Coupling long-term GNSS monitoring and numerical modelling of lateral spreading for hazard assessment purposes

Lateral spreading is a complex geomorphological process occurring through the interplay of different factors. Due to their low rates displacement, lateral spreads in rock are much less investigated than other landslide types even though sometimes they can evolve into faster and more hazardous movements such as topples. The lack long-term monitoring data means that deformation mechanisms these landslides remain uncertain. Along northwestern coast island Malta (central Mediterranean Sea), presence thick layer clay underlying brittle cap made limestone has led extensive associated block sliding. Two sites affected by processes were monitored GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) from 2005 2019. A network consisting 17 benchmarks surveyed twice per year, providing 14-year displacement history. Coupling this exceptionally long dataset with Limit Equilibrium Finite Difference slope stability modelling, failure have been identify predisposing driving instability This research provides new knowledge on kinematic behavior extremely slow insights hazard assessments areas extensively (rock) spreading.