Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation

The seismic sequence that affected central Italy starting from 24 August 2016 (with a maximum magnitude of Mw 6.5) led to the reactivation of several landslide phenomena, many of which correspond to thrust areas that characterize the eastern side of the Sibillini Mountains (central portion of Northern Apennines). The geomorphological study carried out through the analysis of aerial images and detailed on-field surveys, made it possible to verify the presence of several ancient landslide bodies whose kinematics are due to rotational slid-ing and, to a lesser extent, to flows. Landslide scarp, even if partially eroded, are sometimes clearly recognizable. These phenomena, currently dormant or inactive, were later covered by debris from the alteration of the bedrock itself until the slope was almost completely regulated. This study analyses one of these gravitative phenomena in Piobbico (municipality of Sarnano, Marche Region) where, after the seismic se-quence of 2016, a lot of damage to buildings occurred. This is not exclusively compatible with the magnitude of the earthquake or with the structural characteristics of the build-ing itself. Geophysical studies and dynamic numerical models have shown that the main cause can be attributed to the am-plification of the seismic waves as they pass through the de-trital cover. In this case, these slope waste deposits consist of more than 40 meters of material mixed with blocks of bed-rock. This phenomenon is recurring in contexts like the one described, where tectonic activity creates steep terrain and dynamic slopes. During intense seismic events, these factors significantly increase the risk to buildings and urbanised areas.