Abstract

This paper contains the results of a series of geophysical investigations carried out on the largest debris flow to have taken place in Tavernole, S. Felice a Cancello (Caserta, Southern Italy). The landslide occurred in concurrence with other catastrophic events in the Sarno Mountains in May 1998. This research project is part of a series of geological, geomorphological and geotechnical studies whose purpose is to improve the knowledge of this type of phenomenon. The project also tested and compared various survey methods in the sample area of S. Felice a Cancello. Geophysical surveying allowed us to collect information regarding the physical features and thickness of the materials affected by landslide phenomena and to verify the applicability and effectiveness of the various indirect surveying methods adopted. The preliminary results of the study enabled us to generate a series of suggestions which could prove useful in formulating the correct approach to this type of problem to be adopted in ordinary professional practice. These indications concerned the type of geophysical surveying to be conducted and, where applicable, the means of implementation. In general, seismic refraction was found to be the best technique for collecting information on the area studied.

Highlights

  • This paper is an integral part of a wider research project carried out by the Italian Geological Survey on areas affected by fast-moving debris flow phenomena following the 1998 disaster in Sarno (Chiessi et al, 2000, 2002)

  • A full set of direct and indirect geognostic surveys were performed in a sample area in order to establish a geotechnical model of the studied event

  • Stability analyses using different methods were performed in order to assess the most suitable one for the purpose (Chiessi et al, 2003)

Read more

Summary

Introduction

This paper is an integral part of a wider research project carried out by the Italian Geological Survey on areas affected by fast-moving debris flow phenomena following the 1998 disaster in Sarno (Chiessi et al, 2000, 2002). The project includes several geological, geomorphological and geotechnical studies on volcaniclastic deposits covering carbonate slopes. A full set of direct and indirect geognostic surveys were performed in a sample area Felice a Cancello (Caserta) in which a series of fast-moving debris flows were generated during the disaster of May 1998. The slide originated at a height of about 330 m a.s.l. and quickly moved down the valley involving the volcaniclastic sediments covering the carbonate substratum. Before stopping in the flat toe of the slope area (about 70 m a.s.l.), the flow destroyed several specialized crops and an industrial warehouse. According to the latest data, the volume of debris carried by the slide can be estimated at around 60 000 m3

Geological and geomorphological aspects
Surveys carried out
Technical and instrument specifications for the survey
Survey results
Technical and instrument specifications of the survey
Survey technical and instrument specifications
Conclusions

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.