Advances in Geotechnical Investigations and Monitoring in Rupestrian Settlements Inscribed in the UNESCO's World Heritage List

Advanced geotechnical investigations and monitoring reveal critical insights into the degradation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites carved into soft rock, such as Petra. These settlements face significant threats from natural hazards like earthquakes and extreme weather events, compounded by slow erosion processes exacerbated by climate change and human activities. The study highlights the effectiveness of interdisciplinary approaches using cutting-edge technologies to assess rock slope stability and weathering, offering low-impact yet highly effective solutions for monitoring and conservation.

Margottini, C., Gigli, G., Ruther, H., & Spizzichino, D. (2016). Advances in Geotechnical Investigations and Monitoring in Rupestrian Settlements Inscribed in the UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Procedia Earth and Planetary Science, 16, 35–51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeps.2016.10.005