Search results

Abstract. We compare data from three deep-seated gravitational slope deformations (DSGSDs) where palaeoseismological techniques were applied in artificial trenches. At all trenches, located in metamorphic rocks of the Italian Alps, there is evidence of extensional deformation given by normal movements along slip planes dipping downhill or uphill, and/or fissures, as expected in gravitational failure. However, we document and illustrate – with the aid of trenching – evidence of reverse movements. The reverse slips occurred mostly along the same planes along which normal slip occurred, and they produced drag folds in unconsolidated Holocene sediments as well as the superimposition of substrate rocks on Holocene sediments. The studied trenches indicate that reverse slip might occur not only at the toe portions of DSGSDs but also in their central-upper portions. When the age relationships between the two deformation kinematics can be determined, they clearly indicate that reverse slips postdate normal ones. Our data suggest that, during the development of long-lived DSGSDs, inversion kinematics may occur in different sectors of the unstable rock mass. The inversion is interpreted as due either to locking of the frontal blocks of a DSGSD or to the relative decrease in the rate of downward movement in the frontal blocks with respect to the rear blocks.

Intro -- Preface -- Introduction -- References -- Contents -- Part I The Role of NATO -- 1 NATO Cooperation with Georgia in the Framework of the Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme -- 1.1 The Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme -- 1.2 SPS Cooperation with Georgia -- 1.3 Securing Georgia and the Caucasus Against Geohazards -- 1.4 Conclusion -- 2 Lens on NATO-Georgia Cooperation: A Shared Engagement -- 3 An Overview of the 20-Year Collaboration Between NATO and Earth Scientists to Assess Geohazards in the Caucasus and Other Critical Regions -- 3.1 Introduction -- 3.2 Project CLG 982957 - Volcanic Hazards and Countermeasures for Georgian Section of Caspian Pipelines -- 3.2.1 Summary of the Project -- 3.2.2 Why this Project -- 3.2.3 Outcomes -- 3.3 Project G4934 - Security Against Geohazards at the Major Enguri Hydroelectric Scheme in Georgia -- 3.3.1 Summary of the Project -- 3.3.2 Why this Project -- 3.3.3 Outcomes -- 3.4 Project SFP 983142 - Geo-Environmental Security of the Toktogul Hydroelectric Power Station Region, Central Asia -- 3.4.1 Summary of the Project -- 3.4.2 Why this Project -- 3.4.3 Outcomes -- 3.5 CLG Project 978989 - A Multidisciplinary Approach to Recent Geologic Catastrophes at Subduction Zones -- 3.5.1 Summary of the Project -- 3.5.2 Why this Project -- 3.5.3 Outcomes -- 3.6 Discussion and Final Remarks -- References -- Part II Key Studies Focused on Regional and Geological Aspects -- 4 Active Kinematics of the Greater Caucasus from Seismological and GPS Data: A Review -- 4.1 Introduction -- 4.2 Main Tectonic Features of Greater Caucasus -- 4.3 Seismicity of the Greater Caucasus -- 4.3.1 Source of Data -- 4.3.2 Epicentre Distribution -- 4.3.3 Hypocentres Distribution -- 4.3.4 Focal Mechanism Solutions -- 4.3.4.1 Data Source -- 4.3.4.2 FMS Results -- 4.3.5 Stress Distribution -- 4.4 GPS Data.