Integrated geophysical and geomorphological approach to investigate the snowmelt-triggered landslide of Bosco Piccolo village (Basilicata, southern Italy)

Most of Basilicata region in the southern Italian Apennines is characterized by landslides often developing in clayey-marly formations. Many events have been triggered by extreme rainfall or snowmelt. The most important happened (on February-March 2005) at Bosco Piccolo 5 km far from Potenza. This landslide developed subsequently to rapid snowmelt occurred during alternating short periods of high temperatures and intense and continuous snowfalls. This complex landslide affected 4 ha of surface and reached a maximum depth of 20 m inducing damage and collapse of about 80% of the buildings in the village. An integrated multidisciplinary approach has been adopted to study the landslide. A multitemporal aerial photo interpretation and detailed geomorphological surveys have been carried out. Combined Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Self-Potential (SP) measurements have been performed and calibrated with boreholes stratigraphy. Such an integrated approach allowed us to partially reconstruct the geometry of the investigated body and to evaluate the effectiveness of drainage system planned for the area.(c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.