WEATHERING AND LANDSLIDING IN SILA-MASSIF GNEISS (NORTHERN CALABRIA, ITALY)

A study has been made of the weathering and landsliding of the gneissic rocks in a sample area located on the slopes of the Sila Massif (Italy). Geologic, morphologic, petrographic, geotechnic and hydrologic investigations have brought to light a complex weathering profile extending to a depth of 80 m as well as a diffuse proneness to impulsive landslides involving ca. 29% of the studied area. The landslides are recognized with difficulty and are characterized by an elevated risk. Moreover, an analysis of data discloses a close relationship among slope movements, weathering profiles, faulting conditions of the rocky mass, oscillations of the water tables and erosive action worked by the watercourses.