Level-2 susceptibility zoning on seismic-induced landslides: An application to Sannio and Irpinia areas, Southern Italy

In this paper we recall a method for medium scale (level-2) zoning of seismic-induced landslide susceptibility and present its application to the Sannio–Irpinia area, Southern Italy. Previous small scale studies of the entire Campania Region identified this area as one of the most susceptible to earthquake-induced landslides in the region. The area’s intense seismic and landslide activity and the characteristics of the deposits involved in landslides make this analysis an interesting case study for land planning, management and protection of an area characterized by high seismic and hydrogeological hazard. The result of the zoning shows good agreement between the distribution of the historical earthquake-triggered landslides and the areas defined by the method as the most susceptible ones. They also highlight the method’s effectiveness in the presence of complex clayey deposits.

► Application of a level-2 zoning method for seismic-induced landslide susceptibility.
► Application of the method to the Sannio and Irpinia areas, Southern Italy.
► Effectiveness of the method in presence of complex clayey deposits.