Gaetano Pellicone

Bioclimatic analysis in a region of southern Italy (Calabria)

In this study, an analysis of precipitation and temperature data has been performed over 67 series observed in a region of southern Italy (Calabria). At first, to detect possible trends in the time series, an analysis was performed with the Mann–Kendall non-parametric test applied at monthly and seasonal scale. An additional investigation, useful for checking the climate change effects on vegetation, has also been included analysing bioclimatic indicators. In particular, Emberger, Rivas-Martinez and De Martonne indices were calculated by using monthly temperature and precipitation data in the period 1916–2010. The spatial pattern of the indices has been evaluated and, in order to link the vegetation and the indices, different indices maps have been intersected with the land cover data, given by the Corine Land Cover map. Moreover, the temporal evolution of the indices and of the vegetation has been analysed. Results suggest that climate change may be responsible for the forest cover change, but, given also the good relationship between the various types of bioclimate and forest formations, human activities must be considered.

Phytoclimatic map of Calabria (Southern Italy)

This study updates Pavaris phytoclimatic map in a region of southern Italy, Calabria (between 37° 50′ and 40° 10′ N and 15° 30′ and 17° 20′ E). A set of homogeneous monthly precipitation and temperature series registered in Calabria and relative to the period 1916–2010 were used. First, temperature data from 28 thermometric stations, over a 30-year period, were homogenized and processed. A multiple regression analysis was carried out between temperature data (annual average temperature, average of minimum temperature and average temperature of the coldest month of the year) as dependent variables and some geographical variables (altitude of the station, continentality and solar radiation) as independent variables. Then, temperature maps of the region were calculated and, finally, temperature and rainfall maps were intersected to define Pavaris phytoclimatic map. The results obtained in this study allow the identification and the delineation of three phytoclimatic belts.

Integrated coastal zone management in Italy: a gap between science and policy

This paper introduces the need, in Italian countries, of a real integration of scientific knowledge into coastal policy. Actually, in Italy, still exists a gap between Science and Policy, interfering the implementation of an Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) process, while there is no coordination between local, regional and national authorities. This lack of an overall strategy has induced some regions to adopt regional plans for the sustainable development of their coastal areas, to compensate the shortcomings of a national planning. Besides, along Italian coasts, there is a heavy landscape urbanization producing conditions of environmental decay and highlighting the risk of erosions in littoral areas. In this critical context, it is necessary to adopt an effective Integrated Coastal Zone Management policy, to connect ecosystem and environmental approaches with the social and economic development of coastal areas. So, in Italian landscape, it is necessary to integrate the national cultural heritage into coastal management, joining scientific and cultural issues. In this framework, ICZM process could play an important role connecting scientists and policy makers towards an effective integration for the social and economic growth of local people.

Impact of Infiltration Process Modeling on Runoff Simulations: The Bonis River Basin

Integrated water resources management at the catchment scale, considering the full water cycle as manageable, is a primary approach to improve water use efficiency and promote sustainable water management solutions. To this purpose, advanced modelling tools are required to quantify the physical and economic effects of alternative land management options. This work presents an application of a spatially distributed physically based hydrological model to the Bonis experimental watershed located in the mountain area of Sila Greca (southern Italy). Different infiltration models were tested to better reproduce discharge observations at basin outlet. The model will be used for evaluating different land use/management scenarios, combined with climate change forcing, to quantify the effect of alternative management options on the land-water cycle. This work is part of the INNOMED project (Innovative Options for Integrated Water Resources Management in the Mediterranean) funded by ERA-NET COFUND WATERWORKS 2015 call.

A New Coastal Erosion Risk Assessment Indicator: Application to the Calabria Tyrrhenian Littoral (Southern Italy)

Littoral plains are exposed to natural phenomena, such as sea-waves, tides, rainfalls and sea-level rise, but also to human pressure, determining a growing exposure of the natural and man-made environments to hazard conditions. Through this work, a new kind of multiple approach is proposed to evaluate the coastal risk due to erosion processes, which was first tested on the Calabria Tyrrhenian coast. The resulting data show that 35% of the coastal stretches are classified into very high risk category, 30% into high risk, 28% into medium risk and only 7% into low risk. The coastal areas, characterized by high and very high levels of risk, are formed by sandy beaches and are distributed mainly at the northern side of the regional coastline while the southern part, distinguished mainly by rocky outlines, shows lower risk levels. The comparison between the calculated risk values and the real conditions of the damage state shows a good correspondence, testifying the pertinence of the new methodology. The latter is based on indices with data easily available, making the procedure fast and simple to use and applicable mainly in large scale surveys. The achieved good results suggest that the new methodology used to evaluate the coastal risk condition may be also extended to other Mediterranean beaches.