Geomorphology of landslide–flood-critical areas in hilly catchments and urban areas for EWS (Feltrino Stream and Lanciano town, Abruzzo, Central Italy)

Abstract

Urban and small catchment landslides and floods are common types of hazards caused by intense rainfall. The detailed geomorphological mapping and analysis of the superficial hydrographic network are fundamental tools to assess the geo-hydrologically critical areas. In this study, the Feltrino Stream and Lanciano area (Adriatic coastal-hills) were investigated through a basin-scale and urban-scale geomorphological analysis – which incorporated temperature-rainfall and morphometric analyses, and the acquisition of geomorphological and hazard data, integrated with geomorphological fieldwork and mapping. The creation of a geodatabase and the data overlay led to assess the landslide–flood critical areas through geomorphology-based matrices. This study aimed to define the distribution of landslide–flood historical/recent events and related critical areas for the realization of an urban EWS, composed of a network of nine gauges, integrating the existing regional monitoring network. It defined a local alert system for landslide–flood and could support real-time communication for civil protection purposes.

Keywords

• geomorphological mapping
• small catchments
• critical areas
• early warning system
• risk adaptation
• adriatic coastal hills