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Deep Electrical Resistivity Tomography for Detecting Gravitational Morpho-Structures in the Becca France Area (Aosta Valley, NW Italy)

Authors :
Maria Gabriella Forno
Marco Gattiglio
Franco Gianotti
Cesare Comina
Andrea Vergnano
Stefano Dolce
Source :
GeoHazards, Vol 5, Iss 3, Pp 886-916 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2024.

Abstract

Deep-seated gravitational slope deformations (DSGSDs) consist of gravity-induced, large-scale, gradual rock mass movements. In the Aosta Valley region (Valle d’Aosta NW Italy), DSGDs affect wide valley slopes and produce several interconnected morpho-structures that involve bedrock and Quaternary cover. Some DSGSD effects are not visible at the surface because of subglacial abrasion or burial by sediments and, therefore, are difficult to map with standard geomorphological surveys. This is the case for the Pointe Leysser DSGSD in the Aosta Valley, which is heavily influenced by the historical movements of the Verrogne-Clusellaz Glacier and its tributaries. We conducted a new geological investigation, integrated with deep electrical resistivity tomography geophysical surveys (ERTs). The ERT results were initially compared with geological/geomorphological evidence at the surface to define the correlation between the values and spatial distributions of electrical resistivity and the sediments, rocks, or morpho-structures. The resistivity values at various depths were subsequently analysed, interpreted, and discussed in conjunction with geological hypotheses. The geological and geophysical survey revealed three wide buried glacial valleys filled with glacial sediments and mapped the locations of gravitational morpho-structures at depth. These new data allowed us to draw a relationship between glacialism and gravitational evolution, distinguishing between pre-singlacial movements and postglacial movements.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
2624795X
Volume :
5
Issue :
3
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
GeoHazards
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.072c4130519749e2aca48eeab6eafe14
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards5030045