A multidisciplinary investigation of deep-seated landslide reactivation triggered by an extreme rainfall event: a case study of the Monesi di Mendatica landslide, Ligurian Alps

In November 2016, an extreme rainfall event affected the Ligurian Alps (NW Italy). Consequently, several landslides and debris flows occurred in the upper Tanarello stream basin. In particular, the village of Monesi di Mendatica was severely damaged by two landslide phenomena: the activation of a rotational landslide, which caused the total collapse of two buildings and part of the main road, and the reactivation of a deep-seated planar massive and a complex landslide, which widely fractured most of the buildings in the village. The latter phenomenon was mostly unknown and had never been monitored prior to the 2016 event. Due to the extensive damage, the village of Monesi was completely evacuated, and the road connecting a ski resort area in the upper part of the valley was closed. Furthermore, a potentially dangerous situation related to the eventual progressive evolution of this landslide that could cause a temporary occlusion of the Tanarello stream still remains. For this reason, we defined the landslide behaviour, triggering conditions and chronological evolution leading to the 2016 event using a multidisciplinary approach. This approach consisted of field surveys, satellite DInSAR time series analyses, digital image correlation techniques, rainfall records analyses, postevent monitoring campaigns and subsurface investigation data analyses, and numerical modelling. This multidisciplinary approach enhanced our understanding of this landslide, which is fundamental to better comprehend its behaviour and possible evolution.

Automated summary

In November 2016, extreme rainfall in the Ligurian Alps of NW Italy triggered landslides and debris flows in the upper Tanarello stream basin, severely damaging the village of Monesi di Mendatica. Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, researchers defined the landslide behavior, triggering conditions, and chronological evolution leading to the 2016 event, enhancing understanding of the landslide and potential future evolution.