Search

We applied an interdisciplinary approach to analyze the late Quaternary activity of the Sava Fault in the Slovenian Southern Alps. The Sava Fault is an active strike-slip fault, and part of the Periadriatic Fault System that accommodated the convergence of Adria and Europe. It is one of the longest faults in the Southern Alps. Using high-resolution digital elevation models from lidar and photogrammetric surveys, we were able to overcome the challenges of assessing fault activity in a region with intense surface processes, dense vegetation, and relatively low fault slip rates. By integrating remote sensing analysis, geomorphological mapping, structural geological investigations, and near-surface geophysics (electrical resistivity tomography and ground penetrating radar), we were able to find subtle geomorphological indicators, detect near-surface deformation, and show distributed surface deformation and a complex fault pattern. Using optically stimulated luminescence dating, we tentatively estimated a slip rate of 1.8 ± 0.4 mm/a for the last 27 ka, which exceeds previous estimates and suggests temporal variability in fault behavior. Our study highlights the importance of modern high-resolution remote sensing techniques and interdisciplinary approaches in detecting tectonic deformation in relatively low-strain rate environments with intense surface processes. We show that slip rates can vary significantly depending on the studied time window. This is a critical piece of information since slip rates are a key input parameter for seismic hazard studies. more...

This paper gives an overview of landslide research and the activity of landslides located above the Koroška Bela settlement in Northwest Slovenia. There are several landslides in this area and they pose a direct threat to the settlement below. The settlement is very densely populated (about 2,100 inhabitants) and has well-developed industry and infrastructure. It is built on deposits from past debris flows, indicating that large slope mass movements have occurred in the past. In this regard, the hinterland of Koroška Bela has been investigated since 2006, within the framework of various research, technical and European projects. The most extensive geological and geotechnical investigations were carried out after April 2017, when part of the Čikla landslide collapsed and mobilised into a debris flow. All of the investigations which have been carried out over the years revealed that the hinterland of Koroška Bela is characterised by high landslide activity due to geological, hydrogeological and tectonic conditions. In order to protect people and their property, it is essential to implement a holistic mitigation measure which includes remediation works (drainage works, debris flow breaker, etc.) and non-structural measures (monitoring system, early warning system, risk management, etc.). Regular and continuous monitoring of all landslides is also crucial to observe the landslide dynamics and evaluate the effectiveness of structural mitigation measures. more...