Historical Instability and Recent Slope Evolution of the Ilice Torrent Catchment, Calabria, Italy

• Published in: Physical geography Vol. 29; no. 2; pp. 179 - 194
• Main Authors: Bruno, Delia Evelina, Calcaterra, Domenico, Parise, Mario
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Taylor & Francis Group 01.03.2008; Taylor & Francis
• Subjects: Bgi / Prodig; Calabria; erosion; Europe; gneiss; Italy; landslide; Physical geography; weathering; Calabria; Italy; Brazil, Sao Paulo, Santos; Italy, Calabria; Precipitation; Twentieth Century; Watershed; Weathering; Landslide; Slope dynamics; Gneiss
• ISSN: 0272-3646; 1930-0557
• DOI: 10.2747/0272-3646.29.2.179

The present paper focuses on the geomorphological evolution of the central sector of Ilice Torrent basin, Italy, where deeply weathered crystalline rocks are present. Based on archival research, multitemporal air photo analysis, and geomorphological surveys, the study gives new insights into an area extensively affected by mass movements. The Santo Miele complex landslide is the main landform in the area. In 1996 it underwent a phase of reactivation, which in turn caused serious damage to public infrastructure and private properties. Based on analysis of the study area during the period 1955-2004, five geomorphological maps were produced, integrated by field surveys conducted between 2005 and 2006. Since 1955 several landslides have been recognized, with a relevant increase in the areal extent of unstable areas in 1979. Slope instability has been documented since at least the 16th century, when the Santo Miele landslide was already active.