Deciphering Complex Morphology and Structural Connectivity of High-Magnitude Deep-Seated Landslides via Airborne Laser Scanning: A Case Study in the Vrancea Seismic Region, Romanian Carpathians

Abstract

In the Vrancea seismic region (Romanian Carpathians; the most important intermediate-depth seismic source of Europe), the morphology of the slopes is often marked by the existence of numerous high-magnitude, deep-seated active, dormant or relict landslides, which are the subjects of many cases of functional and structural connectivity. Due to the compact and extensive (coniferous and broad leaved) forest coverage and because of the lack of publicly available regional high-resolution DEMs, it is usually difficult to fully understand the morphogenetic framework of such large, deep-seated landslides in order to assess their frequency–magnitude relationship, a key issue in hazard quantification. However, the high impact of such landslides on river networks requires an in-depth understanding of the multi-hazard framework, as cascading effects are likely to affect the presently growing human activities developing along the valleys. Within a case study represented by a 2.5 km long deep-seated landslide, that caused a 500 m lateral occlusion of Buzău River, we used integrated remote sensing technologies (UAV laser scanning) and in situ (geomorphic mapping and ERT investigations) techniques, which allowed us to better understand the structural connectivity which conditions the landslide hazard in such complex morphogenetic conditions, outlining the present potential of the regional seismo-climatic context to trigger potential high-magnitude chain effects.

Keywords

• structural connectivity
• LiDAR
• deep-seated landslides
• Vrancea seismic region