This paper presents the preliminary results of geomorphological and geological
investigations carried out along the valley of the Degano River with a special
emphasis on sinkholes. The study area is located in the Degano Valley, Carnian
Alps, which are situated in the NE part of Italy. The main village is Ovaro and is
historically affected by geohazard associated with ground-subsidence phenomena
caused by evaporites, which are widely present in the valley. Traditional investigations
have been carried out, and the collection and analysis of historical documents
and reports were integrated by aerial photograph interpretation and field surveys.
The paper outlines the research phases and the preliminary results achieved which
proved fruitful thanks to the application of an integrated approach in the study
of sinkhole. Particular attention was paid to the recognition and classification of
the phenomena as well as the identification of the buildings damaged by ground
subsidence.
