LANDSLIDE AND FLOOD RISK

The course aims to provide a comprehensive and multidisciplinary overview of the issues relating to hydrogeological risk and climate change, as well as strategies for the prevention, management and mitigation of their impacts. The course aims to develop students’ ability to critically interpret data and technical information, assess the risk factors present in the local area, and adopt informed and responsible behaviour in emergency situations and when exposed to natural hazards.

By the end of the course, students will have acquired knowledge and skills relating to:

• the main geomorphological and hydrological processes that determine hydrogeological risk;

• the causes, effects and scenarios associated with climate change;

• processes linked to the depletion of soil and groundwater resources (risk of desertification and risk of groundwater salinisation);

• land instability phenomena, such as landslides, floods, erosion and slope instability;

• tools for monitoring, forecasting and assessing hazards and risks;

• spatial planning and the sustainable management of natural resources;

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding

Ability to assess natural hazards using integrated geophysical and geological methodologies, in support of risk management and spatial planning. A

Independence of judgement

Ability to plan and direct complex surveys, interventions and plans in the field, including those aimed at assessing geological and natural hazards and risks.

Communication skills

The course participant will be able to communicate information and assessments relating to hydrogeological risk effectively and knowledgeably, interacting with various stakeholders involved in prevention, planning and emergency management, and promoting behaviour geared towards safety and the protection of the territory. 

• Collaborate effectively with professionals, public bodies, civil protection organisations and members of the public, encouraging the sharing of information and best practice.

• Ability to analyse, summarise and effectively communicate technical and scientific findings to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

• Ability to draft technical documentation (reports, documents, maps) for the assessment of landslide and flood risks.

• Raise public awareness of the correct behaviour to adopt under normal conditions and in emergency situations, contributing to the promotion of a culture of prevention.

Learning outcomes

•  Course participants will be able to continue their professional development and in-depth study of hydrogeological risk independently, acquiring new knowledge and skills useful for effectively addressing the challenges associated with prevention, emergency management and the protection of the territory. 

• Ability to independently consult databases, scientific literature and regulatory references.

• Ability to integrate new knowledge into operational contexts.

• Integrate the knowledge acquired with new information and operational methodologies applicable to different territorial contexts.

• Adapt one’s behaviour and intervention strategies to evolving risk scenarios and available technological innovations.

• To develop an approach geared towards continuous learning, recognising the importance of lifelong learning for the protection of the local area and the safety of the population.

• To transfer the skills acquired to other professional and operational contexts, fostering the development of a culture of prevention and resilience.

Teaching Methods

The course is delivered primarily through lectures, supported by multimedia presentations, teaching materials, and technical documentation provided by the instructor. Throughout the course, practical examples and exercises will be developed to enhance understanding of the topics covered, including the use of specialized software commonly employed in the field.

To support the learning activities, the instructor may also present instruments and methodologies commonly used for hydrogeological risk monitoring, investigation, and mitigation, illustrating their operation and principal areas of application.

Where conditions permit, a field trip will be organized to examine and discuss selected topics covered during the course in a real-world setting.

The course also includes practical activities and case-study analyses, aimed at fostering the application of theoretical knowledge and developing the operational skills required for the analysis, assessment, and management of different types of hydrogeological risk.

Should the course be delivered in a blended or fully online format, any necessary adjustments to the teaching methods described above may be introduced to ensure that the syllabus and intended learning outcomes are fully achieved.

Attendance Requirements

La présence aux cours est obligatoire, conformément au règlement pédagogique. Pour les étudiants qui travaillent, il convient de se référer au règlement pédagogique de l'université.

Informations destinées aux étudiant·e·s en situation de handicap et/ou présentant des troubles spécifiques de l'apprentissage (TSA) : afin de garantir l'égalité des chances et dans le respect de la législation en vigueur, les étudiant·e·s concerné·e·s peuvent demander un entretien individuel avec l'enseignant·e afin de mettre en place d'éventuelles mesures compensatoires et/ou dérogatoires, en fonction des objectifs pédagogiques et de leurs besoins spécifiques. Il est également possible de s'adresser à l'enseignant référent du CInAP (Centre pour l'intégration active et participative - Services pour les personnes en situation de handicap et/ou présentant des troubles spécifiques de l'apprentissage, https://www.cinap.unict.it/) du département, le professeur Gabriele Lanzafame (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti).

Information for Students with Disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

In order to ensure equal opportunities and compliance with current legislation, students with disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) may request an individual meeting with the instructor to discuss and arrange any necessary compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, according to the course learning objectives and their specific needs.

Students may also contact the Department's CInAP representative (Centre for Active and Participatory Integration – Services for Disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders) for further support and assistance.

Hydrogeological Risk

• Hydrogeological risk in Italy
• Hydrogeological risk and climate change
• Legislation governing hydrogeological risk in Italy
• Definition and use of the Hydrogeological Setting Plan (PAI – Piano per l’Assetto Idrogeologico) in the Sicily Region
• Definition of risk according to the UNESCO framework
• Risk assessment

Landslide Risk

• Landslide classification according to Cruden and Varnes (1996)
• Predisposing and triggering causes of landslides
• Landslide investigation: planning surveys and preparing cost estimates (bill of quantities)

Hydraulic Risk and Flooding

• Hydraulic hazard and hydraulic risk according to Legislative Decree No. 49/2010
• Basin hydrography and morphometry
• Hydro-geomorphological relevance areas
• Floods, discharge estimation, and sediment transport assessment
• The consequences of flooding in developing countries

Hydrogeological Risk Mitigation

• Surface displacement monitoring using topographic and remote sensing techniques
• Monitoring through in-situ instrumentation
• Surface erosion control measures
• Improvement of the physical and mechanical properties of soils and rocks
• Retaining and stabilization structures
• Active and passive stabilization measures for rock slopes
• Surface and deep drainage systems
• Watershed management and restoration measures (river basin management)

Assessment Methods

Learning will be assessed through an oral examination covering the topics addressed during the course and through the discussion of a report prepared by the participant on a practical case study.

Participants will be required to submit a written report by email a few days before the selected examination date. The preparation of the report, including its structure and content, will be explained during the course, and a sample report will be provided for guidance.

The content and organization of the report, which will be presented and discussed by the student with the Examination Committee during the examination, constitute important elements of the final assessment. An evaluation of the report that is not fully satisfactory does not preclude the student from taking the oral examination. The final grade will take into account both the level of knowledge acquired and the candidate’s ability to synthesize information, critically discuss topics, and establish interdisciplinary connections during the oral assessment.

The overall evaluation will also consider the student’s commitment, consistency of participation, and interest demonstrated throughout the course activities.

During the oral examination, students may be asked to write down formulas, definitions, or diagrams related to the topics covered, as well as to sketch concepts, processes, or technical applications by hand, in order to assess both their understanding of the subject matter and their ability to apply the acquired knowledge.

Successful completion of the final assessment will demonstrate the achievement of the course learning objectives, particularly with regard to understanding hydrogeological phenomena, evaluating associated risks, and identifying the most appropriate prevention and mitigation strategies.

Information for Students with CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata - Servizi per le Disabilità e/o i DSA, https://www.cinap.unict.it/) del Dipartimento, prof. Gabriele Lanzafame (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti). Disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

To ensure equal opportunities and compliance with current regulations, students with disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) may request an individual meeting with the lecturer in order to arrange any necessary compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, according to the course learning objectives and their specific needs.

Students may also contact the Department’s CInAP representative for further support prof. Gabriele Lanzafame (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti).