ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the results of a geological and geotechnical study on a complex landslide occurred in Molise, Italy. The slope movement, a roto-translational slide evolving in an earth flow, was firstly reactivated in January 2003 by intense rainstorms, causing serious damage to man-made structures and the evacuation of 15 families from their houses. Notwithstanding the limited extension, Molise, the smallest region of central-southern Italy, is severely affected by landslides and erosional processes. Several events brought to the attention of the public and the scientific community some cases of slope movements, triggered either by seismic shocks or by heavy and/or prolonged rainfall events. Analysis of historical data on landslides has repeatedly proved to be a necessary phase in the process of the hazard assessment. In particular as regards slope movements, availability of information on past events, including location, date of occurrence, and triggering factor, is extremely important for a proper comprehension of the recent geomorphologic evolution of the slopes.
