Jernej Jež

Geology of the Classical Karst Region (SW Slovenia–NE Italy)

ABSTRACT The paper aims to present the geology of the western part of the Classical Karst (NW Dinarides), located at the border between Slovenia and Italy. The work is based on archive, published and new data collected by Slovenian and Italian researchers within several scientific national and Cross Border Cooperation projects. The map, produced at a scale of 1:50,000, summarizes the lithological and structural setting and is supplemented by three geological cross-sections of the study area.

Identification of the Palaeocene–Eocene Boundary Based on Larger Foraminifers in Deposits of the Palaeogene Adriatic Carbonate Platform, Southwestern Slovenia

Two sections located in the northwestern part of the Palaeogene Adriatic carbonate platform (PgAdCP) were measured and sampled to document the complexity of changes at the Palaeocene–Eocene boundary. Carbon and oxygen isotope records in combination with a detailed study of larger benthic foraminifera (LBF) are used to describe the turnover of foraminifera and to refine the shallow benthic zonation scheme.

Siphodinarella costata n. gen., n. sp., a new benthic foraminifer from the Coniacian of the Adriatic Carbonate Platform (Slovenia, Croatia)

A new benthic foraminifer is described as Siphodinarellacostata n. gen., n. sp. from Coniacian shallow-water platform-interior carbonates of Slovenia and Croatia. The new foraminifer is found in skeletal wackestone in association with small benthic foraminifera, thaumatoporellaceans, and calcimicrobes (Decastronema, Girvanella-type tubes). The existence of an internal siphon in Siphodinarella n. gen. is interpreted as an entosolenian tube and discussed in terms of its generic and suprageneric importance.

Mass Movement Processes of Quaternary Deposits in the Vipava Valley, SW Slovenia

Slope sediments of the Vipava Valley represent a complex sedimentary system deposited by very different mechanisms of transport and sedimentary processes that are controlled by a specific lithological and tectonic structure as well as climate conditions of the valley. Varying intensities and dynamics of mass movement processes in this area during the recent geological history (late Pleistocene and early Holocene) influenced the spatial distribution of slope sediments.

RECALL Project: Toward Resilent European Communities Against Local LandslidesOpen image in new window

In the RECALL project the Geological Survey of Slovenia (GeoZS) was a technical partner, responsible for the detailed analysis of the state of the art of reinforcement measurement, state of maintenance, priorities of investments in 4 European pilot areas which present high levels of landslide risk and interest more than 5.000 inhabitants altogether. Based on the preliminary reports a detail field inspection have been carried out for each pilot area where focus was on landslide characteristics, landslide material, triggering factors, review of damage on objects and infrastructures, collaboration with local experts and civil protection representatives. On the basis of all collected data the GeoZS prepared comprehensive report about landslide situation and provide guidelines, recommendations, priority measures (interventions) and strategies for landslide mitigation. The proposed strategy will encourage local communities to a better understanding of landslides as well make a further step in mitigation strategies.

TXT-tool 4.386-1.1: State-of-the-Art Overview on Landslide Disaster Risk Reduction in Slovenia

This paper is a state-of-the-art review of the present status of the Slovenian national legislation and procedures for the hazard and risk assessment of landslides (including rock falls and debris flows). The relevant governing act is the 2002 Waters Act that foresees several legislation documents to be accepted by the ministry in charge of waters in Slovenia. Thanks to the European Flood Directive, procedures have already been regulated in the field of floods, but have still to be regulated in the field of other water-related natural hazards and geo-hazards, such as landslides. In the last decade, several methodologies and different hazard maps have been prepared, but no legal acts (such as decrees, regulations, recommendations or similar acts, let alone standards) have been accepted so far on their basis. Generally, state legislation in the sectors of spatial planning and water management in the form of acts is up-to-date in Slovenia, but much more should be done for its direct implementation for a modern landslide disaster risk reduction.

TXT-tool 1.386-2.1 Landslide Susceptibility Assessment Method

A method was developed for the susceptibility estimation of different landslide types, and tested in the Bovec municipality, NW Alpine Slovenia. The purpose of the susceptibility maps, at the 1:25,000 scale, is to be used in spatial planning by the local municipality to minimize potential landslide hazard. The requirements taken into account were the following: expert approach, GIS tools support, reasonable production time, and the product being simple to read and understand. The elaboration of the final products comprises four phases, the first three of which are desktop phases: (1) synthesis of archive data, (2) probabilistic model of landslide susceptibility, (3) compilation of phases 1 and 2 into the final map at the 1:25,000 scale. The fourth phase consists of field reconnaissance of areas considered most hazardous.

Identification of Landslides as Debris Flow Sources Using a Multi-model Approach Based on a Field Survey—Koroška Bela, SloveniaOpen image in new window

The landslide as a debris flow source identification is an important but often complex step in debris flow hazard assessment. Landslides are an important source of debris flows and this paper presents a multi-model approach of identification. The village of Koroska Bela in NW Slovenia has a history of debris flows and active landslides in the watershed of the Bela torrent, which presents a sediment source for potential debris flows in the future. Two models were applied for landslide identification in the watershed. A detailed field survey was carried out for model results validation. A GIS-based landslide susceptibility model was applied to identify areas susceptible to landslides and the LS Rapid triggering model was applied also to identify landslides and simulate the triggering phase. The study results show good agreement of the field survey and the models, particularly considering the completely different origin of both models and their development. These results show the possibility of applying numerical models to identify landslide sources and encourage their implementation in debris flow hazard assessment. But as with all models, a high level of expert knowledge and users’ experience is required to get useful, and what is more, reliable results.