The slopes surrounding the basin of Barcelonnette are characterized by the presence of black marl, susceptible to erosion, badlands formation, and landsliding when saturated with water. The Super-Sauze earth flow, which can be seen in the centre of this photo, has evolved in a dip slope of mainly black marl. It is directly connected to the stream network, with the potential to produce debris flows affecting the main valley. Therefore, the situation is monitored continuously. The prominent summit in the background is the Chapeau de Gendarme (2682), made of much harder limestone.