An integrated approach for landslide characterization in a historic centre

Geological and geomorphological criteria complemented with geotechnical monitoring of ground displacements are routinely applied for geometric and kinematic characterization of landslides. However, these activities may be challenging in densely built-up historic centres. In order to tackle all constraints posed by the presence of complex urban fabric, this paper proposes a procedure for integrating the results of geological/geomorphological analyses with deep and surface ground displacement data acquired via geotechnical monitoring and spaceborne Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (DInSAR) data. The selected test site is a village in southern Italian Apennines characterized by complex geological/geomorphological settings, widespread distribution of landslides and a peculiar urban fabric. The results of the integration procedure show that it is possible to overcome specific limits and provide a better understanding and definition of the geometry and kinematics of slow-moving landslides to be used for slope stability analyses and landslide risk management in historic centres.