Geomorphological Investigation and Management of the Corvara Landslide (Dolomites, Italy)

This paper shows the results of geomorphological investigation carried out in the area of Corvara inBadia (Dolomites) aiming at the recognition, characterisation and management of mass movements. Thearea studied, where tourism activities and infrastructures are highly developed, has been affected by severallandslides during the Holocene and is at present still endangered by active movements which affect roads,houses and ski runs. In particular, the investigation focused on the Corvara landslide which is the largest andmost hazardous mass movement in the area considered. It is a complex landslide located south-east of theCorvara village which affects the prevalently pelitic rocks of the S. Cassiano Formation (Lower Carnian)and La Valle Formation (Upper Ladinian).Detailed geomorphological survey and analyses of aerial photographs from different periods enabledthe definition of the state of activity and frequency of the landslide. At present, the most active sector is thesource area where retrogressive slides and flows show either continuous or seasonal mobilisation. On theother hand, the accumulation area shows minor, but still significant, longitudinal displacements, besidesconsiderable lateral reactivations due to the erosion caused by the two streams which flank the landslide.These reactivations are responsible for heavy and repeated damage to the national road 244. It is likely thatthis lateral erosion prevents more intense longitudinal displacements, since a condition of equilibrium isdetermined between the material deriving from the source area and that carried away by the water courses.Four boreholes were drilled on the landslide at different key points; the bedrock was found at a depthof 40 to 45 metres. These boreholes have been instrumented with inclinometers, extensometers, coaxialcables and piezometers in order to obtain further information on the geometry, hydrology and kinematics ofthe landslide.On the basis of the evidence gathered through geomorphological analysis and the first inclinometricmeasurements, it is plausible to suppose that larger sectors of the source area will reactivate, inducingeventually a hazardous advance of the landslide toe towards the village.