Monitoring mass movements using Network-RTK measurement technique and producing potential rockfall scenarios in a paleo-landslide area

Abstract Mass movements resulting from landslides cause significant losses in terms of lives and property. Periodic observations of these movements using geodetic measurement techniques help to prevent these losses. Network-RTK measurement technique produces real-time location with centimeter accuracy, based on phase observations using a network of reference stations. In this study, the paleo-landslide area in the Işıklar location of Trabzon province, Esiroğlu district, Turkey, was chosen as the application area. This study aims to measure the application area between 2019 and 2021, using the Network-RTK technique to determine the mass movements. Additionally, there is a rock block in an area with a steep slope. The possible movement of this rock block is a threat to infrastructure facilities, residential areas, agricultural areas, and life safety if the mass movement continues. Within this scope, the potential movement scenarios of the block were produced using RocPro3D software and UAV photogrammetry. Scenarios following an ongoing mass movements in the region triggering another mass movement are discussed. In the light of the results obtained, mass movements in the vertical direction of up to 28 cm were detected in the area where the rock block is located in the last 2 years. The periodic continuation of mass movements in the study area, declared a disaster-prone area, confirms the importance of the rock block in the region. In another phase of the study, possible movement scenarios of the rock block were examined using a rockfall analysis. In this context, with the help of an unmanned aerial vehicle, a digital elevation model and orthophoto map of the region where the rock block is likely to move was produced and a base map to be used in rockfall analysis was obtained. As a result of the rockfall analysis, maps showing the speed, energy, spread, possible impacts, and stopping points were produced. With the examination of these maps, it has been determined that residential areas, agricultural areas, and infrastructure facilities in the study area may be significantly damaged.