Coastal Cliffs Research Articles

Effects of geomorphological processes and phytoclimate conditions change on forest vegetation in the Pomeranian Bay coastal zone (Wolin National Park, West Pomerania)

The functioning of plant associations, including forest associations, in the coastal cliff edge zone of the Pomeranian Bay in the Wolin National Park (WNP) is determined by short-term factors related to the dynamics of erosion and denudation processes and long-term phytoclimatic conditions’ changes. The study presents a temporary analysis of the occurrence of sea abrasion and water and aeolian erosion, based on the applied hydrometeorological threshold values. The influence of changes in phytoclimatic conditions on the development and productivity of coastal forests with the dominant species of Fagus sylvatica was also presented. Assessments of spatial susceptibility to erosion of the cliff coast and the existing plant associations were also carried out in conditions of the risk of coast erosion. It was found that 55% of the cliff edge zone of the Pomeranian Bay of the WNP and the forest associations (mainly Luzulo pilosae-Fagetum) occurring there are in the zone of particular risk of increased erosion and denudation processes. In addition, unfavourable trends in changes in phytoclimatic conditions in the 21st century were found, which reflect climate changes unfavourable to the development of beech forests on Wolin Island.

The effects of temporally distinct light pollution from ships on nocturnal colony attendance in a threatened seabird

The ecological effects from artificial light are complex and can affect species and life-stages differently. Ships are a dynamic source of light pollution, often brightly lit and temporarily increasing light levels in otherwise relatively dark areas. Because several nocturnal seabird species display reduced activity and avoidance of natural or artificial light, we expect that bright vessel lights may affect colony attendance patterns. Here, we test whether the presence of ships in front of coastal cliffs affects colony attendance in the Yelkouan Shearwater (Puffinus yelkouan). Ship presence at the site was obtained from an automatic identification system database, and a data logger measured light levels at the colony autonomously for four breeding seasons (2017–2020). Moreover, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system was deployed at a cavernous colony entrance to register arrivals and departures of shearwaters. Direct illumination from ships increased cliff face brightness, and colony attendance was significantly reduced in brighter conditions. Ship presence reduced the number of shearwaters entering the colony per hour by a mean of 18% (SD ± 24). Disruption of natural attendance patterns is likely to have short- and long-term effects on breeding success, physiological condition, and colony viability. Therefore, we propose mitigation measures to reduce the impact from commercial shipping on burrow-nesting seabirds. Local regulations are necessary for colony-specific impact reduction, while incorporation of measures such as black-out blinds, fixture shielding and maximum brightness limits into international conventions can have additional far-reaching benefits.

Application of airborne laser scanning and electrical resistivity tomography in the study of an active landslide and geology of the cliff, Jastrzębia Góra, Poland

The cliff in Jastrzębia Góra is one of the most an active landslide areas along the Polish Baltic coast. The aim of these studies was to determine the dynamics of displacements in an active landslide and to identify the geology of the cliff. Two methods, ALS (Airborne Laser Scanning) and ERT (Electrical Resistivity Tomography), were used for this purpose. Multitemporal ALS data were used to determine the geomorphological changes within the cliff and find the causes of the rapid rate of cliff edge landslides. ALS differential models were the sources of new information about the dynamics of vertical displacement in the landslide and helped calculate the volume of displaced rock masses that occurred over 12 years. The cliff was found to become significantly an active in 2010. This process was observed by analysing the relief of multitemporal digital elevation models, differential models, AND morphological sections and by conducting long-term field observations. The ERT surveys made it possible to generate two 3D ERT electrical resistivity models that provided much new information about the geological structure of the cliff. Additionally, a 2D ERT profile was made through the landslide. The internal structure of the landslide was recognized, and the depth of the slip surface was estimated. The results permitted clarifying the cause of the high landslide activity and the rapid rate of retreat of the cliff edge over the past 12 years. In addition, by means of the results of electrical resistivity surveys and the use of archival boreholes, it was possible to extrapolate a model of the surface relief of the clay hill using geostatistical methods. It was found that at the boundary with the active landslide—the top of the clay layer—is tilted towards the north, i.e. towards the sea, which favours the activation of the landslide. The proposed research methodology, as well as the obtained information, may be of significant assistance in further diagnosis and prognosis of the dynamics of landslide development and the causes of landslide formation within cliff coasts.

Coastal cliff evolution: Modelling the long-term interplay between marine erosion, initial topography, and uplift in an arid environment

Coastal cliff evolution is modulated by several factors, such as uplift, marine erosion, previous topographical conditions, and changes in global sea level. In this study, a numerical model is used to understand the influence of these processes on the evolution of coastal cliffs. This model is based on erosional and tectonic conditions of the Great Coastal Cliff in the Atacama Desert, the tallest and most uninterrupted coastal cliff on Earth. The results show that a faster uplift rate (> 0.3 mm/yr) or an older onset of uplift (3 Myrs) favors the formation of inactive cliffs, whereas active cliffs preferentially form under conditions of a slow uplift (0.2 mm/yr) or a younger uplift onset (1 Myr). Low erosion rates (< 1 m2/yr) also favor the preservation of sequences of staircase marine terraces, separating the seashore from an inactive coastal cliff. In contrast, high erosion rates (≥ 1 m2/yr) inhibit marine terrace formation, keeping the cliff active. The effect of erosion on cliff activity is enhanced or reduced by the slope of the initial topography. Steep coasts (> 5–10°) may hamper cliffs from reaching an inactive state. Thus, this model gives insights on the relative importance of these variables on the development of active and inactive cliffs, especially in an environment such as the Atacama Desert in northern Chile.

Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope compositions provide new insights into the phenotypic plasticity of the invasive species Carpobrotus sp. pl. in different coastal habitats

The genus Carpobrotus N.E.Br. comprises several aggressive invasive species that threaten biodiversity in coastal areas worldwide. We studied the phenotypic plasticity of Carpobrotus sp. pl. invading four coastal habitats in the north-western Iberian Peninsula (coastal cliffs, disturbed areas, dunes and coastal forests). We measured morphological traits and carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope compositions of Carpobrotus sp. pl. individuals collected in each habitat. Our results indicated that leaf carbon content (% C) and dry shoot weight were higher on cliffs and lower in mixed forests. In contrast, leaf hydration was higher in mixed forests and lower on cliffs. Leaf nitrogen content (% N) was higher in forests, which might be due to the presence of Acacia longifolia, an alien tree that accumulates N in the soil through symbiotic associations with N fixing bacteria. Differences in δ15N showed the use of different N sources in each habitat. Values were higher in disturbed areas with greater human activity and lower on cliffs and forests. δ13C was higher in cliffs and dunes, suggesting CAM activity where drought and salinity are more intense. Water use efficiency (iWUE) and δ13C were higher on cliffs and dunes, suggesting an adaptation and high tolerance of Carpobrotus sp. pl. to unfavourable conditions such as drought or salinity in the invaded areas.

3D Discrete Fracture Network Modelling from UAV Imagery Coupled with Tracer Tests to Assess Fracture Conductivity in an Unstable Rock Slope: Implications for Rockfall Phenomena

The stability of a rock slope is strongly influenced by the pattern of groundwater flow through the fracture system, which may lead to an increase in the water pressure in partly open joints and the consequent decrease in the rock wall strength. The comprehension of the fracture pattern is a challenging but vital aspect in engineering geology since the fractures’ spatial distribution, connectivity, and aperture guide both the water movement and flow quantity within the rock volume. In the literature, the most accepted methods to hydraulically characterise fractured rocks in situ are the single borehole packer test, the high-resolution flow meters for fractures, and the artificial tracer tests performed in boreholes. However, due to the high cost a borehole requires and the general absence of wells along coastal cliffs, these methods may not be appropriate in rockfall-prone areas. In this study, an unsaturated rocky cliff, strongly affected by rockfalls, was investigated by combining kinematic analysis, Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) modelling, and artificial tracer tests. The DFN model and potential rock block failure mechanisms were derived from high-resolution 3D virtual outcrop models via the Structure from Motion (SfM) photogrammetry technique. An artificial tracer was injected using a double ring infiltrometer atop the recharge zone of the slope to determine the infiltration rate and validate the DFN results. The DFN and tracer test methods are frequently used at different spatial scales and for different disciplines. However, the integration of digital photogrammetry, DFN, and tracer tests may represent a new step in rockfall and landslide studies. This approach made possible the identification of groundwater flow patterns within the fracture system and revealed about a 10-day tracer transit time from the injection area and the monitored slope, with similar conductivity values gathered from both the DFN and tracer test. Planar and wedge failures with volumes ranging from 0.1 and 1 m3 are the most probable failure mechanisms in the areas. The results were consistent with the delay between the intense rainfall and the slope failures previously documented in the study area and with their mechanisms.

Piloting an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle to Explore the Floristic Variations of Inaccessible Cliffs along Island Coasts

Coastal cliffs are important in plant ecology as a unique frontier between terrestrial and marine ecosystems. This study piloted close-range photogrammetry with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to clarify floristic patterns using 26 inaccessible coastal cliffs in a warm-temperate, preserved island (area: 6.5 km2). UAV-based flora data were analyzed in terms of cliff aspect (Type-N: northwestern aspect of the island, Type-S: other island aspects) and elevation. The studied coastal cliffs contained 94 flora taxa, of which 13 and 12 taxa were found from either Type-N or Type-S cliffs only. Type-S cliffs retained a larger number of epiphyte and evergreen species but a smaller number of deciduous species than Type-N cliffs (p &lt; 0.05), and 4 out of 8 detected epiphyte species dwelled in Type-S cliffs only. Additionally, the elevation of coastal cliffs was positively related to the proportion of tree and epiphyte species (r = 0.608, p &lt; 0.001) but negatively related to the proportion of herbs (r = −0.649, p &lt; 0.001). These patterns corresponded to differing microclimates such as the severity of cold and dry conditions during winter. We expect that UAV-based approaches will help understand plant ecology under harsh, challenging environments beyond the speculation with traditionally accessible sites only.

A geoheritage valuation to prevent environmental degradation of a new volcanic landscape in the Canary Islands

AbstractOn 19 September 2021, a new monogenetic volcano (Tajogaite) erupted on the Island of La Palma (Canary Islands, Spain). After 85 days of Strombolian style eruption, with emissions of volcanic material, a pyroclastic cone 200 m high and 800 m in its basal diameter was formed. Successive lava flows descended the western slopes and reached the Atlantic Ocean on 29 September. On descending the coastal cliffs and entering the sea, the lava flows formed two lava deltas on the submarine island shelf, backed by fossilized coastal cliffs. This geological event has raised a new challenge: the environmental conservation of new volcanic landscapes in island territories with high anthropogenic pressure on land uses. This work uses comparative and numerical methods in geoheritage to support their conservation from a scientific basis. In a first phase, a cartographic inventory was made of all the volcanic formations similar to the new volcano in the geological framework of the Canary Islands. In a second phase, their representativeness (A), rarity (R), diversity (D), integrity (I), and observability (O) were quantitatively measured by means of dimensional estimators. The results obtained show that the new volcano presents a geological value of the first order in the context of the Canary Islands, which is one of the most prominent oceanic archipelago worldwide. Its value is based above all on its high conservation state with respect to the similar volcanoes in the Canary Islands. The high mismatch found between the intrinsic geological value and the environmental protection of this area, justifies the development and application of urgent basic guidelines for its protection, as well as the promotion of geotourism as opposed to alternative land uses.

Elucidation of wave pressure acting on a wave-cut notch beneath a coastal cliff based on laboratory experiments and numerical modeling

To investigate past extreme waves which deposited cliff-top boulders, it is important to elucidate the wave force acting on wave-cut notches beneath coastal cliffs. Our laboratory experiments have revealed that extreme waves over coastal cliffs generated both sustained and impulsive forces, and that sustained forces can be estimated from buoyancy, because velocities are rather small when sustained forces are generated. Thus, boulders at coastal cliffs are likely moved by impulsive forces but not by sustained forces. We have also proposed coefficients of the formula which can reproduce impulsive and sustained wave forces acting on the notch based on observed and simulated wave heights and velocities. Using the proposed formula, wave heights and velocities that are necessary to move boulders up coastal cliffs can be estimated without numerical simulations. In our future investigation, we will account for the scaling effect of impulsive forces acting on coastal cliffs.

A marine bird (sulidae, Aves) from the Langhian (middle Miocene) of Penedo beach (Setúbal Peninsula—SW Portugal) and its paleoenvironmental context

The fossil remains of birds from the Miocene of Portugal are scarce, encompassing a total of twelve specimens, from nine paleontological outcrops located in Leiria (central Portugal), southern sector of Setúbal Peninsula and along the lower Tagus Basin. This study focuses on a new specimen found in the Praia do Penedo Norte (Sesimbra) coastal cliff corresponding to a coracoid bone, attributed to Morus sp., a sulid bird, biostratigraphically framed by calcareous nannofossils within the middle Miocene (Langhian).

Dispersal Movements and Hot Spot Areas of Juvenile Bonelli’s Eagles on the Island of Crete, Greece

The Bonelli’s Eagle (Aquila fasciata) is the main avian predator in almost all the islands of the Greek archipelagos. The phase of its natal dispersal has never been studied in Greece, though it constitutes a crucial part of the species ecology and conservation. In an effort to investigate the movement patterns and settlement areas of young eagles, we tagged 30 fledglings on the island of Crete during 2019–2023 with GPS/GSM transmitters. Fledging date was set the first day with full satellite coverage and consecutive GPS fixes for individual birds while the initiation of the dispersal period was established when they performed consecutive long flights, overstaying away from their natal territory (&gt;10 km). Mean fledgling date was calculated at May 27 (range = 20/5–8/6), whereas the dispersal period started on average on September 03 (range = 30/8–21/9), namely ca. 90–100 days after the abandonment of the nest. All juvenile birds wandered around over the entire island residing primarily in two distinct habitat types i.e. coastal cliffs and satellite islets around Crete and agricultural areas in the lowlands covered with olive groves and vineyards. Preliminary surveys show that the juvenile birds avoid active Bonelli’s Eagle territories and select rural areas near landfills, water reservoirs, fowl pens, and uninhabited islets, specializing on prey species that are readily available (i.e. gulls, corvids, rock pigeons, wild rabbits and poultry). This fact makes them particularly susceptible to human-induced mortality such as electrocution, drowning in open water tanks and poaching, which accounted for ca. 60% of the casualties of this age group. Overall, the study confirms that land use changes and human pressure are the major threats for the species on Crete, likewise in the rest of its distribution range in the Mediterranean.

UNA NUEVA ESPECIE DE LUTREOLINA THOMAS, 1910 (MARSUPIALIA, DIDELPHIDAE) DEL PLEISTOCENO TEMPRANO DE LA PAMPA AUSTRAL (PROVINCIA DE BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA)

We describe Lutreolina tonnii sp. nov. (Mammalia, Metatheria, Marsupialia, Didelphimorphia, Didelphidae), recovered from Early (or Early–Middle) Pleistocene deposits of the coastal cliffs near Necochea City in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. Its holotype, a right maxillary with M1-3, indicates that it belongs to the largest species of the genus, including extinct and extant species. It also differs from other species of the genus in having more anteroposteriorly compressed protocones in the upper molars. It differs from the living species in that the maxillary-jugal contact is less horizontal in its posterior two-thirds, has a deeper ectoflexus in M3, and has a shallow but distinct internal (lingual) crest linking the bases of stylar cusps B and D in M1-3. The new species is the fourth known up to now for the South American record, and the third for the Plio–Pleistocene of the Pampean Region, thus suggesting a considerable diversity for this genus in mid-latitudes of this continent by the end of the Cenozoic Era.

On the Allocation of Regional Geological Monuments of the Main Devonian Field

Abstract—Using the example of two particularly valuable geological objects of the Main Devonian Field (Ilmen glint and the valley of the Velikaya River in the area of the Vybuty rapids), the features of the allocation and protection of geological monuments of regional significance are considered. Ilmen glint is a complex (stratigraphic, paleontological, ore-litho-petrological, hydrogeological) geological monument of regional significance. The authors substantiate the paleogeographic value of the object, which consists in the possibility of studying various ecological complexes of the macrofauna of the Middle Frasnian Sea, reflecting both regressive and transgressive stages of its development. Also, for the Ilmen glint are recommended two new criteria: a historical criterion (reflection of information about a geological object in the classical geological literature) and (for the first time) the introduction of a new historical and geographical criterion (the relationship of geological and geographical features with the history of settlement and development of the region). As a unique geological object, Ilmen glint has been studied by outstanding Russian and foreign researchers. The sections of the glint and the near-glint region are stratotypic for a number of sub-regional and local subdivisions of the Middle Frasnian of the Main Devonian Field. The features of the geological structure (close occurrence to the surface of carbonate rocks of the Upper Devonian), proximity to Novgorod and convenient communication with it by water influenced the fact that this area became one of the areas of ancient mining back in the days of Veliky Novgorod. Due to the location at the crossroads of important roads, the surroundings of glint often turned out to be the scene of important historical events, so in the village of Korostyn, located at the western tip of glint, the famous Korostyn Peace was concluded. The Vybuty Rapids tract is not a protected area, although it also has a clear scientific value from the paleogeographic (interesting complexes of ichnofossils are observed in the outcrop and extremely valuable in the reconstruction of paleogeographic conditions of the hardground facies) and historical and geographical points of view (a large ford was the strategic place in the Middle Ages for Pskov). The article considers the influence of natural and anthropogenic hazards on the condition of the described geological objects. In the described unique outcrops, there is an active manifestation of landslide processes and weathering processes. At the same time, the terrain features (the presence of local plicative and disjunctive structures that contribute to the formation of zones of increased fracturing) are aggravated by the active traffic load in the areas adjacent to the coastal cliffs.

Jarosite-Rich Mineral Crust on Coastal Cliffs in Central Norway: Microstructural and Geochemical Investigations

The study of jarosite produced under diverse conditions is essential to gain insight into its diverse formation mechanisms on earth. Such investigations can even pave ways to better understanding of the genesis of jarosite discovered in extra-terrestrial bodies such as Mars. Jarosite samples from two costal locations in central Norway are investigated through the application of multiple analytical techniques. The jarosite-rich encrustations on seaward cliff walls were studied with a focus on the characterization of their micromorphology and geochemistry. Light and electron microscopic analyses revealed distinct laminations and microlaminations in the samples. These layered laminations likely imply the existence of favorable periods in a cyclic manner for mineralization/biomineralization of jarosite in tandem with gypsum formation and dissolution. The pH level measured is not low similar to that usually described as conducive for jarosite formations. Different viable jarosite formation mechanisms are explored. Though some indicators are implied from microstructural and compositional analyses, further investigations are required for establishing the biogenic nature of the mechanism involved. Signs of the possible formation of jarosite in the Mid-Pleistocene Transition, 1.1–1.3 million years B.P., are acquired from Ar39/Ar40 geochronological determinations. Useful paleoenvironmental and paleobiological information could be found preserved in the microstructures of such jarosite formations.

Litho-structural control on rock slope failures at Garmaksla, Billefjorden coastline, Svalbard

The eastern slope of Garmaksla, a flat-topped mountain at the western margin of Billefjorden, Svalbard, is affected by mass movements of different types. Rotational rock slides, rock fall and a rock avalanche affecting the coastal cliff are shallow surface expressions covering a larger rock mass instability that is bordered to the west by the Balliolbreen Fault. This structural feature is part of the Billefjorden Fault Zone and accommodated multi-phase deformation since Devonian time. Based on a comprehensive morpho-structural analysis, the mapped surface features and rock slope failures are explained by a compound rock slide model that reveals a litho-structural control on the type and mechanism of slope instability. The Balliolbreen Fault serves as an inherited zone of weakness that is reactivated as the rear rupture surface of the rock slide. In addition, favourably oriented bedding planes and pre-existing fault zones serve as prime conditioning factors for the compound rock slide. A postglacial age of at least 6 ka is derived from 14 C dated sediments of Garmaksla Lake, a perennial sag pond along the main scarp. Although the current state of activity of the compound rock slide is unclear, an increase of shallow slope instabilities is expected owing to climate warming.

Средновековната крепост Галата и нейното пристанище

The medieval fortress of Galata was located on the high cliff coast of Cape Galata. Its harbour was located to the west of the cape in a small, but very well-protected bay against winds and sea waves. This article presents information known to date from written sources and scientific literature, as well as the results of remote non-destructive surveys in the area of the cape and the medieval harbour basin. During the analysis of the data from the field surveys, an L-shaped facility was registered that was part of the ancient port’s infrastructure, and fragmented medieval pottery was found. All these data allow accurate localization of the port of the Galata fortress. The results of the field studies suggest a high potential for future detailed studies, both on land and underwater.

Hydrodynamic performance of dual-chamber Oscillating Water Column array under oblique waves

A multiple Oscillating Water Column (OWC) device may provide better wave absorption over a wider frequency bandwidth than a single-chamber OWC due to multiple resonances. The scattering and radiation of three-dimensional oblique waves by an array of periodic dual-chamber OWCs are considered here along a coastal cliff. A semi-analytical model was developed based on potential flow theory and matching eigenfunction method to investigate the oblique wave interaction with a dual-chamber OWC array system. The velocity singularity at the tip of a chamber wall is resolved by introducing the Galerkin technique to accelerate the convergence. The semi-analytical solution is verified by the Haskind relation and energy conservation law. Hydrodynamics of the proposed system and the influence of wave and geometric parameters were investigated. Theoretical results indicate that a dual-chamber OWC array has a broader capture bandwidth than a single-chamber OWC array for both normal and oblique waves. The presence of the along-shore and cross-shore sloshing resonance is theoretically confirmed in each subchamber of OWC unit, which decreases the hydrodynamic efficiency and increases the wave reflection drastically. Although the wave loading on the chamber wall decreases with increasing incident wave angle θ, the wave loading on chamber/partition wall may increase sharply due to sloshing resonance at critical frequency kc. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to investigate the hydrodynamics of dual-chamber OWC array under oblique waves. The present theoretical results indicate the potential risks of structural damage and total wave reflection due to sloshing resonance, which should be an important design consideration.

ERT survey and geotechnical characterization of underground cavities: a case study of Amouni coastal cliff, Safi, Morocco

ERT survey and geotechnical characterization of underground cavities: a case study of Amouni coastal cliff, Safi, Morocco

Assessing multi-climate-hazard threat in the coastal region of Bangladesh by combining influential environmental and anthropogenic factors

This study developed a geo-spatial framework for assessing multi-hazard threat on the Bangladesh coast, integrating environmental hazards (EH), geo-environmental attributes (GA), and anthropogenic modifications (AM) based on their potential contribution to overall threat. For this purpose, a fuzzy logic based analytical technique was integrated with geospatial mapping. Thematic layers were prepared for twenty-three theoretically important factors representing the three components of threat. The spatial variations of threat and its components were delineated through spatial overlaying of the respective layers in a GIS environment. The final threat map revealed 32% (5338 km2) and 4% (646 km2) of the area of the western deltaic coast, which encompassed >50–60% of the areas of Khulna, Bagerhat, and Satkhira districts, was under high and very high threat, respectively, owing primarily to frequent cyclones, salinity ingression, and subsidence, and secondarily to the low elevation of the coast, high astronomical tide, shallow bathymetry, excessive groundwater extraction, and polder construction. High and very high threat zones within the central estuarine coast corresponded to 27% (4518 km2) and 16% (2618 km2) of the area, including most of Bhola, Barguna, and Patuakhali districts, which was attributable to the effects of coastal erosion, sea-level rise, flooding and the ancillary effects of strong wave action, high river discharge, deforestation, and land transformation. Around 14% (948 km2) and 3% (164 km2) of the eastern cliff coast, comprising the southwestern part of the Coxsbazar district, was found to be under high and very high threat, respectively, due to the direct effects of sea-level rise, storm surge, erosion, and indirect effects of closeness to the shoreline, alluvial composition of the beach, tourism, and pollution from industries. The outcomes of this study could guide the coastal managers of Bangladesh in prioritizing actions aimed at disaster risk reduction and sustainable development of this region.

Assessment of long-term structural movements in a historic cliffside construction through Lomb-Scargle spectral analysis of unevenly spaced time records: the Punta Begoña Galleries (Getxo, Spain)

Long-term monitoring of structural movements in historic buildings and heritage sites allows assessing their stability and recognizing damages that require intervention. The Punta Begoña Galleries, built in the earlier part of the twentieth century, present pioneering techniques in the use of reinforced concrete in building construction. They stand directly over a coastal cliff, and their recovery requires first to guarantee their stability, while maintaining their historic and patrimonial values. Thus, with the goal of analyzing their global stability, as well as the extent of the observed damages, we implemented a motion monitoring network that includes three boreholes for extensometric control, an inclinometer, and five crack gauges (crackmeters). This monitoring was complemented with the recording of hydrometeorological variables at the surface and in four piezometers. The spectral analysis of the signals of movements was performed by introducing the use of the Lomb-Scargle (LS) periodogram, which is particularly well-suited for the analysis of unevenly spaced time series. This analysis allowed us to differentiate the reversible seasonal elastic components of the records and to recognize the irreversible long-term plastic displacements, which highlight the sectors with active instability. In our case, the identified damages are related to two local problems of building support. Even though the irreversible component of the displacement after seasonal sinusoidal detrending is small (with maximums up to 0.12 mm/year), it does imply a dynamic plastic deformation, which calls for the need to adopt structural stabilization measures.