A GIS GEOMORPHOLOGIC APPROACH FOR DEBRIS RISK ASSESSMENT: AN EXAMPLE IN SICILY (ITALY)

Abstract. The shallow landslides constitute a consistent current hazard that could increase in the future, especially in the Mediterranean areas. Regional scale hazard maps involving runout estimation are not yet particularly widespread. The study was conducted with the aim of testing a debris flows risk assessment process starting from the runout analysis of a debris flows dataset triggered by the event of October 1, 2009.

Preliminary results highlight how the procedure permit to produce a runout hazard assessment in the valley areas where the more important and vulnerable exposed elements are situated. Despite the obvious limitations, the process appears particularly useful to address the public administration demand for simple tools to manage and direct regional planning.