Geomorphic effects caused by heavy rainfall in the Corigliano-Rossano area (NE Calabria, Italy) on 12 August 2015

Abstract

The surroundings of Corigliano and Rossano (NE Calabria) were damaged by a short-lasting and localized rainstorm on 12 August 2015, when more than 230 mm of rain in sixteen hours caused damage exceeding 100 million euros. In the Map, shallow landslides triggered by the event are shown at 1:50,000 scale, together with areas affected by soil erosion and flooding, and most damaged sites; historical landslides are also mapped. The main slope-stability controlling factors are mapped at 1:200,000 scale, and an event-based geomorphological landslide inventory of the most damaged sector (Citrea basin) is provided at 1:10,000 scale. Isohyets (cumulative over 16 h), as obtained by interpolating rain-gauge and weather-radar data by Kriging techniques, are shown together with the density of event landslides. Estimated rain maxima (ca. 506 mm in 16 h) by far overcome measured ones, and ground effects well fit the sectors heavily stricken by the storm.