Landslide impact on nature reserves: first results on the multisensor survey of unstable slopes in protected areas

Abstract

This study is focused on the use of digital close-range remote surveying techniques for the identification and mapping of landslide phenomena along rock slopes in protected areas. This activity is part of a research project aimed at the digital analysis of slope models. The techniques compared herein are based on photographic and photogrammetric applications, carried out from both ground and aerial surveys, and on the use of infrared thermography in two test sites located within the Cinque Terre National Park (Liguria, Italy) and the “Timpa di Acireale” nature reserve (Sicily, Italy). The analysis of oblique aerial photographs allowed detecting key geomorphological indicators of past landslide movements and to carry out preliminary observations on unstable outcrops. The use of digital close-range sensors for the aerial photogrammetric survey allowed building a digital slope model to be analysed for the recognition and mapping of previous landslides. Moreover, key structural features, likely controlling the slope stability, were highlighted. Infrared thermography allowed detecting signs of landslides, providing the possibility of validating the photogrammetric data. In both protected areas, an almost zero level of environmental disturbance was guaranteed. Finally, both the potential and limitations of the techniques, used for the noninvasive morphological survey, are highlighted.