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The gravitational slope deformation of Mt. Rocchetta ridge (central Apennines, Italy): geological-evolutionary model and numerical analysis

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Abstract

This paper presents the results of a study on a deep-seated gravitational slope deformation affecting the eastern slope of the Mt. Rocchetta ridge (central Apennines, Italy). Fieldwork identified the ongoing deformational process and assisted in defining its mechanisms, evolution and controlling factors. An equivalent continuum approach was adopted to characterize the rock mass with some modification for the temporal and spatial scale of the process. A visco-elastic-plastic rheological model was adopted for the numerical analysis, which also took into account the groundwater flow feeding the Capo Volturno spring. The results of the numerical analysis are consistent with the observed geomorphic evidence and suggest a morpho-evolutionary model of the ridge characterized by an initial phase of rock mass creep followed by a rock mass spreading process, mainly controlled by the viscous behaviour but with a significant contribution from groundwater for the smaller scale instabilities.

Résumé

L’article présente les résultats d’une étude de mouvements gravitationnels profonds affectant les pentes est de la chaîne des Monts Rocchetta (Appénins du centre, Italie). Des travaux de terrain ont permis d’identifier des processus de déformation en cours et de contribuer à la définition des mécanismes et des facteurs d’évolution et de contrôle de l’instabilité. Des approches en milieu équivalent continu ont été adoptées pour caractériser la masse rocheuse impliquant quelques modifications des échelles de temps et d’espace du processus. Un modèle rhéologique visco-élasto-plastique a été adopté pour l’analyse numérique, prenant aussi en compte les écoulements souterrains alimentant la source de Capo Volturno. Les résultats de l’analyse numérique sont cohérents avec les caractéristiques géomorphologiques observées et suggèrent un modèle d’évolution morphologique de la chaîne caractérisé par une phase initiale de fluage de la masse rocheuse suivie par un processus d’étalement latéral, principalement contrôlé par le comportement visqueux mais avec une contribution significative de l’eau souterraine pour les instabilités de plus petite échelle.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Geoservizi s.r.l., Società di Ingegneria, Loc. Taverna del Cortile s.n., 86025, Ripalimosani, CB, Italy

    M. E. Discenza

  2. Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università Sapienza di Roma, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, RM, Italy

    M. E. Discenza, S. Martino, M. Petitta & G. Scarascia Mugnozza

  3. Centro di Ricerca CERI, Previsione, Prevenzione e Controllo dei Rischi Geologici, Università Sapienza di Roma, P.zza U. Pilozzi 9, 00038, Valmontone, RM, Italy

    C. Esposito & A. Prestininzi

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  1. M. E. Discenza
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  2. C. Esposito
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  3. S. Martino
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  4. M. Petitta
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Correspondence to C. Esposito.

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Discenza, M.E., Esposito, C., Martino, S. et al. The gravitational slope deformation of Mt. Rocchetta ridge (central Apennines, Italy): geological-evolutionary model and numerical analysis. Bull Eng Geol Environ 70, 559–575 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-010-0342-7

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