Landslide evolution around Mt Campastrino (northern Apennines, Italy): a complex and composite gravitational movement

Structurally complex formations crop out throughout the northern Apennines and are often affected by gravitational movements. A typical example of this instability is shown by the Mt Campastrino area. Five principal slope evolution phases with eight landslide bodies were recognized. The different mass movements involved a shale formation and a sedimentary succession made up of sandstones interlayered with shales. The mechanical parameters of the argillitic levels, below the peak values and near to the fully softened state, were mobilized during the failure mechanism. The first landslide event is believed to have been triggered by a catastrophic flood of 1520 +/- 50 B.C. The 1967 and 1936 landslide events were a partial reactivation of pre-existing landslide bodies. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.