Integrated geomorphological and structural analysis of coastal cliffs: The case study of Capo Faro Promontory, NE Salina, Aeolian Islands, Italy

The captivating Capo Faro Estate, nestled on a flat terrain just beyond the steep edge of a coastal cliff, stands out as a prestigious vineyard and residential area in Capo Faro Promontory at Salina (Aeolian Islands, southern Italy). A thorough investigation of the promontory's geomorphological features has been carried out. To enhance the understanding of potential hazards affecting the area, field activities have been supplemented by remote sensing analysis involving both nadir and off-nadir unmanned aerial vehicle flights. Notably, the coastal cliff has been found to undergo rapid retreat, leading to landslides. Consequently, a detailed field survey was conducted to examine the stratigraphy and structure of the cliff area. By employing a high-resolution Digital Elevation Model, detailed bathymetric-topographic profiles were derived along the coastal stretch adjacent to the cliff, enabling an assessment of the thickness of volcanic deposits and the development of a geological model. Moreover, the stability of the rock wall has been evaluated by characterizing the primary discontinuities within the rock mass and analyzing their structural implications. The obtained results underscore the fundamental role of such research in facilitating the formulation of effective risk mitigation measures.