Site-specific analyses will be performed on selected case studies, representative of large, slow moving landslides in rocks with different size, degree of evolution, expected evolutionary trends and type of damaging potential phenomena with different evolution and damaging potential.
Site geology, geomorphology and morpho-structure, as well as evidence of activity will be characterized both in the field and by using photointerpretation and high-resolution topography. The long-term displacement history (timescale: 10e4 a) will be constrained by absolute dating , while short-term trends will be characterized by site investigation, ground-based monitoring data, and radar interferometry. Relationships between displacements and hydro-meteo data will be explored in order to assess the sensitivity of studied landslides to hydrological triggers and the importance of hydro-mechanical coupling vs. brittle creep processes. Observations will be integrated in 2D and 3D numerical models, and new experimental and time-depending modelling approaches will be developed to account for physical processes underlying observed behaviors.
Local-scale studies will allow to investigate the hydro-mechanical processes responsible of different evolutionary styles of large landslides, exploring the suitability of forecasting and Early Warning approaches, and implement best practices for future local-scale studies.

Some case studies

 

• CIMA DI SALINE-CORNA ROSSA DSGSD system (Valfurva, SO)
  A large sector of the Valfurva right flank affected by the most active DSGSD in Lombardia, characterized by a high geometrical and structural complexity and a long post-LGM evolution. The Saline DSGSD is monitored with different techniques and host the Ruinon rockslides, a major threat to the valley and Bormio (Agliardi et al., 2001; Crosta et al., 2017).

 

• MT. PALINO SLOPE (Valmalenco, SO):
  A DSGSD with peculiar morpho-structural features in the complex geological setting of the Valmalenco. The slope, partly monitored by ground-based instrumentation and GB-InSAR, hosts hydropower facilities and the Lanzada ski resort (Delle Piane et al., 2016).

 

• MT. MATER – MT. EMET ROCK SLOPES (Valle Spluga, SO)
  A very complex slope, hosting two contrasting large slope instabilities with very different morpho-structural features, mechanisms, and styles of activity. The slope impends on the Madesimo village and ski resort.