Landslide risk analysis of the Conero Riviera in Ancona and Portonovo, Italy

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  • February 26, 2019
Creator
  • Blackwell, Emma
    • Affiliation: College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Geological Sciences
Abstract
  • The cliffs above the public beaches of the Conero Riviera between Ancona and Portonovo, Italy, are comprised of sedimentary rocks and are subject to copious rainfall and occasional earthquakes. The area has experienced large-scale landslide events, from Portonovo’s 14th century landslide to Ancona’s more recent 1982 landslide. Though these events have been studied at length, there are no studies on this region’s risk of future landslides. Based on the historical and geological evidence, it is important that the Ancona coastline be assessed for landslide risk. This study aimed to determine the role of geologic structures in the area near these two historic landslides using kinematic analysis as well as structural and stratigraphic field data collected between the Ancona shipyard and the southernmost accessible beach of Monte Conero. We collected data from within several different rock units and observed distinct patterns of jointing, faulting, and bedding along the coast. Some of these structures show risk of planar and wedge failure. There is evidence of recent rockfalls and landslides, all of which were smaller than the two historical slides. We conclude that the Conero Riviera coastline is at risk for future landsliding and rockfall, making it dangerous for beachgoers.
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Rights statement
  • In Copyright
Note
  • Funding: Daniel Craig Pignatiello Fund
Advisor
  • Stewart, Kevin
Degree
  • Bachelor of Arts
Academic concentration
  • Geological Sciences
Honors level
  • Honors
Degree granting institution
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Graduation year
  • 2016
Language
  • English

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