The analysis of the flysch badlands inventory in central Istria, Croatia

The south-western part of Croatia, i.e. the area of central Istria (the research area, approximately 500 km2) is characterized by flysch complex with a great number of isolated relief landforms – badlands. The importance of badlands (areas with sparse or no vegetation) is in the fact that the sediment production from these areas is 8000 higher than from the areas with vegetation. In this paper the badland inventory for the area of research is presented with 5568 badlands (polygons) singled out with total badland area of 10.7 km2. Spatial analysis of the badland inventory showed that concentrated erosive channel flow at steep slope foot is the most important factor in the badland forming and development for the area of central Istria

Remote landslide mapping, field validation and model development – An example from Kravarsko, Croatia

The Kravarsko settlement area, in northern Croatia, has multiple landslides and damage to buildings and infrastructure caused by landslides. However, actual landslide investigation data for the wider Kravarsko area (pilot area PA1) is relatively sparse and no landslide inventory or typical landslide model exists. The aim of this research was to develop such a landslide inventory by integrating new approaches in geohazard research such as remote landslide mapping from high resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) and current and historical aerial images with existing and new geological data related to landslides. The conclusion is that detailed DEMs are more than adequate for the development of reliable landslide inventories but field checks are still necessary to account for the specific set of natural and man-made conditions found in the research area. The landslide inventory developed for Kravarsko has been field validated in a smaller validation area (VA1) and a typical simplified landslide model for PA1/VA1 was developed. Within the model, sliding is interpreted as complex with multiple generations of sliding and multiple sliding surfaces. Based on the analysis undertaken and the available field data, around 10-20% of urban structures are endangered in the Kravarsko area and anthropogenic activity was determined as an important landslide triggering factor for landslide activation or reactivation. Still the question remains of how to quantify the anthropogenic influence? The developed landslide inventory for PA1/VA1 could be used for local urban planning/development and endangerment assessment/evaluation

Landslides monitoring techniques review in the Geological Surveys of Europe

ABSTRACT: Landsliding is the downslope movement of surface material under the force of gravity, initiated when gravitational and other types of shear stresses within the slope exceed the shear strength of the material that forms the slope. Often, landslides pose a physical and environmental threat to communities living in landslide-prone areas. While much landslide research focuses on monitoring techniques to define the background of the landslide (extent, volume, velocity, magnitude) one of the main goals of the Geological Surveys (GS) are to support and understand the regional and local geology to identify areas susceptible to landslides.N/

Landslide monitoring techniques in the Geological Surveys of Europe

Landslide monitoring is a mandatory step in landslide risk assessment. It requires collecting data on landslide conditions (e.g., areal extent, landslide kinematics, surface topography, hydrogeometeorological parameters, and failure surfaces) from different time periods and at different scales, from site-specific to local, regional, and national, to assess landslide activity. In this analysis, we collected information on landslide monitoring techniques from 17 members of the Earth Observation and Geohazards Expert Group (from EuroGeoSurveys) deployed between 2005 and 2021. We examined the types of the 75 recorded landslides, the landslide techniques, spatial resolution, temporal resolution, status of the technique (operational, non-operational), time of using (before the event, during the event, after the event), and the applicability of the technique in early warning systems. The research does not indicate the accuracy of each technique but, rather, the extent to which Geological Surveys conduct landslide monitoring and the predominant techniques used. Among the types of landslides, earth slides predominate and are mostly monitored by geological and engineering geological mapping. The results showed that Geological Surveys mostly utilized more traditional monitoring techniques since they have a broad mandate to collect geological data. In addition, this paper provides new insights into the role of the Geological Surveys on landslide monitoring in Europe and contributes to landslide risk reduction initiatives and commitments (e.g., the Kyoto Landslide Commitment 2020)

Role of Geological Surveys of Europe in landslide monitoring

ABSTRACT: This work was developed by the Earth Observation and Geohazards Expert Group from EGS and provides an overview of landslide monitoring techniques from 2005 to 2021. Based on the questionnaire, the following objectives were set: (1) to identify the type of monitored landslides, (2) to identify the landslide monitoring techniques, (3) to identify the spatial resolution, temporal resolution, and status of the technique (operational, non-operational), time of using (before the event, during the event, after the event), and applicability of the technique to the early warning system.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Landslide monitoring techniques in the Geological Surveys of Europe

ABSTRACT: Landslide monitoring is a mandatory step in landslide risk assessment. It requires collecting data on landslide conditions (e.g., areal extent, landslide kinematics, surface topography, hydrogeometeorological parameters, and failure surfaces) from different time periods and at different scales, from site-specific to local, regional, and national, to assess landslide activity. In this analysis, we collected information on landslide monitoring techniques from 17 members of the Earth Observation and Geohazards Expert Group (from EuroGeoSurveys) deployed between 2005 and 2021. We examined the types of the 75 recorded landslides, the landslide techniques, spatial resolution, temporal resolution, status of the technique (operational, non-operational), time of using (before the event, during the event, after the event), and the applicability of the technique in early warning systems. The research does not indicate the accuracy of each technique but, rather, the extent to which Geological Surveys conduct landslide monitoring and the predominant techniques used. Among the types of landslides, earth slides predominate and are mostly monitored by geological and engineering geological mapping. The results showed that Geological Surveys mostly utilized more traditional monitoring techniques since they have a broad mandate to collect geological data. In addition, this paper provides new insights into the role of the Geological Surveys on landslide monitoring in Europe and contributes to landslide risk reduction initiatives and commitments (e.g., the Kyoto Landslide Commitment 2020).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Landslide databases in the Geological Surveys of Europe

Acceso electrónico sólo desde el IGMELandslides are one of the most widespread geohazards in Europe, producing significant social and economic impacts. Rapid population growth in urban areas throughout many countries in Europe and extreme climatic scenarios can considerably increase landslide risk in the near future. Variability exists between European countries in both the statutory treatment of landslide risk and the use of official assessment guidelines. This suggests that a European Landslides Directive that provides a common legal framework for dealing with landslides is necessary. With this long-term goal in mind, this work analyzes the landslide databases from the Geological Surveys of Europe focusing on their interoperability and completeness. The same landslide classification could be used for the 849,543 landslide records from the Geological Surveys, from which 36% are slides, 10% are falls, 20% are flows, 11% are complex slides, and 24% either remain unclassified or correspond to another typology. Most of them are mapped with the same symbol at a scale of 1:25,000 or greater, providing the necessary information to elaborate European-scale susceptibility maps for each landslide type. A landslide density map was produced for the available records from the Geological Surveys (LANDEN map) showing, for the first time, 210,544 km2 landslide-prone areas and 23,681 administrative areas where the Geological Surveys from Europe have recorded landslides. The comparison of this map with the European landslide susceptibility map (ELSUS 1000 v1) is successful for most of the territory (69.7%) showing certain variability between countries. This comparison also permitted the identification of 0.98 Mkm2 (28.9%) of landslide-susceptible areas without records from the Geological Surveys, which have been used to evaluate the landslide database completeness. The estimated completeness of the landslide databases (LDBs) from the Geological Surveys is 17%, varying between 1 and 55%. This variability is due to the different landslide strategies adopted by each country. In some of them, landslide mapping is systematic; others only record damaging landslides, whereas in others, landslide maps are only available for certain regions or local areas. Moreover, in most of the countries, LDBs from the Geological Surveys co-exist with others owned by a variety of public institutions producing LDBs at variable scales and formats. Hence, a greater coordination effort should be made by all the institutions working in landslide mapping to increase data integration and harmonization.Earth Observation and Geohazards Expert Group (EOEG), EuroGeoSurveys, the Geological Surveys of Europe, BélgicaGeohazards InSAR Laboratory and Modeling Group, Instituto Geológico y Minero de España, EspañaRisk and Prevention Division, Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières, FranciaEngineering Geology Department, Institute of Geology and Mineral Exploration, GreciaGeoHazard team, Geological Institute of Romania, RumaníaGeological Survey of Slovenia, EsloveniaCroatian Geological Survey, CroaciaItalian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Geological Survey of Italy, ItaliaSwiss Federal Office for the Environment, SuizaGeological Survey of Austria, AustriaPolish Geological Institute, National Research Institute, PoloniaGeological Survey of Ireland, IrlandaCzech Geological Survey, República ChecaFederal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources, AlemaniaGeological Survey of Norway, NoruegaCyprus Geological Survey, ChipreGeological Survey of Sweden, SueciaInstitut Cartogràfic i Geològic de Catalunya, EspañaBritish Geological Survey, Reino UnidoGeological Survey of Slovakia, EslovaquiaGeological Survey of Lithuania, LituaniaFederalni zavod za geologiju, Bosnia y HerzegovinaGeological Survey of Estonia, EstoniaLaboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia, PortugalGeological Survey of Hungary, HungríaNorwegian Water and energy Directorate of Norway, Norueg

Cartography in GeoTwinn

The Croatian Geological Survey (HGI-CGS) is twinning with the world-leading geosciences research institutes, the Geological survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) and the British Geological Survey (BGS-UKRI), ti significantly strengthen HGI-CGS's research, and, in a number of areas, transform it's capability. Within GeoTwinn catrography was utilized in different aspects

The Impact of Climate Changes on Slope Stability and Landslide Conditioning Factors: An Example from Kravarsko, Croatia

The Gajevo landslide in the Kravarsko area (Vukomeričke Gorice hilly area, northern Croatia) was chosen for investigation due to the existing landslide risk for the households at the landslide crown. Available data are limited, but a new landslide map and cross-section was developed within the presented research, mostly based on detailed light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data and field mapping. By comparing available orthophotos of the landslide, resident testimonies, precipitation data, and media releases, it was concluded that the landslide was activated in February 2014. The landslide was primarily triggered by increased precipitation (its measured variations could be in direct connection with ongoing global climate changes), but natural terrain features and anthropogenic factors also affected slope stability. New findings have led to the conclusion that the existing landslide area is large and complex and the crown and head scarp area should be stabilized by urgent remediation measures

Multi-Level Data Analyses in the Gajevo Landslide Research, Croatia

The Gajevo landslide is located in a hilly area of northern Croatia, where numerous landslides endanger and damage houses, roads, water systems, and power lines. Nevertheless, available landslide data are relatively scarce. Therefore, the Gajevo landslide location was chosen for detailed research and the development of a typical landslide model for this area. During initial research, the geographical and geological settings were reviewed and historical orthophotos were analysed. Due to the complexity and vulnerability of the area, the location required detailed investigations and the integration of multi-level data: remote (based on high-resolution LiDAR data) and field landslide mapping were performed and a map of the landslide area was developed. Precipitation data were reviewed, while shallow boreholes with material sampling and geophysical measurements provided information on material characteristics and 3D (depth) insight. As a result, knowledge was gained about material resistivity and composition along with the depth of sliding surfaces, and an engineering geological map of the Gajevo landslide area with the landslide and directly endangered areas marked was developed to be used by the local community in landslide risk assessment. As it is reasonable to expect that an extreme rainfall event will occur in combination with snowmelt in the coming years, resulting in the reactivation of Gajevo landslide, further research and continuous landslide monitoring are recommended