Deep-seated gravitational slope deformations in central Sardinia: insights into the geomorphological evolution

Abstract

In this study, we analyse deep-seated gravitational slope deformations (DSGSDs) in central Sardinia. The area is characterised by plateaus with a prominent limestone scarp overlying metamorphites. A comprehensive mapping of structural, karst, fluvial, and slope morphologies in Pardu and Ulassai valleys is presented herein. The uplift linked to the Plio-Pleistocene tectonic activity leads to high-slope topography, which favours gravitational processes, such as DSGSDs and rock-avalanches. Although DSGSD is a common phenomenon in the relief of the central Mediterranean region, it has never been studied in Sardinia. We describe the kinematic models and geomorphological evolution of DSGSD in Sardinia for the first time. The application of light detection and ranging, high-resolution unmanned aerial vehicle photogrammetry, and geological, structural, and geomorphological surveys enabled a depth morphometric analysis and the development of interpretative three-dimensional models. The geo-structural setting and high relief energy associated with recent upliftment are the major controlling factors of DSGSDs.

The Lac Fallère Area as an Example of the Interplay between Deep-Seated Gravitational Slope Deformation and Glacial Shaping (Aosta Valley, NW Italy)

“…The various and complex relationship between glacial and deep-seated gravitational processes in a high-mountain environment is the subject of this study. This issue represents a poorly investigated topic due to a greater interest in the genetic mechanisms and kinematics of the deep-seated gravitational slope deformations (DSGSDs) [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9], chronology [10][11][12][13][14], and current activity [15][16][17][18]; however it offers an interesting and innovative tool in the field of landscape genetics [19][20][21][22]. DSGSDs act over very long timescales [23][24][25][26] comparable, for example, to the extension of the Lateglacial period [18,27], which favours a possible interaction between glacial and gravitational processes.…”

The Lac Fallère Area as an Example of the Interplay between Deep-Seated Gravitational Slope Deformation and Glacial Shaping (Aosta Valley, NW Italy)

“…The various and complex relationship between glacial and deep-seated gravitational processes in a high-mountain environment is the subject of this study. This issue represents a poorly investigated topic, due to a greater interest in the genetic mechanisms and kinematics of the deepseated gravitational slope deformations (DGGPVs) [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9], chronology [10][11][12][13][14] and current activity [15][16][17][18], however it offers an interesting and innovative tool in the field of landscape genetics [19][20][21][22]. DSGSDs act over very long timescales [23][24][25][26] comparable, for example, to the extension of Lateglacial [18,27] that favours a possible interaction between glacial and gravitational processes.…”

Landslide susceptibility mapping using automatically constructed CNN architectures with pre-slide topographic DEM of deep-seated catastrophic landslides caused by Typhoon Talas

“…However, no system has been proposed in which these various conditions can be discussed in a unified manner. In contrast, remote sensing technology is evolving, and the surface profile obtained through lightinduced direction and ranging (LiDAR) is numerical information with a history of topographic features and deformations (Demurtas et al 2021). However, the interpretation by geomorphological and geological experts alone is not versatile enough, and a wide area cannot be determined at a time, leading to oversight.…”