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Landslide phenomena related to major fault tectonics: rift zone of Corinth Gulf, Greece

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Abstract

Landslides in the Gulf of Corinth rift zone, Greece, are mainly in the vicinity of major active faults. The current study reports a representative landslide in this structurally controlled region which periodically moved, triggered/reactivated by heavy rainfall and earthquake activity. The composite landslide developed on structurally complex formations including sheared and weathered flysch—the most landslide-prone geological formation in Greece. The experience on the site during the last thirty-five years has contributed to a better understanding of the particular landslide mechanism and helped in the consideration of the effectiveness of various remedial works.

Résumé

Les glissements affectant la zone de rift du Golfe de Corinthe, en Grèce, se situent principalement au voisinage de failles actives. L’étude concerne un glissement représentatif d’un secteur où périodiquement de fortes pluies ou l’activité tectonique déclenche ou réactive des mouvements de terrain. Le glissement composite se développe dans des formations de structure complexe comportant des flyschs cisaillés et altérés: la formation géologique de Grèce la plus propice aux glissements de terrain. Le suivi du site durant les dernières trente cinq années a permis une meilleure compréhension des mécanismes particuliers de glissement et aidé à la définition de divers travaux de confortement.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the Ministry of Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works, EYDE/PATHE of Greece for the provision of data. They also thank the anonymous reviewers for their constructive comments which significantly improved the quality of the paper.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geology, Laboratory of Engineering Geology, University of Patras, 26500, Patras, Greece

    G. Koukis, N. Sabatakakis, M. Ferentinou & S. Lainas

  2. Edafomichaniki SA, 19 Em. Papadaki St., N. Herakleio, 14121, Athens, Greece

    X. Alexiadou & A. Panagopoulos

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  1. G. Koukis
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  2. N. Sabatakakis
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Correspondence to M. Ferentinou.

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Koukis, G., Sabatakakis, N., Ferentinou, M. et al. Landslide phenomena related to major fault tectonics: rift zone of Corinth Gulf, Greece. Bull Eng Geol Environ 68, 215–229 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-008-0184-8

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