The Northeast Rift of Mt Etna is affected by ground deformation linked to gravity sliding of the volcano flank and dike injection. Drone surveys show that the rift is affected by NE-striking extensional fractures and normal faults. Given an age of 1614 CE for the offset lavas, we obtained an extension rate of 1.9 cm yr⁻¹ for the last 406 years. The stress field is characterised by a NW–SE σ_Hmin. Drone surveys allow us to quickly collect data with a resolution of 2–3 cm.

In the framework of the NATO Science for Peace and Security Program, we have increased the knowledge on the geohazards affecting the Enguri hydroelectrical plant (Caucasus, Georgia). 2 km from the dam, active deformation (2–5 cm yr⁻¹) affects a slope facing the water reservoir. Our field, seismological and numerical analyses show that the worst scenario is represented by seismic shaking with a local peak ground acceleration capable of generating an unstable rock volume of up to 48 ± 12 × 10⁶ m³.

Palaeoseismological techniques applied with artificial trenches at three deep-seated gravity slope deformations (DSGSDs) in the Alps document extensional deformation and reverse slips. The data indicate that reverse slip might occur both at the toe and in the central-upper portions of DSGSDs. The reverse slip is interpreted as due either to locking of the frontal blocks of a DSGSD or to the relative decrease in the rate of downward movement in the frontal blocks with respect to the rear blocks.