Publication Date:
2022-02-14
Description:
In this study, we present a preliminary recognition of geohazards at the natural reserve
archipelago “Lachea Islet and Cyclop Rocks” by integrating infrared thermography (IRT) and
morphological-aerial interpretation. The study area, located in the wider setting of the UNESCO
(United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Mount Etna
(eastern Sicily), is a worldwide renowned tourist destination suffering from a limited fruition due
to the instability of rock masses. The peculiar setting of the area, represented by steep sea rocks
and an islet, requires the employment of remote surveying methodologies for the preliminary slope
characterization in the perspective of safe ground surveys. In this paper, IRT analysis allowed the
recognition of signs of past rockfalls, as well as the presence of loose rock material likely laying
in unstable conditions, thanks to the variation of the surface temperature characterizing the slope.
The combination of IRT outcomes with morphological-aerial data allowed recognizing the potential
source areas of future rockfalls, which were modeled through trajectory simulations. Results showed
that a relevant strip of sea surrounding the studied sea rock could be crossed by falling blocks,
suggesting the need of instituting a forbidden area for a safe fruition of the reserve. Furthermore, IRT
allowed for the recognition of some peculiar features linked to the presence of tectonic lines. Such
correspondence was validated by a comparison with literature structural data, proving the potential
of such remote methodological approach. This represents a new aspect of the application of IRT to
other fields of geosciences, thus representing a starting point for the scientific development of new
technological branches.
Description:
Published
Description:
1082
Description:
2T. Deformazione crostale attiva
Description:
JCR Journal
Repository Name:
Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV)
Type:
article
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