Integration of geophysical investigation to landslide analysis in the archaeological site of Stabiae (Italy)

Abstract

The complex of the Roman villas of the ancient Stabiae is located over a morphological terrace near the edge of a steep slope that separates the archaeological site from the urban area of Castellammare di Stabia (Gulf of Naples). The hill is being affected by debris and earth flows that have endangered some ancient structures of the complex. The present work has reconstructed the slope dynamics and causes by means of a geomorphological and geotechnical approach coupled with geophysical investigation. A slope stability modelling, calibrated with landslide historical information and direct survey, has provided main failure mode and magnitude of recent events. Geophysical investigation has permitted to analyse the state of superficial terrains under prominent archaeological structures, providing important information on potential failure surfaces that can be mobilised in the near future in the lack of urgent mitigation measures in the most hazardous sectors of the slope. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013.