Analysis of Microseismic Activity Within Unstable Rock Slopes

This chapter illustrates the concept of passive seismics as a method for monitoring the propagation of cracks within a rock mass as a result of load stress or water freezing in view of the use of this technique for rockfall early warning. The methodology is still far from being a standard and consolidated technique. The research is making progress, but just a few real case studies are documented. They are shortly overviewed in the introduction. Then, an interesting field test where crack propagation was artificially triggered up to full rock detachment, while a small sensor network was active, is discussed to show the existence and the characteristics of precursory signals. It follows the illustration of the microseismic monitoring methodology through the description of the Mt. San Martino (Lecco, Italy) sensor network and the discussion of the preliminary results obtained during the initial months of activity. Apparently, the preliminary results show some correlation with rainfalls, but not with temperature. Microseismic spectra are mainly concentrated in the first 100 Hz. This probably means that the hypocentre distances from the sensors are quite longer than 10 m. Electromagnetic interferences are also observed as mentioned by other authors who have analyzed data sets from other microseismic networks installed in mountain regions. They are automatically discriminated from significant signals by a classification software which works on the time/ frequency properties of these events. Hypocenter localization and clustering analysis of the significant events are the planned near- future activities

Analysis of microseismic activity within unstable rock slopes

This chapter illustrates the concept of passive seismics as a method for monitoring the propagation of cracks within a rock mass as a result of load stress or water freezing in view of the use of this technique for rockfall early warning. The methodology is still far from being a standard and consolidated technique. The research is making progress, but just a few real case studies are documented. They are shortly overviewed in the introduction. Then, an interesting field test where crack propagation was artificially triggered up to full rock detachment, while a small sensor network was active, is discussed to show the existence and the characteristics of precursory signals. It follows the illustration of the microseismic monitoring methodology through the description of the Mt. San Martino (Lecco, Italy) sensor network and the discussion of the preliminary results obtained during the initial months of activity. Apparently, the preliminary results show some correlation with rainfalls, but not with temperature. Microseismic spectra are mainly concentrated in the first 100 Hz. This probably means that the hypocentre distances from the sensors are quite longer than 10 m. Electromagnetic interferences are also observed as mentioned by other authors who have analyzed data sets from other microseismic networks installed in mountain regions. They are automatically discriminated from significant signals by a classification software which works on the time/ frequency properties of these events. Hypocenter localization and clustering analysis of the significant events are the planned near- future activities

Relating 3D surface displacement from satellite- and ground-based InSAR to structures and geomorphology of the Jettan rockslide, northern Norway

This study combines remote sensing data from ground- and satellite-based radar to calculate 3D displacement vectors for the Jettan rockslide, Troms, northern Norway. Using 3D displacement vectors, aspect data and strain rates in conjunction with structure (foliation, faults, fractures), geomorphological elements (ridges, scarps, terraces, depressions), topography and borehole data, we identify zones undergoing displacement, e.g., extension and compression, displacement into- or out-of-the-slope and/or various degrees of tilting. Our results show variable 3D displacement velocities, from north to south, that segment the rockslide into distinct domains. Displacement patterns are structurally controlled, as spatial variation in azimuth and plunge of 3D displacement vectors can be related to variation in attitudes of the host-rock foliation, faults and fractures. In the north, a complex graben system surrounded by orthogonal NW–SE and NE–SW-trending geomorphological elements, shows a repeated stepping 3D displacement pattern. This may indicate a complex fault geometry at depth, including stepped and discontinuous slide surfaces. We interpret 3D displacement into-the-slope in the upper part, and out-of-the-slope in the lower part, to be back-rotation of antithetic blocks with planar fractures becoming curved/listric gliding surfaces with depth. Downslope reduction in velocity indicates compression and stacking of blocks. In the southern area, N–S-trending geomorphological elements are arranged parallel to the hillslope. 3D displacement vectors show a more homogenous displacement pattern indicating movement along planar, hillslope-parallel, fracture sets at depth. We propose a structuralcontrolled slope displacement model including alternate planar- and wedge-failure, in addition to displacement along planar and listric fractures merging into foliation at depth. Using the Jettan rockslide as a case study, we show how remote sensing data may aid examination of structural and topographic controls on rockslide kinematics, thus giving new insights into subsurface geometry