A Monitoring Network to Map and Assess Landslide Activity in a Highly Anthropized Area

Giulia Bossi,Giulia Bossi,Alessandro Pasuto,Alessandro Pasuto,Matteo Mantovani,Matteo Mantovani,Luca Schenato,Gianluca Marcato,Gianluca Marcato,Simone Frigerio,Simone Frigerio

doi:10.3390/geosciences6030040

Abstract

Mapping landslide activity in a highly anthropized area entails specific problems. The integration of different monitoring techniques in order to measure the displacements rate within the slope is mandatory. We describe our activity for the Mortisa landslide which is located on the western flank of the Cortina d’Ampezzo valley (northeastern Italy) in a highly anthropized area in the heart of the Dolomites, a UNESCO world heritage site. The mass movement threatens some houses, an important national road, and part of the area that will be the venue for the upcoming 2021 Alpine Skiing World Championship. The hazardous context along with its prestigious location makes the construction of new settlements and infrastructure very challenging. Owing to that, precise mapping and assessment of the activity of the Mortisa landslide is extremely important. To achieve this task, multitemporal aerial photo interpretation, A-DInSAR analysis, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) surveys, and inclinometric measurements were performed. Through the integration of the monitoring data and geomorphological interpretation, a hazard map of the Mortisa area was produced with the intent to assist the local authorities in the definition of the new urban development plan.

Highlights

Landslide hazard zonation is fundamental to manage urban expansion in mountain areas [1,2].especially for slow and very slow movements [3], the procedure to follow is not defined a priori and has to be based on the integration of different techniques chosen for the area under examination [4,5]
Through the integration of the monitoring data and geomorphological interpretation, a hazard map of the Mortisa area was produced with the intent to assist the local authorities in the definition of the new urban development plan
Slow and very slow moving landslides can still continue to damage buildings and infrastructures [6] and local authorities must be provided with sound landslide hazard maps to guarantee an appropriate degree of safety to properties and people [7]

Summary

Introduction

Landslide hazard zonation is fundamental to manage urban expansion in mountain areas [1,2].especially for slow and very slow movements [3], the procedure to follow is not defined a priori and has to be based on the integration of different techniques chosen for the area under examination [4,5]. When anthropic pressure is elevated, inaccuracy in the definition of landslide boundaries can lead to a significant economic loss This is important in the prestigious location of the Cortina valley (eastern Italian Alps), in the heart of the Dolomites, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) world heritage site, where the prices of the apartment are about 10.000 €/m2 [8]. The Cortina municipality is subject to numerous landslide phenomena that intersect and influence the city margins [9,10]. In this framework a compromise between the aspiration of the owners of potential development areas and the necessity of guaranteeing safety to people has to be found

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion