GPS Monitoring Of Deep-Seated Mass Movements In Alpine Regions.pdf

Developed by Graz University of Technology, the system has been operational since August 1999 with 17 surveys conducted over seven years. Key findings include:

- Intermittent Motion Pattern: GPS data reveal that the landslide's velocity is not uniform but characterized by periods of rapid acceleration followed by creeping phases. The causes for this pattern remain unknown.

- High Accuracy GPS Results: Displacements are measured with an accuracy of 4 mm horizontally and 8 mm vertically, providing valuable insights into the landslide's mechanics.

- Strain Rosette Development: Researchers are designing a strain rosette using fiber optic sensors (SOFO type) for in-situ measurements of local distance changes. This tool aims to investigate the detailed mechanism behind the observed intermittent motion pattern.

- Gradenbach Landslide Description: Located at the junction of two valleys, the Gradenbach landslide threatens the hamlet of Putschall. With an estimated moving mass of 15·10^7 m³, its active deformation zone involves a significant portion of the slope (600m - 1000m width and 1000m height).

- Historical Observations: The landslide has exhibited similar patterns of accelerated motion followed by halts in previous decades, suggesting that these events are not rare.

The study highlights the effectiveness of GPS monitoring in understanding deep-seated mass movements and contributes to ongoing research on predicting such phenomena.