An Integrated Approach for Investigations of Ground-Subsidence Phenomena in the Ovaro Village (NE Italy)

This paper presents the preliminary results of geomorphological and geological investigations carried out along the valley of the Degano River with a special emphasis on sinkholes. The study area is located in the Degano Valley, Carnian Alps, which are situated in the NE part of Italy. The main village is Ovaro and is historically affected by geohazard associated with ground-subsidence phenomena caused by evaporites, which are widely present in the valley. Traditional investigations have been carried out, and the collection and analysis of historical documents and reports were integrated by aerial photograph interpretation and field surveys. The paper outlines the research phases and the preliminary results achieved which proved fruitful thanks to the application of an integrated approach in the study of sinkhole. Particular attention was paid to the recognition and classification of the phenomena as well as the identification of the buildings damaged by ground subsidence.