Landslide Hazard Assessment in a Monoclinal Setting (Central Italy): Numerical vs. Geomorphological Approach

Marco Materazzi,Matteo Gentilucci,Gilberto Pambianchi,Margherita Bufalini,Piero Farabollini,Domenico Aringoli

doi:10.3390/land10060624

Abstract

A correct landslide hazard assessment (LHA) is fundamental for any purpose of territorial planning. In Italy, the methods currently in use to achieve this objective alternate between those based on mainly qualitative (geomorphological) and quantitative (statistical–numerical) approaches. The present study contributes to the evaluation of the best procedure to be implemented for LHA, comparing the results obtained using two different approaches (geomorphological and numerical) in a territorial context characterized by conditioning and triggering factors, favorable to the instability of the slopes. The results obtained, although preliminary, evidence the respective limitations of the methods and demonstrate how a combined approach can certainly provide mutual advantages, by addressing the choice of the best numerical model through direct observations and surveys.

Highlights

The term landslide hazard assessment (LHA) is often mentioned within the Plan for Hydrogeological Risk Assessment (PAI), the significance is at times contradictory, and the products of the Plan rarely come from the steps described above; on the contrary, they are often realized based on an empirical approach and basic available data
The representation of the landslide hazard that emerges in some areas of the Italian territory can be over/underestimated, and divergent opinions may arise among technicians and public administrators
In particular, finite difference programs represent a powerful resource for the study and analysis of gravitational phenomena

Summary

Introduction

The term LHA (in its Italian translation) is often mentioned within the PAI, the significance is at times contradictory, and the products of the Plan (maps, inventory sheets, analyses, etc.) rarely come from the steps described above; on the contrary, they are often realized based on an empirical approach and basic available data. The representation of the landslide hazard that emerges in some areas of the Italian territory can be over/underestimated, and divergent opinions may arise among technicians and public administrators. This problem, among other aspects, has been highlighted in other countries of the European Union such as France [3,4,12,13]

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Results

Conclusion