An integrated approach for the reconstruction of rockfall scenarios from UAV and satellite-based data in the Sorrento Peninsula (southern Italy)

In this work, we present the results of a rockfall trajectory study performed on the south-western slope of Mt. Catiello (Sorrento Peninsula, southern Italy). Such a study develops within a multi-methodological approach which integrates different types of remote sensing data and techniques. Specifically, ground-truth data (e.g., rock mass geo-structural information, rock block inventory) were generated by geologically-supervised in-terpretations of high-resolution virtual outcrop models (VOMs). These data were then used for reconstructing the in-situ fractured rock mass attributes of the Mt. Catiello peak, as provided by a Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) model, and to prepare the subsequent numerical simulations of rockfall trajectories. The resulting rockfall sce-narios are consistent with the ground-truth data, both in terms of size and spatial distribution. Thus, we believe that the proposed approach can be effectively applied to other areas, characterized by similar geological features but higher levels of exposure and vulnerability.

Automated summary

This study presents the results of a rockfall trajectory study performed on Mt. Catiello in southern Italy using a multi-methodological approach that integrates different types of remote sensing data and techniques. Ground-truth data generated from virtual outcrop models were used to reconstruct the in-situ fractured rock mass attributes and simulate rockfall trajectories. The proposed approach is consistent with the ground-truth data and can be applied to other areas with similar geological features but higher levels of exposure and vulnerability.