The Rock Engineering System (RES) applied to landslide susceptibility zonation of the northeastern flank of Etna: methodological approach and results

Ground deformations in the northeastern flank of Etna are well known. Despite only a few landslide events have been documented, these have significantly involved and damaged lifelines and buildings. These events are mainly related to the activity of the volcano-tectonic structures and associated seismicity, as in the case of the 2002 reactivation of the Presa landslide during an increased activity of the Pernicana fault system. In order to highlight the areal distribution of potentially unstable slopes based on a detailed, site-specific study of the factors responsible for landslide, and to ultimately contribute to risk management, a landslide susceptibility analysis of the northeastern flank of Etna in the Pernicana area was carried out, and a susceptibility map at 1:10.000 scale was produced, extending over an area of 168 km2. Different methods are proposed in the literature to obtain the regional distribution of potentially unstable slopes, depending on the problem scale, the slope dynamic evolution in the geological context, and the availability of data. Among semi-quantitative approaches, the present research combines the Rock Engineering System (RES) methodology with parameter zonation mapping in a GIS environment. The RES method represents a structured approach to manage a high number of interacting factors involved in the instability problem. A numerically coded, site-specific interaction matrix (IM) analyzes the cause-effect relationship in these factors, and calculates the degree of interactivity of each parameter, normalized by the overall interactivity of the system (weight factor). In the specific Etna case, the considered parameters are: slope attitude, lithotechnical properties (lithology, structural complexity, soil and rock mass quality), land use, tectonic structures, seismic activity (horizontal acceleration) and hydrogeological conditions (groundwater and drainage). Thematic maps are prepared at 1:10.000 scale for each of these parameters, and instability-related numerical ratings are assigned to classes. An instability index map is then produced by assigning, to each areal elementary cell (in our case a 10 m pixel), the sum of the products of each weight factor to the normalized parameter rating coming from each input zonation map. This map is then opportunely classified in landslide susceptibility classes (expressed as a percentage), enabling to discriminate areas prone to instability. Overall, the study area is characterized by a low propensity to slope instability. Few areas have an instability index of more than 45% of the theoretical maximum imposed by the matrix. These are located in the few steep slopes associated with active faults, and strongly depending on the seismic activity. Some other areas correspond to limited outcrops characterized by significantly reduced lithotechnical properties (low shear strength). The produced susceptibility map combines the application of the RES with the parameter zonation, following methodology which had never been applied up to now in in active volcanic environments. The comparison of the results with the ground deformation evidence coming from monitoring networks suggests the validity of the approach

Numerical Model of the Stromboli Volcano (Italy) Including the Effect of Magma Pressure in the Dyke System.

The Stromboli island, in the Aeolian archipelago (Italy), is one of the most active volcanoes in Europe. In the last 13,000 years, its growth has been complicated by four sector collapses affecting the NW flank, the latest of which resulting in the formation of Sciara del Fuoco (SdF) horseshoe-shaped depression. Slope instability phenomena are represented not only by giant deep-seated gravitational slope deformations, but also by more frequent large landslides, such as occurred in December 2002-January 2003, and shallow landslides, involving loose or weakly cemented deposits, that constitute a natural hazard and affect residential and tourists safety. It is noteworthy that in volcanic environment the instability factors are manifold and much more complex than in other non-volcanic contexts. This paper deals with the Stromboli NW flank instability, and focuses on the effects of magma pressure in the feeding system. Two main objectives have been pursued: (1) to test a methodological approach, in order to evaluate a complex instability process; (2) to contribute to the understanding of volcano deformation and collapse mechanisms and associated hazard. A numerical model was developed by the Finite Difference Method and the FLAC 4.0 code, considering a cross-section of the entire volcano, orthogonal to the SdF and including both subaerial and submerged slopes. The stability of the volcano was analysed under gravity alone, and by introducing the magma pressure effect, both related to magmastatic and overpressure components. The results indicate that gravity alone is not sufficient to affect the stability of the volcano slopes, nor is the magmastatic pressure component. If an excess magma pressure component is introduced, instability is produced in accordance with field evidences and recent slope dynamics

Miocene–Quaternary structural evolution of the Uyuni–Atacama region, Andes of Chile and Bolivia

We describe the Miocene–Quaternary geological–structural evolution of the region between the Salar de Uyuni and de Atacama, Andes of Chile and Bolivia. We recognized four main tectonic events based on fold geometry, fault kinematics and stratigraphic data. The oldest event, of Miocene age, is characterized by folding and reverse faulting of the sedimentary successions with an E–W direction of shortening in the northern part of the studied area and a WNW–ESE shortening in the southern part. The following two events, of Pliocene age, are characterized by lower shortening amounts; they occurred first by reverse faulting with a NW–SE-trending greatest principal stress (ó1, computed with striated fault planes) and a vertical least principal stress (ó3), followed by pervasive strike-slip faulting with the same NW–SE-trending ó1 and a horizontal NE–SW ó3. The fourth event, dating to the late Pliocene–Quaternary is characterized by normal faulting: the ó3 still trends NE–SW, whereas the intermediate principal stress ó2 exchanged with ó1. Volcanism accompanied both the contractional, transcurrent and extensional tectonic phases. The Mio–Pliocene compression appears directly linked to a rapid convergence and an apparently important coupling between the continental and oceanic plates. The E–W to WNW–ESE direction of shortening of the Miocene structures and the NW–SE ó1 of the Pliocene structures seem to be more linked to an intra-Andean reorientation of structures following the WNW-directed absolute motion of the South-American Plate. The extensional deformations can be interpreted as related to gravity forces affecting the highest parts of the volcanic belt in a sort of asymmetrical (SW-ward) collapse of the belt

Late Quaternary kinematics, slip-rate and segmentation of a major Cordillera-parallel transcurrent fault: The Cayambe-Afiladores-Sibundoy system, NW South America

We describe the recent activity of the Cayambe-Afiladores-Sibundoy Fault (CASF) and recognise it as one of the major potential active structures of northwestern South America, based on field observations, stereoscopic aerial photos of offset late Pleistocene-Holocene deposits and landforms, and crustal seismic activity. The CASF runs for at least 270 km along the sub-Andean zone of northern Ecuador and southern Colombia. We measured systematic latest Pleistocene-Holocene right-lateral strike-slip motion and right-lateral reverse motion consistent with earthquake focal mechanism solutions, and estimated a 7.7 +/- 0.4 to 11.9 +/- 0.7 mm/yr slip-rate. Magnitudes of the earthquakes that could be generated by possible fault-segment reactivation range up to M 7.0 +/- 0.1. The CASF should be considered as a major source of possible future large magnitude earthquakes, presenting a seismic hazard for the densely populated regions to the west. The CASF is part of the tectonic boundary of the North Andean block escaping NNE-wards with respect to the stable South American plate

Late Quaternary kinematics, slip-rate and segmentation of a major Cordillera-parallel transcurrent fault: The Cayambe-Afiladores-Sibundoy system, NW South America

We describe the recent activity of the Cayambe-Afiladores-Sibundoy Fault (CASF) and recognise it as one of the major potential active structures of northwestern South America, based on field observations, stereoscopic aerial photos of offset late Pleistocene-Holocene deposits and landforms, and crustal seismic activity. The CASF runs for at least 270 km along the sub-Andean zone of northern Ecuador and southern Colombia. We measured systematic latest Pleistocene-Holocene right-lateral strike-slip motion and right-lateral reverse motion consistent with earthquake focal mechanism solutions, and estimated a 7.7 +/- 0.4 to 11.9 +/- 0.7 mm/yr slip-rate. Magnitudes of the earthquakes that could be generated by possible fault-segment reactivation range up to M 7.0 +/- 0.1. The CASF should be considered as a major source of possible future large magnitude earthquakes, presenting a seismic hazard for the densely populated regions to the west. The CASF is part of the tectonic boundary of the North Andean block escaping NNE-wards with respect to the stable South American plate.Published664-6803.2. Tettonica attivaJCR Journalreserve

Miocene-Quaternary structural evolution of the Uyuni-Atacama region, Andes of Chile and Bolivia

We describe the Miocene-Quaternary geological-structural evolution of the region between the Salar de Uyuni and de Atacama, Andes of Chile and Bolivia. We recognised four main tectonic events based on fold geometry, fault kinematics and stratigraphic data. The oldest event, of Miocene age, is characterized by folding and reverse faulting of the sedimentary successions with an E-W direction of shortening in the northern part of the studied area and a WNW-ESE shortening in the southern part. The following two events, of Pliocene age, are characterized by lower shortening amounts; they occurred first by reverse faulting with a NW-SE-trending greatest principal stress (1, computed with striated fault planes) and a vertical least principal stress (3), followed by pervasive strike-slip faulting with the same NW-SE-trending 1 and a horizontal NE-SW 3. The fourth event, dating to the late Pliocene-Quaternary is characterised by normal faulting: the 3 still trends NE-SW, whereas the intermediate principal stress 2 exchanged with 1. Volcanism accompanied both the contractional, transcurrent and extensional tectonic phases. The Mio-Pliocene compression appears directly linked to a rapid convergence and an apparently important coupling between the continental and oceanic plates. The E-W to WNW-ESE direction of shortening of the Miocene structures and the NW-SE 1 of the Pliocene structures seem to be more linked to an intra-Andean re-orientation of structures following the WNW-directed absolute motion of the South-American Plate. The extensional deformations can be interpreted as related to gravity forces affecting the highest parts of the volcanic belt in a sort of asymmetrical (SW-ward) collapse of the belt.In press3.2. Tettonica attivaJCR Journalreserve

Understanding Etna flank instability through numerical models

Shallow and deep deformations, mainly associated with both eruptive and seismic events, are concentrated along recognised fracture and fault systems, mobilising the eastern and south-eastern flank of the volcano. Several interacting causes were postulated to control the phenomenon, including gravity force, magma ascent along the feeding system, and a very complex local and/or regional tectonic activity. Nevertheless, the complexity of such dynamics is still an open subject of research and being the volcano flanks heavily urbanised, the comprehension of the gravitative dynamics is a major issue for public safety and civil protection. The present research explores the effects of the main geological features (in particular the role of the subetnean clays, interposed between the Apennine\u2013Maghrebian flysch and the volcanic products) and the role of weakness zones, identified by fracture and fault systems, on the slope instability process. The effects of magma intrusions are also investigated. The problem is addressed by integrating field data, laboratory tests and numerical modelling. A bi- and tri-dimensional stress\u2013strain analysis was performed by a finite difference numerical code (FLAC and FLAC3D), mainly aimed at evaluating the relationship among geological features, volcano-tectonic structures and magmatic activity in controlling the deformation processes. The analyses are well supported by dedicated structural\u2013mechanical field surveys, which allowed to estimate the rock mass strength and deformability parameters. To take into account the uncertainties which inevitably occur in a so complicated model, many efforts were done in performing a sensitivity analysis along a WNW\u2013ESE section crossing the volcano summit and the Valle del Bove depression. This was mainly devoted to evaluate the effect of topography, geometry and rheological behaviour of the structural units. The 3D numerical model, extended 40 7 60 km, was implemented to simulate the volcano deformation pattern. First, the role of the Pleistocene subetnean clays was investigated, then, two \u201cstructural weakness zones\u201d \u2013 the Pernicana Fault system and the NE rift \u2013 were introduced and their effects on the flank instability evaluated. Two extreme hydrogeological conditions, drained and undrained, were analysed. The results are expressed in terms of stress\u2013strain field, displacement pattern, plasticity states and shear strain increments. Two main instability mechanisms were identified: one at shallow depth, with the sliding surface located inside the subetnean Quaternary clay, and another deep-seated mechanism with a not continuous and less evident sliding surface, developed inside the Apennine\u2013Maghrebian Chain flysch, bordered by active structures. Both mechanisms contribute to explain the present deformation pattern and some of the main structures of the Etna flank. The effect of magma pressure exerted on the active dyke walls during eruptions was then simulated and relations between magmatic activity and flank instability were preliminarily investigated