Pubblicazioni
Publications found: 7385
Analysis of monthly rainfall trend in Calabria (southern Italy) through the application of statistical and graphical techniques
Caloiero T, Coscarelli R, Ferrari E,, 2018, Analysis of monthly rainfall trend in Calabria (southern Italy) through the application of statistical and graphical techniques,
Proceedings (MDPI) 2 (2018). doi_10.3390/proceedings2110629,
DOI: 10.3390%2Fproceedings2110629
Abstract
One of the most evident consequences of global atmospheric warming is the modification of the ...
One of the most evident consequences of global atmospheric warming is the modification of the water cycle. Precipitation plays a crucial role in the process and its variations can affect water resources, natural environments and human activities. In this paper, an investigation of the temporal rainfall variability in the Calabria region (southern Italy) has been carried out using a homogeneous and gap-filled monthly rainfall dataset of 129 rain gauges with more than 50 years of observation in the period 1951-2006. Possible trends in monthly and annual rainfall values have been detected by means of the Mann-Kendall test and of a new graphical technique (?en's method), which allows the trend identification of the low, medium and high values of a series. As a result, a different behavior of both the highest and the lowest rainfall values emerged among the five Rainfall Zones (RZs) that were considered in the analysis. Moreover, from the comparison of the trend methodologies, different trends results (increasing, decreasing, or trendless time series) have been identified. In particular, this study shows that the ?en's method could be successfully used in the evaluation of peak and low values of data for the trend analysis of rainfall values.
Occurrence probabilities of wet and dry periods in Southern Italy through the SPI evaluated on synthetic monthly precipitation series
Caloiero T.; Sirangelo B.; Coscarelli R.; Ferrari E., 2018, Occurrence probabilities of wet and dry periods in Southern Italy through the SPI evaluated on synthetic monthly precipitation series,
Water (Basel) 10 (2018). doi_10.3390/w10030336,
DOI: 10.3390%2Fw10030336
Abstract
The present article investigates dry and wet periods in a large area of the Mediterranean ...
The present article investigates dry and wet periods in a large area of the Mediterranean basin. First, a stochastic model was applied to a homogeneous database of monthly precipitation values of 46 rain gauges in five regions of southern Italy. In particular, after estimating the model parameters, a set of 104 years of monthly precipitation for each rain gauge was generated by means of a Monte Carlo technique. Then, dry and wet periods were analyzed through the application of the standardized precipitation index (SPI) over 3-month and 6-month timespan (short-term) and 12-month and 24-month period (long-term). As a result of the SPI application on the generated monthly precipitation series, higher occurrence probabilities of dry conditions than wet conditions have been detected, especially when long-term precipitation scales are considered.
Sopralluogo in aree frana_ Sopralluoghi sul terreno (Val d’Agri) e analisi multi-temporale foto aeree – Monografia operativa AGRI 1 V.3
Giordan Daniele, Cignetti Martina, Godone Danilo, Notti Davide, Allasia Paolo, Cardinali Mauro, Fiorucci Federica, Santangelo Michele, Bucci Francesco, 2018, Sopralluogo in aree frana_ Sopralluoghi sul terreno (Val d’Agri) e analisi multi-temporale foto aeree – Monografia operativa AGRI 1 V.3,
2018,
Abstract
Report tecnico per l'analisi dell'interazione tra i fenomeni franosi e le strutture di estrazione e ...
Report tecnico per l'analisi dell'interazione tra i fenomeni franosi e le strutture di estrazione e trasferimento degli idrocarburi della concessione petrolifera in Val d'Agri, Basilicata
Recent innovations in hazard and risk analysis
Iovine, Giulio (1); Aubrecht, Christoph (2); Cohen, Denis (3); Pastor, Manuel (4), 2018, Recent innovations in hazard and risk analysis,
Natural hazards (Dordr.) 91 (2018): S1–S5. doi_10.1007/s11069-018-3274-3,
Economic Losses for Rural Land Value Due to Landslides
Veronica Zumpano1,2, Luca Pisano1,3*, ?iga Malek4, Mihai Micu2, Pietro P. C. Aucelli 5, Carmen M. Rosskopf 3, Dan Balteanu2 and Mario Parise 1,6, 2018, Economic Losses for Rural Land Value Due to Landslides,
Frontiers in Earth Sciences 6 (2018). doi_10.3389/feart.2018.00097,
DOI: 10.3389%2Ffeart.2018.00097
Abstract
A high dynamic environment is typically interested by changes affecting the natural
processes and their related ...
A high dynamic environment is typically interested by changes affecting the natural
processes and their related consequences. Landslides do not only alter the landscape,
but substantially affect human activities. When it comes to natural hazards, landslides
have been acknowledged as one of the main causes of human casualties or damage
to assets. Furthermore, economic losses to rural lands are also significant, despite often
being underrated, especially in rural areas. In not densely populated territories, the main
productive activities are in fact often based on the agricultural and pastoral resources.
We intend to propose a methodology that helps to investigate the potential loss of value
(expressed in e) of lands usually exploited for economical profit in rural areas.We test the
method on two case studies, belonging to different European Countries with very different
economical assets and geological, geomorphological, and environmental conditions.
The first study area is located in the Southern Italian Apennines, in the Molise region,
while the second area is located in Buzau County, a region belonging to the Romanian
Curvature Carpathians and Subcarpathians. Our analysis is focused not only on the
actual situation, represented by the past and present landslides, but also on potential
future scenarios for 2050. The scenarios foresee future similar socio-economical and
technological activities, with no major changes expected. The loss estimation is based
on the presence of landslides affecting the rural lands, but it also considers both a present
and future landslide susceptibility scenario. This procedure allowed the estimation of
the economic losses in the two case-study areas, highlighting how the same natural
processes might result in different economical consequences. Following our approach,
the results highlight that for the Italian case study there is a loss of 10.4% for 2007
and 9.9% for 2050 of the total land value as concerns landslides susceptibility. In the
Romanian case study, on the other hand, the loss corresponds to 29.6 and 29.8% for
2010 and 2050, respectively. In addition, the proposed procedure could be considered a
valuable methodological approach to assess landslide-induced economic losses, and be
effectively used during spatial planning activities, aimed at supporting decision makers
for a more sustainable land management.
Soil moisture remote-sensing applications for identification of flood-prone areas along transport infrastructure
Ahlmer A.-K.; Cavalli M.; Hansson K.; Koutsouris A.J.; Crema S.; Kalantari Z., 2018, Soil moisture remote-sensing applications for identification of flood-prone areas along transport infrastructure,
Environmental earth sciences (Print) 77 (2018). doi_10.1007/s12665-018-7704-z,
DOI: 10.1007%2Fs12665-018-7704-z
Abstract
The expected increase in precipitation and temperature in Scandinavia, and especially short-time heavy precipitation, will ...
The expected increase in precipitation and temperature in Scandinavia, and especially short-time heavy precipitation, will increase the frequency of flooding. Urban areas are the most vulnerable, and specifically, the road infrastructure. The accumulation of large volumes of water and sediments on road-stream intersections gets severe consequences for the road drainage structures. This study integrates the spatial and temporal soil moisture properties into the research about flood prediction methods by a case study of two areas in Sweden, Västra Götaland and Värmland, which was affected by severe flooding in August 2014. Soil moisture data are derived from remote-sensing techniques, with a focus on the soil moisture-specific satellites ASCAT and SMOS. Furthermore, several physical catchments descriptors (PCDs) are analyzed and the result shows that larger slopes and drainage density, in general, mean a higher risk of flooding. The precipitation is the same; however, it can be concluded that more precipitation in most cases gives higher soil moisture values. The lack, or the dimensioning, of road drainage structures seems to have a large impact on the flood risk as more sediment and water can be accumulated at the road-stream intersection. The results show that the method implementing soil moisture satellite data is promising for improving the reliability of flooding.
INDAGINE PRELIMINARE SULLA SITUAZIONE AMBIENTALE NELL’INTORNO DELL’IMPIANTO COMPLESSO PER LA GESTIONE DEI RIFIUTI SOLIDI URBANI UBICATO IN CONTRADA MARTUCCI NEL COMUNE DI CONVERSANO (BA) – Rapporto tecnico quarta campagna di indagini
Pier Paolo Limoni
Livia Zuffianò
Maurizio Polemio, 2018, INDAGINE PRELIMINARE SULLA SITUAZIONE AMBIENTALE NELL’INTORNO DELL’IMPIANTO COMPLESSO PER LA GESTIONE DEI RIFIUTI SOLIDI URBANI UBICATO IN CONTRADA MARTUCCI NEL COMUNE DI CONVERSANO (BA) – Rapporto tecnico quarta campagna di indagini,
2018,
Abstract
INDAGINE PRELIMINARE SULLA SITUAZIONE AMBIENTALE NELL'INTORNO DELL'IMPIANTO COMPLESSO PER LA GESTIONE DEI RIFIUTI SOLIDI URBANI ...
INDAGINE PRELIMINARE SULLA SITUAZIONE AMBIENTALE NELL'INTORNO DELL'IMPIANTO COMPLESSO PER LA GESTIONE DEI RIFIUTI SOLIDI URBANI UBICATO IN CONTRADA MARTUCCI NEL COMUNE DI CONVERSANO (BA) - Rapporto tecnico quarta campagna di indagini
STUDIO IDROGEOLOGICO PER L’ANALISI DI RISCHIO PER LA DISCARICA SITA IN LOCALITÀ CONTRADA MARTUCCI, COMUNE DI CONVERSANO (BARI) – IV Relazione Tecnica di progresso
Limoni Pier Paolo
Polemio Maurizio
Zuffianò Livia Emanuela, 2018, STUDIO IDROGEOLOGICO PER L’ANALISI DI RISCHIO PER LA DISCARICA SITA IN LOCALITÀ CONTRADA MARTUCCI, COMUNE DI CONVERSANO (BARI) – IV Relazione Tecnica di progresso,
2018,
Abstract
STUDIO IDROGEOLOGICO PER L'ANALISI DI RISCHIO PER LA DISCARICA SITA IN LOCALITÀ CONTRADA MARTUCCI, COMUNE ...
STUDIO IDROGEOLOGICO PER L'ANALISI DI RISCHIO PER LA DISCARICA SITA IN LOCALITÀ CONTRADA MARTUCCI, COMUNE DI CONVERSANO (BARI) - IV Relazione Tecnica di progresso
RAPPORTO TECNICO – LABORATORIO DI FOTOINTERPRETAZIONE E CARTOGRAFIA
Barnaba Fabio, Pisano Luca, 2018, RAPPORTO TECNICO – LABORATORIO DI FOTOINTERPRETAZIONE E CARTOGRAFIA,
2018,
Abstract
Rapporto tecnico dalla costituzione del Laboratorio fino a Maggio 2018 ...
Rapporto tecnico dalla costituzione del Laboratorio fino a Maggio 2018
An International Program on Silk Road Disaster Risk Reduction – a Belt and Road Initiative, 2016-2020
Lei, Y., Cui, P., Regmi, A.D., Murray, V., Pasuto, A., Titti, G., Shafique, M., Priyadarshana, T., 2018, An International Program on Silk Road Disaster Risk Reduction – a Belt and Road Initiative, 2016-2020,
Journal of Mountain Science 15 (2018): 1383–1396. doi_10.1007s11629-018-4842-4,
Abstract
Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a Chinese national strategy which calls for cooperative economic, ...
Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a Chinese national strategy which calls for cooperative economic, political and cultural exchange at the global level along the ancient Silk Road. The overwhelming natural hazards located along the belt and road bring great challenges to the success of BRI. In this framework, a 5-year international program was launched to address issues related to hazards assessment and disaster risk reduction (DRR). The first workshop of this program was held in Beijing with international experts from over 15 countries. Risk conditions on Belt and Road Countries (BRCs) have been shared and science and technology advancements on DRR have been disseminated during the workshop. Under this program, six task forces have been setup to carry out collaborative research works and three prioritized study areas have been established. This workshop announced the launching of this program which involved partners from different countries including Pakistan, Nepal, Russia, Italy, United Kingdom, Sri Lanka and Tajikistan. The program adopted the objectives of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 and United Nation Sustainable Development Goals 2030 and was implemented to assess disaster risk in BRCs and to propose suitable measures for disaster control which can be appropriate both for an individual country and for specific sites. This paper deals with the outcomes of the workshop and points out opportunities for the near future international cooperation on this matter.
An integrated study to evaluate debris flow hazard in alpine environment
Tiranti D., Crema S., Cavalli M., Deangeli C., 2018, An integrated study to evaluate debris flow hazard in alpine environment,
Frontiers in Earth Sciences 6 (2018). doi_10.3389/feart.2018.00060,
DOI: 10.3389%2Ffeart.2018.00060
Abstract
Debris flows are among the most dangerous natural processes affecting the alpine environment due to ...
Debris flows are among the most dangerous natural processes affecting the alpine environment due to their magnitude (volume of transported material) and the long runout. The presence of structures and infrastructures on alluvial fans can lead to severe problems in terms of interactions between debris flows and human activities. Risk mitigation in these areas requires identifying the magnitude, triggers, and propagation of debris flows. Here, we propose an integrated methodology to characterize these phenomena. The methodology consists of three complementary procedures. Firstly, we adopt a classification method based on the propensity of the catchment bedrocks to produce clayey-grained material. The classification allows us to identify the most likely rheology of the process. Secondly, we calculate a sediment connectivity index to estimate the topographic control on the possible coupling between the sediment source areas and the catchment channel network. This step allows for the assessment of the debris supply, which is most likely available for the channelized processes. Finally, with the data obtained in the previous steps, we modeled the propagation and depositional pattern of debris flows with a 3D code based on Cellular Automata. The results of the numerical runs allowus to identify the depositional patterns and the areas potentially involved in the flow processes. This integrated methodology is applied to a test-bed catchment located in Northwestern Alps. The results indicate that this approach can be regarded as a useful tool to estimate debris flow related potential hazard scenarios in an alpine environment in an expeditious way without possessing an exhaustive knowledge of the investigated catchment, including data on historical debris flow events. ? 2018 Tiranti, Crema, Cavalli and Deangeli.
Alluvial fan shifts and stream captures driven by extensional tectonics in central Italy
Francesco Mirabella, Francesco Bucci, Michele Santangelo, Mauro Cardinali,
Grazia Caielli, Roberto De Franco, Fausto Guzzetti & Massimiliano R. Barchi, 2018, Alluvial fan shifts and stream captures driven by extensional tectonics in central Italy,
Journal of the Geological Society (Lond.) (2018). doi_10.1144/jgs2017-138,
Abstract
Subsidence over the last 0.78 myr of a basin in central Italy bounded by a ...
Subsidence over the last 0.78 myr of a basin in central Italy bounded by a normal fault caused the deactivation and uplift of an Early-Middle Pleistocene alluvial fan at the fault footwall. Uplift of the fan occurred with a basin-bounding fault slip-rate of the order of 0.2 mm a-1. Subsidence resulted in the reorganization of the river network due to a fall in base level, which triggered headward erosion, stream piracy effects and drainage inversion. The mapped river inversions and catchment piracy were related to the distribution of a quantile regression of 134 alluvial fans v. basin areas. Despite the fact that the two parameters werewell fitted by a power law relationship, all the fans corresponding to the captured rivers lay above the regression line (in the fan area field), whereas those corresponding to the capturing rivers were below the regression line (in the basin area field). We propose a general model of alluvial fan growth in active extensional settings that helps to interpret this scatter of fan v. basin area distribution and to identify the most active fault segments. Such an approach can better constrain fault activity in a time window that bridges long-term deformation and the present day deformation inferred from geodesy and/or seismology, increasing our understanding of the steadiness/unsteadiness behaviour of faults.
Effects of agricultural drainage systems on sediment connectivity in a small Mediterranean lowland catchment
Calsamiglia A., Garcia-Comendador J., Fortesa J., Lopez-Tarazon J.A., Crema S., Cavalli M., Calvo-Cases A., Estrany J., 2018, Effects of agricultural drainage systems on sediment connectivity in a small Mediterranean lowland catchment,
Geomorphology (Amst.) 318 (2018): 162–171. doi_10.1016/j.geomorph.2018.06.011,
DOI: 10.1016%2Fj.geomorph.2018.06.011
Abstract
Traditional drainage systems combining man-made channels and subsurface tile drains have been used since Roman ...
Traditional drainage systems combining man-made channels and subsurface tile drains have been used since Roman times to control water excess in Mediterranean lowland regions, favouring adequate soil water regime for agriculture purposes. However, mechanization of agriculture, abandonment or land use changes lead to a progressive deterioration of these drains in the last decades. The effects of these structures on hydrological and sediment dynamics have been previously analyzed in a small Mediterranean lowland catchment (Can Revull, Mallorca, Spain, 1.4 km2) by establishing an integrated sediment budget with a multi-technique approach. Moreover, the recent advances in morphometric techniques enable the completion of this analysis by the accurate identification of active areas (i.e. sources, pathway links, and sinks) and improve the understanding of (de-)coupling mechanisms of water and sediment linkages. In this study, the Borselli's index of connectivity (IC; Cavalli et al. (2013)'s version) derived from a LiDAR-based high resolution DEM (>1 pt m-2; RMSE < 0.2 m) was used to evaluate the spatial patterns of sediment connectivity of the catchment under two different scenarios_ (1) the current scenario, including an accurate representation of the 3800 m of artificial channels and levees (CS - Channelled Scenario), and (2) a hypothetical scenario in which these anthropogenic features were removed (US - Unchannelled Scenario). Design and configuration of the drainage system in Can Revull generated changes favouring lateral decoupling between different compartments, with hillslopes-floodplain and floodplain-channels relationships, showing a general decrease of IC values, and high longitudinal connectivity along the artificial channel network. Field observations corroborated these results_ structures enabled rapid drainage of the water excess also promoting low surface runoff within the field crops, proving to be an effective management practice for erosion control in agricultural Mediterranean lowland catchments. By contrast, US demonstrated that the abandonment of the current agricultural practices and the subsequent destruction of the drainage system could lead the higher soil loss rates owning to more intense/effective processes of sediment connectivity. ? 2018 Elsevier B.V.
Sulphuric acid geofluid contribution on thermal carbonate coastal springs (Italy)
L. E. Zuffianò · M. Polemio · R. Laviano · G. De Giorgio · M. Pallara · P. P. Limoni · F. Santaloia, 2018, Sulphuric acid geofluid contribution on thermal carbonate coastal springs (Italy),
Environmental earth sciences (Internet) 77 (2018). doi_10.1007/s12665-018-7688-8,
DOI: 10.1007%2Fs12665-018-7688-8
Abstract
Hypogenic caves, developed by sulphuric acid speleogenesis, are known all over the world among which ...
Hypogenic caves, developed by sulphuric acid speleogenesis, are known all over the world among which the Santa Cesarea Terme caves have been included. They are four submerged caves, located along a coastal carbonate sector in Southern Italy and hosting the outflow of coastal springs of thermal mixed waters (from 21 to 33 °C). These waters derive from the mixing of three water end members_ the fresh pure groundwater of a wide karstic aquifer, the deep sulphur thermal water and the seawater. This cave system represents an almost unique case of hypogenic sea caves in carbonate environment. The thermal mixed waters have a different effect on the surrounding rocks of the caves, influencing the sulphuric acid speleogenetic process within the whole cave system. To understand the complex and overlapping natural processes acting on the development
of these coastal caves, a multidisciplinary study has been carried out. This study has integrated all the data resulting from different methods and technologies, merging morphology, structural geology, hydrogeology, hydrogeochemistry and mineralogy. This multidisciplinary study has allowed to define the main geochemical processes acting within these caves, including the cave development and the formation of the mineral concretions. After the introduction of H2S in the thermal waters, formed by the reduction of sulphates in the sedimentary deposits crossed at depth in the offshore, the oxidation occurs within the caves, producing sulphuric acid. Favoured by upwelling deep-seated thermal flows, this acid dissolves the limestone, with condensation corrosion process that involve replacement of limestone rock with gypsum. This process has resulted to be more active and remarkable within the Gattulla Cave, one of the Santa Cesarea Terme sea caves.
Estimation of the susceptibility of a road network to shallow landslides with the integration of the sediment connectivity
Bordoni, Massimiliano; Persichillo, M. Giuseppina; Meisina, Claudia; Crema, Stefano; Cavalli, Marco; Bartelletti, Carlotta; Galanti, Yuri; Barsanti, Michele; Giannecchini, Roberto; D'Amato Avanzi, Giacomo, 2018, Estimation of the susceptibility of a road network to shallow landslides with the integration of the sediment connectivity,
Natural hazards and earth system sciences (Print) 18 (2018): 1735–1758. doi_10.5194/nhess-18-1735-2018,
DOI: 10.5194%2Fnhess-18-1735-2018
Abstract
Landslides cause severe damage to the road network of the hit zone, in terms of ...
Landslides cause severe damage to the road network of the hit zone, in terms of both direct (partial or complete destruction of a road or blockages) and indirect (traffic restriction or the cut-off of a certain area) costs. Thus, the identification of the parts of the road network that are more susceptible to landslides is fundamental to reduce the risk to the population potentially exposed and the financial expense caused by the damage. For these reasons, this paper aimed to develop and test a data-driven model for the identification of road sectors that are susceptible to being hit by shallow landslides triggered in slopes upstream from the infrastructure. This model was based on the Generalized Additive Method, where the function relating predictors and response variable is an empirically fitted smooth function that allows fitting the data in the more likely functional form, considering also non-linear relations. This work also analyzed the importance, on the estimation of the susceptibility, of considering or not the sediment connectivity, which influences the path and the travel distance of the materials mobilized by a slope failure until hitting a potential barrier such as a road. The study was carried out in a catchment of northeastern Oltrepo Pavese (northern Italy), where several shallow landslides affected roads in the last 8 years. The most significant explanatory variables were selected by a random partition of the available dataset in two parts (training and test subsets), 100 times according to a bootstrap procedure. These variables (selected 80 times by the bootstrap procedure) were used to build the final susceptibility model, the accuracy of which was estimated through a 100-fold repetition of the holdout method for regression, based on the training and test sets created through the 100 bootstrap model selection. The presented methodology allows the identification, in a robust and reliable way, of the most susceptible road sectors that could be hit by sediments delivered by landslides. The best predictive capability was obtained using a model in which the index of connectivity was also calculated according to a linear relationship, was considered. Most susceptible road traits resulted to be located below steep slopes with a limited height (lower than 50 m), where sediment connectivity is high. Different land use scenarios were considered in order to estimate possible changes in road susceptibility. Land use classes of the study area were characterized by similar connectivity features. As a consequence, variations on the susceptibility of the road network according to different scenarios of distribution of land cover were limited. The results of this research demonstrate the ability of the developed methodology in the assessment of susceptible roads. This could give the managers of infrastructure information about the criticality of the different road traits, thereby allowing attention and economic budgets to be shifted towards the most critical assets, where structural and non-structural mitigation measures could be implemented.
Monitoring rock spreading processes in the San Leo norh face (northen Apennines, Italy)
Borgatti L., Lucente C.C., Marcato G., Petronici F., Tedesco G., 2018, Monitoring rock spreading processes in the San Leo norh face (northen Apennines, Italy),
6 Congresso nazionale AIGA, pp. 83–84, curmayeur, 27-29/06/2018,
Hydrogeological modelling of the fractured aquifer in the S.Lorenzo road tunnel area (Passo della Morte, Udine)
Petronici F., Piccinini L., Marcato G., Tedesco G., Borgatti L., 2018, Hydrogeological modelling of the fractured aquifer in the S.Lorenzo road tunnel area (Passo della Morte, Udine),
6 Congresso nazionale AIGA, pp. 12–13, Courmayeur, 27-29/06/2018,
Numerical models for planning landslide risk mitigation strategies in iconic but unstable landscapes_ The case of Cinque Torri (Dolomites, Italy)
Viero, Alessia; Viero, Alessia; Kuraoka, Senro; Borgatti, Lisa; Breda, Anna; Marcato, Gianluca; Preto, Nereo; Galgaro, Antonio, 2018, Numerical models for planning landslide risk mitigation strategies in iconic but unstable landscapes_ The case of Cinque Torri (Dolomites, Italy),
Engineering geology 240 (2018): 163–174. doi_10.1016/j.enggeo.2018.03.018,
DOI: 10.1016%2Fj.enggeo.2018.03.018
Abstract
This study deals with the numerical modelling of large deep-seated instability processes affecting the Cinque ...
This study deals with the numerical modelling of large deep-seated instability processes affecting the Cinque Torri Group (Dolomites, Italy), which is a UNESCO World heritage site. The aim is to evaluate the role of intrinsic causal factors and to assess the failure mechanism proposed in previous investigations. The geological model is based on topographic, geological and geomechanical surveys, complemented with mineralogical, physical and geotechnical lab analyses for parameters determination. The numerical simulations have been carried out using a Distinct Element Method code on conceptual and site-specific slope models. A series of parametric analyses have been performed to characterize the role of the different predisposing factors potentially related with the ongoing rock spreading_ i) load of the rocky pinnacles; ii) lithology, stratigraphy and attitude of the geological units; iii) discontinuity sets in the rock mass; iv) degradation of the mechanical properties. The results of this study suggest that the shear zone initiation is controlled by stress concentration due to the loading of the dolomitic pinnacles, whereas its shape appears to be structurally controlled by the dip-slope attitude of bedding in clay-rich mudstones. The interpretation of the modelling results has provided a better understanding of the ongoing deformation process, which can help in targeting effective and low-impact landslide risk mitigation strategies in this iconic landscape.
Monitoring of subsidence in the lowland area between the Piave and Livenza rivers using A-DInSAR techniques
Mario Floris,
Alessandro Fontana,
Gabriele Fontanel,
Matteo Mantovani,
Alessandro Pasuto,
Livio Ronchi,
Giulia Bossi,
Paolo Riccardi,
Giulia Tessari,, 2018, Monitoring of subsidence in the lowland area between the Piave and Livenza rivers using A-DInSAR techniques,
6° Congresso Nazionale AIGA 2018, pp. 29–29, Courmayeur, 27-29/06/2018,
Abstract
Space-borne SAR data acquired by ERS 1/2, ENVISAT, COSMO-SkyMed and Sentinel-1 missions from 1992 to ...
Space-borne SAR data acquired by ERS 1/2, ENVISAT, COSMO-SkyMed and Sentinel-1 missions from 1992 to 2017 were processed through both PS-InSAR and SBAS techniques to evaluate the rate of subsidence affecting the lowland area between the Piave and Livenza rivers (about 250 square kilometers). The plain was formed by the interplay between the fluvial system of the rivers and lagoon and marine environments.
Velocity maps and time series of displacements were compared to ancillary data such as geological and geomorphological maps, orthophotos and satellite images collected between 1988 and 2015. Five subareas were analyzed in detail, investigating the relationships between the change in land cover and/or the spatial variation of geological and geomorphological features and the different rates of displacement.
The main aims of this study are to test DInSAR techniques as a tool for geological and geomorphological mapping and to verify if geomorphological surveys may support the detection of areas prone to subsidence.
Results show that subsidence is mainly related to the geological characteristics of the subsoil. Downlift can be generally detected where recent structures and infrastructures are present; we observed a rapid growth of displacement rate (up to 9 mm/yr) in the first 8 years after the construction of new buildings, a decrease (about 3 mm/y) in the following 10 years and a final stabilization in the last 7 years of the observation period (1992-2017). This sequence can be related to the different steps of the consolidation process. We also observed different rates of displacement affecting a well-defined sector of the town of S. Stino di Livenza, where the faster rates can be related to the presence of a minor paleo-channel filled by recent unconsolidated deposits.
Our findings show that DInSAR can be a tool for geomorphological and geological mapping through the identification of subsidence pattern caused by different geotechnical properties of the deposits, especially in urbanized zone, where direct observations are limited. The clear relationship between the difference in the rate of ground displacement and the spatial variation of geomorphological features, suggests that geomorphology can be used as an effective tool for the predicting land subsidence.
Determinazione in back-analysis dei parametri caratteristici delle terre per la modellizzazione delle frane
Titti G., Marcato G., Bossi G., 2018, Determinazione in back-analysis dei parametri caratteristici delle terre per la modellizzazione delle frane,
XIII Convegno Nazionale Git - Sezione di Geoscienze e Tecnologie Informatiche, Sarzana (SP), 11-13/06/2018,
Abstract
Il lavoro qui descritto è finalizzato allo sviluppo di un sistema a supporto alle decisioni ...
Il lavoro qui descritto è finalizzato allo sviluppo di un sistema a supporto alle decisioni per la determinazione dei parametri geotecnici in back analysis per frane. La prospettiva è la riduzione dell'intervento umano nella procedura di selezione, limitando così la componente soggettiva attraverso lo sviluppo di un sistema semi-automatico, quantitativo, che permetta di incrementare l'affidabilità dell'analisi e la riproducibilità dei risultati. Il modello è stato quindi valutato applicandolo alla frana studio nell'ambito del progetto di monitoraggio e valutazione del rischio indotto dalle frane in località Passo della Morte (UD).
New strategies for the structural mitigation of landslides considering cost-sustainability
Giulia Bossi, Gianluca Marcato, 2018, New strategies for the structural mitigation of landslides considering cost-sustainability,
6° Congresso Nazionale AIGA 2018, pp. 73–73, Courmayeur, 27-29/06/2018,
Abstract
The budget dedicated to the structural mitigation of natural hazards such as floods and landslides ...
The budget dedicated to the structural mitigation of natural hazards such as floods and landslides is being reduced in many developed countries. This phenomenon follows a fairly defined trend with large investments in the two decades post-WWII and a nearly constant decline to the present day. This is due both to a reduced availability of funding by the central authorities and to the cumulative effects of risk reduction following the implementation of structural measures that mitigated the most pressing, serious or urgent problems.
The growth of anthropic pressure in mountain environments, added to the modification of the attitude towards risk by the exposed population, is now overlapped by a situation in which funding for new large works is scarce and in which, at the same time, the countermeasures built in the post-war period reach a critical age that requires extraordinary maintenance.
A new strategy is therefore required to offset the costs for structural mitigation through the association of works that provide long-term economic returns. This would allow local authorities to self-finance risk mitigation without taking resources away from other activities that are also necessary.
For example, there is the case of a landslide covering an area of about 100,000 m2 located in the Alta Valle del Tagliamento (Udine, Italy) crossed by the SS Carnica state road that connects Cadore and Carnia. The landslide, consisting of two former distinct instability phenomena that are now interdependent, is crossed by a stream fed by permanent sources. The data collected in more than 5 years of monitoring show how the flow in the torrent is directly related to the landslide displacements. The opportunity to channel and use the water subtracted from the system to produce energy through a micro-hydroelectric plant can contribute to economically support the mitigation without burdening the budget of the local authority.
Monitoraggio strutturale di un tunnel stradale che attraversa una grande frana attiva (Passo della Morte, Forni di Sotto, UD).
Bossi G., Tedesco G., Schento L., Marcato G., 2018, Monitoraggio strutturale di un tunnel stradale che attraversa una grande frana attiva (Passo della Morte, Forni di Sotto, UD).,
8° IAGIG INCONTRO ANNUALE GIOVANI INGEGNERI GEOTECNICI, pp. 132–135, Udine, 18-19/05/2018,
Abstract
In località Passo della Morte, UD (46°23'49" N, 12°42'51" E), lungo l'Alta Valle del Tagliamento, ...
In località Passo della Morte, UD (46°23'49" N, 12°42'51" E), lungo l'Alta Valle del Tagliamento, il tracciato la Strada Statale 52 "Carnica" si sviluppa in sotterraneo per poco più di 2200 m. La presenza di una frana che viene intersecata dal tunnel, causa problemi al gestore dell'infrastruttura sin dalla sua prima costruzione, a metà anni novanta. Questa nota descrive il sistema di monitoraggio strutturale che controlla il quadro fessurativo di in una porzione della galleria, introduce il portale web che permette di accedere e visualizzare i dati in real-time ed infine delinea uno schema statico semplificato per i conci maggiormente danneggiati sulla base dei dati di monitoraggio. In conclusione si evidenzia come il sistema di monitoraggio abbia favorito la definizione della relazione tra struttura e frana e permesso di delineare gli interventi di mitigazione più appropriati e efficaci.
Analysis of monthly rainfall trend in Calabria (southern Italy) through the application of statistical and graphical techniques
Tommaso Caloiero, Roberto Coscarelli, Ennio Ferrari, 2018, Analysis of monthly rainfall trend in Calabria (southern Italy) through the application of statistical and graphical techniques,
3rd EWaS International Conference Insights on the Water-Energy-Food Nexus, pp. 489–497, Lefkada (Greece), 27-30/06/2018,
Abstract
One of the most evident consequences of global atmospheric warming is the modification of the ...
One of the most evident consequences of global atmospheric warming is the modification of the water cycle. Precipitation plays a crucial role in the process and its variations can affect water resources, natural environments and human activities. In this paper, an investigation of the temporal rainfall variability in the Calabria region (southern Italy) has been carried out using a homogeneous and gap-filled monthly rainfall dataset of 129 rain gauges with more than 50 years of observation in the period 1951-2006. Possible trends in monthly and annual rainfall values have been detected by means of the Mann-Kendall test and of a new graphical technique (?en's method), which allows the trend identification of the low, medium and high values of a series. As a result, a different behavior of both the highest and the lowest rainfall values emerged among the five Rainfall Zones (RZs) that were considered in the analysis. Moreover, from the comparison of the trend methodologies, different trends results (increasing, decreasing, or trendless time series) have been identified. In particular, this study shows that the ?en's method could be successfully used in the evaluation of peak and low values of data for the trend analysis of rainfall values.
LE CONOIDI ALLUVIONALI LUNGO LA COSTA DEGLI DEI IN CALABRIA_ ANALISI DI ALCUNI EVENTI DANNOSI RECENTI E DELLA PERCEZIONE DEL RISCHIO DA PARTE DELLA POPOLAZIONE
R. Coscarelli, L. Antronico, F. De Pascale, 2018, LE CONOIDI ALLUVIONALI LUNGO LA COSTA DEGLI DEI IN CALABRIA_ ANALISI DI ALCUNI EVENTI DANNOSI RECENTI E DELLA PERCEZIONE DEL RISCHIO DA PARTE DELLA POPOLAZIONE,
Seminari sulle Tecniche per la Difesa del Suolo e dall'Inquinamento, pp. 495–508, Terme Luigiane (Guardia Piemontese - CS), 20-23/06/2018,
Abstract
Le conoidi alluvionali inattive sono di frequente sedi di insediamenti abitativi,
strutture turistiche, vie di comunicazione, ...
Le conoidi alluvionali inattive sono di frequente sedi di insediamenti abitativi,
strutture turistiche, vie di comunicazione, attività agricole, originando così situazioni di elevato
rischio. La presente memoria focalizza l'attenzione su un?area lungo la costa tirrenica della Calabria,
denominata, per le bellezze naturali, "Costa degli Dei", dove sono presenti numerose conoidi
alluvionali intensamente urbanizzate. Lo studio, oltre a presentare la descrizione degli
eventi di colate detritiche e alluvioni innescati da eventi piovosi, avvenuti negli anni compresi tra
il 2009 e il 2011, con danni agli edifici privati e alle infrastrutture presenti, illustra i principali
risultati di un'indagine sulla percezione del rischio da parte della popolazione, che vive o lavora
nell'area di studio. La ricerca ha messo in evidenza che i residenti di dette aree sono abbastanza
coscienti della situazione di rischio in cui vivono, che addebitano maggiormente all'abusivismo
edilizio e, in generale, alla scarsa attenzione da parte degli enti preposti verso le problematiche
del territorio e la sua manutenzione. Gli intervistati hanno così palesato una scarsa fiducia nei
propri amministratori, a cui addebitano anche la mancanza di formazione e di informazione della
popolazione.
Evaluating the susceptibility to anthropogenic sinkholes in Apulian calcarenites, southern Italy
Fiore A., Fazio N.L., Lollino P., Luisi M., Miccoli M.N., Pagliarulo R., Perrotti M., Pisano L., Spalluto L., Vennari C., Vessia G., Parise M., 2018, Evaluating the susceptibility to anthropogenic sinkholes in Apulian calcarenites, southern Italy,
Geological Society, London, special publications (Online) n. 466 Special Volume "Advances in Karst Research_ Theory, Fieldwork and Applications" (2018): 381–396. doi_10.1144/SP466.20,
DOI: 10.1144%2FSP466.20
Abstract
Sinkholes are the main hazard related to underground voids of both natural and anthropogenic origin. ...
Sinkholes are the main hazard related to underground voids of both natural and anthropogenic origin. Instabilities developing underground may propagate upwards in a dramatic manner and reach the surface in the form of a sinkhole. The Apulia region in southern Italy is an interesting case study due to the outcropping of soluble rocks throughout the region. These rocks are affected by karst processes and have a high number of anthropogenic cavities. The latter were excavated by humans at different times for a variety of purposes. The worrying recent increase in the number of sinkhole events registered in Apulia led us to collect information on natural and anthropogenic sinkholes in Apulia. We focused on anthropogenic cavities, mostly excavated in Plio-Pleistocene calcarenites, and characterized the rock masses before using two- and three-dimensional parametric
numerical analyses to model the instability processes, with the aim of exploring the failure mechanisms that lead to the occurrence of sinkholes. The parametric studies allowed us to carry out a preliminary evaluation of the stability conditions through simple charts designed for use in the field.
Gradient thermique dans les alpes italiennes du nord-ouest
Pollo A., Rinaldi S., Zampollo A., Chiarle M., Fratianni S., Nigrelli G, 2018, Gradient thermique dans les alpes italiennes du nord-ouest,
XXXI Colloque Annuel de l'Association Internationale de Climatologie, Nizza, 4-7 luglio,
Abstract
Air temperature is one of the most important variables of high altitude mountain climate, however ...
Air temperature is one of the most important variables of high altitude mountain climate, however it is often difficult to measure it because of the shortage of active weather stations. In order to estimate this variable locally and accurately, it may be useful to refer to data from the lowest altitude weather stations and to apply the local vertical thermal gradient. From semi-hourly or hourly temperatures, monthly and seasonal vertical thermal gradients were calculated. In all cases, we obtained different values from the standard thermal gradient_ they oscillate on average between -1.2 ° C / 100 m and 1.9 ° C / 100 m. The average monthly and seasonal values vary considerably between the pairs of stations studied. A better knowledge of the temperature of high altitude zones allows the realization of models of spatial distribution of temperatures at fine scales, which are crucial for scientific research.
Hydrogeological surveys to assess the groundwater nitrate contamination and the role of landfills (Apulia, Southern Italy)
Polemio M., Limoni P.P., De Giorgio G., Zuffianò L.E., 2018, Hydrogeological surveys to assess the groundwater nitrate contamination and the role of landfills (Apulia, Southern Italy),
6° Congresso Nazionale AIGA 2018, pp. 16–16, Courmayeur, 27-29 Giugno, 2018,
Abstract
The attention of local communities and authorities was focused on the level of nitrate concentration ...
The attention of local communities and authorities was focused on the level of nitrate concentration in ground-water of a wide coastal karstic aquifer, not far from the town of Bari (southern Italy), worried about the poten-tial effect of sanitary and unsecure landfills.
Five landfills have operated from 1975, one after the other, using increasing safety and technological devices to reduce risks due to leachate leakages with consequent groundwater quality degradation.
A multi-methodological approach was conducted to define the origin of nitrate contamination.
The approach includes hydrogeological site characterization, chemical and isotopic study of groundwater and leachate, land use analysis and estimation of nitrogen contributions deriving from agricultural activities, focus-ing on the use of fertilizers and mineralogical study of groundwater suspended particles to define the origin of the iron and manganese in the water samples.
In particular, the environmental isotopes of oxygen-18 (18O) and deuterium (2H) were used to investigate the origin of water in the aquifer system of the study area. The combination of NO3- concentration with ?15N-NO3- and 18O-NO3- in water also provides valuable information for identifying different sources of NO3- to the coastal aquifer. Groundwater and leachate samples were analyzed for 13C and Tritium (3H). Previous studies have demonstrated that the biogeochemical processes occurring within the landfill environment can produce a unique composition of these isotopes and therefore they can be utilized successfully to delineate the potential leachate influence.
An overview of coastal Apulian wetlands (Southern Italy)
Giorgio De Giorgio, Livia Emanuela Zuffianò, Maurizio Polemio, 2018, An overview of coastal Apulian wetlands (Southern Italy),
25th Salt Water Intrusion Meeting, pp. 53–53, Gdansk, Poland, 17-22 June 2018,
Abstract
The Apulian peninsular coastline (940 km) includes many urbanized areas and coastal wetlands, the latter ...
The Apulian peninsular coastline (940 km) includes many urbanized areas and coastal wetlands, the latter in same cases interested by huge touristic transformations. The region is dominated by large and deep karstic and coastal aquifers and by some minor porous coastal aquifers the coastal outflow of which create tens of coastal wetlands. They should be considered dependent by groundwater outflow and by dynamic equilibria with sea,
in terms of seawater intrusion and ingression. For a long time, these areas were considered unproductive, sources of malaria, and were depopulated. During the second half of the last century, relevant reclamation works were realized, the coastal areas have assumed a role of primary importance for the social and economic development. This has led to a growing anthropic pressure along the coast that has led to a progressive deterioration of the coastal wetland environments. High vulnerability to pollution, overexploitation trend, increasing seawater intrusion effects and global groundwater quality decrease threaten the hydrological and ecological equilibria
of these water systems. The collective awareness of the important role played by the transition environments, gave rise to a conceptual innovation on the protection and enhancement of wetlands.
The research is finalized to define an inventory of the regional coastal wetlands, focusing on that the role of groundwater outflow is relevant if not prevailing. For each of these wetlands were defined a number of information and characteristics based on bibliographical knowledge and field surveys. The geological and hydrological conditions were recognized. On this basis, the hydrological and hydrogeological conceptualization was ended, permitting to define a steady state hydrological balance of wetlands. The role of seawater intrusion and ingression and the role of these in terms of salinity is analyzed. The scope is to offer a global overview of these wetlands to promote a systematic approach to their safeguard.
Deep geoelectrical investigation to bound a coastal thermal outflow area
Enzo Rizzo, L.E. Zuffianò, F. Santaloia and M. Polemio, 2018, Deep geoelectrical investigation to bound a coastal thermal outflow area,
E3S Web of Conferences 54 (2018). doi_10.1051/e3sconf/20185400028,
DOI: 10.1051%2Fe3sconf%2F20185400028
Abstract
The coastal carbonate Apulian aquifers, located in southern Italy, feed several coastal fresh springs and ...
The coastal carbonate Apulian aquifers, located in southern Italy, feed several coastal fresh springs and constitute the main local source of high quality water. The Santa Cesarea Terme cave system is almost unique case of hypogenic coastal spring caves, located along the Adriatic Sea coastline and hosting spring coastal outflow of mixed groundwater (from 22°C to 33°C) mainly of thermal groundwater due to infiltration offshore, in the sea bottom, and pure fresh groundwater due rainfall infiltration. Thermal springs and the outflow system are strictly controlled by both the discontinuity network and the karst processes involving the foreland environment. Detailed geoelectrical prospecting were carried out to bound the upflow continental area of this system, considering the geoelectrical effects of deep water mixing with different salinity and temperature close the Adriatic coast.
Progresses in the investigation of the relation between climate and slope instability processes at high-elevation
Paranunzio R., Chiarle M., Laio F., Nigrelli G., Turconi L., Luino F, 2018, Progresses in the investigation of the relation between climate and slope instability processes at high-elevation,
5th European Conference on Permafrost, EUCOP, Chamonix, 23/06/2018 - 01/07/2018,
Abstract
The ongoing debate about the effects of global warming in glacial and periglacial areas implies ...
The ongoing debate about the effects of global warming in glacial and periglacial areas implies a lack of
knowledge about the role of climate elements on the cryosphere dynamics. Slope instability processes are one of
the major indicators of a changing climate at high elevation, but we know little about the relation between climate
and slope instability processes. In this work, we briefly introduce our activities and developments on this issue. We
collected more than 440 slope failures events at high-elevation sites in the Italian Alps from year 2000 on. By
means of a statistical-based method, we detect the possible anomalies of the climate variables at the date when
slope instability events occurred. Based on the preliminary outcomes of this work, we expect to be able to identify the
variables which acted as potential triggers/drivers of slope instability processes in (peri)glacial and permafrost areas.
Rock-face temperature at high-elevation sites_ a new measuring approach
Nigrelli G., Chiarle M., Silvestri P., Merlone A., Coppa G., Musacchio C, 2018, Rock-face temperature at high-elevation sites_ a new measuring approach,
5th European Conference on Permafrost, EUCOP, Chamonix, 23/06/2018 - 01/07/2018,
Abstract
The Alpine environment and in particular the cryosphere, is responding quickly and with great intensity ...
The Alpine environment and in particular the cryosphere, is responding quickly and with great intensity to climate change. Temperature increase observed in the Alps urge the scientific community to study not only air temperature but also rock temperature, to deepen the knowledge about thermal properties of the potentially unstable geological materials. The metrological traceability of measurements is fundamental for data comparability in space and in time and this can be achieved by the use of calibrated instruments and with the evaluation of measurement uncertainties. Here we present some preliminary results of rock-face temperature analysis based on data acquired at high-elevation sites, by means of sensors with documented traceability to International System of Units Standards and evaluated measurement uncertainty. We found and quantified a strong difference in the hourly rate of temperature increase between air and rock. During summer rock temperature grows more than 8 times over air temperature.
Seconda Relazione Ordinaria – Attività di approfondimento conoscitivo con riferimento alla Rete Integrata di Monitoraggio acquisita del Comune di Maierato
Gullà G., L. Aceto, 2018, Seconda Relazione Ordinaria – Attività di approfondimento conoscitivo con riferimento alla Rete Integrata di Monitoraggio acquisita del Comune di Maierato,
2018,
Abstract
Seconda Relazione Ordinaria - Attività di approfondimento conoscitivo con riferimento alla Rete Integrata di Monitoraggio ...
Seconda Relazione Ordinaria - Attività di approfondimento conoscitivo con riferimento alla Rete Integrata di Monitoraggio acquisita del Comune di Maierato.
SAR monitoring of buildings damaged by slow-moving landlsides in the Italian southern Apennines
Reale D., Nicodemo G., Peduto D., Ferlisi S., Gullà G., Fornaro G., 2018, SAR monitoring of buildings damaged by slow-moving landlsides in the Italian southern Apennines,
EGU General Assembly 2018, Vienna, 12/04/2018,
Abstract
Manyurbanareasallovertheworldareaffectedbyawidespectrumofdangersrelatedtoeithernaturalphenomena or human activities. Among natural phenomena, slow-moving landslides are widespread and their interaction with ...
Manyurbanareasallovertheworldareaffectedbyawidespectrumofdangersrelatedtoeithernaturalphenomena or human activities. Among natural phenomena, slow-moving landslides are widespread and their interaction with the urban environment often originate detrimental effects to existing facilities (e.g., buildings and infrastructures) withrelatedsocialconsequencesandeconomiclosses.Forthesereasons,landslidehazardandvulnerabilityanalysesrepresentkeystepsforareliablepredictionoftheexpecteddamagetoexposedfacilitiesaswellasforproperly designing and implementing the most suitable risk mitigation strategies. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data processed via advanced interferometric techniques (DInSAR), such as the onebasedontheuseofSARTomography,canbeextremelyusefulinprovidinglong-termground/facilitydisplacementarchives.Inthisregard,theavailabilityofrecenthigh-resolutionX-BandSARdatapromotedthemonitoring capabilities in urban environments, leading to a major step toward the risk analysis at single facility level. In this study, with reference to an urban area located in Calabria region (southern Italian Apennines) - were the existence of several slow-moving landslides of different types interacting with masonry and reinforced concrete buildings can be recognized - the DInSAR-derived differential settlements experienced by a given building are combined with the corresponding damage severity level (recorded via in-situ surveys) to retrieve the relationship between cause (differential settlements) and effect (damage) for both masonry and reinforced concrete buildings. The obtained results represent the knowledge basis to generate more sophisticated tools (e.g. fragility and vulnerability curves) useful for risk analysis purposes.
Geology, slow-moving landslides, and damages to building in Verbicaro area (north-western Calabria region, southern Italy)
Borrelli L., Nicodemo G., Ferlisi S., Peduto D., Di Nocera S., Gullà G., 2018, Geology, slow-moving landslides, and damages to building in Verbicaro area (north-western Calabria region, southern Italy),
Journal of maps (Stud. ed.) 14 (2018): 32–44. doi_10.1080/17445647.2018.1425164,
DOI: 10.1080%2F17445647.2018.1425164
Abstract
This paper presents a mass movement inventory map at 1_5000 scale of the Verbicaro area
(about ...
This paper presents a mass movement inventory map at 1_5000 scale of the Verbicaro area
(about 13 km2) located in the Calabria region (southern Italy). The Main Map results from the
visual interpretation of aerial photographs, multi-temporal geomorphological field surveys,
and field investigations of damage suffered by buildings. Some 53% of the study area is
affected by a total of 252 landslides, comprising different types, state of activity, and size.
The mapped landslides, mainly complex type, involve low-grade metamorphic rocks; among
these, 15% are active and slow-move on pre-existing sliding surfaces. Moreover, out of 492
surveyed buildings, 347 are located on landslide-affected areas and experienced damages
covering a broad range of severity levels. The Main Map can represent a useful tool for
authorities in charge of land-use planning and urban management and can be used to
pursue landslide risk analyses.
Shallow landslide susceptibility assessment in granitic rocks using GIS-based statistical methods_ the contribution of the weathering grade map
Borrelli, Luigi; Ciurleo, Mariantonetta; Gullà, Giovanni, 2018, Shallow landslide susceptibility assessment in granitic rocks using GIS-based statistical methods_ the contribution of the weathering grade map,
Landslides (Berl., Print) 15 (2018): 1143–1144. doi_10.1007/s10346-018-0955-7,
DOI: 10.1007%2Fs10346-018-0955-7
Abstract
Shallowlandslides(i.e.,slide,flow,andcomplex)arewidespreadaroundtheworld,affectingthesoilmantleandupperregolith as a result of the weathering of granitic bedrock, and periodically cause enormous social ...
Shallowlandslides(i.e.,slide,flow,andcomplex)arewidespreadaroundtheworld,affectingthesoilmantleandupperregolith as a result of the weathering of granitic bedrock, and periodically cause enormous social and economic damages. Shallow landslide hazards are predominantly due to the scarcity of warning signs during the pre-failure stage, high velocities reached in the postfailure phase, and an increase in mobilized volumes caused by the entrapment of material in the downhill path of the phenomena. Owing to the abovementioned aspects, susceptibility assessment of shallow landslides in weathered granitic rocks is a relevant issue for landuseplanninganddesignpurposes.Thisstudyproposesathreestepmethodologyforthesusceptibilityassessmentofthesephenomena. The methodology has been tested and validated at the 1_10,000 scaleovera30.4-km2areainsouthernItaly,whereweatheredgranitic rocks are periodically affected by shallow landslides. This methodology is divided into three successive steps_ step 1 consists of database creation, with an emphasis on the weathering grade map (including five weathering classes, from class II to class VI, each one characterized by comparable mechanical behavior), and steps 2 and 3 focus respectively on susceptibility map calibration and validation through statistical analyses. The area under the ROC curve (AUC)showsvalues rangingfrom0.95instep 2 (calibration)to0.88 instep3(validation)andisatestamenttothegoodoverallpredictive accuracyofthemethodology.Theobtainedresultsdemonstrateboth the effectiveness and the consistency of the proposed methodology inperformingsusceptibilitymappingofshallowlandslidesinweathered granitic rocks, as well as the important role played by the weathering grade map.
The interplay of structural pathway and weathering intensity in forming mass-wasting processes in deeply weathered gneissic rocks (Sila Massif, Calabria, Italy)
Biondino, Deborah; Borrelli, Luigi; Critelli, Salvatore; Muto, Francesco; Gullà, Giovanni, 2018, The interplay of structural pathway and weathering intensity in forming mass-wasting processes in deeply weathered gneissic rocks (Sila Massif, Calabria, Italy),
Journal of maps 14 (2018): 242–256. doi_10.1080/17445647.2018.1456489,
DOI: 10.1080%2F17445647.2018.1456489
Abstract
This paper presents a detailed map (Main Map) showing geology, tectonics, weathering intensity and spatial ...
This paper presents a detailed map (Main Map) showing geology, tectonics, weathering intensity and spatial distribution of landslides in the San Pietro in Guarano study area (about 7.5km(2)), located in the north-western sector of Calabria (southern Italy). In this area, deeply weathered high-grade metamorphic rocks and different types/categories of mass movements are widespread. The Main Map, at 1_5000 scale, results from the combination of information gathered via analysis and interpretation of aerial photographs at different times and scales, multi-temporal geostructural and geomorphological surveys, field investigations and mapping of weathering grade in outcrop - through observation of geologically distinctive characteristics and qualitative and semi-quantitative engineering geological tests - integrated by means of the analysis of both weathering profiles on cutslopes and boreholes logs. The Main Map can represent a useful tool for authorities in charge of land-use planning and can profitably concur to typify landslides and to assess quantitative landslide risk.
Long-term measurements using an integrated monitoring network to identify homogeneous landslide sectors in a complex geo-environmental context (Lago, Calabria, Italy)
Gullà G.; Calcaterra S.; Gambino P.; Borrelli L.; Muto F., 2018, Long-term measurements using an integrated monitoring network to identify homogeneous landslide sectors in a complex geo-environmental context (Lago, Calabria, Italy),
Landslides (Berl., Print) (2018): 1–19. doi_10.1007/s10346-018-0974-4,
DOI: 10.1007%2Fs10346-018-0974-4
Abstract
Mass movements of different thicknesses and types affect the slope where the Greci and Piscopie ...
Mass movements of different thicknesses and types affect the slope where the Greci and Piscopie villages lie (Lago, Calabria, Italy). The study concerns a moderately urbanized area where the lithological, structural, and hydrogeological conditions have produced a large and complex unstable area. In the study area, a multi-temporal field survey has allowed for detailed landslide inventory mapping and definition of the geometric and kinematic characteristics of mass movements with long-term monitoring. In particular, an integrated monitoring network was progressively put in place, since 1996 to measure superficial and deep displacements (GPS stations and inclinometers). The network dataset shows that the mass movements in the study area are characterized by an extremely slow or very slow rate of displacement. The elements acquired by a long-term monitoring of the deep displacements point out that the landslide bodies are prone to develop new failure surfaces progressively shallower, with a consequent increase of the hazard. Moreover, medium-deep and deep-seated landslides may rapidly accelerate in relation to rainfall conditions and significantly affect structures and infrastructures. The integration of the geological and geomorphological knowledges with the monitoring data allows for distinguishing six different homogeneous sectors on the slope, as well as the relative geometric and kinematic characteristics, and the type of mass movements. In the study area, which is representative of several aspects of other areas, the method proposed and the knowledge acquired by long-term monitoring could be useful to define mass movement mechanisms, geotechnical models, and risk mitigation strategies.
Quantitative analysis of consequences to masonry buildings interacting with slow-moving landslide machanisms_ a case study
Peduto D., Nicodemo G., Caraffa M., Gullà G., 2018, Quantitative analysis of consequences to masonry buildings interacting with slow-moving landslide machanisms_ a case study,
Landslides (Berl., Internet) (2018). doi_10.1007/s10346-018-1014-0,
DOI: 10.1007%2Fs10346-018-1014-0
Abstract
Quantitativeanalysisofconsequences(intermsofexpected monetary losses)induced by slow-moving landslide mechanisms to buildings or infrastructure networks is a key ...
Quantitativeanalysisofconsequences(intermsofexpected monetary losses)induced by slow-moving landslide mechanisms to buildings or infrastructure networks is a key step in the landslide risk management framework. It can influence risk mitigation policies as well as help authorities in charge of land management in addressing/prioritizinginterventionsorrestorationworks.Thiskind of analysis generally requires multidisciplinary approaches, which cannot disregard a thorough knowledge of landslide mechanisms, and richdatasets thatare seldom availableastestified by thelimited numberofexamplesinthescientificliterature.Withreferencetothe well-documentedcasestudyofLungrotown(Calabriaregion,southern Italy)--severely affected by slow-moving landslides of different types--the present paper proposes and implements a multi-step procedure for monetary loss forecasting associated with different landslide kinematic/damage scenarios. Procedures to typify landslide mechanisms and physical vulnerability analysis, previously testedinthesamearea,arehereappropriatelymergedtoderiveboth kinematicanddamagescenariostotheexposedbuildings.Then,the outcomes are combined with economic data in order to forecast monetary loss at municipal scale. The proposed method and the obtained results, once further validated, could stand as reference case for other urban areas in similar geo-environmental contexts in order to derive useful information on expected direct consequences unless slow-moving landslide risk mitigation measures are taken.
SedInConnect: a free tool for a usable sediment connectivity index
Stefano Crema*°, Lorenzo Marchi°, Marco Cavalli°, 2018, SedInConnect: a free tool for a usable sediment connectivity index,
TERRAENVISION 2018, Barcelona (Spain), 29/01-01/02/2018,
Abstract
Sediment connectivity characterizes the degree of linkage that controls sediment fluxes, in particular between sediment ...
Sediment connectivity characterizes the degree of linkage that controls sediment fluxes, in particular between sediment sources and downstream target areas. The assessment of sediment connectivity turns into a key issue when dealing with risk mitigation and landscape intervention priorities.
The prevailing process that characterizes a catchment is also of great importance in relation to risk assessment, with the aim of optimization of operational and non-structural intervention procedures.
In the present work, the authors present the freely available SedInConnect application, an open-source tool for the assessment of sediment connectivity. SedInConnect computes sediment connectivity index as expressed in Cavalli et al. (2013), with user-selectable ad-hoc options.
Sediment connectivity analysis has been carried out for several catchments in the alpine environment with the goal of having a fast and objective characterization of the catchment morphodynamics. The index of connectivity has proved to be a valuable indicator of the dominant process characterizing the basin dynamic (debris flow, bedload, mixed behavior). Furthermore, the comparison with other morphometric indexes commonly used to characterize catchment activity confirmed this hypothesis.
The application of the connectivity index has therefore permitted not only to characterize the catchment dominant process, but also to depict the connectivity variability inside each basin. Spatial variability is part of the outcomes of the analysis and temporal variability can be included modeling different scenarios, thus having a precious tool for research and land management purposes.
Indagini geologiche nel bacino idrografico del rio Kortol e dei suoi affluenti – Primo stato di avanzamento
L. Marchi, G. Bossi, M. Mantovani, M. Cavalli, S. Crema, G. Marcato, 2018, Indagini geologiche nel bacino idrografico del rio Kortol e dei suoi affluenti – Primo stato di avanzamento,
pp.1–36, 2018,
Abstract
Il rapporto presenta le prime attività svolte nell'ambito dell'incarico conferito dalla Regione Autonoma Friuli Venezia ...
Il rapporto presenta le prime attività svolte nell'ambito dell'incarico conferito dalla Regione Autonoma Friuli Venezia Giulia al CNR IRPI, avente per oggetto lo sviluppo di indagini geologiche nel bacino idrografico del rio Kortol e dei suoi affluenti (decreto n. 55 del 12/09/2017 del Presidente della Regione Autonoma Friuli Venezia Giulia - Commissario straordinario delegato per la realizzazione degli interventi di mitigazione del rischio idrogeologico).
Volcanic eruptions and connectivity index_ the Blanco River (Chile) case study
Martini L., Cavalli M., Iroumé A., Picco L., 2018, Volcanic eruptions and connectivity index_ the Blanco River (Chile) case study,
GIT 2018, Sarzana (SP), 11-13/06/2018,
Abstract
The Chaitén volcanic eruption (Chile) severely modified the geomorphological settings of the Blanco River catchment. ...
The Chaitén volcanic eruption (Chile) severely modified the geomorphological settings of the Blanco River catchment. These abrupt changes can enhance or reduce the sediment connectivity between hillslope and main channel with important consequences for the downstream village.
Linking high-resolution hydrology and geomorphometry for flash flood analysis
Stefano Crema1,4, Francesco Marra2, Marco Cavalli4, Lorenzo Marchi4, Francesco Comiti3, Marco Borga1, 2018, Linking high-resolution hydrology and geomorphometry for flash flood analysis,
GIT - Geosciences and Information Technologies 2018, Sarzana, Italy, 11-13 giugno 2018,
Abstract
Flash flood represent a major natural hazard and their investigation is usually challenging due to ...
Flash flood represent a major natural hazard and their investigation is usually challenging due to the rapid temporal evolution and severe but localized spatial dynamics. Post-event monitoring of flash floods represents a key step in order to improve the assessment of both hazard and vulnerability. In this study, we present a methodology for an improved characterization of flash flood dynamics and related instabilities phenomena, focusing on a flash flood occurred on Aug 5-6 2017 over a 100 km2 alpine catchment of northeastern Italy. The analyzed flash flood caused important damages to infrastructures and posed a particular threat to human lives due to the simultaneous evolution of slope instability phenomena such as debris flows. The examined dataset encompasses calibrated radar rainfall, the flood hydrograph recorded near the outlet of the basin, peak discharge from post-flood survey of ungauged cross sections, LiDAR terrain data and satellite/aerial imagery. The methodological framework of the hydrological analysis embraces the calibration of a rainfall-runoff model, its downscaling to ungauged catchments and its cross-validation with field surveys for an estimation of peak discharge and related geomorphic effects. The application of a morphometric index of sediment connectivity has allowed investigating the topographic potential for sediment to be routed downstream and to analyze spatial connectivity patterns at high resolution for all the sub catchments. Preliminary results portray the inner dynamics of the event as characterized by severe spatial and temporal variability and show consistency between simulated discharge and post-flood field surveys. The flood response of analyzed sub catchments shows as well important correlation with the spatial patterns of the triggering thunderstorm. Sediment connectivity pattern has proved to be an important factor controlling the severity of the response at the analyzed catchments. In particular, the integration of geomorphic analysis with input forcing severity has allowed for a more precise recognition of the most critical conditions in terms of sediment availability, sediment connectivity and storm severity. The present work paves the way for more detailed analysis (e.g., Geomorphic Change Detection) that will permit to investigate the relation between the hydrological processes leading to flash flood occurrence and related instability and sediment transfer processes.
Assessing geomorphic changes induced by a debris-flow: a case study in the Dolomites
Minute F., Cavalli M., Comiti F., 2018, Assessing geomorphic changes induced by a debris-flow: a case study in the Dolomites,
GIT 2018, Sarzana (SP), 11-13/06/2018,
Abstract
The study of landscapes and their dynamics has become fundamental to understand natural hazard mechanisms ...
The study of landscapes and their dynamics has become fundamental to understand natural hazard mechanisms and the better planning of mitigation measures to prevent damages and loss. Mountain regions present higher risk due to complex geology and morphology. South Tyrol is particularly prone to natural hazards, 256 recorded events in 2016, 62 of which classified as debris-flow. This process is characterized by high mobility, speed and energy, prerequisites that can sometimes lead to catastrophes (e.g. Sarno, 1998). A major event occurred on the August 5th, 2017 in the Braies/Prags area (Dolomites). Heavy rainfall triggered a large debris-flow in the Schade catchment, which hit the village of Ferrara/Schmieden. The event caused damages to infrastructures and buildings but no casualties. The aim of this study is to analyze the debris-flow event by using a Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) differencing approach to estimate the mobilized materials and identify the spatial patterns of erosion and deposition in the catchment. The estimation of the eroded and deposited volume was performed with the software Arc-GIS by computing a DoD (DEM of difference) which allows assessing elevation changes through time. In the study case, pre- and post-event DEMs were available (dated 2010 and 2017, respectively). The process required a sophisticated elaboration of the data. An accurate difference between two elevation surfaces is possible only if the two DEMs are completely overlapped, satisfying the principles of concurrency and orthogonality. The co-registration of the two point clouds has been carried out through the Iterative Closest Point (ICP) algorithm of the free software Cloud Compare. The values of the matrix of transformation have been derived by analyzing stable areas. The DoD was at first calculated for the entire catchment (around 4 km2) but, even if a robust approach encompassing DEMs error estimate and errors propagation into the DoD, results were not satisfying due to large differences in terms of representativeness of the two DEMs in input. The solution was the selection of a mask of the areas affected by erosion or deposition and effectively connected to the main channel network. A first net volume estimation was computed by estimating the DoD minimum level of detection considering a constant error of 20 cm for the 2017-DEM and 35 cm for the 2010-DEM. A more accurate elaboration was obtained by using a fuzzy approach, which estimates the error and propagates uncertainty into the DoD with a spatially variable approach. The resulted net balance was -115.719 ± 46.043 m3 and this value was taken as a reference by personnel in charge for watershed management for building a 100.000 m3 sediment retention basin at the catchment outlet. The results obtained from this study can be used for landscape planning including mitigation solutions and developing more robust hazard maps.
Preliminary debris-flow assessment at the regional scale_ a GIS-based approach
Cavalli M., Crema S., Trevisani S., Marchi L., 2018, Preliminary debris-flow assessment at the regional scale_ a GIS-based approach,
GIT 2018, Sarzana (SP), 11-13/06/2018,
Abstract
Debris flows are widespread phenomena in mountain catchments that often cause damage to urbanized areas ...
Debris flows are widespread phenomena in mountain catchments that often cause damage to urbanized areas and transport routes. The spatial characterization of the affected areas is a major issue in the framework of watershed management.
We developed a simple and fast semi-automated and low data-demanding procedure for regional-scale identification of debris-flow prone channels and alluvial fans. A GIS-based approach enables a preliminary mapping of potentially debris-flow affected areas and provides information for the priority ranking of channels and alluvial fans exposed to debris flows.
The methodology exploits Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) to derive geomorphometric parameters analyzed for the identification of debris-flow triggering areas and their propagation along the channel. Potential initiation sites of debris flows are identified as those exceeding a threshold of local slope versus contributing area, while channel reaches corresponding to debris flows propagation, deceleration and halting conditions are derived from thresholds of local slope. An analysis of longitudinal channel profiles, which considers the traveled distance and the local slope, is used for the computation of the debris-flow runout. The procedure takes into account the presence of hydraulic control works (i.e. check dams) along with information on erosion-resistant bedrock channels and sediment availability. This approach has been validated by means of field checks and through its extensive application in the eastern Italian Alps.
The developed methodology has been implemented in a set of freely-available software tools (https://github.com/HydrogeomorphologyTools) in order to facilitate its application and further validation in different environments.
Effects of agricultural drainage systems on sediment connectivity in a small Mediterranean lowland catchment under contrasted rainfall events
Aleix Calsamiglia (1,2), Julián García-Comendador (1,2), Josep Fortesa (1,2), José A. López-Tarazón (1,2,3),
Stefano Crema (4), Marco Cavalli (4), Adolfo Calvo-Cases (5), Joan Estrany (1,2), 2018, Effects of agricultural drainage systems on sediment connectivity in a small Mediterranean lowland catchment under contrasted rainfall events,
EGU - European Geosciences Union 2018, pp. 14985, Vienna (Austria), 8-13 aprile 2018,
Abstract
Traditional drainage systems combining man-made channels and subsurface tile drains have been used since Roman
times ...
Traditional drainage systems combining man-made channels and subsurface tile drains have been used since Roman
times to control water excess, favouring adequate soil water regime for agriculture purposes. However, mechanization
of agriculture, abandonment or land use changes lead to a progressive deterioration of these drains in the
last decades. The effects of these structures on hydrological and sediment dynamics have been previously analyzed
in a small Mediterranean lowland catchment (Can Revull, Mallorca; Spain) by establishing an integrated sediment
budget with a multi-technique approach. Moreover, the recent advances in morphometric techniques enable the
completion of this analysis by the accurate identification of active areas (i.e. sources, pathway links, and sinks) and
improve the understanding of (de-)coupling mechanisms of water and sediment linkages. In this study, an index
of connectivity (IC) derived from a LiDAR-based high resolution DTM (< 1 pt m-2; RMSE < 0.2 m) was used
to evaluate the spatial patterns of connectivity of the catchment. Design and configuration of the drainage system
in Can Revull generated changes, favouring lateral decoupling between different compartments, with hillslopesfloodplain
and floodplain-channels relationships showing a general decrease of IC values, and high longitudinal
connectivity along the artificial channel network. Field observations after a low-magnitude high-frequency event
(i.e. 23 mm in 5 h) corroborated that the drainage systems in Can Revull enabled rapid drainage of the water excess
also promoting low surface runoff within the field crops, proving to be an effective management practice for
erosion control in agricultural Mediterranean lowland catchments.. However, the occurrence of high-magnitude
rainfall events may exceed the drainage capacity of the artificial channel network, giving rise to changes in the spatial
patterns of connectivity, shifting the water pathways, triggering new sedimentary processes and considerably
increasing the effective area of the catchment. The relationships between structural and functional connectivity
according to the frequency-magnitude of the events is a challenge that will be addressed in this oral presentation.
Integrating sediment connectivity into the assessment of landslides susceptibility for road network
Bordoni M., Persichillo M. G., Cavalli M., Crema S., Meisina C., Bartelletti C., Galanti Y., Barsanti M., Giannecchini R., D'Amato Avanzi G., 2018, Integrating sediment connectivity into the assessment of landslides susceptibility for road network,
Terraenvision 2018, Barcellona (Spain), 27/01/2018-02/02/208,
Abstract
Landslides provoke significant direct and indirect economic losses to infrastructures, in particular along
road networks. Thus, ...
Landslides provoke significant direct and indirect economic losses to infrastructures, in particular along
road networks. Thus, it is fundamental identifying the route sectors that could be affected by
landslides, in order to reduce the risk level for the population and the economic cost of road damaging.
Moreover, several researches conducted in different contexts stressed that the exposure of road
networks to slope instabilities could increase because of ongoing climate change and as a consequence
of growing economy in several countries.
For these reasons, the present work aims to develop and test a data-driven model, based on Genetic
Algorithm Method (GAM), for the identification of the sectors road network sectors that are
susceptible to be affected by landslides triggered upstream the infrastructure. This work quantifies,
also, the impact of sediment connectivity on the susceptibility evaluation in the case studies. The study
area corresponds to the north-eastern area of Oltrepò Pavese (northern Italy), a zone very prone to
shallow landslides causing severe damages to the road networks.
This work shows that the effectiveness of the model in the identification of the most susceptible routes
increases including sediment connectivity in the predisposing factors. This parameter, indeed,
characterizes runout and the travel distance of a slope instability, improving the ability in identifying
the road sectors hit by landslides. The modeled susceptible roads are, then, mapped correctly by the
methodology, furnishing an important tool for land use planning and for implementing tools able to
reduce the risk for the infrastructures.
Sediment connectivity assessment in a Romanian catchment affected by coal mining
Gabriela Adina Morosanu, Stefano Crema, Marco Cavalli, Philippe Belleudy, Liliana Zaharia, 2018, Sediment connectivity assessment in a Romanian catchment affected by coal mining,
EGU - European Geosciences Union 2018, pp. 13528, Vienna (Austria), 8-13 aprile 2018,
Abstract
Over the recent decades, the interest in assessing the sediment and water connectivity by means ...
Over the recent decades, the interest in assessing the sediment and water connectivity by means of a (more) indepth
sediment dynamics analysis through the topographical metrics has predominantly targeted mountainous
watersheds. Nonetheless, little reflection has been devoted to the role played by the anthropic landforms of the
mining areas in increasing or inhibiting sediment connectivity.
In this research, we strove to understand sediment connectivity in a complex catchment, characterized by specific
hydro-morphological disturbances and processes induced by the coal mining activities. The main objective is to
comprehend the way in which sediment connectivity patterns affect the coupling and decoupling of mining areas
to the rivers, so as to be able to explain the presence of coal traces in the alluviums.
The study focuses on Jiu River basin, the largest Danube tributary in south-western Romania (10,080 km2),
overlapping a large variety of landforms and geologic units_ mountains (Carpathians) in the upper sector, Peri-
Carpathian and piedmont hills in the middle sector, and plain in the lower part of the catchment. Distinguished by
the presence of coal mining areas (hard coal in the mountains and lignite in the piedmont), traces of the two species,
alone or mixed together, can be found in different proportions in the composition of the fine river sediments.
As methodology, in addition to the hydrological and geochemical analysis of the fine sediment yield and sources,
the connectivity index proposed by Cavalli et al. (2013) has been applied to further evaluate the linkages between
upslope and downslope geomorphic components in a number of sub-catchments within Jiu River Basin. To determine
the connectivity between the mining areas and the main rivers, several Digital Elevation Models with spatial
resolutions between 30 and 12.5 m were used. In order to analyze the connectivity between coal strata and sterile
heaps exposed to erosion and landslides during intense rainfall-runoff events basins, some case studies of the lignite
and hard coal-producing sub-catchments (Jil¸t River's, and Western Jiu and Eastern Jiu Rivers' respectively)
have been investigated.
By computing different weighting factors to test the topographical impedance to runoff and sediment mobilization,
the research proved adequate for evaluating the performance of the connectivity index for medium resolution
DTMs of the Jiu River Basin. By comparing the resulting connectivity maps of the mountainous sub-catchments,
the mining areas appeared to be quite well connected to the hydrographical network, explaining the enrichment
of fine sediments with coal, the largest amounts being reported during floods. On the contrary, for the piedmont
sub-basins, with a seemingly disconnecting topography with respect to the receiving rivers, a lower degree of
connectivity was found between the lignite open pit mines and the Jiu River. Finally, it is noteworthy that the lower
sub-catchments do not present very high values of the connectivity index, as the preponderance of the topographic
information in computing the weighting factor does not fully reflect the real sediment connectivity and the way in
which the coal is mobilized during extreme hydro-climatic events.
Analysing lateral sediment connectivity and its connection to the frequency-magnitude reality in the Fiume Fella system, Northern Italy
Shopper N., Poppl R., Mergili M., Cavalli M., Frigerio S., 2018, Analysing lateral sediment connectivity and its connection to the frequency-magnitude reality in the Fiume Fella system, Northern Italy,
EGU 2018, Vienna (Austria), 08-13/04/2018,
Abstract
Connectivity has become a widely used concept to understand and evaluate geomorphic processes in catchment
systems. ...
Connectivity has become a widely used concept to understand and evaluate geomorphic processes in catchment
systems. Multiple methods have been developed and applied all over the world to model connectivity patterns.
These include the Effective Catchment Area (ECA) approach, developed by Fryirs et al. (2007), and the Index
of Connectivity (IC) developed by Borselli et al. (2008) and successively modified by Cavalli et al. (2013). The
main aim of the present study is to test and evaluate pros and cons of the two different connectivity approaches,
i.e. ECA and IC, in an alpine catchment (i.e. Fella River, NE Italy) in the context of debris flow hazards. The
Fella catchment is characterised by steep valley slopes and gullies leading down to settlements and high-level
infrastructure on the valley floor, thus displaying a high number of elements at risk. In 2003, the area has
experienced widespread destruction due to high-magnitude debris-flow events.
The results of the two methods (ECA and IC) show a general agreement, portraying a strong connectivity,
especially in the middle part of the river and the tributaries. Due to the steep slope characterizing the Fella
subcatchments, a lot of direct slope-channel coupling was observed. The analysis further reveals a strong influence
of anthropogenic features, in particular road infrastructure, on the connectivity patterns.
The second part of the study evaluates the effectiveness of the methods employed to represent the patterns of
selected frequency-magnitude events. This will be done by comparing the results to a past study carried out in
the framework of CHANGES EU project evaluating debris flow impact areas at particular frequency-magnitude
events which led to changes in the connectivity patterns of the catchment in terms of bridging disconnected
features and, as a consequence, putting the infrastructures in the valley floor at risk.
Geomorphometric approach for a preliminary debris-flow characterization at the regional scale
Cavalli M., Crema S., Trevisani S., Marchi L., 2018, Geomorphometric approach for a preliminary debris-flow characterization at the regional scale,
EGU 2018, Vienna (Austria), 08-13/04/2018,
Abstract
Debris flows are widespread phenomena in mountain catchments causing major damage when they intersect
transport routes ...
Debris flows are widespread phenomena in mountain catchments causing major damage when they intersect
transport routes or urban areas. The assessment of areas affected by debris flows and their spatial characterization
is thus a major issue in the framework of watershed management.
This work presents a simple and fast semi-automated procedure developed for a regional-scale identification of
debris-flow prone channels and related downstream alluvial fans. The main aim is to develop a low data-demanding
method for a preliminary mapping of potentially debris-flow affected areas at the regional scale to enable priority
ranking of channels and alluvial fans at risk by debris flows.
The methodology is based on a geomorphometric approach that involves the analysis of morphometric parameters
derived from Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) for the identification of debris-flow triggering areas and their
kinematic along the channel. Potential initiation sites of debris flows are identified as those exceeding a threshold
identified on a plot of local slope versus contributing area whereas channel reaches corresponding to debris flows
deposition, deceleration and halting conditions are derived from thresholds of local slope. An empirical method,
which considers the traveled distance and the local slope along the channel profile, is used for the computation
of the debris-flow runout. The presence of hydraulic control works (i.e. check dams) along with information on
erosion-resistant bedrock channels and sediment availability are taken into account within the procedure. This
approach has been validated by means of field checks and through its extensive application in the eastern Italian
Alps.
The developed methodology has been implemented in a set of freely-available software tools
(https://github.com/HydrogeomorphologyTools) in order to facilitate its application and further validation in
different environments. Potential and limitations of the method will be also presented.
Temporal structure of debris-flow triggering rainfall derived from high-resolution weather radar estimates
Francesco Marra, Stefano Crema, Marco Borga, 2018, Temporal structure of debris-flow triggering rainfall derived from high-resolution weather radar estimates,
EGU - European Geosciences Union 2018, pp. 10672, Vienna, 8-13 aprile 2018,
Abstract
Due to the scarce representativeness of rain gauges in convective and mountainous environments, typical situations
for ...
Due to the scarce representativeness of rain gauges in convective and mountainous environments, typical situations
for debris flows occurrence, the magnitude and temporal dynamics of debris-flow triggering rainfall are largely
unknown, except for a limited number of cases occurred in well instrumented catchments. Despite this, the common
risk management and research practices rely on rain gauge data. Recent studies shed light on the impact of spatial
rainfall patterns on rain gauge based early warning systems, however, only poor information is yet available on the
temporal structure of the triggering rainfall. We use high-resolution (5 min) corrected and gauge-adjusted weather
radar estimates for 11 storm events occurred in the Eastern Italian Alps, which triggered a total of 99 debris
flows, to (i) quantify the severity of the triggering rainfall on different duration scales, (ii) analyze the fine-scale
temporal structure of the triggering rainfall, and (iii) gain insights on the temporal resolution required to adequately
measure such events. Results from this study show that durations between 30 min to 3 hours are characterized by
longer return periods, with the 1-hour highest burst often contributing >70% of the total rain depth. Moreover,
the amount of rainfall preceding the strongest bursts is often larger than the amount following it. The temporal
autocorrelation of the triggering rainfall decreases sharply, with time-decorrelation distances between 15 and 45
min and rarely exceeding 1 hour. This suggests that at least 15-minute temporal resolutions should be desired to
adequately represent the development of the events.
Data from https://intranet.cnr.it/people/
