Geomorphological classification of urban landscapes. The case study of Rome (Italy)

The results of a long-lasting geomorphological survey carried out in Rome are summarized. A method aimed at integrating survey data, historical maps, aerial photographs and archaeological and geomorphological literature produced a geomorphological map of the present-day historical centre. The geomorphology of Rome is related to the paleogeographical conditions prior to the founding of the City; they allow us to recognize the stages of landscape evolution of the ancient Caput Mundi (Capital of the World). The study area has been affected by continuous man-made changes to the drainage network and to the topographic surface over the last 3000 years. It has forced the authors to develop innovative solutions to undertake effective analysis of the urban environment and the legend of the geomorphological map in this peculiar context. The resulting map is useful for urban planning and archaeological research

Subsidence activity maps derived from DInSAR data: Orihuela case study

A new methodology is proposed to produce subsidence activity maps based on the geostatistical analysis of persistent scatterer interferometry (PSI) data. PSI displacement measurements are interpolated based on conditional Sequential Gaussian Simulation (SGS) to calculate multiple equiprobable realizations of subsidence. The result from this process is a series of interpolated subsidence values, with an estimation of the spatial variability and a confidence level on the interpolation. These maps complement the PSI displacement map, improving the identification of wide subsiding areas at a regional scale. At a local scale, they can be used to identify buildings susceptible to suffer subsidence related damages. In order to do so, it is necessary to calculate the maximum differential settlement and the maximum angular distortion for each building of the study area. Based on PSI-derived parameters those buildings in which the serviceability limit state has been exceeded, and where in situ forensic analysis should be made, can be automatically identified. This methodology has been tested in the city of Orihuela (SE Spain) for the study of historical buildings damaged during the last two decades by subsidence due to aquifer overexploitation. The qualitative evaluation of the results from the methodology carried out in buildings where damages have been reported shows a success rate of 100%.The European Space Agency (ESA) Terrafirma project has funded all the SAR data processing with the SPN technique. Additionally, this work has been partially financed by DORIS project (Ground deformation risk scenarios: an advanced assessment service) funded by the EC-GMES-FP7 initiative (grant agreement no. 242212), and the Spanish Geological and Mining Institute (IGME). This work has been also supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Research (MICINN) under project TEC2011-28201-C02-02 and EU FEDER

A 200 km suspected impact crater Kotuykanskaya near Popigai, Siberia, in the light of new gravity aspects from EIGEN 6C4, and other data

We provide arguments in favour of impact origin of a 200 km suspected impact crater Kotuykanskaya near Popigai, Siberia, Russia. We use the gravity aspects (gravity disturbances, the Marussi tensor of the second derivatives of the disturbing geopotential, the gravity invariants and their specific ratio, the strike angles and the virtual deformations), all derived from the combined static gravity field model EIGEN 6C4, with the ground resolution of about 10 km and a precision of about 10 milliGals. We also use the magnetic anomalies from the model EMAG2 and emphasize the evidence of much deeper sources in the suspected area, constraining the impact origin of this structure.Web of Science101art. no. 609

The use of aerial- and close-range photogrammetry for the mapping of the Lavini di Marco tracksite (Hettangian, Southern Alps, NE Italy)

(EXCERPT FROM ABSTRACT) Close-range photogrammetry was executed following the procedure proposed by Mallison & Wings (2014). More than seventy 3D models were obtained and interpreted by means of color-coded and contour line images, which allow to improve the ichno- logical knowledge of the tracksite. The 3D models of the best-preserved tracks were used for the osteological reconstruction of the trackmakers’ autopodia, supposing the arthral position of the phalangeal pads. Three indirect methods were used to correlate tracks and their trackmakers: (i) synapomorphy-based approach; (ii) phenetic correlation; (iii) coincidence correlation (see Carrano & Wilson, 2001) The final map was produced with different level of knowledge due to the distribution of tracks and current state of site preservation. Furthermore, it represents a complete documentation that will be used for future work of enhancement, preservation and valorization of the tracksite. The ichnotaxonomical review of the quadrupedal trackways led us to emend the diagnosis of Lavinipes cheminii Avanzini et al. (2003) and to assign several other sparse tracks and trackways to L. chemini. The skeletal reconstruction of fore and hind limbs points towards Gongxianosaurus sp. as the most suitable trackmaker of L. cheminii. The herein supposed Laurasian affinity of the Lavini di Marco dinosaur assemblage clashes with the previous hypotheses that always link the Southern Alps sector with the Gondwana mainland

Development of a geological model useful for the study of the natural hazards in urban environments. An example from the eastern sector of Rome (Italy)

Detailed knowledge of the subsoil setting is an extremely important issue for a correct risk reduction policy, especially when dealing with urban areas hosting cultural heritage, which enhance risk conditions even at low geo-hazard levels, as in the case of Rome. In general, the reliability of risk assessments related to geo-hazards is strictly dependent on the resolution of the reference geological model. The study presented here exemplifies an integrated methodology aimed at refining the knowledge of the geological setting in unique urban environments, such as the city of Rome, where canonical approaches are limited by the scarcity of outcrops and ad-hoc geognostic surveys may be expensive and time-consuming. The methodology used in the study is based on a critical review of available geological, stratigraphic, archeological and historical-archival data. The integration of such data, properly stored, managed and analysed in a GIS environment, made it possible to: i) better frame the geological setting of a wide sector of the eastern part of Rome; and, in particular, ii) focus on buried natural morphologies (i.e. valleys) strongly modified by progressive urbanisation that determined their filling with huge thickness of backfills, which often represent a critical geotechnical issue. A detailed geological model was thus developed. The model shows slight but significant differences with respect to already available official maps, emphasising the need for carrying out in-depth analyses of already existing data from different sources, in order to collect thematic data to be used for effective land management policies

GIS IN URBAN GEOLOGY: THE CASE STUDY OF NAFPLIO, ARGOLIS PREFECTURE, GREECE

The aggregation of population in big cities leads to the concentration of human activities, overconsumption of natural resources and urban growth without spatial planning and sustainable management. As a result, urban societies are exposed to various dangers and threats with economic, social, ecological, and environmental impacts on the urban surroundings. Problems associated with urban development are related to the existing geological conditions. Therefore, the provision of appropriate geological information about the urban environment is essential for every sustainable urban planning. The first systematic recording, codification and documentation of “Urban Geology” geothematic information in Greece was implemented by the Institute of Geology and Mineral Exploration (I.G.M.E.) in the framework of the project called “Collection, codification and documentation of geothematic information for urban and suburban areas in Greece - pilot applications”. Through the implementation of this project, geological mapping, geotechnical, geochemical, geophysical research and measurements took place at four pilot cities of Greece. Nafplio, the capital city of Argolis prefecture, was one of them. During the project, all compiled data were stored and processed in specially designed geodatabases in GIS environment in order to produce multifunctional geothematic maps and other digital products (DEMs, 2D - 3D surfaces)

G.I.S. technologies for data collection, management and visualization of large slope instabilities: two applications in the Western Italian Alps

International audienceLarge slope instabilities are gravitational phenomena whose main characteristics are the multi-km2 area extension and the complex geometrical, geomorphological and geomechanical settings. Several studies outlined their importance in spatial and temporal occurrence of natural hazards on wide mountain areas and their possible interaction in human activities. For the study of large slope instability and deep seated slope gravitational deformations in the Susa and Aosta Valleys (Western Italian Alps) a complete multiscale program (spatial and temporal) analysis has been performed, giving contributions to the reconstruction and settings of their possible evolution. A complex geodatabase has been created, including thematic elements from field-data collection (geomorphology, hydrology, lithology, structural geology) and instability events analysis from data archives and remote sensing images. To facilitate the management of a large amount of collected data a G.I.S. (Geographical Information System) has been developed, including two main levels of information: local and regional. Local information is mainly devoted to detailed geothematic mapping of single instability phenomena. Clot Brun case study is presented, where original and derived landslide features have been elaborated through arithmetical and statistical operations, in order to identify different instability zones and to assess displacements and state of activity through-time. Regional information collected for a landslide inventory of Aosta Valley (IFFI project) summarizes historical and remote sensing data, combined with metadata from local analysis, in order to assess spatial and temporal hazards. To avoid problems of data accuracy (quality and positioning) due to different source archives, a semi-automatic system for selection and validation of data has been created, based on their spatial characteristics (buffer analysis and control). G.I.S. technologies have been used to archive, manage and visualize collected data through 2-D and 3-D models of single case studies and regional distribution of large slope instabilities

THE “URBAN GEOLOGY” PROJECT OF IGME: THE CASE STUDY OF NAFPLIO, ARGOLIS PREFECTURE, GREECE

The Institute of Geology and Mineral Exploration of Greece (I.G.M.E.), in the framework of CSF 2000 – 2006 (Community Support Framework 2000-2006), implemented the pilot project “Collection, Codification and Documentation of geothematic information for urban and suburban areas in Greece - pilot applications”. Geological, geochemical, geophysical, geotechnical, hydrogeological and other geothematic data concerning the urban and surrounding areas of Drama (North Greece), Nafplio & Sparti (Peloponnese) and Thrakomakedones (Attica) were collected. Drillings, geological and neotectonic mapping and other “in situ” measurements and field work took place. All initial and derived analogical and digital data were compiled and processed in specially designed geo-databases in GIS Environment. The final results are presented in geothematic maps and other digital products (DEMs, 2D – 3D surfaces, geodatabases). Such data constitute the essential knowledge base for land use planning and environmental protection in specific urban areas. Through this pilot project, new scientific approaches, methodologies and standards were developed and improved in order to apply to other future projects concerning the major cities of the whole country

Applicability of the "Lefka Ori" Western Crete region "GeoFactors" Interaction Matrix (GFIM) as a key to understanding the engineering geological condtions

Από την επεξεργασία και συναξιολόγηση των αποτελεσμάτων εκτεταμένων ερευνών στην ευρύτερη περιοχή Λευκών Ορέων-Χανίων Δυτικής Κρήτης, αναδείχτηκε και παρουσιάζεται ο καθοριστικός ρόλος της αλληλοεπίδρασης των επί μέρους γεωπαραγόντων στη διαμόρφωση των τεχνικογεωλογικών της συνθηκών. Η περιοχή έρευνας έχει ένα ιδιαίτερο επιστημονικό ενδιαφέρον δεδομένου ότι διέπεται από ένα ενεργό γεωδυναμικό καθεστώς το οποίο επιδρά στην ενεργή εξέλιξη όλων των γεωπαραγόντων. Επίσης, παρουσιάζει μία ραγδαία ανάπτυξη η οποία εξελίσσεται μέσα σε μια εύθραυστη ισορροπία με ένα πολύτιμο γεωπεριβάλλον και το όραμα για την αειφόρο ανάπτυξή της στο μέλλον, απαιτεί, μεταξύ των άλλων, την ευρεία γνώση των τεχνικογεωλογικών της συνθηκών. Η μεθοδολογία βασίστηκε στην πολυδιάστατη και ενδελεχή διερεύνηση με ποιοτική & ποσοτική ανάλυση των επί μέρους γεωλογικών, τεκτονικών, μορφολογικών, κλιματολογικών, υδρογεωλογικών γεωσυνθηκών και γεωμηχανικών χαρακτηριστικών των σχηματισμών, τα αποτελέσματα της οποίας αποτυπώθηκαν σε γεωθεματικούς χάρτες. Διαπιστώθηκε δε, ότι ο καθένας γεωπαράγοντας διαμορφώνεται μέσα από μία προοδευτική εξέλιξη η οποία βρίσκεται σε στενή επήρεια με εκείνης των άλλων γεωπαραγόντων, σε ένα περιβάλλον όπου κυριαρχεί το ενεργό γεωδυναμικό καθεστώς το οποίο μέσω του αντίστοιχου πεδίου τάσεων, επιδρά καταλυτικά σε πολλούς γεωπαράγοντες. Παράλληλα διαπιστώθηκε μία εντυπωσιακή ποικιλότητα γεωλογικών διεργασιών και γεωδομών, που καθιστούν την περιοχή έρευνας ως ένα μοναδικό Γεωλογικό Εργαστήριο της Φύσης. Για την ευχερή απεικόνιση της σχέσης αλληλοεπίδρασης, δημιουργήθηκε και παρουσιάζεται, το "Μητρώο Αλληλοεπίδρασης Γεωπαραγόντων περιοχής Λευκών Ορέων - Χανίων Δυτικής Κρήτης" το οποίο αποτελεί ένα επιστημονικό εργαλείο "κλειδί", που συμβάλλει στην εποπτική αναγνώριση των τεχνικογεωλογικών της συνθηκών και εκτιμάται ότι θα μπορούσε να εφαρμοσθεί σε ανάλογες έρευνες.The results of extensive and long-lasting investigations on various geofactors in the "Lefka Ori - Chania" W.Crete region revealed the major role of their interaction in the engineering geological conditions’ formation. The investigated region has a specific scientific interest due to its admirable geoenvironment which is governed by an active geodynamic regime and affects the active development of all the geofactors. It also shows a rapid growth, which evolves into a fragile balance with the valuable geoenvironment thus the vision of its aeiforos development in the future, needs, among others, the wide recognition of its engineering geological conditions. The methodology was based on multidisciplinary and thorough research studies utilizing qualitative & quantitative analysis of various geofactors. The results, which are depicted on new geothematic maps, prove that these geofactors are the product of parallel progressive and interactive evolutions in an environment dominated by an active geodynamic regime, where the corresponding stress field affects in a catalytic way to many geo-developments. Besides this, a great number of striking geo-structures have been revealed, characterizing the investigated area of "Lefka Ori - Chania", as a globally unique Natural Geological Laboratory. The GeoFactors’ Interaction is represented graphically on a Matrix form creation, called then "Lefka Ori Western Crete GFIM". This matrix can serve us, as a useful scientific tool, for the investigated area’s engineering geological conditions’ recognition and we propose its application to relevant research studies

Discovering the landscape by cycling: A geo-touristic experience through italian badlands

Today, more than ever, it is necessary to adopt an innovative approach to studying and educating the public about territorial sciences. The complex link connecting Earth and society has to be rediscovered, by raising awareness about environmental balances, resources, and risks. The best way, scientifically and culturally, to tackle the problem of sustainable development, is to adopt a methodological approach that includes the fundamental elements of communication, public education and training. Geotourism is a modern and powerful way of informing the general public about geological sciences. Landscape ecology offers new approaches in the field of scientific research, while on the socio-political front, the European Landscape Convention ratifies its essential functions on the cultural, ecological, environmental and social levels. Geographical information system (GIS) technology provides us with powerful communicative tools, suitable for creative and flexible use. We will examine the geo-touristic potential of the “Calanchi” (Badlands) areas in Basilicata region, particularly significant since it is representative of the socio-environmental balance of the territory. An original integration between the landscape, cycling and tourism offers new perspectives on the local economy