES 2019), pp. 305–312, Barcelona, 28-30 October, 2019,

Abstract
Debris flows are one of the most important hazards in mountainous areas because of their ...
Debris flows are one of the most important hazards in mountainous areas because of their paroxysmal nature, the high velocities, and energy carried by the transported material. The monitoring of these phenomena plays a relevant role in the prevention of the effects of these events. Among different possibilities, fiber optical sensors appear well-suited for this purpose thanks to their fair cheapness (with the exception of the interrogator), the robustness to electromagnetic interferences, the adaptability in extreme harsh conditions (no power supply is required), the possibility of locating the interrogator many kilometers far away from the monitored site, and the unique feature to provide very-dense multipoint distributed measurements along long distances. In this work, the vibro-acoustics signal produced by these phenomena has been focused as a possible source of information for the prediction of incipient movement, and the tracking of their path, velocity and thickness. Few literature works investigate these aspects, and for this reason, a preliminary laboratory and numerical campaign have been carried out with dry granular flume tests on an inclined chute. The discrete element method has been used to simulate the tests and to synthesize the signal measured on an instrumented mat along the channel. The grain shapes of the granular material used in simulations have been obtained by a photogrammetric tridimensional reconstruction. The forcetime signal has been also analyzed in time-frequency domain in order to infer the features of the flow. The numerical activity has been preparatory for the experiments carried out by instrumenting the flume with an optical fiber distributed vibration sensing system.
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Numerical and experimental tests for the study of vibration signals in dry granular flows

Francesco Zarattini, Antonio Pol, Luca Schenato, Pia R. Tecca, Andrea M. Deganutti, Fabio Gabrieli, Luca Palmieri, 2019, Numerical and experimental tests for the study of vibration signals in dry granular flows, VI International Conference on Particle-based Methods - Fundamentals and Applications PARTICLES 2019, Barcelona, Spain, 28/10/2019, 30/10/2019,

Abstract
Debris flows are one of the most important hazards in mountainous areas because of their ...
Debris flows are one of the most important hazards in mountainous areas because of their paroxysmal nature, the high velocities, and energy carried by the transported material. Monitoring of these phenomena plays a relevant role in the prevention of the effects of these events. Among different possibilities, fiber optical sensors appear well-suited for this purpose thanks to their fair cheapness (with the exception of the interrogator), the robustness to electromagnetic interferences, the adaptability in extreme harsh conditions (no power supply is required), the possibility of locating the interrogator many kilometers far away from the monitored site, and the unique feature to provide very-dense multipoint distributed measurements along long distances. In this work, the vibro-acoustics signal produced by these phenomena has been focused as a possible source of information for the prediction of incipient movement, and the tracking of their path, velocity and thickness. Few literature works investigate these aspects, and for this reason, a laboratory and numerical campaign have been carried out with dry granular flume tests on an inclined chute. The discrete element method has been used to simulate the tests and to synthesize the signal measured on an instrumented mat along the channel. Different grain shapes and size obtained by a tridimensional scanning of real stones have been considered in the tests. The force-time signal has been also analyzed in time-frequency domain in order to infer the features of the flow.
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Analyse hydrologique de la crue-éclair catastrophique du 15 juin 2010 dans la région de Draguignan (VAR, France)

Payrastre O, Gaume E, Javelle P, Janet B, Fourmigué P, Lefort P, Martin A, Boudevillain B, Brunet P, Delrieu G, Marchi L, Aubert Y, Dautrey E, Durand L, Lang M, Boissier L, Douvinet J, Martin C., 2019, Analyse hydrologique de la crue-éclair catastrophique du 15 juin 2010 dans la région de Draguignan (VAR, France), La Houille blanche (2019): 140–148. doi_10.1051/lhb/2019057,

DOI: 10.1051%2Flhb%2F2019057

Abstract
Suite à la crue exceptionnelle qui s'est produite le 15 juin 2010 dans la région ...
Suite à la crue exceptionnelle qui s'est produite le 15 juin 2010 dans la région de Draguignan (Var), plusieurs équipes de chercheurs et d'ingénieurs sont intervenues sur le terrain afin de documenter et de caractériser cet événement, en proposant notamment des estimations des débits de pointe sur le cours principal de l'Argens ainsi que sur l'ensemble des affluents touchés. Des informations sur la chronologie des crues ont également été obtenues auprès de témoins oculaires. Un travail de coordination et d'échanges entre ces équipes a été organisé par le SCHAPI et la DREAL PACA, et a permis de confronter et de mettre en cohérence les résultats obtenus, et d'engager une discussion sur les périodes de retour de la crue. Cette comparaison a révélé que malgré les différentes sources possibles d'erreurs d'estimation, les valeurs de débits proposées par les différentes équipes restaient globalement assez proches. Cette première étape a permis de cartographier les débits sur la base d'une quarantaine d'estimations au total. La répartition spatiale obtenue apparaît, de premier abord, cohérente avec l'estimation des cumuls pluviométriques fournie par les lames d'eau radar. L'analyse hydrologique de l'événement a été complétée en comparant les débits estimés à des hydrogrammes simulés à l'aide d'un modèle pluie-débit simple. Ces résultats mettent en évidence une grande disparité des comportements hydrologiques des affluents de l'Argens. La Nartuby se distingue notablement avec une réponse hydrologique très progressive et atténuée ce qui peut être attribué à l'effet du karst très présent sur ce bassin. Enfin, le travail sur les périodes de retour a permis d'identifier les secteurs pour lesquels la crue a dépassé un niveau centennal.
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Debris flow monitoring in the Moscardo catchment_ recent research and future development

Marco Cavalli, Federico Cazorzi, Stefano Crema, Sara Cucchiaro, Lorenzo Marchi, 2019, Debris flow monitoring in the Moscardo catchment_ recent research and future development, Early warning systems for debris flows_ state of the art and challenges, Bolzano (BZ), 16-19/10/2019,

Abstract
The Moscardo Torrent is a small stream of the eastern Italian Alps. The catchment ranges ...
The Moscardo Torrent is a small stream of the eastern Italian Alps. The catchment ranges from 890 (fan apex) to 2043 m a.s.l. and covers an area of 4.1 km2. The low rock mass quality makes the steep slopes of the catchment supply large amounts of debris to the channels through rockfalls and shallow landslides. The large sediment availability, along with a high degree of sediment connectivity, and the characteristic of rainfall regime (mean annual precipitation amounts to approximately 1700 mm with high-intensity storms in summer) create the perfect conditions for debris-flow occurrence. The Moscardo Torrent was the first catchment instrumented for debris-flow monitoring in Europe. Debris flows have been monitored since 1989, with some gaps in 1998-2000 and 2008-2010.Recently, the monitoring system has been renewed. At the present time, the monitoring system consists of a couple of ultrasonic sensors placed at a distance of about 80 m over the channel bed to measure the flow stage, a high-resolution infrared and visible video camera, and three rain gauges at different elevation. In the period 1990-2018, 28 debris flows were recorded by the monitoring system or assessed by means of post-event field surveys. The analysis of debris-flow volumes, along with geomorphic changes through the comparison of LiDAR surveys between 2003 and 2013, shows the role of channel control works built in the first decade of 21st century in attenuating the magnitude and the frequency of debris flows. Since 2009, however, the Moscardo Torrent featured several debris flows with two of them transporting large sediment volumes (57,000 and 89,500 m3) at the monitoring site, thus suggesting a recovery of the efficiency of debris flows transport. The effect of channel control works on debris flow dynamics has been also investigated through SfM surveys at a specific site in the middle part of the catchment where recent check dams were built in 2015. The poster presents an overview of the Moscardo Torrent monitoring system and the main results of the most recent research in the catchment. Future development of the monitoring site is also outlined.
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Le colate detritiche nei bacini alpini_ fenomenologia e pericolosità

L. Marchi, 2019, Le colate detritiche nei bacini alpini_ fenomenologia e pericolosità, Early warning systems for debris flows_ state of the art and challenges, Bolzano, 16-18/10/2019,

Abstract
The presentation discusses selected issues in debris-flow phenomenology and hazards_ - Data collection and variations with ...
The presentation discusses selected issues in debris-flow phenomenology and hazards_ - Data collection and variations with time - Debris-flow volumes_ measurement errors and scaling with the catchment area - Flow type variability (intra-event and between events) - Debris-flow hydrographs - Relationships between debris-flow volume and peak discharge
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Exchange of data between experts in soil constitutive models and experts engaged in the experimental investigation of liquefaction of sands

GIULIA BOSSI E ROLANDO P. ORENSE, 2019, Exchange of data between experts in soil constitutive models and experts engaged in the experimental investigation of liquefaction of sands, 2019,

Abstract
Liquefaction is the physical state in which the interstitial pressures in the soil pores exceeds ...
Liquefaction is the physical state in which the interstitial pressures in the soil pores exceeds the effective stresses (contact forces between the grains) thus reducing the shear resistance of the soil and soil stiffness. Liquefaction processes have been categorized by Robertson et al. (1998) in a) flow liquefaction, also known as static liquefaction, and b) cyclic liquefaction. The latter represents the most common use of the term liquefaction and it is related to a process that induces cycling loading, in particularly ground vibrations. Therefore, at small scale liquefaction can occur during laboratory and in situ tests, at medium scale due to ground vibrations induced by underground explosions or large landslides (Iverson and George 2016) and at larger scale it can happened during earthquakes. Ground vibrations are thus the triggering factor for this type of liquefaction. In recent years soil liquefaction has occurred in several locations around the world. Within the counties of the HERCULES consortium it has occurred in China, New Zealand and Italy.
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The application of the Boolean Stochastic Generation Method to model seepage under levees in heterogenous soils

G. Bossi, L. Schenato F. De Polo C. Menegazzo, S. Cola, P. Simonini, 2019, The application of the Boolean Stochastic Generation Method to model seepage under levees in heterogenous soils, XVII European Conference on. Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Reykjavik, Iceland, 1-6/9/2019,

Abstract
Soil heterogeneity plays an important role in incrementing the uncertainty about the reliability of geotechnical engineering ...
Soil heterogeneity plays an important role in incrementing the uncertainty about the reliability of geotechnical engineering works, especially levees. The presence of thin layers of soils more permeable than the surrounding matrix significantly changes the seepage flow net below and within the dike. However, the detection of these layers is extremely difficult. Consequently, to evaluate the overall safety of dikes it may be useful to adopt stochastic computation methods. The paper presents the calibration of a seepage model of an operational river embankment subject to sand boils. The levee, located along the Adige River (South Tyrol, Italy), has been monitored since 2016. Piezometers and spot temperature sensors are installed in the lateral banks while a distributed fiber optic sensors (FOS), buried in a 350 m long trench at the toe of the levee, is used to check temperature distribution in the subground. The Boolean Stochastic Generation (BoSG) method addressess the influence of layers of material with different properties with respect of the surrounding soil. 360 soil configurations were generated for a two-dimensional groundwater flow model of the levee and confronted with the monitoring data of two piezometers. This analysis permits to identify the configuration that has effects more congruent with piezometers data, which in this case is a configuration with a major presence of lenses on the waterside respect the fieldside. This evidence could guide strategies for remedial works.
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New Perspectives in Landslide Displacement Detection Using Sentinel-1 Datasets

Matteo Mantovani, Giulia Bossi, Gianluca Marcato, Luca Schenato, Giacomo Tedesco, Giacomo Titti and Alessandro Pasuto, 2019, New Perspectives in Landslide Displacement Detection Using Sentinel-1 Datasets, Remote sensing (Basel) 11 (2019). doi_10.3390/rs11182135,

DOI: 10.3390%2Frs11182135

Abstract
Space-borne radar interferometry is a fundamental tool to detect and measure a variety of ground ...
Space-borne radar interferometry is a fundamental tool to detect and measure a variety of ground surface deformations, either human induced or originated by natural processes. Latest development of radar remote sensing imaging techniques and the increasing number of space missions, specifically designed for interferometry analyses, led to the development of new and more effective approaches, commonly referred to as Advanced DInSAR (A-DInSAR) or Time Series Radar Interferometry (TS-InSAR). Nevertheless, even if these methods were proved to be suitable for the study of a large majority of ground surface dynamic phenomena, their application to landslides detection is still problematic. One of the main limiting factors is related to the rate of displacement of the unstable slopes_ landslides evolving too fast decorrelate the radar signal making the interferometric phase useless. This is the reason why A-DInSAR techniques have been successfully applied exclusively to measure very slow landslides (few centimetres per year). This study demonstrates how the C-band data collected since 2014 by the Sentinel-1 (S1) mission and properly designed interferometric approaches can pull down this restriction allowing to measure rate of displacements ten times higher than previously done, thus providing new perspectives in landslides detection. The analysis was carried out on a test site located in the Cortina d'Ampezzo valley (Eastern Italian Alps), which is affected by several earth flows characterized by different size and kinematics
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A Rugged Fiber Optic Pressure Sensor for Underground Water Level Monitoring

Luca Palmieri, Luca Schenato, Marco Calabrese, Alessandro Pasuto and Andrea Galtarossa, 2019, A Rugged Fiber Optic Pressure Sensor for Underground Water Level Monitoring, 7th International Symposium on Sensor Science, Napoli (ITALY), 9-11/05/2019,

Abstract
Pressure sensors have many fields of application, ranging from environmental monitoring to the oil and gas ...
Pressure sensors have many fields of application, ranging from environmental monitoring to the oil and gas industry. Different fiber optic sensors have been proposed for pressure measurement, but either they have small sensitivity, and hence are befitted for large pressure ranges, or they are based on interferometry, and hence require rather expensive laser sources. In this work, we present a rugged FBG sensor prototype capable of measuring underground water level with high sensitivity. The sensor exploits a 3D-printed highly-efficient mechanical transducer that converts external pressure in longitudinal strain along the fiber. The intrinsic temperature cross-sensitivity is compensated by the additional FBG embedded in the sensor. The structure is enclosed in an aluminum alloy case to withstand harsh environments and installation procedures. Pressure and temperature sensitivities of the sensor are about 20 pm / cm H 2 O and 17 pm/°C, respectively. The sensor has been designed to monitor the stability of dikes and embankments, by measuring the underground water level at their foot to detect anomalous filtration.
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Fiber Optic Pressure Sensor for Underground Water Level Monitoring

Luca Palmieri, Luca Schenato, Alessandro Pasuto, Andrea Galtarossa, 2019, Fiber Optic Pressure Sensor for Underground Water Level Monitoring, PIERS PhotonIcs & Electromagnetics Research Symposium - PIER 2019, Rome, 17 - 20/06/2019,

Abstract
Pressure sensors find many uses in fields ranging from industry to environmental monitoring. In particular, they ...
Pressure sensors find many uses in fields ranging from industry to environmental monitoring. In particular, they can play a key role in the monitoring of dikes and embankments, where measurement of the underground water level is a good indicator of the structure stability. This specific application, however, requires high sensitivity and a relatively high longitudinal density of sensing points along the dike. While a distributed pressure sensor would be most befitted for this last requirement, high sensitivity distributed pressure sensors are not yet available nowadays, therefore the viable solution is a dense concatenation of point sensors. Different fiber- based approaches to point measurement of pressure have been presented in the literature. The simplest one is based on transducing pressure into optical losses, but usually this yields low sensitivity. Very high sensitivity can be achieved with interferometric pressure sensors, such as those based on Fabry-Perot cavities; yet both this and the previous approach are difficult to multiplex. From this point of view, fiber Bragg grating (FBG) offer the most effective way to implement a quasi-distributed sensing system; nevertheless, pressure sensitivity of bare FBG is as low as -3 pm/MPa.
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Highly-sensitive FBG pressure sensor based on a 3D-printed transducer

Luca Schenato ; Qiangzhou Rong ; Zhihua Shao ; Xueguang Qiao ; Alessandro Pasuto ; Andrea Galtarossa; Luca Palmieri, 2019, Highly-sensitive FBG pressure sensor based on a 3D-printed transducer, Journal of lightwave technology (Online) 37 (2019): 4784–4790. doi_10.1109/JLT.2019.2919917,

DOI: 10.1109%2FJLT.2019.2919917

Abstract
In this work, we describe a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) pressure sensor with high sensitivity. ...
In this work, we describe a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) pressure sensor with high sensitivity. The sensor exploits a 3D-printed mechanical transducer capable of converting the external pressure very efficiently into strain, measured by a first FBG, while a second one is used for temperature compensation. The pressure sensitivity of this sensor is found as high as 240 pm/kPa with an accuracy of 112 Pa over 10 kPa, which makes this sensor up to 80,000 times more sensitive than a bare fiber Bragg grating. Moreover, it is experimentally shown that it is capable of detecting fast dynamic pressure change up to 100 Hz. Thanks to these performances, this device can be used in many static and dynamic low-pressure measurement applications, and it is here demonstrated as a sub-millimetric surface water waves detector.
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An optical fibre cable for distributed pressure sensing_ a proof of concept

Luca Schenato; Alessandro Pasuto; Andrea Galtarossa; Luca Palmieri, 2019, An optical fibre cable for distributed pressure sensing_ a proof of concept, Seventh European Workshop on Optical Fibre Sensors, Limassol, Cyprus, L01-04/10/2019,

Abstract
In this paper, we describe an optical fibre cable for distributed pressure sensing. The cable ...
In this paper, we describe an optical fibre cable for distributed pressure sensing. The cable structure encodes the local pressure into strain exerted onto a standard optical fibre, embedded inside the cable following a meandering path. The cable has been designed and preliminarily tested by means of optical frequency domain reflectometry. Nonetheless, the cable can be interrogated by any optical fibre distributed strain sensing technique. Up to our knowledge, the proposed cable is the first real distributed fibre optic pressure sensing cable embedding standard fibres, capable of providing high- pressure sensitivity.
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Design and field testing of a fiber optic pressure sensor for underground water level monitoring

Luca Schenato; Juan Pablo Aguilar López; Andrea Galtarossa; Alessandro Pasuto; Thom Bogaard; Luca Palmieri, 2019, Design and field testing of a fiber optic pressure sensor for underground water level monitoring, Seventh European Workshop on Optical Fibre Sensors, Limassol, Cyprus, 01-04/10/2019,

Abstract
We present the design and field test of a rugged FBG sensor prototype for high-sensitivity ...
We present the design and field test of a rugged FBG sensor prototype for high-sensitivity measurement of underground water level. Pressure sensors have many fields of application, ranging from environmental monitoring to the oil and gas industry. In particular, pressure sensors can be used to monitor the stability of dikes and embankments by measuring the inner phreatic level at their foot to detect anomalous filtration and excess of pore pressures. For this application, rather high sensitivity at an affordable cost is required. Fiber optic pressure sensors have been explored with different solutions, but the technologies proposed so far have either small sensitivity, and hence are befitted for large pressure ranges, or are based on interferometry, and hence require rather expensive laser sources. The sensor described in this paper exploits a 3D-printed mechanical transducer to convert external pressure in longitudinal strain along the fiber. A second FBG, embedded in the sensor, is used to compensate for temperature cross-sensitivity. The structure is enclosed in an aluminum alloy case to withstand harsh environments and installation procedures. Pressure and temperature sensitivities of the sensor are about 20 pm/cm H2O and 17 pm/°C respectively. Three sensors of this kind have been successfully tested in a large scale dike at the Flood Proof Holland facility, in Delft, Netherlands.
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Multi-temporal analysis of the role of check dams in a debris-flow channel_ Linking structural and functional connectivity

Cucchiaro S., Cazorzi F., Marchi L., Crema S., Beinat A., Cavalli M., 2019, Multi-temporal analysis of the role of check dams in a debris-flow channel_ Linking structural and functional connectivity, Geomorphology (Amst.) 345 (2019). doi_10.1016/j.geomorph.2019.106844,

DOI: 10.1016%2Fj.geomorph.2019.106844

Abstract
Check dams represent one of themost common hydraulic engineering solution to manage debris-flow risk.However, the design ...
Check dams represent one of themost common hydraulic engineering solution to manage debris-flow risk.However, the design of these structures only rarely considers their impact on sediment connectivity and sediment fluxes, both at the channel reach and catchment scale. In the last two decades, High-Resolution Topography (HRT) provided fundamental data to analyse the morphology evolution of landscapes through the realization of sequential DTMs (Digital Terrain Models) and DTMs of Difference (DoDs). In the context of mountain catchments, HRT offers essential information on the evolution of erosion and deposition patterns and allows the application of multi-temporal geomorphometric indexes that can enrich the DoDs analysis with important data as the assessment of sediment connectivity. In this research, multi-temporal LiDAR-derived DTMs were used to derive DoDs and to perform a multi-temporal analysis of an index of sediment connectivity (IC) in three reaches of a debris-flow channel (Moscardo torrent, eastern Italian Alps) where several check dams have been built over time. The research aims at outlining the effects of torrent controlworks on sediment dynamics in steep channels affected by frequent debris flows. The integration of the difference of IC with DoD maps allowed quantifying the impact of newly built check dams on changes in sediment pathways and related erosion processes, highlighting a close relationship between structural and functional connectivity_ in areas where erosive processes prevailed, therewere increases in connectivity,while deposition areas showed a decrease of IC. The geomorphometric analyses show that the new check dams have affected the sediment transfer along the main channel but also the hillslope-to-channel connectivity by altering sediment pathways. In the Moscardo torrent, however, the strong impact of these structures on sediment transfer is not matched by long-termeffectiveness in debris-flow control.
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Quantification of the uncertainty in the modelling of unstable slopes displaying marked soil heterogeneity

G. Bossi, L. Borgatti, G. Gottardi, G. Marcato, 2019, Quantification of the uncertainty in the modelling of unstable slopes displaying marked soil heterogeneity, Landslides (Berl., Print) (2019). doi_10.1007/s10346-019-01256-x,

DOI: 10.1007%2Fs10346-019-01256-x

Abstract
This study presents the application of the Boolean Stochastic Generation (BoSG) approach to the case ...
This study presents the application of the Boolean Stochastic Generation (BoSG) approach to the case study of the Mortisa landslide, an active earth slide flow in the Dolomites (Italy). The approach relies on the stochastic generation of different soil profiles for which the interfingering of distinct layers within a prevailing matrix is randomized. With this technique, it is possible to quantify the error associated with the simplification of stratigraphic profiles in geotechnical models. This is particularly valuable in slope stability assessment because little data are usually available in comparison with the typically complex geometry of large and deep landslides. A detailed geomorphological analysis of the study area informs an interpretation of the sequence of processes which generated the stratigraphy of the Mortisa slope. It appears to be composed of interfingered layers of silty clay and gravel that originated from subsequent earth slide and debris flow events occurring since the Late Glacial. In order to reproduce the behavior of the Mortisa slope via numerical modelling and to design effective mitigation works, it is crucial to account for the influence of the gravel lenses deposited by ancient debris flow events on the dynamics of the whole landslide. A total of 1200 possible soil configurations of the central and most active section of the Mortisa landslide have been generated. The method has been used to estimate (i) the possible errors that might occur when the presence of the gravel layers is not accounted for and (ii) the variability deriving from the position of the layers. Moreover, through the analysis of the whole ensemble of configurations, it is possible to identify the areas within the slope where the presence (or absence) of gravel layers appears to have the greatest influence on the dynamics of the landslide. This information is useful to plan future investigations and to evaluate the most effective structural mitigation measures.
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Sediment connectivity changes in an Andean catchment affected by volcanic eruption

Martini L., Picco L. ,Iroumé A., Cavalli M., 2019, Sediment connectivity changes in an Andean catchment affected by volcanic eruption, Science of the total environment 692 (2019): 1209–1222. doi_10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.07.303,

DOI: 10.1016%2Fj.scitotenv.2019.07.303

Abstract
River systems are continuously affected by multiple natural and anthropogenic phenomena. Among major natural disturbances, ...
River systems are continuously affected by multiple natural and anthropogenic phenomena. Among major natural disturbances, volcanic eruptions have the capability to overthrow the forms and to modify dramatically the morphological setting and sediment connectivity of the system. Moreover, the input of sediments in the channel network can lead to active channel widening, bed aggradation and river scouring, which in turn may affect downstream human settlements. In this context, the present research aims to investigate sediment connectivity by means of a geomorphometric index in a catchment affected by an explosive volcanic eruption in order to assess its variation before and after the disturbance. We developed a workflow exploiting the use of open source data (i.e., Global Digital Elevation Models, satellite imagery) to represent the impedance to the sediment fluxes and to apply the Index of Connectivity (IC) in this context characterized by the lack of high-resolution topographic data. The study area is the Blanco River basin, southern Chile, which was heavily affected by the eruption of Chaitén volcano (2008-2009) that caused the partial destruction of the forest and the profound alteration of Blanco River's morphology. The application of the IC on different land cover scenarios, derived by combining field observations and satellite image classification techniques, showed an increase in sediment connectivity after the volcanic eruption. In addition, the results highlighted different patterns of connectivity according to the expansion of the active channel induced by the massive input of pyroclastic material. The approach proposed in this study case offers a methodology to investigate sediment connectivity in a river catchment affected by natural disturbance where high-resolution data are not available. The results of the study help to improve knowledge on the effect of volcanic eruptions in the hydrologic catchment and to improve watershed management strategies in such kind of environment.
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Assessing geomorphic changes induced by a debris-flow: a case study in the Dolomites

Minute, Francesca; Comiti, Francesco; Cavalli, Marco, 2019, Assessing geomorphic changes induced by a debris-flow: a case study in the Dolomites, Rendiconti online Società Geologica Italiana 48 (2019): 23–28. doi_10.3301/ROL.2019.33,

DOI: 10.3301%2FROL.2019.33

Abstract
The study of landscapes and of their dynamics has become fundamental to understand natural hazard ...
The study of landscapes and of their dynamics has become fundamental to understand natural hazard mechanisms and the better planning of mitigation measures to prevent damages and losses. Debris flows are a common natural hazard for mountain areas. One major event occurred on the August 5th, 2017 in the Prags-Braies valley (Italian Alps). Heavy rainfall triggered the movement of loose sediments from talus slopes within the Schade catchment into the village of Schmieden-Ferrara. This study aims to analyze the debris-flow event by using a DEM of Difference (DoD) approach to estimate the mobilized materials and identify the spatial patterns of erosion and deposition in the catchment. Two different methods to estimate the error and propagate uncertainty of DTMs into the DoD were tested and compared_ i) spatially uniform constant error threshold, and ii) spatially variable uncertainty through a fuzzy approach. The elaboration was carried out using the fuzzy approach as this was considered the most reliable for the study case. The result showed a net balance of -115,719 +/- 46,043 m(3). This value was taken as a reference for the design of a sediment retention basin at the catchment outlet, currently under construction by the local Civil Protection Agency.
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Seismic characterization of debris flows_ Insights into energy radiation and implications for warning

Coviello, V.; Arattano, M.; Comiti, F.; Macconi, P.; Marchi, L., 2019, Seismic characterization of debris flows_ Insights into energy radiation and implications for warning, Journal of Geophysical Research Earth Surface 124 (2019): 1440–1463. doi_10.1029/2018JF004683,

DOI: 10.1029%2F2018JF004683

Abstract
Debris flows represent a major hazard in mountainous areas, due to their rapid motion along ...
Debris flows represent a major hazard in mountainous areas, due to their rapid motion along steep channels and to the transport of large sediment volumes, including large boulders. In this paper, we present data of channelized debris flows characterized by different velocities and sediment concentrations recorded in an instrumented channel reach of the Gadria basin (eastern Italian Alps). From the analysis of the seismic energy produced by the interaction of solid particles with channel boundaries, we show that (i) the peak amplitudes are representative of the kinetic energy of each surge and (ii) most energy transfer occurs during the passage of the surge fronts. Then, we propose a debris flow detection algorithm based on the amplitude information gathered from a linear array of geophones installed along the channel. The short time average over long time average ratio of the seismic signal is used to early detect the debris flow occurrence in a continuous stream of seismic data. The algorithm recognizes moving, long-lasting sources of ground vibration (i.e., debris flows) and filters out different seismic sources (i.e., anthropic noise, earthquakes, and rockfalls). The alarm is triggered when the short time average/long time average threshold is exceeded on two geophones, progressively with time from upstream to downstream. The algorithm is employed in the early warning system installed for research purposes at Gadria. Complementary data (rainfalls, flow stage measurements, and video recordings) permitted a detailed event characterization and alarm validation. During three monitoring seasons, all debris flows were successfully detected, with the alarm lasting for their entire duration, and no false positives were produced.
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SP7-Ritmare

Menegon, Stefano, Oggioni, Alessandro, Tagliolato, Paolo, Vianello, Andrea, Zilioli, Martina, Lanucara, Simone, Sarretta, Alessandro, Basoni, Anna, Monica, Pepe, 2019, SP7-Ritmare, 2019,

Abstract
Starterkit GET-IT ...
Starterkit GET-IT
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Data collection and GIS-based procedure for debris-flow characterization at the regional scale in northeastern Italy

Cavalli M., Crema S., Marchi L., 2019, Data collection and GIS-based procedure for debris-flow characterization at the regional scale in northeastern Italy, GIT 2019, 14° Convegno Nazionale "GIT- Geosciences and Information Technologies", Melfi (PZ), 17-19/06/19,

Abstract
Debris flows are among the most dangerous phenomena in mountain catchments and they are particularly ...
Debris flows are among the most dangerous phenomena in mountain catchments and they are particularly destructive when they intersect transport routes or urban areas. Debris flows are expected to increase in the frequency and magnitude as a result of the current climate change. In order to test this hypothesis by analyzing the variations of debris-flow frequency and magnitude with time, it is of utmost importance the availability of a long time series of primary data on debris-flows occurrence and volume. Furthermore, to cope with these dangerous phenomena at the regional scale, the development of new tools for the assessment of areas affected by debris flows and their spatial characterization is needed. The aim of this work is twofold_ to extend primary data collection on debris flows in northeastern Italy and to provide a simple GIS-based procedure that can be easily applied to identify debris-flow channels and alluvial fans in the same geographical context. The results of the analysis of date of occurrence and volume of the large collected dataset of debris-flows show the occurrence, in the last forty years, of some high-magnitude debris flows characterized by the largest unit volumes of the dataset. This seems to suggest a role played by climate changes on debris-flow magnitude that should be further investigated. In addition, a simple and fast semi-automated GIS based procedure is presented. It consists of a low data-demanding method for a preliminary mapping of potentially debris-flow affected areas to enable priority ranking of channels and alluvial fans at risk by debris flows. This approach has been validated by means of field checks and through its extensive application in the eastern Italian Alps.
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Glacier melt runoff controls bedload transport in Alpine catchments

Comiti, F., Mao, L., Penna, D., Dell'Agnese, A., Engel, M., Rathburn, S., Cavalli, M., 2019, Glacier melt runoff controls bedload transport in Alpine catchments, Earth and planetary science letters 520 (2019): 77–86. doi_10.1016/j.epsl.2019.05.031,

DOI: 10.1016%2Fj.epsl.2019.05.031

Abstract
Research on factors affecting sediment regime in glacierized catchments under warming climates is still scarce ...
Research on factors affecting sediment regime in glacierized catchments under warming climates is still scarce despite its societal relevance. In particular, coarse bedload transport has never been quantitatively related to water runoff origin (snowmelt vs glacier melt), which provides important information on the role of different sediment sources (glaciers vs hillslopes and channel bed). Drawing on data from multiple spatial and temporal scales in a paradigmatic Alpine glacierized catchment, we show that glacier melt flows play a key role in coarse sediment transport dynamics. Bedload concentration measured during glacier melt flows is up to 6 orders of magnitude larger than during snowmelt. At the catchment scale and within the channel, however, minimal aggradation and degradation was detected over almost a decade. In addition, sedimentation rates at a hydropower weir, inferred from flushing frequency during the last four decades, are tightly associated to summer air temperature and not to precipitation trends, and most of sediment export occurred in July-August. However, sediment flushing frequency has been decreasing since the late 1990s despite very warm summers in the following decades. Collectively, these findings indicate that sediment is dominantly sourced from within glacier-covered areas and that transport rates are thus dictated by seasonal and multi-annual glacial dynamics. As glacier melt flows decrease due to ice mass loss, our results suggest that, for similar basins, a progressive shift from supply-limited (driven by glacier activity) to transport-limited (during rainfall-induced events) sediment transport will occur, disrupting the current near-equilibrium channel conditions.
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Rainfall threshold for debris flow occurrence in the Gadria catchment, eastern Italian Alps

Lorenzo Marchi, Velio Coviello, Francesco Comiti, Stefano Crema, Marco Cavalli, Pierpaolo Macconi, 2019, Rainfall threshold for debris flow occurrence in the Gadria catchment, eastern Italian Alps, EGU General Assembly 2019, Vienna, 7-12/04/2019,

Abstract
Critical rainfall thresholds for shallow landslides and debris flows are widely used in warning systems ...
Critical rainfall thresholds for shallow landslides and debris flows are widely used in warning systems based on precipitation measurement and may contribute to understanding the hydrometeorological controls on these instability processes under different climate and geomorphic conditions. In this work, we present the analysis of rainfall triggering debris flows from 2011 to 2018 in the instrumented catchment of Gadria Creek (Venosta Valley, South Tyrol, Eastern Italian Alps).
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Composite Anchors for Slope Stabilisation_ Monitoring of their In-Situ Behaviour with Optical Fibre

Cola, S.; Schenato, L.; Brezzi, L.; Tchamaleu Pangop, F.C.; Palmieri, L.; Bisson, A., 2019, Composite Anchors for Slope Stabilisation_ Monitoring of their In-Situ Behaviour with Optical Fibre, Geosciences (Basel) 9 (2019): 1–21. doi_10.3390/geosciences9050240,

DOI: 10.3390%2Fgeosciences9050240

Abstract
Composite anchors are special passive sub-horizontal reinforcements recently developed for remediation of unstable slopes. They ...
Composite anchors are special passive sub-horizontal reinforcements recently developed for remediation of unstable slopes. They are composed of a hollow steel bar, installed by a self-drilling technique in the soil, coupled with tendons cemented in the inner hole to increase the global anchor tensile strength. The anchors are primarily intended to stabilise medium to deep landslides, both in soils or weathered rock masses. Among the valuable advantages of composite anchors are their low cost, ease of installation, and flexibility in execution, as testified by a rapid increase in their use in recent years. The bond strength at the soil-anchor interface is the main parameter for both the design of these reinforcements and the evaluation of their long-term effects for landslide stabilisation. After a brief description of the composite anchor technology, this paper presents a novel methodology for monitoring the strain and stress accumulated in the anchors over time when installed in an unstable slope. The new monitoring system is composed of a distributed fibre optic sensing system, exploiting the optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) technique, to measure the strain exerted on the optical fibre cable embedded with the tendons inside the bar. The system permits an evaluation of the axial force distribution in the anchor and the soil-anchor interface actions with a spatial resolution of up to some millimetres. Therefore, it allows determination of the stabilising capability associated with the specific hydrogeological conditions of the site. Furthermore, upon an extensive validation, the system may become part of a standard practice to be applied in this type of intervention, aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of the anchor installation and its evolution over time.
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Esperienze di monitoraggio delle colate detritiche nelle Alpi orientali italiane

Marchi Lorenzo Cavalli Marco Crema stefano, 2019, Esperienze di monitoraggio delle colate detritiche nelle Alpi orientali italiane, Argini e colate detritiche_ modelli, sistemi di monitoraggio, sensori in fibra ottica e risultati del Progetto DOMINO, Padova, 15/05/2019,

Abstract
Contenuto della presentazione_ esperienze di monitoraggio delle colate detritiche come background per tecniche e metodi innovativi ...
Contenuto della presentazione_ esperienze di monitoraggio delle colate detritiche come background per tecniche e metodi innovativi sviluppati in DOMINO; un richiamo sul contributo del monitoraggio in bacini attrezzati alla conoscenza dei processi ed allo sviluppo di misure di controllo.
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LTER Northern Adriatic Sea (Italy) marine data from 1965 to 2015

Acri, Francesco, Bastianini, Mauro, Bernardi Aubry, Fabrizio, Camatti, Elisa, Bergami, Caterina, Boldrin, Alfredo, De Lazzari, Amelia, Finotto, Stefano, Minelli, Annalisa, Oggioni, Alessandro, Pansera, Marco, Sarretta, Alessandro, Socal, Giorgio, Pugnetti, Alessandra, 2019, LTER Northern Adriatic Sea (Italy) marine data from 1965 to 2015, 2019,

Abstract
The dataset contains observations for 21 parameters of abiotic, phyto and zooplankton data collected in ...
The dataset contains observations for 21 parameters of abiotic, phyto and zooplankton data collected in the Northern Adriatic Sea region (Italy). It relies on a Comma Separated Values file and it is composed by 108687 records. Due to its long temporal coverage, it is classifiable as Long Term Ecological data. Due to the long temporal coverage, the great part of parameters changed collection and analysis method in time. These variations are reported in the database. A long term dataset can be useful for multiple purposes. This dataset has been released under a research project focused on Open Science principles application to marine ecology.
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Semi-Automatic System For Backward Determination Of Landslide Soil Parameters

Giulia Bossi (1), Giacomo Titti (1,2), Gianluca Marcato (1), and Alessandro Pasuto (1), 2019, Semi-Automatic System For Backward Determination Of Landslide Soil Parameters, European Geosciences Union 2019 - General Assembly, Vienna, Austria, 7-12/04/2019,

Abstract
Back-analysis is widely used dealing with geotechnical problems. For landslide modeling, it is often used ...
Back-analysis is widely used dealing with geotechnical problems. For landslide modeling, it is often used to select the most appropriate soil parameters based on monitoring data. It is generally strongly operator dependent through a time consuming trial-and-error procedure. In literature, several methods was suggested to automatize the optimization procedure but no one proposed an autonomous, objective method focused to support the operator decision making. Therefore, the main aim of this research was the implementation of a Decision Support System to support the determination of the landslide soil parameters on the base of monitoring data. From a group of admissible numerical solutions, representing the tri-dimensional models of the slope instability, the optimal solution was evaluated minimizing the objective function during the optimization process. To increase the interoperability between the operator and the optimization process, the problem was simplified converting the multi-objective optimization problem into a single-objective optimization problem. The objective function was reduced into consequential combination of two linear equations. Generating a pool of possible numerical solutions through the permutation of soil parameters, the system selects the best ten configurations by the evaluation of the intensities and directions similarity between the monitored and simulated displacements. The pool of the admissible solutions was automatically generated in FLAC3DTM as finite difference tridimensional models of the landslide analyzed. In spite of the approach proposed is based on a well-known strategy, the procedure used to reach the landslide soil parameters and the scope of the system are extremely innovative. The configuration of the method into Decision Support System allows to reduce the operator biases and avoids to provide a unique and thus questionable solution. Therefore ten best-fitting solutions are proposed by the system to allow the operator selection of the preferred solution according to geomorphological evidences. The case study selected for the first application of the Decision Support System was located in the North East Italy. At date it is monitored by 3 GNSS benchmarks and 3 inclinometers. Therefore the analysis was based on the divergence consistency of these 6 points. The encouraging results so far obtained demonstrate the straightforwardness, scalability and robustness of the method adopted. Moreover, the interactivity of the procedure highlights the focal point of the research to support the decision making.
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A Practical Workflow for an Open Scientific Lifecycle Project_ EcoNAOS

Minelli A.; Sarretta A.; Oggioni A.; Bergami C.; Pugnetti A., 2019, A Practical Workflow for an Open Scientific Lifecycle Project_ EcoNAOS, Digital Libraries_ Supporting Open Science, edited by Manghi P., Candela L., Silvello G., pp. 209–221. Cham, Heidelberg, New York, Dordrecht, London_ Springer, 2019,

Abstract
This paper represents a review of the practical application, work done and near-future perspectives of ...
This paper represents a review of the practical application, work done and near-future perspectives of an open scientific lifecycle model. The EcoNAOS (Ecological North Adriatic Open Science Observatory System) project is an example of the application of Open Science principles to long term marine research. For long term marine research we intend here all the marine research projects based on Long Term Ecological Data. In the paper, the structure of the lifecycle, modeled over Open Science principles, will be presented. The project develops through some fundamental steps_ database correction and harmonization, metadata collection, data exploitation by publication on a web infrastructure and planning of dissemination moments. The project also foresees the setting up of a data citation and versioning model (adapted to dynamic databases) and a final guidelines production, illustrating the whole process in detail. The advancement state of these steps will be reviewed. Results achieved and expected outcomes will be explained with a particular focus on the upcoming work.
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Assessment of sediment connectivity in a Mediterranean catchment under different spatial scales and by using distinct approaches

Ben-Salem N., Cavalli M., Crema S., Lopez-Vicente, 2019, Assessment of sediment connectivity in a Mediterranean catchment under different spatial scales and by using distinct approaches, EGU General Assembly 2019, Vienna (Austria), 7-12/04/2019,

Abstract
Sediment connectivity is an emerging property of geomorphic system. Connectivity within a catchment widely depends on ...
Sediment connectivity is an emerging property of geomorphic system. Connectivity within a catchment widely depends on its climatic conditions and morphological heterogeneities, and it is accurately influenced by the anthropogenic (cropland, land use changes, infrastructures) alteration of the landscape (López-Vicente and Álvarez, 2018). Sediment connectivity allows to characterize the structural properties of the landscape (topography, soil roughness, drainage network) and, when considered, at a specific spatio-temporal scale, and in combination with forcing processes (e.g., rainfall-runoff and sediment delivery), can perform as a useful tool for an enhanced landscape management. The assessment of sediment connectivity through usable indices or models is a major concern for the scientific community dealing with catchment/landscape management. In this context, the present study evaluates two connectivity indices at distinct catchment scales_ (i) an aggregated and new index of connectivity (AIC) developed by López-Vicente and Ben-Salem (2019) to integrate climatic and soil physical data with topographic and land use information and (ii), an index of connectivity (IC) as expressed in Cavalli et al. (2013). IC was computed using the available 'SedInConnect v2.3' software (Crema and Cavalli, 2018) and two scenarios as weighting factor_ the topographic surface roughness and the land cover Manning's n values. The study area is the Vero river catchment (380 km2) that is located in the Southern Pyrenees and within the Ebro river basin (Huesca province, Aragon, NE Spain). The northern part of the catchment is sub-humid, mountainous (deep and sheer gorges are frequent), and covered with forest, whereas the southern part, under semi-arid conditions, has hilly and gentle topography, with alluvial terraces, and it is mainly devoted to agriculture (vineyards, winter cereal, alfalfa, rape, olive and almond groves). Small villages and one village (Barbastro), and many roads and trails appear along the catchment influencing the overland flow pathways. However, there is not any dam that disrupts the permanent river flows. All input (e.g., LiDAR-derived DEMs) and output maps were generated at 5 x 5 m cell size; except for those of a small headwater subcatchment for which 1 x 1 m data were obtained. The analysis in the subcatchment study area aimed at evaluating the effect of different resolutions on indices performance. Results of AIC were compared with those obtained with the two IC scenarios. The major differences of the two approaches were clustered around different cover types and slope values in the different catchment compartments. This can be ascribed to the climatic and soil information integration on the one hand, and to the roughness/slope distribution of upper subcatchments on the other. Further analysis is needed at subcatchment scale.
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Application of the Index of Connectivity in a Chilean catchment affected by volcanic eruption

Martini L., Picco L., Iroumé A., Cavalli M., 2019, Application of the Index of Connectivity in a Chilean catchment affected by volcanic eruption, EGU General Assembly 2019, 7-12 April,

Abstract
The balance of energy, water, and sediment fluxes exerts control over forms and processes of ...
The balance of energy, water, and sediment fluxes exerts control over forms and processes of the landscape, and it can be continuously affected by natural and/or anthropic disturbances. Large disturbances, such as volcanic eruptions, are able to disrupt the links among different compartments of the system in which the fluxes take place. Recently, sediment connectivity indices represent powerful tools to assess the potential sediment behavior in post-disturbance scenarios, according to the structural properties of the geomorphic system itself. The objective of the present research is to adapt and apply the Index of Connectivity in a catchment affected by an explosive volcanic eruption, using a combination of field surveys and image classification techniques. Moreover, a multi-temporal analysis, which relies upon open source data, was carried out. The area of interest is located in southern Chile, where the Blanco River catchment suffered from the eruption of the nearby Chaitén volcano (2008-2009). The river network was completely filled by a huge amount of sediments, causing the entire floodplain's burial of several meters and the sudden widening of the active channel. Along the river corridor, as well as on the slopes, the old-native vegetation was removed or largely damaged. Due to the multitude of factors involved, the analysis of connectivity index was outlined through a workflow aimed at deriving a land cover-based weighting factor, representing the impedance to the sediment fluxes. A compound of field observations and satellite image classification techniques was used to implement the weighting factor derived from the Manning's n coefficient for the overland flow. The base Digital Elevation Model (DEM) with a resolution of 12.5 m is freely available on the web, as well as the Landsat images used (period 1999-2017) to derive the weighting factor. The results showed a general increase of IC values throughout the catchment after the eruption mainly related to the removal of vegetation, which facilitates the transfer of sediment fluxes. In addition, due to the widening of the active channel, the sediment source areas became more connected to the channel network. Finally, the combination of the land cover changes and active channel expansion promoted the increase of IC values all over the Blanco River catchment. The use of satellite image classification along with field observations helped the spatial characterization of structural connectivity in the densely vegetated study area. Nonetheless, further improvements to involve also the functional connectivity can not be neglected, especially in such complex environment.
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Sediment Connectivity Index changes in an Andean catchment affected by two subsequent wildfires. Analysing the forest cover changes to improve the IC calculation.

Faes L., Picco L., Martini L., Cavalli M., Scalari C., Iroumé A., 2019, Sediment Connectivity Index changes in an Andean catchment affected by two subsequent wildfires. Analysing the forest cover changes to improve the IC calculation., EGU General Assembly 2019, Vienna (Austria), 7-12 April 2019,

Abstract
During the last decade, sediment connectivity has been widely used and studied in many topics ...
During the last decade, sediment connectivity has been widely used and studied in many topics related to physical geography and geomorphology. It is defined as the degree of linkage of sediment fluxes between different compartments of a system, and it can be considered as a useful approach to detect changes in sediment routing also after large disturbances as, for instance, wildfires. In this study, the adaption and application of the Index of Connectivity (IC) was carried out in the Chilean catchment of Rio Toro (11 km2). The Rio Toro catchment was affected by two subsequent wildfires in 2002 and 2015, respectively. Wildfires can be considered as large disturbances that lead significant geomorphological and hydrological changes mostly due to_ i) the alteration of the vegetation cover, structure and typology; ii) the changes in soil structure and moisture and iii) the increase of water repellence. In order to assess how the IC responds to these disturbances, two types of analysis have been developed in the present study_ i) a multitemporal analysis from 2001 to 2018; ii) a short term analysis considering only the 2015 wildfire. The former was carried out taking advantage from freely available Landsat Multispectral Bands Image and Alos Palsar DEMs (resolution of 12.5 m), while the latter was based on Google Earth's Images and UAV dataset collected in January 2019. Thus, in the first analysis, in order to detect the general dynamics of forest cover and to compute a basic land use classification (i.e. bare soil, shrub/regrowth vegetation, native forest), the calculation of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was performed. In the second analysis instead, a supervised classification on high-resolution data allowed to obtain more detailed land use classification. Furthermore, in order to determine the weighting factor in the IC model, different Manning's coefficients were derived as a parameter of resistance to sediment flux, according to the land use characteristics. Preliminary results demonstrated the applicability of this approach, permitting to better comprehend not only the changes in qualitative terms (IC), as well as the predominant changes in forest cover defining the preferential source areas that are also contributing in large wood recruitment from hillslopes to the channel network.
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Channel control works and sediment connectivity in the European Alps

Marchi L.; Comiti F.; Crema S.; Cavalli M., 2019, Channel control works and sediment connectivity in the European Alps, Science of the total environment 668 (2019): 389–399. doi_10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.02.416,

DOI: 10.1016%2Fj.scitotenv.2019.02.416

Abstract
The need for reducing erosion and sediment transport, and protecting human settlements has urged the ...
The need for reducing erosion and sediment transport, and protecting human settlements has urged the construction of channel control works in mountain streams. Such works include different structures, the check dams being probably the most widespread and archetypical. The performance of channel control works in mountain streams has usually been evaluated based on their effectiveness in stabilizing the channels and the adjacent hillslopes, and in retaining sediment. The widespread presence of channel control works in mountain streams of various regions, however, has also a significant impact on hillslope-channel coupling and on sediment transfer across the channel system. Taking into account the impact of channel control works on sediment connectivity at the catchment scale has remarkable importance for planning new control structures and managing the existing ones and, more in general, for sediment management in mountain catchments. In this paper, we consider the channel control works within the conceptual framework of sediment connectivity and related terminology, and we analyze the spatial and temporal scales of the interactions between channel control works and sediment coupling-decoupling. Some examples from the Italian Alps outline the impact of check dams and other hydraulic structures on sediment connectivity and show the potential of geomorphometry in assessing such impacts. The overall effect of control works on sediment connectivity consists of an alteration of the sediment cascade with a decrease in the efficiency of sediment transfer. Sediment is partly retained behind grade-control dams within the catchment or in sediment traps equipped with retention check dams near the alluvial fan apex. These works contribute to decouple the alluvial fans from the upslope catchment. On the contrary, channel bed lining on alluvial fans favors sediment transfer to the receiving river, but this effect usually involves small amounts of sediment not retained by the check dams built upstream.
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Debris flows in northeastern Italy_ data collection and approaches for a preliminary debris-flow characterization at the regional scale

Cavalli M., Crema S., Trevisani S., Marchi L., 2019, Debris flows in northeastern Italy_ data collection and approaches for a preliminary debris-flow characterization at the regional scale, Symposium "Climate Change and Natural Hazards", Padova, 25-26/02/2019,

Abstract
Debris flows are a widespread natural hazard in mountain catchments causing major damage when they ...
Debris flows are a widespread natural hazard in mountain catchments causing major damage when they intersect transport vulnerable elements at risk, including transport routes and urban areas. Climate change is expected to lead to an increase in the frequency and magnitude of those phenomena. It is thus fundamental to extend the collection of primary data on debris-flows occurrence and volume in order to evaluate the variations of debris-flow frequency and magnitude with time and, at the same time, provide new tools for the assessment of areas affected by debris flows and their spatial characterization. This work presents the results of the analysis of date of occurrence and volume of a large dataset of debris-flows collected in the eastern Italian Alps. The occurrence, in the last forty years, of some high-magnitude debris flows characterized by the largest unit volumes of the dataset might be associated with current climate changes. In order to deal with the observed increase in this processes in mountain environments, a simple and fast semi-automated procedure is proposed for the regional-scale identification of debris-flow prone channels and alluvial fans. The main aim is to develop a low data-demanding method for a preliminary mapping of potentially debris-flow affected areas to enable priority ranking of channels and alluvial fans at risk by debris flows. This approach has been validated by means of field checks and through its extensive application in the eastern Italian Alps.
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Editorial to the topical collection “Learning from spatial data_ unveiling the geo-environment through quantitative approaches”

Trevisani S.; Cavalli M.; Golay J.; Pereira P., 2019, Editorial to the topical collection “Learning from spatial data_ unveiling the geo-environment through quantitative approaches”, Environmental earth sciences (Print) 78 (2019). doi_10.1007/s12665-019-8129-z,

DOI: 10.1007%2Fs12665-019-8129-z

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Sediment Connectivity in Proglacial Areas

Cavalli M., Heckmann T., Marchi L., 2019, Sediment Connectivity in Proglacial Areas, Geomorphology of Proglacial Systems, edited by T. Heckmann and D. Morche (eds.),, pp. 271–287, 2019,

Abstract
Sediment connectivity is an emerging property of geomorphic systems and has become a key issue ...
Sediment connectivity is an emerging property of geomorphic systems and has become a key issue in research on geomorphic processes and sediment cascades. Sediment connectivity represents coupling relationships between system compartments and elementary units, and thus its understanding has important implications for the behaviour of hydro-geomorphic systems. The investigation and characterization of sediment connectivity and its evolution through time are of particular importance in proglacial areas and high-mountain environments since they are subject to intense morphodynamics and frequent changes in their structure and subsequent variations in sediment connectivity. This chapter aims to review the state of the art of sediment connectivity in proglacial and high-mountain environments studies, provides a synopsis of the most widespread landforms in mountain headwater catchments and describes their role with respect to coarse sediment connectivity. In addition, a section of the chapter is dedicated to the description of a recently developed topography-based sediment connectivity index. An example application to two contrasting alpine glacier forefields shows the effectiveness of this index for investigating and interpreting spatial patterns of connectivity in high-mountain catchments. Finally, we sketch avenues for future research regarding sediment connectivity (not only) in proglacial systems.
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The effects of land use and topographic changes on sediment connectivity in mountain catchments

Llena, M. and Vericat, D. and Cavalli, M. and Crema, S. and Smith, M.W., 2019, The effects of land use and topographic changes on sediment connectivity in mountain catchments, Science of the total environment 660 (2019): 899–912. doi_10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.12.479,

DOI: 10.1016%2Fj.scitotenv.2018.12.479

Abstract
Understanding the evolution of sediment connectivity associated with different land use and topographic changes is ...
Understanding the evolution of sediment connectivity associated with different land use and topographic changes is a prerequisite for a better understanding of sediment budgets and sediment transport processes. We used the Index of Sediment Connectivity (IC) developed by Cavalli et al. (2013) based on the original approach by Borselli et al. (2008) to study the effects of decadal-scale land use and topographic changes on sediment connectivity in mountain catchments. The input variables of the IC (i.e. land cover and topography) were derived from historical aerial photos using Structure from Motion-Multi View Stereo algorithms (SfM-MVS). The method was applied in different sub-catchments of the Upper River Cinca Catchment (Central Pyrenees), representative of three scenarios_ (a) Land cover changes; (b) Topographic changes in agricultural fields (terracing); and (c) Topographic changes associated with infrastructure (road construction). In terms of land cover changes, results show that although connectivity is increased in some areas due to the establishment of new field crops, for most of the study area connectivity decreased due to afforestation caused by rural abandonment. Topographic changes due to the establishment of agricultural terraces affected connectivity to a larger degree than land cover changes. Terracing generally reduced connectivity due to the formation of flat areas in step-slopes, but in certain points, an increase in connectivity caused by the topographic convergence produced by terraces was observed. Finally, topographic changes associated with road construction greatly modified surface flow directions and the drainage network, resulting in changes in connectivity that may affect erosional processes nearby. The methodology used in this paper allows to study the effects of real decadal-scale land use and topographic changes on sediment connectivity and also evaluating and disentangling those changes. Furthermore, this approach can be a useful tool to identify potential risks associated with morphological and land use changes, involving road infrastructures. ? 2019 Elsevier B.V.
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Analysis of lateral sediment connectivity and its connection to debris flow intensity patterns at different return periods in the Fella River system in northeastern Italy

Schopper, N. and Mergili, M. and Frigerio, S. and Cavalli, M. and Poeppl, R., 2019, Analysis of lateral sediment connectivity and its connection to debris flow intensity patterns at different return periods in the Fella River system in northeastern Italy, Science of the total environment 658 (2019): 1586–1600. doi_10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.12.288,

DOI: 10.1016%2Fj.scitotenv.2018.12.288

Abstract
A wide variety of issues are now being addressed using the concept of connectivity, which ...
A wide variety of issues are now being addressed using the concept of connectivity, which has initiated the development of various methods to assess a river's relationship to its catchment. This study tests two well-established methods, the Effective Catchment Area (ECA) and the Index of Connectivity (IC) in the study area of the Fella River in northeastern Italy, to gain an idea of their potentials, limitations and ability to represent connectivity patterns observable in the field. The results show that both methods provide largely agreeing outputs, which widely match field observations. Disagreement is mainly found where human-induced features, especially roads, encroach the rivers system. Focusing on a natural hazard background, the study furthermore approaches the issue of events of different frequencies and magnitudes and their representation in terms of connectivity. This is done by correlating debris flows at varying return periods with the IC, which seemed more fitting for this comparison due to the differentiation between different intensities of connectivity. Over the entire catchment, patterns of debris flow intensities (DFI) only agree weakly with the patterns of the IC, however, debris flows reaching the main channel show strong correlations with IC values. This can be traced back to the fact that connectivity focuses on a catchment's relationship with the river and does not include processes that happen in those parts of the catchment not directly linked to the main channel network. The IC is therefore able to represent patterns of processes reaching the main valley very well but cannot be used to explain or even predict the occurrence of processes that have no direct spatial connection to the river.
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Geomorphic effectiveness of check dams in a debris-flow catchment using multi-temporal topographic surveys

Cucchiaro S.; Cavalli M.; Vericat D.; Crema S.; Llena M.; Beinat A.; Marchi L.; Cazorzi F., 2019, Geomorphic effectiveness of check dams in a debris-flow catchment using multi-temporal topographic surveys, Catena (Cremling.) 174 (2019): 73–83. doi_10.1016/j.catena.2018.11.004,

DOI: 10.1016%2Fj.catena.2018.11.004

Abstract
Torrent control works, such as grade control dams and sediment retention dams, are structural measures ...
Torrent control works, such as grade control dams and sediment retention dams, are structural measures for controlling debris flows and debris floods. In spite of the widespread presence of such hydraulic structures in steep mountain streams worldwide, there are still few studies monitoring the effects of check dams on sediment dynamics. The use of repeated topographic surveys allows us to characterize debris-flow activity at multiple temporal and spatial scales and its interaction with torrent control works. Structure from Motion (SfM) technique paired with Multi-View Stereo (MVS) algorithms represents a low-cost opportunity to conduct such multi-temporal surveys. This enables us to better study the effects of individual debris flows, track geomorphic changes and evaluate the effectiveness of torrent control works (e.g. check dams). The effect of check dams on sediment dynamics is investigated by means of multi-temporal topographic surveys before and after debris-flow events in the Moscardo torrent (eastern Italian Alps) where two check dams have recently been built. Multi-temporal SfM based on images taken from the ground in combination with imagery taken by an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is used to obtain DEMs and to study topographic changes through the comparison of repeat DEMs (DEM of Difference, i.e. DoD). The results show that the new check dams considerably modified sediment dynamics in the studied channel but their performance cannot be considered satisfactory. The sediment flowed around the upstream check dam on the right wing, while deep erosion observed downstream of the check dam threatened to undermine the foundation's stability. Moreover, debris-flow lobes deposited upstream of the check dams could act as sources of sediment further increasing downstream debris-flow volume. The analysis proposed in this work could help improve design strategies and permitting the identification of a proper site for check dam building.
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High-resolution morphologic characterization of conservation agriculture

Tarolli, P. Cavalli, M. Masin, R., 2019, High-resolution morphologic characterization of conservation agriculture, Catena (Cremling.) 172 (2019): 846–856. doi_10.1016/j.catena.2018.08.026,

DOI: 10.1016%2Fj.catena.2018.08.026

Abstract
In the last decade, conservation agriculture (CA) has received particular attention from both governmental and ...
In the last decade, conservation agriculture (CA) has received particular attention from both governmental and non-governmental organizations. CA aims to achieve sustainable agricultural production. The principles of CA include minimal soil disturbance, permanent soil cover derived from crop residues or cover crops, and crop rotations that benefit soil and water conservation. Agricultural practices influence the micro-topography and modify the surface roughness, altering several important processes such as infiltration, water storage depression, and soil water erosion. In this work, we explore the effectiveness of high-resolution topography in characterizing no-tillage (NT) versus conventional tillage (T) surface morphology in order to better understand the hydro-geomorphic processes associated with these crop systems. High-resolution (2 cm) Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), derived using the Structure from Motion (SfM) photogrammetric technique, were processed for six plots (3 cultivated with NT, 3 with T) in a clay loam soil. The study area is located in northeast Italy. Several morphometric terrain parameters (e.g., connectivity, curvature and relative elevation attribute), were computed for each plot. The analysis provided challenging insights_ compared to T, surfaces in the NT plots were rougher, had more pronounced slopes and curvatures, sediments with a widespread connection to the plot boundaries, had more irregular flow paths, and had a higher water storage potential due to surface concavities. This can be translated into a surface morphology that can significantly affect surface runoff, sediment transport, and the off-site movement of agricultural chemicals. ? 2018 Elsevier B.V.
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Multidisciplinary Analysis and Modelling of a River Embankment Affected by Piping

Giulia Bossi, Silvia Bersan, Simonetta Cola, Luca Schenato, Fabio De Polo, Celeste Menegazzo, Jacopo Boaga, Giorgio Cassiani, Fabiano Donini, Paolo Simonini, 2019, Multidisciplinary Analysis and Modelling of a River Embankment Affected by Piping, Internal Erosion in Earthdams, Dikes and Levees, edited by Stéphane Bonelli, Cristina Jommi, Donatella Sterpi, pp. 234–244. Cham, Heidelberg, New York, Dordrecht, London_ Springer, 2019,

Abstract
The paper presents a multidisciplinary analysis carried out for the characterization and monitoring of a ...
The paper presents a multidisciplinary analysis carried out for the characterization and monitoring of a levee in Bozen Province, North Italy. The study treats a small section of the Adige river embankments, interested in the recent past by moderate piping phenomena and subjected to some subsequent interventions for the risk mitigation. The data acquired with an Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) investigation and an optical fiber distributed temperature sensing (DTS) are compared to boreholes information, laboratory tests and piezometers measurements. They provided a multi-dimensional characterization of the levee and of the close subsoil water-meadows, possible piping preferential paths. Since the presence of more permeable lenses within the silty matrix characterizing the levee foundations, the subsequent 2D seepage analysis was carried out with the Boolean Stochastic Generation (BoSG) method, which randomly generates lenses with specific rheological properties within a matrix with another set of parameters. The soil configurations that are more congruent with the monitoring data were selected within a pool of 360 simulations, providing information about the probable seepage mechanism within the levee and the reliability of the interventions.
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Addressing cumulative effects, maritime conflicts and ecosystem services threats through MSP-oriented geospatial webtools

Menegon, Stefano; Depellegrin, Daniel; Farella, Giulio; Sarretta, Alessandro; Venier, Chiara; Barbanti, Andrea, 2018, Addressing cumulative effects, maritime conflicts and ecosystem services threats through MSP-oriented geospatial webtools, Ocean & coastal management 163 (2018): 417–436. doi_10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2018.07.009,

DOI: 10.1016%2Fj.ocecoaman.2018.07.009

Abstract
To solve conservation and planning challenges in the marine environment, researchers are increasingly developing geospatial ...
To solve conservation and planning challenges in the marine environment, researchers are increasingly developing geospatial tools to address impacts of anthropogenic activities on marine biodiversity. The paper presents a comprehensive set of built-in geospatial webtools to support Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) and environmental management objectives implemented into the Tools4MSP interoperable GeoPlatform. The webtools include cumulative effects assessment (CEA), maritime use conflict (MUC) analysis, MSFD pressure-driven CEA and a CEA-based marine ecosystem service threat analysis (MES-Threat). The tools are tested for the Northern Adriatic (NA) Sea, one of the most industrialized sea areas of Europe using a case study driven modelling strategy. Overall results show that coastal areas within 0-9 nm in the Gulf of Trieste, Grado-Marano and Venice lagoon and Po Delta outlet are subjected to intense cumulative effects and high sea use conflicts mainly from port activities, fishery, coastal and maritime tourism and maritime shipping. Linking MES into CEA provided novel information on locally threatened high MES supporting and provisioning habitats such Cymodocea beds and infralittoral fine sands, threats to cultural MES are most pronounced in coastal areas. Results are discussed for their geospatial relevance for regional planning, resource management and their applicability within MSP and environmental assessment.
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