High detailed debris flows hazard maps by a cellular automata approach

Abstract

The paper shows a methodology for defining flexible high-detailed debris flow invasion hazard maps. The methodology relies on both an adequate knowledge of the study area, assessed by an accurate analysis of its past behavior, together with a reliable numerical model for simulating debris flows on present topography. The approach is based on the application in parallel computing environment, of an advanced Cellular Automata model, SCIDDICA, for simulating debris flows coupled with an innovative analysis technique in the context of hydro-geological risk assessment. The model has been applied to the northern sector of Monte Pendolo (Sorrento Peninsula), affected by several landslides in historical time. On the basis of geological survey and statistic of past events, several possible source areas have been hypothesized and potential future landslide scenarios simulated by using the SCIDDICA model, previously calibrated on past events of similar scale and type. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013.