Applications of high-resolution images and DTMs for detailed geomorphological analysis of mountain and plain areas of NW Italy

Detailed analysis of Digital Terrain Models (DTMs), digital imagery, and a discussion of their various applications and derived geothematic products are presented for study areas in two different g..

A Lagrangian Thin-Shell Finite Element Method for Interacting Particles on Fluid Membranes

A recurring motif in soft matter and biophysics is modeling the mechanics of interacting particles on fluid membranes. One of the main outstanding challenges in these applications is the need to model the strong coupling between the substrate deformation and the particles’ positions as the latter freely move on the former. This work presents a thin-shell finite element formulation based on subdivision surfaces to compute equilibrium configurations of a thin fluid shell with embedded particles. We use a variational Lagrangian framework to couple the mechanics of the particles and the substrate without having to resort to ad hoc constraints to anchor the particles to the surface. Unlike established methods for such systems, the particles are allowed to move between elements of the finite element mesh. This is achieved by parametrizing the particle locations on the reference configuration. Using the Helfrich–Canham energy as a model for fluid shells, we present the finite element method’s implementation and an efficient search algorithm required to locate particles on the reference mesh. Several analyses with varying numbers of particles are finally presented reproducing symmetries observed in the classic Thomson problem and showcasing the coupling between interacting particles and deformable membranes

High resolution satellite images for archeological applications: the Karima case study (Nubia region, Sudan)

This work presents an approach based on satellite remotely sensed images and Geomatics techniques aimed at supporting the Italian archeological missions that at the moment are active in the Karima Area (Sudan). It's well known that archaeologists often suffer from lack of updated maps useful to geographically manage the observations coming from the field and, possibly, to address or suggest where digging for new excavations. Specifically for this experience QuickBird and ASTER data were acquired and processed to generate a high scale multispectral orthoimage of the area. The spectral properties of the QB orthoimage were exploited with the purpose of obtaining suggestions about the possible existence of stil lhidden archaeological features

Urban geomorphology of Genoa old city (Italy)

Field survey and geomorphological mapping in urban areas are difficult tasks, particularly those related to the recognition of natural landforms within cities. In this case, it is necessary to apply an integrated scientific approach by combining geomorphology with historical-geography. This paper presents the result of a multi-year survey carried out in the natural morphological amphitheatre where the historic centre of Genoa developed. Our research methods included field surveys in urban areas, interpretation of natural and anthropic landforms from maps and photographs, and analyses of the available borehole logs. As a result, we updated knowledge on urban geomorphology of Genoa old city. An original geomorphological legend has been adopted, including new entries for anthropogenic landforms, targeted at a better visual representation on the changes in the geomorphological landscape during more than one thousand years of urban development of the city. The geomorphological map of Genoa old city is presented as a useful tool for urban planning, as well as for an integrated cultural and landscape enhancement of the territory

Urban geomorphology of Genoa old city (Italy)

A multi-year geomorphological surveys of the city of Genoa allowed the creation of an original geomorphological map of the urban environment. The city of Genoa is internationally known for the importance of its port and for the presence of a historic city center recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage since 2006. The research methodology was based on the structuring and analysis of a multi-source geodatabase consisting of information acquired from scientific literature and technical reports, historical and recent photographs and maps, geological and environmental data related to land planning plans, original data from field surveys. Work phases of data elaboration included: 1) a multi-temporal cartographic comparison from the eighteenth-century to year 2016; 2) an analysis of aerial photographs in the period 1936-2016; 3) the interpretation of boreholes data; 4) both surface and underground geomorphological observations within the city centre, by means of field surveys and speleological techniques. The recognition of the former geomorphological setting on which the historical nucleus of Genoa has developed, and the interpretation of its paleogeographic, geological and tectonic conditions, are not an easy task: since the High Middle Ages of the Maritime Republic of Genoa, the superposition of multiple phases of urban sprawl has obliterated original geomorphic conditions. However, interpretation of the rich geodatabase allowed to classify landforms, processes and surficial deposits with respect to their original environment and morphogenesis, i.e due to: running waters, gravity, karst, action of the sea; but, above all, due to human activities. In fact, the entire study area has undergone continuous modifications by man through the all considered time interval, as shown by artificial land fillings at the seaside, alteration of the river network, excavations and fills on the slopes, with the highlighting of significant anthropogenic urban landforms. The geomorphological map support both a morpho-evolutionary and a functional approach to the geomorphological landscape the of Genoa old city: therefore, it can be a useful tool for land planning, also aimed at reducing the geo-hydrological risk that characterizes the urban area