From landslide characterization to nature reserve management: The “Scialimata Grande di Torre Alfina” landslide Geosite (Central Apennines, Italy)

Abstract

Italy is characterized by widespread geomorphological instability, among which landslides leave impressive marks on the landscape. Nevertheless, landslide bodies may represent key sites for thematic and educational itineraries, especially in protected areas, where their management becomes an important issue. Our study focuses on the “Monte Rufeno Nature Reserve” (Central Apennines, Italy), where iconic landslides are present. Here, the “Scialimata Grande di Torre Alfina” landslide (SGTA) is listed in the regional Geosite database. This work aims to propose a multiscale procedure for landslide analysis, in terms of both hazard sources but also educational and geoheritage enhancement opportunities in natural reserves. After performing a Landslide Susceptibility conditional Analysis (LSA) for the reserve territory, attention was focused on the SGTA, to define properly its features and morphodynamics. A multi-disciplinary approach was adopted, by applying both remote sensing (UAV structure from motion, Photointerpretation) and field survey (geomorphological and GPS monitoring). From the LSA, based on drainage density, curvature, and slope triggering factors, the road and trail susceptibility maps were derived, as base tools for future risk assessments and trail paths management within the reserve. At the SGTA scale, the monitoring showed a displacement of up to 23 m during the time interval between 2015 and 2018. The landslide dynamics seem to be driven by alternating dry and extremely wet periods; moreover, leaks from the aqueduct in the detachment area and piping effects through clays may have also decreased the substrate cohesion. The SGTA complex influence on the Paglia River valley geometry was also hypothesized, underlining the action of landslide through different spatial scales (on-site and off-site) and on different environment features (sediment connectivity, hydrology). Finally, the SGTA appears highly representative of the geomorphic dynamics within the Nature Reserve (i.e., scientific value) and it could be classified as an active geosite. Since the site was featured by a tourist trail, adequate management strategies must be adopted, considering the educational value and safety issues.

The Evolution of Historic Agroforestry Landscape in the Northern Apennines (Italy) and Its Consequences for Slope Geomorphic Processes

“…In geomorphological Land 2023, 12, 1054 6 of 20 studies this technique has been employed in exploring the temporal variation of slope geomorphic processes and the resulting impact on slope instability in recent decades [80,81]. Furthermore, tree-ring analyses have been applied to the study of agroforestry, especially to assess which species return the best benefit in terms of climate change mitigation (e.g., carbon storage) [82,83].…”

The Hosta’s Labyrinth on the Black Sea Shore: A Case Study of “Selling” Geosites to the Lay Public

“…This geosite can be attributed to the engineering type because it represents a process of long-term land sliding. It should be noted that several geosites related to mass wasting have already been reported from different countries [46][47][48][49][50]. Additionally, the limestones of the Kazachebrodskaya Formation constitute a sedimentary type, and the furrow represents both tectonic (a weak zone and a possible minor fault) and geomorphological phenomena (in which case, the geosite is also a geomorphosite sensu [51][52][53][54][55]).…”

“…As for cultural appeal, there are lines of evidence from Iran [67] and Romania [68] about the successfulness of the use of popular cultural ideas in geotourism. It should be noted that some geosites representing labyrinthlooking features [69] and landslides [50,70], as well as some large geosites with inner trails showing complex configuration [71], have already been regarded as important in geotourism. The literary information provided above proves that the three established factors are not restricted to the studied geosite in question.…”