Stability of slopes near Barcelonnette (Alpes de Haute Provence, France): A case study in slope stability mapping

Abstract

A systematic inventory of geomorphological phenomena combined with general information about lithology, climate, and the hydrological situation of a region can be used to draw a slope stability map at intermediate scales (1:10000 to 1:25000). As a case study the realization of such a map for a small area in the French Alps is described. The map not only shows stability classes, but also summarizes important features with regard to slope stability, such as slope angle. lithology. and signs of present-day geomorphological processes. Applications are the identification of unstable areas early in a planning procedure and of areas where site investigation will be necessary prior to construction. It appeared that in the area around Barcelonnette town enlargement plans include many unfavourable places.