Sequence of instability processes triggered by heavy rainfall in the northern Italy

In the first phase, the initial instability processes that can usually be observed are soil slips on steep slopes, mud-debris flows in small basins of less than 20 km2 in area, while discharge increases substantially in larger stream basins of up to 500 km2. In continuous precipitation, in the second phase, first mud-debris flows can be triggered also in basins larger than 20 km2 in area. Tributaries swell the main stream, which is already in a critical condition. The violent flow causes severe problems mainly along valley bottoms of rivers with basins up to 2000 km2 in area. First bedrock landslides can occur, reaching a considerable area density, with volumes from a few hundred up to about one to two million cubic meters. In continuous precipitation, in the third phase, basins of more than 2000 km2 in area reach their first critical stage. River-bed morphology is extensively modified, with erosional and depositional processes which can locally undermine the stability of structures and infrastructures. Waters overflow levees, flooding villages and towns to various widths and depths and sometimes claiming casualties. Some days after an intense rainfall period, large landslides involving the bedrock can still take place. These processes usually cause the movement of very large rock masses. The total duration of rainfall usually has a greater effect on these landslides than does the number of short periods of very intensive precipitation. This sequence cannot be divided into separate phases when the events occur simultaneously because of the presence of intense rainfall pulses and the generation of very diffuse surface runoff. Such situations usually happen during short-lasting heavy summer rainstorms or in late spring, when snow melt combines with intense rainfall. The three-phase sequence has been identified in three severe events that are analysed in this paper: Valtellina (Lombardy) in 1987, Tanaro Valley (Piedmont) in 1994 and Aosta Valley in 2000; but this sequence has also been observed during other events that occurred in northern Italy: in Piedmont in 1968, 1977, 1978, 1993 and 2000; in Lombardy in 1983 and 1992; in the Aosta Valley in 1993.