Polemio M.; Casarano D., 2008, Climate change, drought and groundwater availability in southern Italy,
Special publication - Geological Society of London 288 (2008): 39–51. doi_10.1144/SP288.4,
DOI: 10.1144%2FSP288.4
Abstract
Data for the period 1821 to 2003 from 126 rain gauges, 41 temperature gauges, eight ...
Data for the period 1821 to 2003 from 126 rain gauges, 41 temperature gauges, eight river discharge gauges and 239 wells, located in southern Italy, have been analysed to characterize the effect of recent climate change on availability of water resources, focusing on groundwater resources. Regular data are available from 1921 to 2001. Many analysis methods are used_ principal component analysis, to divide the study area into homogenous portions; trend analysis, considering the Mann-Kendall, Student-t and Craddock tests, autocorrelation and cross-correlation analyses, and seasonal, annual and moving-average variables, applying the spatial analysis to each variable with a geographical information system approach. A widespread decreasing trend of annual rainfall is observed over 97% of the whole area. The decreasing trend of rainfall worsens or decreases as mean annual rainfall increases; the spatial mean of trend ranges from 20.8 mm/a in Apulia to 22.9 mm/a in Calabria. The decrease in rainfall is notable after 1980_ the recent droughts of 1988-1992 and 1999-2001 appear to be exceptional. On a seasonal basis, the decreasing trend is concentrated in winter; a slight positive trend is observed in summer, the arid season in which the increase is useless as it is transformed into actual evapotranspiration. The temperature trend is not significant and homogeneous everywhere if the temperature increase seems to prevail, especially from about 1980. Net rainfall, calculated as a function of monthly rainfall and temperature, shows a huge and generalized negative trend. The trend of groundwater availability is so negative everywhere that the situation can be termed dramatic for water users, due not only to the natural drop in recharge but also to the increase of discharge by wells to compensate the non-availability of surface water tapped by dams, as a direct effect of droughts.
Taramelli A.; Reichenbach P.; Ardizzone F., 2008, Comparison of SRTM elevation data with cartographically derived dems in Italy.,
Revista geográfica acadêmica 2 (2008): 41–52.,
Guzzetti F.; Peruccacci S.; Rossi M.; Stark C.P., 2008, The rainfall intensity-duration control of shallow landslides and debris flows_ an update.,
Landslides (Berl., Internet) 5(1) (2008): 3–17.,
Petroselli A., Nardi F., Santini M., Grimaldi S., Ubertini L., 2008, Confronto tra alcuni metodi per l’estrazione del reticolo idrografico da DEM in presenza di aree piane.,
5 (2008): 35–45.,
MARANGELLA A., INDELLI G., MASTRANGELO M., MICCOLI A., PARISE M. & VALDES SUAREZ M., 2008, La condotta forzata della diga sul Torrente S. Pietro (Muro Lucano, Basilicata),
Memorie dell'Istituto Italiano di Speleologia 21 (2008): 478–483.,
Delle Rose M., Elia T., 2008, Aspetti geologici della conservazione delle spiagge del Salento.,
Geologi e territorio 1 (2008): 3–19.,
Abstract
I depositi di spiaggia sono sistemi molto sensibili alle variazioni del bilancio sedimentario, capaci di ...
I depositi di spiaggia sono sistemi molto sensibili alle variazioni del bilancio sedimentario, capaci di adattarsi rapidamente a cambiamenti geomorfologici, sedimentologici e mareografici (sistemi reattivi) e influenzati a diverse scale temporali dai processi eustatici, tettonici e climatici. Essi si formano per accumulo dei sedimenti (accrezione) in aree litorali, con bilancio sedimentario positivo, comprese tra i limiti superiore e inferiore di azione del moto ondoso.
I singoli granuli percorrono le traiettorie più varie e complesse, uscendo e (ri)entrando nel bilancio costiero da e verso l'entroterra e la piattaforma continentale. L'equilibrio tra sedimenti in entrata e in uscita comporta condizioni di stabilità, benché processi sedimentologici possono determinare modificazioni morfologiche parziali (arretramenti e avanzamenti) ma significativi alla scala temporale umana. Si tratta comunque di depositi raramente conservati nel record geologico (Ricci Lucchi, 1980), in ciò risiedendo la loro importanza di "giacimenti" per il ripascimento degli arenili costieri soggetti ad erosione.
Negli ultimi decenni è stato messo in evidenza come gran parte delle spiagge del pianeta, oltre il 70% secondo alcune stime (Bird, 1985), subisca processi di erosione più o meno intensi. Circa il 40 % delle spiagge italiane è in erosione mentre solo il 5 % mostra tendenze di avanzamento (Aminti e Pranzini, 1993). Non fanno ovviamente eccezione i litorali della Puglia che sono infatti interessati da processi erosivi più o meno intensi (ENEA 1986; Dal Cin e Simeoni, 1987; Caldara et al., 1989; Elia,
1992; CNR, 1997).
L'attenzione su tale problematica è legata in primo luogo all'importanza socio-economica delle attività turistico-ricreative che, alla luce di una crescente domanda, ha indotto l'instaurarsi di una vera e propria industria delle spiagge con un fatturato di circa 13 miliardi di euro l'anno, pari a circa l'1% del Pil nazionale e con un valore medio di oltre 1000 euro per mq di arenile (Ortolani, 2007). Inoltre, anche questioni di tipo geo-ambientale, quali la perdita di biodiversità in aree costiere emerse e sommerse o l'incremento della salinizazzione di acquiferi costieri, hanno contribuito, sebbene subordinatamente, alla crescita della domanda di interventi per la stabilizzazione degli arenili mediante interventi di conservazione e, laddove necessario, di restauro.
In questa nota vengono delineate alcune strategie di studio e intervento alla luce delle dinamiche evolutive delle spiagge adriatiche e dell'assetto geologico e geomorfologico del Salento, ponendo l'accento sulla necessità di intraprendere nuove e specifiche ricerche, propedeutiche alla corretta progettazione degli interventi di difesa costiera anche al fine di contrastare le tendenze delle dinamiche evolutive in atto.
Sammarco M., Parise M., 2008, Cavità artificiali per uno studio di storia salentina_ il caso dellipogeo di Leuca Piccola a Barbarano,
Memorie dell'Istituto Italiano di Speleologia 21 (2008): 389–393.,
Trocino A., Parise M., Dattola L., 2008, Primi dati sulle miniere nel territorio di Longobucco e considerazioni di salvaguardia ambientale.,
Memorie dell'Istituto Italiano di Speleologia 21 (2008): 326–332.,
Abraham Alonso A.N., Aldana Vilas C., Farfan Gonzalez H., Parise M., De Marco M., Marangella A., Mauro G., Miccoli A., Torres Mirabal L., Trocino A. & Valdes Suarez M., 2008, Le porte del Marmo Platano,
Speleologia (Bologna) 58 (2008): 18–23.,
Pellegrini L., Maraga F., Turitto O., Audisio C., Duci G., 2008, Evoluzione morfologica di alvei fluviali mobili nel settore occidentale del bacino padano,
21-1B (2008): 251–266.,
Abstract
Nell'ambito delle ricerche riguardanti le modificazioni di alvei fluviali, sono stati selezionati alcuni corsi d'acqua ...
Nell'ambito delle ricerche riguardanti le modificazioni di alvei fluviali, sono stati selezionati alcuni corsi d'acqua significativi per confronto delle analisi di tendenza evolutiva delle forme a canali multipli o intrecciati (pluricursali). In particolare, per quanto attiene al sistema padano occidentale, sono stati individuati tre affluenti del Fiume Po_ il Fiume Stura di Lanzo ed il Torrente Orco, di provenienza alpina, ed il Fiume Trebbia, di provenienza appenninica. Per il periodo considerato, che va dalla seconda metà dell'Ottocento all'inizio degli anni Duemila, tali corsi d'acqua si sono rivelati rappresentativi degli stadi di evoluzione dall'alveo pluricursale verso l'alveo a canale singolo (monocursale, quantomeno per alcuni tratti), con riduzione dello spazio fluviale, manifestatasi fino a tutti gli anni Ottanta del Novecento. La riduzione di ampiezza degli alvei, in un primo tempo moderata (da -19% in Trebbia a -36% in Stura), inizia ad essere vistosa e rapida dopo gli anni Cinquanta del secolo scorso, in concomitanza del diffondersi di massicce estrazioni di inerti dagli alvei. Il massimo restringimento (da -44% in Orco a -68% in Stura) è stato registrato intorno al 1990. A partire dagli anni Novanta, peraltro, è stata riscontrata una tendenza inversa, messa in evidenza da espansione degli alvei con valori di allargamento variabili da +15% in Trebbia a +133% in Orco. La fase di restringimento dell'alveo è stata accompagnata da fenomeni di allungamento del percorso fluviale, con valori minimi in Stura di Lanzo e in Trebbia (inferiori a 1%) e massimi in Orco (+8%). Nella successiva fase di allargamento si è riscontrata una più o meno marcata e concomitante riduzione della lunghezza dell'alveo, appena percettibile in Stura di Lanzo e Trebbia e pari a -6% in Orco. Tale inversione di tendenza, da riduzione ad espansione dell'alveo pluricursale e da allungamento ad accorciamento del suo asse, è stata associata alla quasi totale cessazione della massiccia attività estrattiva in alveo. Per i corsi d'acqua alpini, un ruolo importante è stato attribuito anche alla rapida successione di eventi di piena avvenuti a partire dal 1993, tra i quali, in particolare, quello dell'ottobre 2000 che ha rappresentato il massimo storico su oltre 80 anni di osservazioni.
Polemio M.
Casarano D.
Limoni P.P., 2008, Intrinsic and integrated aquifer vulnerability of a karstic aquifer (Murgia, Southern Italy),
European Geosciences Union General Assembly 2008, Vienna, Austria, 2008,
Maraga F., Pelissero C., 2008, Charge de fond et débits en comparaison dans un petit cours d’eau équipé des Alpes piémontaises (Italie),
5 (2008): 123–129.,
Abstract
Coarse sediment delivery in the hydrographical network of a small mountain basin (1,08 km2) marked ...
Coarse sediment delivery in the hydrographical network of a small mountain basin (1,08 km2) marked by erosion processes in the channels and watersheds is the object of our researches on sediment transport, carried out by means of field measurement experiences of the quantity and mechanism of the sediment transfer at the flood event and annual scales. Since 1982 sand and gravel transport is measured as bed load in a river reach that is instrumented at the outlet of the hydrographic network close to the water stage station 120 long, being the mean slope 0,9 %. At the water stage station of the outlet, mean bed load is 32 m3/km2 year, from data collected of the sediment volumes in a sedimentary trap equipped in the channel bed. Measurements carried out in the instrumented reach and in the sedimentary trap by tracers and topographical surveys pointed out that traveled distances of cobbles and pebbles depend on peak flow while trapped volumes are related to water volumes and to sediment supply just upstream the trap. Indeed, elevation bed changes displayed a sediment transfer wave pattern. In this paper the 25 years 1982-2006 sediment transport results are presented and sediment delivery after 2002 has decreased below the mean value.
Sorriso-Valvo M., 2008, Natural hazards and natural heritage – common origins and interference with cultural heritage,
Geografia fisica e dinamica quaternaria (Testo stamp.) 31 (2008): 231–237.,
Abstract
The combination of high-rate morphodynamics and high-rate geodynamics makes several areas of the world appealing ...
The combination of high-rate morphodynamics and high-rate geodynamics makes several areas of the world appealing from the point of view of their scenery, but also dangerous for human beings and their property. In southern Italy relief-building by tectonics and intense seismic activity are the two principal causes of a widespread mass-wasting that affects almost all the mountains and hills. The other most relevant factor is climate, which is comparatively aggressive.
On steep-sided rocky slopes, and on the gentler flysch slopes of Calabria, mass-movement, intensive erosion and channel mass-transport are the predominant morphodynamic processes. The combination of the rugged-slope morphology of deeply-dissected valleys and the huge debris stocks produced by mass-movement generated a set of ephemeral streams, locally called "fiumara", which impart to the Ionian side of Calabria a peculiar and attractive aspect, making these areas very difficult for village settlement, agriculture, forestation and cattle-rearing, but very attractive for tourist activities and wilderness. More importantly, they produce the debris budget necessary for natural beach nourishment. On the other hand, seismic mass-movement and flood hazards are very high in the fiumara zone. This makes it evident that the fiumara is a striking example of duality_ high hazard and gorgeous landscape.
The development of such areas requires heavy intervention aimed at substantially reducing mass-movement and erosion activity. This, however, would result in the destruction of the natural environment in at least the lower reaches of the fiumara basins, in extremely high cost for the building and maintenance of intervention measures and in the high probability that such interventions might prove of short duration and low efficiency, as tectonics and climate are still strongly active. Some believe instead that land managers could take advantage of natural fiumara lands by exploiting the wilderness attractions of their territory, promoting compatible tourist, agricultural, and even industrial, activity and reducing hazards just to an acceptable level. The author prefers the second solution.
Cultural heritage has been subject to widespread piracy enacted by local people of all social levels who thought that their own interest preceded public interest. This attitude is under correction by right-thinking elements, but the process is far from finished, so that another contradiction is created. The cases of Apollo Aleo and Hera Lacina temples illustrate the duality of human attitudes towards cultural heritage. Natural processes alone represent a threat to these significant archaeological sites, but human activity has resulted in their almost total destruction. The attitude of the local population with respect to the preservation of such an important cultural heritage reveals its dual nature_ some people are concerned about the need for preserving them from destruction, others act contrarily. It is hard to regard this duality as a manifestation of the intelligence and wisdom of humankind.
Magri O.; Mantovani M.; Pasuto A.; Soldati M., 2008, Geomorphological investigation and monitoring of lateral spreading along the north-west coast of Malta.,
Geografia fisica e dinamica quaternaria (Testo stamp.) 31(2) (2008): 171–180.,
Abstract
The north-west coast of Malta is characterized by lateral spreading
phenomena which occur within the brittle ...
The north-west coast of Malta is characterized by lateral spreading
phenomena which occur within the brittle Upper Coralline Limestone
formation (Upper Miocene) overlying the Blue Clay formation (Middle
Miocene), the latter being a softer and unconsolidated material. Upper
Coralline Limestone features a prominent plateau scarp face, whereas
Blue Clay produces slopes which in most cases extend from the base of
the Upper Coralline Limestone scarp face to sea level. The Upper Coralline
Limestone plateau is heavily jointed and faulted, resulting from
past tectonic activity. Chemical weathering, especially solution processes,
have produced a karst terrain which aids in further widening the joints
and faults and allows deeper infiltration of rainwater. These two geological
formations have diverse hydrogeological characteristics which favour
mass movement processes and landslide activity. Upper Coralline Limestone
is a permeable material, allowing water to pass through, whereas
Blue Clay is an impermeable material which retains water. This property
renders the Blue Clay plastic when it is wet and causes lateral spreading
in the above layer of limestone.
In September 2005, a GPS network was set up consisting of 24 GPS
benchmarks installed in unstable areas at three field sites along the northwest
coast to determine with high accuracy any displacement in the landslides
and the state of activity of lateral spreading. These field sites
include ll-Prajjet, Rdum id-Delli and Ghajn Tuffieha Bay incorporating
also Il-Qarraba. They provide the best examples of lateral spreading
phenomena from a scientific point of view and also present the issues of
hazard and risk regarding the damage of the coastal tower at Ghajn
Tuffieha Bay built in 1637 by Grand Master Lascaris for defence purposes
and Popeye's Village, which constitutes one of the main tourist
attractions in the Maltese Islands.
During the first survey that was carried out at the end of September
2005, the baselines between each benchmark and its reference point have
been measured. Four other surveys have been conducted in April 2006,
October 2006, February/March 2007 and October 2007. By comparing
the differences in the baselines measured during the surveys it was possible
to detect and quantify the displacements caused by the landslides in
the elapsed time with millimetre accuracy. Preliminary results indicate
that the coastal landslides are active. The displacements recorded so far
from the GPS benchmarks range from 0.54 cm to 1.73 cm. It is intended
that further results will be correlated with rainfall data and the behaviour
of the Blue Clay material, especially geotechnical and mineralogical properties,
to understand the causes of such displacements and activity of the
landslides.
Teza, G., Atzeni, C., Balzani, M., Galgaro A., Galvani, G., Genevois, R., Luzi, G., Mecatti, D., Noferini, L., Pieraccini, M., Silvano, S., Uccelli, F., Zaltron, N., 2008, Ground-based monitoring of high-risk landslides through joint use of laser scanner and interferometric radar.,
International journal of remote sensing (Print) 29(16 (2008): 4735–4756.,
Abstract
Ground-based monitoring of high-risk landslides through joint use of laser scanner and interferometric radar. International ...
Ground-based monitoring of high-risk landslides through joint use of laser scanner and interferometric radar. International Journal of Remote Sensing, 29 (16), 4735-4756.
Marchi, L.; Dalla Fontana, G.; Cavalli, M.; Tagliavini, F., 2008, Rocky headwaters in the Dolomites, Italy_ field observations and topographic analysis.,
Arctic, antarctic, and alpine research 40 (2008): 685–694. doi_10.1657/1523-0430(07-037)[MARCHI]2.0.CO;2,
DOI: 10.1657%2F1523-0430(07-037)[MARCHI]2.0.CO;2
Abstract
Rock outcrops cover large areas of alpine headwaters and are entrenched by chutes
and couloirs, which ...
Rock outcrops cover large areas of alpine headwaters and are entrenched by chutes
and couloirs, which are controlled by faults in bedrock. These widespread landforms
play an important role in delivering sediment to lower basin slopes. High-resolution
topographical data from LiDAR surveys allow investigation of morphometric
characteristics and sediment transport processes in these features. Using aerial photo
interpretation, field surveys, and topographic analyses of LiDAR data, this paper
quantifies the morphological characteristics of rocky couloirs and their drainage
basins, and the relationship between these features and the structural setting, in a
study area in the Dolomites (northeastern Italy). Rock basins are characterized by
small sizes (surface area < 0.066 km2) and high average basin slopes (up to
2.1 m m-1). The analysis of contributing area and local slope outlines the difference
between these rock basins, and even smaller and steeper rock faces entrenched by
very shallow chutes, which were defined as interbasin areas. We consider rocky
couloirs and rock basins in the headwaters of the Dolomites to be part of the channel
network, since channeled flow occurs in the couloirs during storms. High-intensity
rainstorms trigger debris flows as evidenced from local scouring, especially in the
lower parts of the couloirs. The longitudinal profiles of the couloirs are overall linear,
but the high-resolution data display distinct high-slope and low-slope stretches
forming steps, that may function as localized sources and sinks for debris flows. The
cross-sectional widths of the couloirs do not appear related to upslope area; this may
be due to both structural control on cross-sectional geometry and complex erosion of
the couloir by debris flows.
Borga M.; Gaume E.; Creutin J.D.; Marchi L., 2008, Surveying flash floods_ gauging the ungauged extremes,
Hydrological processes (Print) 22 (2008): 3883–3885. doi_10.1002/hyp.7111,
DOI: 10.1002%2Fhyp.7111
Abstract
The monitoring of flash-flood events gives us the unique opportunity to
observe how catchments respond when ...
The monitoring of flash-flood events gives us the unique opportunity to
observe how catchments respond when most of the surface and subsurface
hydrologic flow paths are active. These events often reveal aspects
of hydrological behaviour that either were unexpected on the basis of
weaker responses or highlight anticipated but previously unobserved
behaviour (Delrieu et al., 2005; Archer et al., 2007). Characterizing the
response of a catchment during flash-flood events, thus, may provide
new and valuable insight into the rate-limiting processes for extreme
flood response and their dependency on catchment properties and flood
severity.
Flash-flood events, however, are difficult to monitor because they
develop at space and time scales that conventional measurement networks
of rain and river discharges are not able to sample effectively
(Creutin and Borga, 2003). As these events are locally rare, they are also
difficult to capture during classical field-based experimentation, designed
to last a few months over a given region, or on experimental catchments
with drainage areas of a few square kilometres. This explains why the
investigation of flash-flood events is by necessity event-based and opportunistic
as opposed to driven by observations from carefully designed
field campaigns. Post-event surveys therefore play a critical role in gathering
essential observations concerning flash floods.
Traditionally, indirect peak discharge estimates and collection of
rainfall maxima have been used to document these events, as well as
to provide an answer to the questions that are invariably asked after a
major flood_ Why did such a major flood occur? How frequently can
such a flood be expected to occur? Collectively, these studies contributed
to the establishment of regional peak discharge envelope curves and
to the development of a better understanding of regional behaviour of
extreme floods. However, focus on peak discharges and point rainfall
maxima alone provides limited insight into the hydrological controls of
flash-flood response.
Flash-flood monitoring requires rainfall estimates at small spatial
scales (1 km or finer) and short-time scales (15-30 min, and even less in
urban areas). These requirements are generally met by weather radar
networks. This is shown schematically in Figure 1, which reports typical
monitoring scales of weather radar systems and rain-gauge networks,
together with the time and space scales of a number of flash-flood
generating storms observed in Europe in the last 15 years (Borga,
2007). Rapidly increasing availability of good quality weather radar
observations is greatly expanding our ability to measure and monitor
rainfall distribution at the space and time scales which characterize the
flash-flood events (Borga et al., 2007). These technical advances have
the potential to enhance the information content of post-event surveys.
Realizing this potential calls for the development of a methodology for
flash-flood response survey, which goes beyond the collection of indirect
peak discharge estimates by focussing on three concepts that are revised
in this short commentary.
Cavalli M.; Tarolli P.; Marchi L.; Dalla Fontana G., 2008, The effectiveness of airborne LiDAR data in the recognition of channel-bed morphology.,
Catena (Cremling.) 73 (2008): 249–260. doi_10.1016/j.catena.2007.11.001,
DOI: 10.1016%2Fj.catena.2007.11.001
Abstract
High-resolution topographic data have the potential to differentiate the main morphological features of a landscape. ...
High-resolution topographic data have the potential to differentiate the main morphological features of a landscape. This paper analyses the capability of airborne LiDAR-derived data in the recognition of channel-bed morphology. For the purpose of this study, 0.5 m and 1 m resolution Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) were derived from the last pulse LiDAR data obtained by filtering the vegetation points. The analysis was carried out both at 1-D scale, i.e. along the longitudinal channel profile, and at 2-D scale, taking into account the whole extent of the channel bed. The 1-D approach analyzed the residuals of elevations orthogonal to the regression line drawn along the channel profile and the standard deviation of local slope. The 2-D analysis was based on two roughness indexes, consisting on the local variability of the elevation and slope of the channel bed. The study was conducted in a headwater catchment located in the Eastern Italian Alps. The results suggested a good capability of LiDAR data in the recognition of river morphology giving the potential to distinguish the riffle-pool and step-pool reaches.
Cavalli M.; Marchi L., 2008, Characterisation of the surface morphology of an alpine alluvial fan using airborne LiDAR.,
Natural hazards and earth system sciences (Print) 8 (2008): 323–333. doi_10.5194/nhess-8-323-2008,
DOI: 10.5194%2Fnhess-8-323-2008
Abstract
Alluvial fans of alpine torrents are both natural deposition areas for sediment discharged by floods ...
Alluvial fans of alpine torrents are both natural deposition areas for sediment discharged by floods and debris flows, and preferred sites for agriculture and settlements. Hazard assessment on alluvial fans depends on proper identification of flow processes and their potential intensity. This study used LiDAR data to examine the morphology of the alluvial fan of a small alpine stream (Moscardo Torrent, Eastern Italian Alps). A high-resolution DTM from LiDAR data was used to calculate a shaded relief map, plan curvature and an index of topographic roughness based on the standard deviation of elevation within a moving window. The surface complexity of the alluvial fan, also influenced by human activities, clearly arose from the analysis. The surface roughness, defined here as the local topography variability, is compared with a previous classification of the fan surface based on field surveys. The results demonstrate that topographic analysis of ground based LiDAR DTM can be a useful tool to objectively investigate fan morphology and hence alluvial fan hazard assessment.
Melone F., Corradini C., Morbidelli R., Saltalippi C., Flammini A., 2008, Comparison of theoretical and experimental soil moisture profiles under complex rainfall patterns,
Journal of hydrologic engineering 13 (2008): 1170–1176.,
PETRUCCI O., PASQUA A.A., 2008, The study of past Damaging Hydrogeological Events for damage susceptibility zonation.,
Natural hazards and earth system sciences (Print) 8 (2008): 881–892.,
Abstract
Damaging Hydrogeological Events are defined as periods during which phenomena, such as landslides, floods and ...
Damaging Hydrogeological Events are defined as periods during which phenomena, such as landslides, floods and secondary floods, cause damage to people and the environment.
A Damaging Hydrogeological Event which heavily damaged Calabria (Southern Italy) between December 1972, and January 1973, has been used to test a procedure to be utilised in the zonation of a province according to damage susceptibility during DHEs. In particular, we analyzed the province of Catanzaro (2391 km2), an administrative district composed of 80 municipalities, with about 370,000 inhabitants.
Damage, defined in relation to the reimbursement requests sent to the Department of Public Works, has been quantified using a procedure based on a Local Damage Index. The latter, representing classified losses, has been obtained by multiplying the value of the damaged element and the percentage of damage affecting it.
Rainfall has been described by the Maximum Return Period of cumulative rainfall, for both short (1, 3, 5, 7, 10 consecutive days) and long duration (30, 60, 90, 180 consecutive days), recorded during the event.
Damage index and population density, presumed to represent the location of vulnerable elements, have been referred to Thiessen polygons associated to rain gauges working at the time of the event.
The procedure allowed us to carry out a preliminary classification of the polygons composing the province according to their susceptibility to damage during DHEs. In high susceptibility polygons, severe damage occurs during rainfall characterised by low return periods; in medium susceptibility polygons maximum return period rainfall and induced damage show equal levels of exceptionality; in low susceptibility polygons, high return period rainfall induces a low level of damage.
The east and west sectors of the province show the highest susceptibility, while polygons of the N-NE sector show the lowest susceptibility levels, on account of both the low population density and high average rainfall characterizing these mountainous areas.
The future analysis of further DHEs, using the tested procedure, can strengthen the obtained zonation. Afterwards, the results can prove useful in establishing civil defence plans, emergency management, and prioritizing hazard mitigation measures.
Bruno D.E., Calcaterra D. & Parise M., 2008, Historical instability and recent slope evolution of the Ilice Torrent catchment, Calabria, Italy,
Physical geography 29 (2008): 179–194.,
Parise M., Qiriazi P. & Sala S., 2008, Evaporite karst of Albania_ main features and cases of environmental degradation,
Environmental geology (Berl.) 53 (2008): 967–974.,
Parise M., De Waele J. & Gutierrez F., 2008, Engineering and environmental problems in karst An introduction,
Engineering geology 99 (2008): 91–94.,
Bruno E., Calcaterra D. & Parise M., 2008, Authors reply to discussion by I. Yilmaz on Development and morphometry of sinkholes in coastal plains of Apulia, southern Italy. Preliminary sinkhole susceptibility assessment,
Engineering geology 101 (2008): 285–287.,
Bruno E., Calcaterra D. & Parise M., 2008, Development and morphometry of sinkholes in coastal plains of Apulia, southern Italy. Preliminary sinkhole susceptibility assessment,
Engineering geology 99 (2008): 198–209.,
Brinkmann R., Parise M. & Dye D., 2008, Sinkhole distribution in a rapidly developing urban environment_ Hillsborough County, Tampa Bay area, Florida,
Engineering geology 99 (2008): 169–184. doi_10.1016/j.enggeo.2007.11.020,
DOI: 10.1016%2Fj.enggeo.2007.11.020
Abstract
Sinkhole formation in Florida is a common event. The Florida karst plain is significantly altered ...
Sinkhole formation in Florida is a common event. The Florida karst plain is significantly altered by human development and sinkholes cause considerable property damage throughout much of the state. We present in this paper a morphometric analysis of karst depressions in the Tampa Bay area, and the relation with the known distribution of sinkholes. We selected the Tampa Bay area because it is particularly susceptible to the evolution of karst depressions in relation with development of the built-up environment. Karst depressions were mapped from the 1_24,000 USGS topographic maps and a morphometric analysis was performed by using parameters such as shape, circularity index, perimeter, area, length, width, and orientation. Maps showing the distribution of depression density, and the sectors with greatest areas of karst depression were produced using a GIS. These results were compared with data compiled from the database of sinkhole occurrences in Florida maintained by the Florida Geological Survey. Our analysis demonstrates that the distribution of new sinkhole occurrences differs from the distribution of existing sinkholes, indicating that there are processes acting today that are influencing karst landscape formation that are different from those acting in the past. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Nardi F., Grimaldi S., Santini M., Petroselli A., Ubertini L., 2008, Hydrogeomorphic properties of simulated drainage patterns using digital elevation models_ the flat area issue.,
53(6) (2008): 1176.,
R. Ciampalini , P. Billi, G. Ferrari, L. Borselli, 2008, Plough marks as a tool to assess soil erosion rates_ A case study in Axum (Ethiopia),
Catena (Cremling.) 75 (2008): 18–27.,
Abstract
From the antiquity, the hilly landscape around the city of Axum in northern Ethiopia has ...
From the antiquity, the hilly landscape around the city of Axum in northern Ethiopia has been terraced and extensively used for agriculture purposes. Impacts of the ard plough on protruding and/or buried boulder at a depth less than the tillage depth produce scratches on their sides or their top. The spatial relationship among plough marks and rock surface orientations gives information on the ploughing direction, whereas the relative height from the present ground surface to the top of the marks and information on the age of cultivation can be used to assess soil loss rates. Parameters to define plough mark orientation were defined and measured in the field on boulders with plough marks within a study terrace located in an archaeological area with an approx of 2040 year age. These parameters are height from the ground, dip, slope and frequency.
The measurements also show that the initial terrace slope was steeper than the present one confirming the effectiveness of the traditional terracing practice in soil conservation because of the low soil erosion rates assessed over a so large time interval. For the main time intervals of the Axumite history, corresponding to the rise and fall of the Axumite civilization and to variable conditions of human pressure on the land, the maximum erosion rates inferred are of the order of 3.4 Mg/ha/y.. This result is compared with erosion rates calculated with other methods reported in literature (e.g. PSIAC) and field measurement on terraces in the same region leading to values coinciding with those obtained by the plough marks method.
Borselli L., Cassi P., Torri D, 2008, Prolegomena to sediment and flow connectivity in the landscape_ A GIS and field numerical assessment,
Catena (Cremling.) 75 (2008): 268–277.,
Abstract
This paper presents two new definitions of sediment and water flux connectivity (from source through ...
This paper presents two new definitions of sediment and water flux connectivity (from source through slopes to channels/sinks) with examples of applications to sediment fluxes. The two indices of connectivity are operatively defined, one (IC) that can be calculated in a GIS environment and represents a connectivity assessment based on landscape's information, and another that can be evaluated in the field (FIC) through direct assessment. While IC represent a potential connectivity characteristic of the local landscape, since nothing is used to represent the characteristics of causative events, FIC depend on the intensities of the events that have occurred locally and that have left visible signs in the fields, slopes, etc.
IC and FIC are based on recognized major components of hydrological connectivity, such as land use and topographic characteristics. The definitions are based on the fact that the material present at a certain location A reaches another location B with a probability that depends on two components_ the amount of material present in A and the route from A to B. The distance to B is weighted by the local gradient and the
type of land use that the flow encounters on its route to B, while the amount of material present in A depends on the catchment surface, slope gradient and type of land use of said catchment.
Although IC and FIC are independent from each other, and are calculated using different equations and different inputs, they complement each other. In fact, their combined use improves IC's accuracy. Hence,connectivity classes can afterward be rated using IC alone.
This procedure has been applied in a medium-size watershed in Tuscany (Italy) with the aim of evaluating connectivity, identifying connected sediment sources and verifying the effects of mitigation measures.
The proposed indices can be used for monitoring changes in connectivity in areas with high geomorphological or human induced evolution rates.
Moramarco T., Pandolfo C., Singh V.P., 2008, Accuracy of kinematic wave approximation for flood routing.s, 2. Unsteady analysis.,
Journal of hydrologic engineering 13/11 (2008): 1089–1096.,
Moramarco T., Pandolfo C., Singh V.P., 2008, Accuracy of kinematic wave and diffusion wave approximations for flood routing. 1. Steady analysis.,
Journal of hydrologic engineering 13/11 (2008): 1078–1088.,
Tayfur G., Moramarco T., 2008, Predicting hourly-based flow discharge hydrographs from level data using genetic algorithms,
Journal of hydrology (Amst.) 352 (2008): 77–93. doi_10.1016/j.jhydrol.2007.12.029,
DOI: 10.1016%2Fj.jhydrol.2007.12.029
Abstract
This study developed a genetic algorithm model to predict flow rates at sites receiving significant ...
This study developed a genetic algorithm model to predict flow rates at sites receiving significant lateral inflow. It predicts flow rate at a downstream station from flow
stage measured at upstream and downstream stations. For this purpose, it constructed two different models_ First is analogous to the rating curve model (RCM) of Moramarco et al. [Moramarco, M., Barbetta, S., Melone, F., Singh, V.P., 2005. Relating local stage and remote discharge with significant lateral inflow. J. Hydrologic Eng., ASCE, 10(1)] and the second is based on summation of contributions from upstream station and lateral inflows using kinematic wave approximation. The model was applied to predict flow rates at three different gauging stations located on Tiber River, Upper Tiber River Basin, Italy. The model used average wave travel time for each river reach and obtained average set of parameter values for all the events observed in the same river reach. The GA model was calibrated, for each river reach and for each formulation, by three events and tested against three other events. The results showed that the GA model produced satisfactory results and it was superior over the most recently developed rating curve method. This study further ana-lyzed the case where only water surface elevation data were used in the input vector to predict flow rates. The results showed that using elevation data produces satisfactory results. This has an implication for predicting flow rates at ungauged river sites since the
surface elevation data can be obtained without needing the detailed geometry of river sec-tion which could change significantly during a flood.
Brocca L., Melone F., Moramarco T., 2008, On the estimation of antecedent wetness conditions in rainfall-runoff modelling,
Hydrological processes (Print) 22 (2008): 629–642. doi_10.1002/hyp.6629,
DOI: 10.1002%2Fhyp.6629
Abstract
The analysis of the physical processes involved in a conceptualmodel of soil water content balance ...
The analysis of the physical processes involved in a conceptualmodel of soil water content balance is addressed with the objective of its application as a component of rainfall -runoff modelling. The model uses routinely measured meteorological variables (rainfall and air temperature) and incorporates a limited number of significant parameters. Its performance in estimating the soil moisture temporal pattern was tested through local measurements of volumetric water content carried out continuously on an experimental plot located in central Italy. The analysis was carried out for different periods in order to test both the representation of infiltration at the short time-scale and drainage and evapotranspiration processes at the long time-scale. A robust conceptual model was identified that incorporated the Green - Ampt approach for infiltration and a gravity-driven approximation for drainage. A sensitivity analysis was performed for the selected model to assess the model robustness and to identify the more significant parameters involved in the principal processes that control the soil moisture temporal pattern. The usefulness of the selected model was tested for the estimation of the initial wetness conditions for rainfall - runoff modelling at the catchment scale. Specifically, the runoff characteristics (runoff depth and peak discharge) were found to be dependent on the pre-event surface soil moisture. Both observed values and those estimated by the model gave good results. On the contrary, with the antecedent wetness conditions furnished by two versions of the antecedent precipitation index (API), large errors were obtained.
Arattano M., Marchi L., 2008, Systems and Sensors for Debris-flow Monitoring and Warning,
Sensors (Basel) 8 (2008): 2436–2452. doi_10.3390/s8042436,
DOI: 10.3390%2Fs8042436
Abstract
Abstract: Debris flows are a type of mass movement that occurs in mountain torrents. They ...
Abstract: Debris flows are a type of mass movement that occurs in mountain torrents. They consist of a high concentration of solid material in water that flows as a wave with a steep front. Debris flows can be considered a phenomenon intermediate between landslides and water floods. They are amongst the most hazardous natural processes in mountainous regions and may occur under different climatic conditions. Their destructiveness is due to different factors_ their capability of transporting and depositing huge amounts of solid materials, which may also reach large sizes (boulders of several cubic meters are commonly transported by debris flows), their steep fronts, which may reach several meters
of height and also their high velocities. The implementation of both structural and nonstructural control measures is often required when debris flows endanger routes, urban areas and other infrastructures. Sensor networks for debris-flow monitoring and warning
play an important role amongst non-structural measures intended to reduce debris-flow risk. In particular, debris flow warning systems can be subdivided into two main classes_ advance warning and event warning systems. These two classes employ different types of
sensors. Advance warning systems are based on monitoring causative hydrometeorological processes (typically rainfall) and aim to issue a warning before a possible debris flow is triggered. Event warning systems are based on detecting debris flows when these processes are in progress. They have a much smaller lead time than advance warning ones but are
also less prone to false alarms. Advance warning for debris flows employs sensors and techniques typical of meteorology and hydrology, including measuring rainfall by means of rain gauges and weather radar and monitoring water discharge in headwater streams. Event warning systems use different types of sensors, encompassing ultrasonic or radar gauges,
Sensors 2008, 8 2 4 37 ground vibration sensors, videocameras, avalanche pendulums, photocells, trip wires etc. Event warning systems for debris flows have a strong linkage with debris-flow monitoring
that is carried out for research purposes_ the same sensors are often used for both monitoring and warning, although warning systems have higher requirements of robustness than monitoring systems. The paper presents a description of the sensors employed for debris-flow monitoring and event warning systems, with attention given to advantages and
drawbacks of different types of sensors.
S. De Baets ; D. Torri ; J. Poesen; M. P. Salvador; J. Meersmans, 2008, Modelling increased soil cohesion due to roots with EUROSEM,
Earth surface processes and landforms (Print) 33 (2008): 1948–1963.,
Abstract
As organic root exudates cause soil particles to adhere firmly to root surfaces, roots significantly ...
As organic root exudates cause soil particles to adhere firmly to root surfaces, roots significantly increase soil strength and therefore also increase the resistance of the topsoil to erosion by concentrated flow. This paper aims at contributing to a better prediction of the root effects on soil erosion rates in the EUROSEM model, as the input values accounting for roots, presented in the user manual, do not account for differences in root density or root architecture. Recent research indicates that small changes in root density or differences in root architecture considerably influence soil erosion rates during concentrated flow. The approach for incorporating the root effects into this model is based on a comparison of measured soil detachment rates for bare and for root-permeated topsoil samples with predicted erosion rates under the same flow conditions using the erosion equation of EUROSEM. Through backwards calculation, transport capacity efficiencies and corresponding soil cohesion values can be assessed for bare and root-permeated topsoils respectively. The results are promising and present soil cohesion values that are in accordance with reported values in the literature for the same soil type (silt loam). The results show that grass roots provide a larger increase in soil cohesion as compared with tap-rooted species and that the increase in soil cohesion is not significantly different under wet and dry soil conditions, either for fibrous root systems or for tap root systems. Power and exponential relationships are established between measured root density values and the corresponding calculated soil cohesion values, reflecting the effects of roots on the resistance of the topsoil to concentrated flow incision. These relationships enable one to incorporate the root effect into the soil erosion model EUROSEM, through adapting the soil cohesion input value. A scenario analysis shows that the contribution of roots to soil cohesion is very important for preventing soil loss and reducing runoff volume. The increase in soil shear strength due to the binding effect of roots on soil particles is two orders of magnitude lower as compared with soil reinforcement achieved when roots mobilize their tensile strength during soil shearing and root breakage.
Marignani M., Rocchini D., Torri D., Chiarucci A., Maccherini S., 2008, Planning restoration in a cultural landscape in Italy using an object-based approach and historical analysis,
Landscape and urban planning 84 (2008): 28–37.,
Abstract
We present a proposal for a standardized method to develop restoration practices capable of increasing ...
We present a proposal for a standardized method to develop restoration practices capable of increasing the efficacy of landscape management
and create the necessary bridge between restoration planning and landscape ecology. This methodology was developed in order to identify the
reference landscape and to define areas within that landscape that possess different degrees of potential for restoration purposes in a cultural
landscape. We utilized retrospective data to compare former ecosystem arrangements, taking into account ecological, spatial and temporal issues,
such as historical information on changes in land use, in addition to diachronically analyzed aerial photos taken between 1954 and 2002, using an
object-based approach. The test area is a Nature Reserve in Tuscany (Italy) that preserves the cultural landscape of biancane badlands erosion
forms generated on Plio-Pleistocene marine clay outcrops which is characterized by a high erosion rate. In the first step, a land cover map was obtained by image segmentation on the 1954 photographs and the patches classified as target habitats were used as a selection mask on the
2002 image. As a second step, a more detailed land cover map was created for the areas selected as masks in the previous step. Hence, the target
habitats that showed stability (persistence) between the two dates were excluded from the analysis, as well as the land cover classes not suitable
for restoration (broad-leaved forests, arable land, artificial and other agricultural areas). The selected sites, covered by four vegetation types in the 2002 land cover map, accounted for approximately 91 ha. The method focuses on selecting sites for restoration in order to reduce efforts and
negative impact and to maximize the restoration results.
GULLA' G. ; ANTRONICO L. ; IAQUINTA P. ; TERRANOVA O., 2008, Susceptibility and triggering scenarios at a regional scale for shallow landslides.,
Geomorphology (Amst.) 99 (2008): 39–58.,
Abstract
The work aims at identifying susceptible areas and pluviometric triggering scenarios at a regional scale ...
The work aims at identifying susceptible areas and pluviometric triggering scenarios at a regional scale in Calabria (Italy), with reference to
shallow landsliding events. The proposed methodology follows a statistical approach and uses a database linked to a GIS that has been created to
support the various steps of spatial data management and manipulation. The shallow landslide predisposing factors taken into account are derived
from (i) the 40-m digital terrain model of the region, an ~15,075 km2 extension; (ii) outcropping lithology; (iii) soils; and (iv) land use. More
precisely, a map of the slopes has been drawn from the digital terrain model. Two kinds of covers [prevalently coarse-grained (CG cover) or finegrained
(FG cover)] were identified, referring to the geotechnical characteristics of geomaterial covers and to the lithology map; soilscapes were
drawn from soil maps; and finally, the land use map was employed without any prior processing.
Subsequently, the inventory maps of some shallow landsliding events, totaling more than 30,000 instabilities of the past and detected by field
surveys and photo aerial restitution, were employed to calibrate the relative importance of these predisposing factors.
The use of single factors (first level analysis) therefore provides three different susceptibility maps. Second level analysis, however, enables
better location of areas susceptible to shallow landsliding events by crossing the single susceptibility maps.
On the basis of the susceptibility map obtained by the second level analysis, five different classes of susceptibility to shallow landsliding events
have been outlined over the regional territory_ 8.9% of the regional territory shows very high susceptibility, 14.3% high susceptibility, 15%
moderate susceptibility, 3.6% low susceptibility, and finally, about 58% very low susceptibility.
Finally, the maps of two significant shallow landsliding events of the past and their related rainfalls have been utilized to identify the relevant
pluviometric triggering scenarios. By using 205 daily rainfall series, different triggering pluviometric scenarios have been identified with reference
to CG and FG covers_ a value of 365 mm of the total rainfall of the event and/or 170 mm/d of the rainfall maximum intensity and a value of
325 mm of the total rainfall of the event and/or 158 mm/d of the rainfall maximum intensity are able to trigger shallow landsliding events for CG
and FG covers, respectively.
The results obtained from this study can help administrative authorities to plan future development activities and mitigation measures in
shallow landslide-prone areas. In addition, the proposed methodology can be useful in managing emergency situations at a regional scale for
shallow landsliding events triggered by intense rainfalls; through this approach, the susceptibility and the pluviometric triggering scenario maps
will be improved by means of finer calibration of the involved factors.
F. Ungaro; F. Ragazzi; R. Cappellin; P. Giandon, 2008, Arsenic concentration in the soils of the Brenta Plain (Northern Italy): mapping the probability of exceeding contamination threshold.,
Journal of geochemical exploration 96 (2008): 117–131. doi_10.1016/j.gexplo.2007.03.006,
DOI: 10.1016%2Fj.gexplo.2007.03.006
Abstract
Traditional geochemical mapping is of little help when the uncertainty associated with the estimated values ...
Traditional geochemical mapping is of little help when the uncertainty associated with the estimated values at unsampled locations is required to support decision making. In the Brenta Plain in Northeastern Italy (1350 km2), soils are characterized by a pedo-geochemical background value for arsenic which is higher (36 mg kg- 1) than the regulatory threshold (20 mg kg- 1), and it can prove difficult to distinguish between geogenic enrichment and anthropogenic pollution. A simple indicator kriging with varying local means calibrated on the soil map 1_50,000 was used to infer the local conditional cumulative distribution function (ccdf) of As concentration in topsoil (0-40 cm) and subsoil (70-120 cm). The use of local uncertainty models based on the estimated ccdf allowed the assessment of the probabilities to exceed critical thresholds. At the probability levels corresponding to the observed marginal probabilities of values above the regulatory threshold, and using the local background values as reference thresholds, it was found that As concentrations exceed these values at 9 and 7% of the interpolated locations, respectively, for topsoil and subsoil. The computation of the top enrichment factor (TEF), calculated as the ratio between topsoil and subsoil estimated concentrations, and its combination with the probability map of exceeding the usual background value for topsoil, allowed the identification of areas affected by anthropogenic As enrichment, which characterize about 6% of the study area.
Salvador Sanchis M.P.; Torri D.; Borselli L.; and Poesen J., 2008, Climate Effects on Soil Erodibility,
Earth surface processes and landforms (Print) 33 (2008): 1082–1097. doi_10.1002/esp.1604,
DOI: 10.1002%2Fesp.1604
Abstract
Soil erodibility data, calculated using measured soil loss from standard runoff plots, collected over at ...
Soil erodibility data, calculated using measured soil loss from standard runoff plots, collected over at least one year and applying the standard requirements for calculating the soil erodibility factor (K) of the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE), have been analysed to investigate whether climate affects the susceptibility of soils to water erosion. In total, more than 300 K-values extracted from the literature have been analysed. Due to the limited availability of data related to the characteristics of the soil and the location of the measuring sites, all the analysis has been carried out using only soil textural characteristics, organic matter content, rock fragment content and the some general characteristics of the climatic zone where the plots were located.
The first evidence of a strong climate effect on soil erodibility is shown by the seasonal variation of mean monthly soil erodibility (K(m)). Using data collected in the USA and Italy an effect of mean monthly air temperature on K(m) could be identified. Data collected in Indonesia (where mean monthly air temperature remains fairly constant throughout the year) showed comparable variations of monthly soil erodibility. However, it was impossible to explain these variations in K(m) as no other data than mean monthly air temperature were available.
Mean annual soil erodibility shows a clear climate effect. Soil erodibilities can be subdivided into two large groups, one corresponding to soils in cool climates (Df and Cf climate according to the Koppen-Geiger climate classification) and another to soils located in warm climates (tropical Af and Aw climates). Erodibilities of Mediterranean soils (found under Cs climate) plot among the soils found in Af and Aw climates. These subdivisions can be made for both stony and non-stony soils. Limited data suggest that soil aggregate stability is a good predictor for explaining soil erodibility variations between different climate zones
Guzzetti F.; Ardizzone F.; Cardinali M.; Galli M.; Reichenbach P.; Rossi M., 2008, Distribution of landslides in the Upper Tiber River basin, Central Italy,
Geomorphology (Amst.) 96 (2008): 105–122. doi_10.1016/j.geomorph.2007.07.015,
DOI: 10.1016%2Fj.geomorph.2007.07.015
Abstract
A comprehensive analysis of the distribution of landslides was completed in the Upper Tiber River ...
A comprehensive analysis of the distribution of landslides was completed in the Upper Tiber River basin, central Italy. Landslide occurrence was ascertained through a large-scale inventory obtained through air-photo-interpretation (API) and local field surveys. Lithological and bedding information was obtained through photo-geological and field mapping, aided by the review of geological maps and reports. The probability density of landslide areas was found comparable to statistics obtained by investigators in other areas of the world. Adoption of empirical relationships to link landslide area and volume allowed estimating the total volume of landslide material in the 4098 km 2 catchment in excess of 5.9 x 10(9) m(3). Statistics of terrain elevation and slope in stable areas were found different from those in landslide areas. In particular, modal terrain slope in landslide areas was less steep (11.9 degrees) than that in areas where landslides were not mapped (13.3 degrees). Analysis of the landslide and slope areas revealed that a relationship exists between the size of the slope and the size of the most common landslide. Analysis of the spatial relationship between landslides and the geological setting revealed that slope failures are most abundant where soft and weak rocks crop out, and where bedding is chaotic or disorganized. Where rocks are regularly bedded, landslide abundance is largest in dip-slopes. These new findings are important to understand the long-term evolution of the Upper Tiber River basin, and may prove useful in the assessment of landslide hazard and risk. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Galli M.; Ardizzone F.; Cardinali M.; Guzzetti F.; Reichenbach P., 2008, Comparing landslide inventory maps,
Geomorphology (Amst.) 94 (2008): 268–289. doi_10.1016/j.geomorph.2006.09.023,
DOI: 10.1016%2Fj.geomorph.2006.09.023
Abstract
Landslide inventory maps are effective and easily understandable products for both experts, such as geomorphologists, ...
Landslide inventory maps are effective and easily understandable products for both experts, such as geomorphologists, and for non experts, including decision-makers, planners, and civil defense managers. Landslide inventories are essential to understand the evolution of landscapes, and to ascertain landslide susceptibility and hazard. Despite landslide maps being compiled every year in the word at different scales, limited efforts are made to critically compare landslide maps prepared using different techniques or by different investigators. Based on the experience gained in 20 years of landslide mapping in Italy, and on the limited literature on landslide inventory assessment, we propose a general framework for the quantitative comparison of landslide inventory maps. To test the proposed framework we exploit three inventory maps. The first map is a reconnaissance landslide inventory prepared for the Umbria region, in central Italy. The second map is a detailed geomorphological landslide map, also prepared for the Umbria region. The third map is a multi-temporal landslide inventory compiled for the Collazzone area, in central Umbria. Results of the experiment allow for establishing how well the individual inventories describe the location, type and abundance of landslides, to what extent the landslide maps can be used to determine the frequency-area statistics of the slope failures, and the significance of the inventory maps as predictors of landslide susceptibility. We further use the results obtained in the Collazzone area to estimate the quality and completeness of the two regional landslide inventory maps, and to outline general advantages and limitations of the techniques used to complete the inventories.
DESCHEEMAEKER K. J. POESEN, L. BORSELLI, J. NYSSEN, D. RAES, M. HAILE, B. MUYS, J. DECKERS., 2008, Runoff curve numbers for steep hillslopes with natural vegetation in semi-arid tropical highlands, northern Ethiopia,
Hydrological processes (Print) 22 (2008): 4097–4105.,
Abstract
Daily runoff from 27 plots (5 m × 2 m) recorded during two rainy seasons ...
Daily runoff from 27 plots (5 m × 2 m) recorded during two rainy seasons in the Tigray highlands (Ethiopia) were analysed together with daily rainfall to calculate runoff curve numbers for hillslopes covered by semi-natural vegetation in varying stages of vegetation restoration. Curve number model parameters were derived using a least squares fitting procedure on the collected rainfall-runoff datasets. Curve numbers varied from 29 to 97. Land use type was an important explanatory factor for the variation in curve numbers, whereas hydrologic soil group was not. Curve numbers were negatively correlated with vegetation cover. Taking into account antecedent soil moisture conditions did not improve runoff prediction using the curve number method. As runoff prediction was less accurate in areas with low curve numbers, two separate regression functions relating curve numbers with vegetation cover were proposed for different land use types.
Chiarle M. (1), Cordola M. (2), Fischer L. (3), Huggel C. (3), Kaab A. (4), Mortara G. (1), Semino P. (5), Tamburini A. (6), Viazzo G. (7), Federici P. (6), 2007, Molteplicità di rischi associati all’attività geodinamica in atto sul versante Est del Monte Rosa (Val d’Ossola),
Ambiente geomorfologico e attività dell'uomo: Risorse, rischi, impatti, pp. 36–37, Università degli Studi di Torino, 28-30/03/2007,
Abstract
La testata della Valle Anzasca, dominata dalla grande parete nord orientale del Monte Rosa, da ...
La testata della Valle Anzasca, dominata dalla grande parete nord orientale del Monte Rosa, da alcuni anni denuncia una straordinaria attività geodinamica che non trova paragoni nelle Alpi. Fenomeni di varia natura ed intensità hanno drasticamente modificato la parete e l'intero apparato glaciale del Belvedere inducendo talora situazioni di rischio anche molto elevato, tali da richiedere l'intervento del Dipartimento della Protezione Civile. La complessità e la concatenazione dei fenomeni sta impegnando da più anni un gruppo di lavoro pluridisciplinare italo-svizzero e ha richiesto la predisposizione di un articolato, oneroso piano di indagini svolte in un ambiente severo e sorprendentemente dinamico.
Tagliavini F.; Mantovani M.; Marcato G.; Pasuto A.; Silvano S., 2007, Validation of landslide hazard assessment by means of GPS monitoring technique – A case study in the Dolomites (Eastern Alps, Italy),
Natural hazards and earth system sciences (Online) 7 (2007): 185–193.,
Abstract
In the last years a research project aimed at the assessment of the landslide hazard ...
In the last years a research project aimed at the assessment of the landslide hazard and susceptibility in the high Cordevole river basin (Eastern Dolomites, Italy) have been carried out. The hazard map was made adopting the Swiss Confederation semi-deterministic approach that takes into account parameters such as velocity, geometry and frequency of landslides. Usually these parameters are collected by means of geological and morphological surveys, historical archive researches, aerophotogrammetric analysis etc. In this framework however the dynamics of an instable slope can be difficult to determine. This work aims at illustrating some progress in landslide hazard assessment using a modified version of the Swiss Confederation semi-deterministic approach in which the values of some parameters have been refined in order to accomplish more reliable results in hazard assessment. A validation of the accuracy of these new values, using GPS and inclinometric measurements, has been carried out on a test site located inside the high Cordevole river basin.
Gabriele S. (1), Tansi C. (1), Chiaravalloti F. (2), Fòlino-Gallo M. (2), Micieli M. (2), 2007, Progetto A.M.A.Mi.R. – Azioni di Monitoraggio Avanzato per la Mitigazione del Rischio Idrogeologico nel Comune di San Martino di Finita (CS): carta geomorfologica,
2007,
Buttafuoco, G.; Caloiero, T.; Coscarelli, R.; Ferrari, E.; Mancini, M., 2007, Serie storiche di dati pluviometrici calabresi e loro correlazioni con indici climatici globali,
Siccità: dall'emergenza alla gestione del rischio, Taormina (ME), 29-30 Novembre 2007,
DEL GAUDIO V., WASOWSKI J., VENISTI N. & PIERRI P., 2007, Response of landslide-prone hillslopes to seismic shaking_ evidence of amplification and spectral polarization from an accelerometric monitoring network at Caramanico Terme (Italy),
Proceedings 1st North American Landslide Conference, Vail, Colorado (U.S.A.), 3-8 June 2007,
Coccia S., Del Gaudio V., Gallipoli M.R., Mucciarelli M., Wasowski J., 2007, Identificazione di direzionalità nella risposta di sito dall’analisi spettrale di microtremori,
GNGTS 26° Convegno Nazionale, Roma, 2007,
Wasowski J., Ferretti A., 2007, Detecting site instability hazards with SAR interferometry.,
New Developments and Challenges in Remote Sensing, pp. 707–713, 2007,
