M. Parise & J. Wasowski (CNR-Cerist, via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy)

This paper focuses on the application of landslide activity maps for evaluating the mass movement hazard in selected areas of the Southern Apennines: Bisaccia, Calitri and Buoninventre. The three landslide areas show relatively rapid morphological evolution, whose main evidences can be easily identified from air-photo examination. The availability of multi-year aerial photo coverage (from 1954 to 1995) helped to assess the morphological changes which occurred in the last 40 years. Hummocky topography, fresh scarps, cracks, abrupt changes in the drainage network, slide ponds are among the main features which were used to recognize and delimit the zones affected by active mass movements and associated intensive erosion. The interpretation of each time series of aerial photos generated several large-scale (1:10,000) maps, which emphasize differences in spatial distribution of landslide phenomena and in their state of activity. In addition, attention was paid to increased urbanization and development, and to any significant land use changes in the area. The most recent (last two years) temporal and spatial changes were assessed also through frequent field controls. These data were integrated with historical accounts concerning slope instability episodes in order to provide a more complete overview of the landslide evolution. This relatively inexpensive method represents a valuable tool for estimating the long- and short-term mass movement hazard. The comparative study of landslide areas shows that in some cases remedial works can significantly reduce the state of activity of slope movements and their distribution. It should be stressed, however, that the examination of causative conditions and processes is essential for improving the reliability of the predictions based on landslide activity maps.