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Starting on 24th August 2016, Central Italy was struck by a six-month earthquake sequence that caused 303 victims and extensive major damages to urban areas and infrastructures, in some cases entire villages needed complete rebuilding. In this paper we present a map that portrays the overall susceptibility to multiple landslide types and the exposure to landslides of the rural-urban areas of the Castelsantangelo sul Nera Municipality, a typical village of the central Italian Apennine. The map is based on a procedure that ingests geomorphological data and models and groups the individual landslide susceptibility maps in a joint susceptibility and exposure map based on expert-defined criteria. The procedure has been applied to built-up and to undeveloped areas to highlight their exposure and was used as a tool for planning post-seismic reconstruction. We advise that such maps are used also as basic tool for ordinary urban planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes the multitemporal landslide inventory map prepared for the urban areas of Motta Montecorvino and Volturino, two municipalities located in the Southern Apennines (Apulia Region, Italy). These territories show a high propensity to landslides of different types and magnitude, which periodically interfere with the anthropic structures and infrastructures. For the study area, the spatial and temporal distribution of landslides is detected for the period between 1954 and 2003, through the visual interpretation of multiple sets of black and white digital stereoscopic aerial photographs at different scales. The analysis reveals locally high frequency of landslide occurrence and built-up areas on existing landslides, either on the body or on the crown areas. In particular, we show that over the years new residential areas were developed despite the presence of large old mass movements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a geomorphological map of Pescara del Tronto area (Sibillini Mts, Marche Region) is presented. The work focuses on the geomorphological analysis performed in a zone strongly struck by the 2016–2017 seismic sequence of Central Apennines. The geomorphological map (1:7,500 scale) was obtained through an integrated approach that incorporates geological-geomorphological field mapping and geomorphological profile drawing, supported by air-photo interpretation and GIS analysis. The main purpose of the work is to describe a geomorphological approach for representing and mapping the evidence of several debris flows and landslides recognized in the framework of seismic microzonation (SM) activities. Finally, in order to elevate geomorphological maps into effective tools for land management and risk reduction, it could provide a scientific and methodological basis to demonstrate that accurate mapping provides important information, readily available for local administrations and decision-makers, for the implementation of sustainable territorial planning and loss-reduction measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results obtained by an audio-magnetotelluric (AMT) survey carried out crossing the western sector of Montemurro village (Southern Italy) affected by an intense hydrogeological instability. The AMT investigation was aimed to settle the question concerning the possible prosecution toward SE of the Eastern Agri Fault System whose surficial evidences could be blinded by extensive landslides phenomena and by anthropization of the territory. The AMT profile was oriented in NE-SW direction, orthogonal to the main geological structures of the investigated area. It crossed longitudinally the area affected by instability. The AMT model provides new insights on already known faults (i.e. Montemurro Faults) and imaged their in-depth immersion thus answering to still open geological question in the investigated areas. Furthermore, the high resolution of the model allowed the imaging of the boundaries, in terms of resistivity contrast, between material affected/unaffected by the sliding dynamics or characterized by an higher water content. The results provide new knowledge about the geological and geoelectrical structures in the area. They will be fully integrated with the results of the on-going research activities in the area and will represent an additional step for the multiscale and multiparametrical characterization of the Agri Valley geological setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teaching how to map the geomorphology of an area cannot be performed in a satisfying manner only in the lecture room, but requires practical exercises both in the laboratory and in the field. A preliminary study of existing geological maps, geomorphological legends and symbols used in Italy and of the landslide inventory preceded a detailed four-day-long field mapping campaign carried out by students in the framework of their MSc course on 'Geomorphological Mapping' at Bologna University. The Geomorphological Map at 1:5000 produced by some of these students is presented in this paper. The study area is located in the northern Apennines, a few kilometres East of Bologna, along the Idice Valley (N-Italy). Lithologies are mainly composed of clayey and marly sequences ranging in age from Cretaceous to Plio- Pleistocene, sands and sandstones of Pleistocene age, and Messinian gypsum, these last being the most resistant rocks. Besides the greater scale used in this map, allowing for a more detailed representation of the mapped features, this map also shows the recent evolution of landslides in this actively mass wasting area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper illustrates a geographic information system (GIS) supported methodology for the assessment of landslide susceptibility. The methodology involves four operational steps: survey, site analysis, macroarea analysis and susceptibility analysis. The Survey includes the production (or acquisition) of a large-scale litho-technical map, a large-scale geomorphological map, a detailed inventory of past and present landslide events, and a high resolution DTM (Digital Terrain Model. Site analysis leads to the definition of discriminating parameters (commonly, lithological and morphometric conditions necessary but not sufficient to trigger a landslide of a given type) and predisposing factors (conditions that worsen slope stability but are not sufficient to trigger a landslide of a given type in the absence of discriminating parameters). The different predisposing factors are subdivided into classes, whose intervals are established by descriptive, statistical analysis of landslide inventory data. A numerical index, based on the frequency of landslide occurrence, quantifies the contribution of each class to slope instability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Crati Graben is a depression of Plio-Holocene age mainly controlled by extensional N–S striking faults and WNW–ESE transcurrent faults, in its northern and southern extremity. It is characterized by high landslide susceptibility due to the particular geo-structural pattern and seismotectonic characters. Landslides involve many villages, infrastructure and food crops, bringing serious economic and social damage. The seismotectonic and landslidesMain Mapof the Crati Graben, described in this paper, represents an update in detail of the framework of landslide risk areas and shows the main active and recent faults of the Crati Graben. The landslides and the faults, have been identified and classified, originally at detail scale (1:5000) and, then, represented at 1:50,000 scale. The geo-structural and geomorphological data were analysed in a geographic information system. The work has revealed a correlation between the trend of faults with respect to the distribution of landslides and of the historical and instrumental seismicity. The work presents an updated knowledge framework of risk conditions of the study zone, where risk areas related to slope instability are hierarchically classified according to the destructive potential of landslides. This document may be therefore a useful reference in planning and prioritising in the design of interventions for the safety of slopes and waterways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of geomorphological investigations carried out in Basilicata region (Southern Italy) in the sector of the youngest foredeep (Bradano trough) relative to most of the communal territory of Pisticci. The importance of the chosen area mostly lies in the presence of diffuse running-water landforms and landslides affecting urban areas. The geomorphological processes are linked with Quaternary tectonic uplift affecting the Apennine front-Bradanic foredeep sectors. A series of field surveys, supported by aerial photo interpretation, have led to the production of a geomorphological map at 1:35,000 scale which outlines the main processes and related landforms recognised in the study area. The latter are the result of the complex interplay of structural, gravitational and fluvial processes. Particular attention has been devoted to the recognition, identification and mapping of landslides which affect the slope, locally giving rise to hazardous conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Italy, landslides are one of the main geological hazards. Sometimes urban areas are affected by deep-seated gravitational slope deformations (DGSDs) that can lead to a potentially catastrophic failure and trigger a secondary collateral landslide. In these cases, monitoring is important for early warning and risk reduction. In this study, we analyzed DGSDs, in particular, lateral spreads, and landslides in the inhabited areas of Ulassai, in eastern-central Sardinia. Starting from high-resolution geostructural and geomorphological surveys of lateral spread, integrated with high-resolution digital elevation models acquired by UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle), we created geological 3D models of the slope deformations. To better understand the kinematics and temporal evolution of unstable slope deformation, a monitoring system, consisting of Space-borne Interferometric Persistent Scatter Synthetic Aperture Radar (PS-InSAR), GNSS antennas, tiltmeters, and extensometers, was performed. PS-InSAR analysis confirmed by GNSS periodic measurement identified downslope movement of up to 10 mm per year in the lateral spread. Continuous acquisition by extensometers and tiltmeter recorder displacement in large block inclinations and opening and closing of fractures since 2021. Integrated data analysis will be essential to define the threshold for a future 24/7 early-warning system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of geomorphological investigations carried out in Basilicata region (southern Italy) from the most external thrust front of the Apennines, where the town of Craco is located, to the adjacent sector of the Apennines foredeep (Fossa Bradanica; Pisticci area). The importance of the chosen area mostly resided in the presence of really diffuse running-waters and gravity-induced landforms which strictly affect urban areas. The geomorphological processes are linked with the Quaternary tectonic uplift affecting the Apennine front-Bradanic foredeep sectors. Series of field surveys, supported by aerial photo-interpretation, have led to the production of a geomorphological map at 1:16,000 scale which outlines the main processes and related landforms recognized in the study area. The latter are the result of the complex interplay of structural, gravitational and fluvial processes. Particular attention was devoted to the recognition, identification and mapping of landslides which affect the slope of the main villages (Craco and Pisticci), locally giving rise to hazardous conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper performs denudation processes and landforms characterizing the Camastra River catchment (Basilicata – South Italy), on a 1:40,000 scale map. The map, which includes gravitational processes and landforms and water erosion processes and landforms, was obtained by combining field surveys with the analysis of topographic maps and of multi-temporal aerial photos, ranging from 1954 to 2010. These latter provided information on both spatial and temporal evolution of geomorphic processes. The integration and the elaboration of the data obtained in a GIS environment provided the inventory map of denudation processes and landforms. Landslides are widespread in the study area, and play an important role in the present-day landscape evolution. A total of 953 landslides were recognized, occupying a surface of 79 km2, about 22% of the whole study area. The recognized landslides were mapped on the basis of movement type, as follows: slides, flows, falls and complex landslides. With regard to water erosion processes, the most evident and spectacular landforms in the study area are represented by badlands (the so calledcalanchi), due to concentration of running water on steep clayey slopes, producing narrow and knife-edge ridges. Finally, sheet, rill and gully erosion are particularly active on areas devoid of vegetation cover, as well as on cultivated fields. This kind of map is an useful tool for land planning policy. Also, these types of studies are basic and complementary to applied methods for investigation and mapping of land susceptibility to denudation processes, as landslides and water erosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the estimation of both individual and societal risks owing to landslides in the Campania region (southern Italy) thanks to the availability of an extensive catalogue of historical incident data spanning from the 5th century up to now. Individual risk is estimated by computing the landslide mortality rate. Societal risk is measured by plotting the annual frequency F of events causing N or more fatalities against the number N of fatalities (i.e. an F-N curve). The results obtained show that in Campania both individual and societal risks owing to landslides are very high when compared to similar risks of the Italian territory. Moreover, the analysis of the incident data clearly highlights the most prone areas to catastrophic events, essentially related to the occurrence of flow-like fast-moving phenomena, where the societal risk is proved to be one of the highest in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ca' Lita landslide is a large and deep-seated mass movement located in the northern Apennines, about 70 km west of Bologna (Northern Italy). It consists of a composite landslide that affects Cretaceous to Eocene flysch rock masses and chaotic complexes. Many of the sectors making up the landslide have resumed activity between 2002 and 2006, threatening some villages and an important road connecting several key industrial facilities located in the upper watershed. This paper presents the management of the emergency, dealing with the investigation campaigns (geological, geomorphological and LiDAR surveys, borehole drillings, seismic surveys), with the monitoring (in situ instrumentation) and with the design and construction of mitigation measures. The whole process, from landslide reactivation to date, has been modelled on a numerical basis with the finite difference code FLAC 2D, to assess the efficiency of the mitigation system and to propose further countermeasure works in different scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, SAR interferometry has become one of the most popular emerging techniques for the assessment of ground displacements, and, as such, it is of great interest as a possible operational tool for civil protection institutions having to deal with landslide risk. The paper presents some of the results obtained in northern Italy during a research project aimed at testing the potentiality of the application of C‐band space‐borne interferometry and Ku‐band ground based interferometry during different specific civil protection activities. Main research objectives were the detection of the movements of complex earth and rock slides affecting built‐up areas during the 1990s, and the near real‐time monitoring of a reactivated rotational earth slide over an emergency period of 15 days. Results of space‐borne interferometry did qualitatively fit with the geological interpretation of the mass movements and with ground truths such as damaged buildings and in situ monitoring systems. However, this was not achieved in quantitative terms, suggesting that this technique should be used limitedly for displacement recognition and not monitoring. On the other hand, ground‐based interferometry proved valuable both for a qualitative and a quantitative estimate of slope movements. Nonetheless, the research has also enabled the limitations that are still to be tackled in order to bring these systems to an operational usage in civil protection to be highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study addresses the pattern distribution of recent landslides in Italy. The main objective is the detection and mapping of spatio-temporal clusters of landslides that occurred in the period 2010–2017 in the country. To this aim, a subdivision of the national area into 158 warning zones, as identified by the 21 civil protection regional centres to deal with weather-induced hydro-geological hazards, is adopted. Information on landslides comes from FraneItalia, a geo-referenced catalogue developed consulting online news sources. Analyses are performed both at national scale and at a regional scale, focusing on the Campania region. The space–time permutation scan statistics model is applied to detect statistically significant clustering, accounting for the geographical spatial dimension and for the temporal dimension. Two types of analyses are performed: annual, considering each single year; and multi-annual, encompassing the entire 8-year study period. In both cases, spatio-temporal cluster analyses are able to detect areas and frame-periods characterised by relevant and recurrent landslide activity. Finally, the obtained results are compared with a standard landslide density map, highlighting the complementarity of the two approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complex landslides, capable of reactivation, are typical slope movements in high relief areas. Due to their distribution, size and kinematics, these landforms represent a major hazard, posing a high risk to populations, settlements and infrastructures. This paper integrates geomorphological analyses, instrumental measurements and dendrochronological approaches in assessing a large, reactivated landslide system on the southern piedmont of Monte Sirino (southern Italy). The landslide system is associated with weak geological structures, earthquake activity, and rapid recent incision of the mid-Pleistocene Noce lake deposits. Potential reactivation triggers include a higher regional annual rainfall, one of the highest in southern Italy, and more frequent heavy snowfalls in recent decades. Reactivation of the Sirino landslide system has important implications for the motorway connecting Salerno and Reggio Calabria, which crosses it. The results of our study show that the slide is reactivated with an almost decadal frequency and that major reactivations are correlated to prolonged snowfall, which occurs with increasing frequency in the southern Apennines. The last observation suggests the need for similar studies on the behaviour of other landslide systems in the southern Apennines, performing integrated approaches such as geotechnical and dendrogeomorphological analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landslides inventories are crucial documents for extrapolating the spatial distribution of landslides that occurred in the past. However, the production of landslide hazards maps also needs deepening the knowledge on the temporal distribution of landslide activity. In this regard, historical maps and archive documents represent important sources of data and information on territory evolution through time and especially on landslides occurrence. Nevertheless, these kinds of data sources are rarely considered as they often must be interpreted integrating different disciplines. This work shows how historical and geomorphological data on landslides occurrence in an area of the Northern Apennines can be integrated to produce a synthesis map. This synthesis map put together analogic and digital information allowing to delineate the landscape evolution, in terms of spatial and especially temporal changes occurred in the study area representing a tool that could be useful for the landslide hazard assessment in territory management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep-seated gravitational slope deformation (DsGSD) represents a relevant geological-geomorphological feature of the landscape and has drawn scientific attention for the past several decades. During a detailed fieldwork in the Ligurian Alps, we identified areas (larger than ca 5 km2), characterized by very low percentage of outcrops, with rock blocks on the watershed and many morpho-tectonic evidences. Through the integration of geological-geomorphological mapping, structural data, photo interpretation, GIS-based analyses, we identified a number of typical DsGSDs. The example here described is one major complex-sagging-type DsGSD that is not present in national land planning and/or management databases but that is likely at the origin of the large-scale landslides which affected the villages of the area. This DsGSD is also located within the Beigua UNESCO Global Geopark, in an area of unique natural and historical value. This study once again highlights the importance of ground truth observations as the basis for further investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban and small catchment landslides and floods are common types of hazards caused by intense rainfall. The detailed geomorphological mapping and analysis of the superficial hydrographic network are fundamental tools to assess the geo-hydrologically critical areas. In this study, the Feltrino Stream and Lanciano area (Adriatic coastal-hills) were investigated through a basin-scale and urban-scale geomorphological analysis – which incorporated temperature-rainfall and morphometric analyses, and the acquisition of geomorphological and hazard data, integrated with geomorphological fieldwork and mapping. The creation of a geodatabase and the data overlay led to assess the landslide–flood critical areas through geomorphology-based matrices. This study aimed to define the distribution of landslide–flood historical/recent events and related critical areas for the realization of an urban EWS, composed of a network of nine gauges, integrating the existing regional monitoring network. It defined a local alert system for landslide–flood and could support real-time communication for civil protection purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work deals with the landslides affecting the area surrounding the village of San Martino sulla Marrucina and involving the neighboring municipalities of Casacanditella and Filetto. The geological and geomorphological settings of this area are being discussed. The enclosed maps have been realized following a multidisciplinary approach, based on morphometric, geological, and geomorphological analyses and supported by air-photo interpretation, dendrochronology, and satellite SAR interferometry (InSAR). The map is organized in four sections: orography (on the upper part), geological map (on the upper right part), main geomorphological map (in the central left part, 1:7,500 scale), and multitemporal analysis (in the lower part). The aforementioned multi-temporal assessment of landslides was performed according to the geomorphological evidence-based criteria and the past ground displacement measurements were obtained by dendrochronology and InSAR. The aim of the study is to understand the evolution in time and space of this landslide area, focusing on the corresponding kinematics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The landslide inventory of the Picentino basin was realized at 1:25,000, with focus on main geomorphological features affecting slope stability. It is based on different sets of air-photos (scales 1:33,000–1:18,000, dated up to 1998), and on field surveys. Among shallow landslides, channelized debris flows strongly prevail, originated as debris slides on moderately steep slopes. Further sectors are affected by deeper slope movements of greater extent. Items related to tectonics, erosion processes, and anthropized sectors are also mapped. Relevant predisposing factors to slope instability are shown in 1:100,000 thematic maps. In addition, shallow landslides of the 1998 inventory were compared to those derived from two event-based inventories (PSAI 2002, PSAI 2011, dated 1998–2005 at 1:13,000–1:10,000). Discrepancies are mainly ascribable to types of employed air-photos, age of surveys, scale of mapping, and freshness of forms, remarking the relevance of suitable shallow-landslide inventories for susceptibility evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 1:10,000 scale landslide inventory map has been prepared for the Basilicata region (southern Italy) through extensive geomorphological analyses based on aerial photo-interpretations and field surveys. The study area (about 8000 km2) includes different morpho-structural domains of the southern Italian Apennines, and our results suggest that mass movement processes are mainly related to the intrinsic fragility of the landscape, which is featured by high relief and widespread outcrops of clay-rich deposits. As a matter of fact, the landslides of the inventory map cover about 4.8% of the surface area of the Basilicata region, whereas the total percentage of the area covered by the landslides reaches a value of 7.7%, if one considers also the landslides surveyed in previous works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On 25 October 2011, the eastern Liguria (Vara Valley and Cinque Terre area) and northwestern Tuscany (Magra Valley) were affected by an extreme rainstorm (almost 600 mm/24 h) that caused floods, thousands of shallow landslides, 13 casualties and damage to villages and infrastructure. This study aims at analysing the main features of the 25 October 2011 shallow landslides occurred in the Pogliaschina Torrent basin (25 km2wide, Vara Valley), in order to investigate the influence of specific predisposing factors (land use, geological and structural setting, plan and profile curvature, slope angle and aspect) on landslide occurrence. For this purpose, both a landslide inventory map and a geology map (scale 1:10,000) were prepared. In addition, a database including the main geological, geomorphological, structural and land use features of the landslide source areas was implemented. The relationship between landslide source areas and the main predisposing factors was evaluated through spatial and statistical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The recent financial crisis has become a trigger for reflection on highly affective, shocking and upsetting silenced pasts in Reggio Calabria. Personal consideration of the present, as Benedetto Croce suggests, unlocks the archives of past crises such as the displacement of adults and children as a result of natural disasters—events which, for long periods, have remained shrouded in silence, inaccessible and well guarded. I argue that silence should be understood as a nonpathological transmission of knowledge of the past. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

On 25 October 2011, heavy rainfall affected an area of ca. 1000 km2between eastern Liguria and northern Tuscany (northwest Italy). The event caused floods, hundreds of shallow landslides, four casualties and severe structural and economic damage in Monterosso and Vernazza villages. The distribution of geo-hydrological processes triggered by rainfall in relation to land-use was analyzed in the Vernazza catchment. Both, an inventory map of geo-hydrological processes and a land-use map were prepared through air photo-analysis and field surveys; a derivative map combining these two outputs provides insight into the relationships between geo-hydrological processes and land-use. The density of shallow landslides (n/km2) and the frequency of erosional processes (%) are higher in terraced areas compared to other land-use classes. The study highlights the high vulnerability of agricultural terraces which, over the centuries, have been a fundamental tool for the prevention and control of erosional processes and slope instability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bartelletti, Giannecchini, D’Amato Avanzi, Galanti, & Mazzali [(2017). The influence of geological–morphological and land use settings on shallow landslides in the Pogliaschina T. basin (northern Apennines, Italy).Journal of Maps,13, 142–152] analyse the main features of the landslides triggered by an intense rainstorm in a small basin of northern Apennines (Italy). This comment discusses the assessment of event rainfall and its implications for the interpretation of landslide distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]