Fingerprints of Large-Scale Landslides in the Landscape of the Emilia Apennines

Impressive depletion and accumulation landforms created by the millennial evolution of large-scale landslides are distinctive features of the landscape of the Emilia Apennines (Northern Italy). They are complex earth slides and earth flows that can be tens of hectares wide and can involve millions of cubic metres of clayey deposits originated by the failure and weathering of weak rocks such as clayey flysch and mélanges. These landslides have originated in large number since the upper Pleistocene. It is estimated that they now cover up to 20% of the mountain areas of the region. They typically alternate periods of dormancy that can be centuries long, to periods of reactivation that can last for a single season or several years. Upon reactivation, they rejuvenate landforms that outstand impressively from the surrounding landscape and cause severe damages to infrastructures. The chapter presents some relevant examples of these landslides and related hazard and risk issues.