Slope dynamics, monitoring and geological conservation of the Siq of Petra (Jordan)

摘要

The Siq is a 1.2 km naturally formed gorge that represents the main entrance to Petrarn(Jordan). Discontinuities of various type (bedding, joints, faults), mainly related to stratigraphical setting,rntectonic activity and geomorphological evolution of the slope can be recognized. Structural conditionrndetermines a rock-fall potential activity that may involve unstable volumes, from 0.1 m3 up to overrn500 m3. The latter can be catastrophic according to evolution of the movement (extremely rapid) andrninvolved rock mass volumes. Slope instability, acceleration of crack deformation and consequent increasingrnof rock-fall hazard conditions could threaten the safety of people walking through the Siq. UNESCO,rnISPRA and Jordan local authorities have implemented a project focused on landslide hazard assessmentrnand risk mitigation strategies as a first step for the long-term conservation of the Siq. The paper reportsrnpreliminary data on landslide inventory, geomechanical properties of materials and assessment of landslidernkinematics that affect the Siq of Petra.