M. Panizza

The role of geomorphology in environmental impact assessment

Abstract This paper aims to define the role of Geomorphology in the assessment of the impact of human activities on the environment. Environmental impact assessment (EIA) should be carried out for specific projects, in order to evaluate their suitability for the quality of the environment. In fact, each planned activity may have an impact on various environmental components. Among these, the natural component must be examined in terms of geomorphological hazards, which may endanger a project, and of geomorphological assets (elements forming the educational and cultural heritage of the landscape), which may be damaged to various extents by human activities. The relationships between humans and environment are taken into account, with particular attention to the effects of a project on the geomorphological environment. From a geomorphological point of view, after having assessed the suitability of a certain location, mainly with respect to its morphography and morphometry, the geomorphological hazards of the area which may threaten the project (risk) must be considered; then the geomorphological assets, which may be damaged by the same project (direct impact) have to be individuated. Human activities may produce two other kinds of effect: the first refers to the consequences of the geomorphological hazards induced by a project on the project itself (direct risk) and on the surronding areas (indirect risk); the second takes into account the potential deterioration of a geomorphological asset due to hazards induced by the project (indirect impact). Examples of these different cases are presented.

AN INTEGRATED APPROACH FOR ANALYSING EARTHQUAKE-INDUCED SURFACE EFFECTS: A CASE STUDY FROM THE NORTHERN APENNINES, ITALY

Abstract This paper illustrates research addressing the subject of the earthquake-induced surface effects by means of a multidisciplinary approach: tectonics, neotectonics, seismology, geology, hydrogeology, geomorphology, soil/rock mechanics have been considered. The research is aimed to verify in areas affected by earthquake-triggered landslides a methodology for the identification of potentially unstable areas. The research was organized according to regional and local scale studies. In order to better emphasise the complexity of the relationships between all the parameters affecting the stability conditions of rock slopes in static and dynamic conditions a new integrated approach, Rock Engineering Systems (RES), was applied in the Northern Apennines. In the paper, the different phases of the research are described in detail and an example of the application of RES method in a sample area is reported. A significant aspect of the study can be seen in its attempt to overcome the exclusively qualitative aspects of research into the relationship between earthquakes and induced surface effects, and to advance the idea of beginning a process by which this interaction can be quantified.

Directions in Geoheritage Studies: Suggestions from the Italian Geomorphological Community

In recent years, more and more attention has been focused on geological and geomorphological heritage. This has led to several investigations within the framework of conservation projects, both at administrative and scientific levels, involving national and international research groups whose purposes are the promotion of Earth Sciences knowledge and the conservation of geological heritage. This paper presents an overview of research and conservation projects in Italy, focusing mainly on geomorphological heritage. Members of the AIGeo Working Group on “Geomorphosites and cultural landscape” analysed the historical development of these research projects in order to identify possible innovation strategies to improve the awareness and knowledge of geodiversity and geoheritage of a wider public.

RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN CULTURAL RESOURCES AND THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Summary Using examples of situations existing in Italy, the authors illustrate some aspects thatmust be given priority in examining the inter-relationships between the cultural resources, with particular consideration given to the archeological, historical and architectural ones, and the natural environment of which they are part. The first aspect concerns natural hazards and the example of a church of considerable artistic value, which was partially destroyed because of seismic shocks in the Friuli earthquake of 1976, is given. In order to rebuild it, a geomorphological study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the hazard which consists in the possible fall of boulders from the slopes above it: in particular, the area that could be reached by the boulders was calculated. Another aspect concerns the relationships of cause and effect between cultural resources and natural environment: for this purpose the environmental factors leading to the construction of a specific architectural type, an eighteenth-century road connecting the Emilian and Tuscanian sides of the Apennines, are illustrated. The third aspect concerns environmental education, that is a didactic and informative program for an integral knowledge of the territory of which the historical and/or architectural resource is a part, in order to promote a correct awareness of the environment. The examples concern the above mentioned eighteenth-century road and some water-mills in the Panaro river valley.

Goethe’s Italian Journey and the Geological Landscape

Over 220 years ago Johann Wolfgang von Goethe undertook a nearly two-years long and fascinating journey to Italy, a destination dreamed for a long time by the great German writer. During his journey from Alps to Sicily Goethe reflected on landscape, geology and morphology of “Il Bel Paese”, sometimes providing detailed descriptions and acute observations concerning the great and enduring laws by which the earth and all within it are governed. In the present chapter an attempt is made to reproduce Goethe’s ante litteram geotourism itinerary through Italy, which is considered one of the most attractive tourist destination worldwide thanks to its rich cultural and natural heritage and the outstanding aesthetic qualities of its complex landscape.

Geomorphodiversity in Italy: Examples from the Dolomites, Northern Apennines and Vesuvius

Following the concept of geomorphodiversity (Panizza 2009), the extrinsic and intrinsic peculiarities of the geomorphology of the Dolomites, Emilia-Romagna Apennines and Vesuvius volcano are outlined. The Dolomites show an exceptional beauty and unique landscape. The inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List is an important scientific achievement, owing mainly to their geomorphological importance. The Emilia-Romagna Apennines, a candidate for enrolment in the European Geopark Network, show a multifaceted and complex image from the geomorphological point of view. They constitute an educational example to illustrate geomorphic evolution, gypsum karst phenomena and morphodynamic peculiarities. The Vesuvius volcano shows geomorphodiversity mainly referred to the type of eruptions, with some exemplary processes inserted in international volcanic nomenclature. It makes up an important geoheritage site that can be considered a field laboratory for volcanic geomorphology research. As for the management of these mountains, a conceptual path is suggested and illustrated, following the phases of knowledge, communication, awareness, protection and appraisal.

The contribution of geoscience to the EC survey on European historic cities

Abstract The EC Executive Commission has established a permanent survey for historic cities in Europe. The survey will evaluate the economic and social yield of architectural and archeological restoration and preservation projects, establish basic criteria for decisions regarding the preservation of buildings or their reconstruction and conversion, their being closed for research purposes or rendering them accessible to the public, and indicate the type of use most suited to the characteristics of the landmark. One aspect of fundamental importance, to which primary consideration should be given in order to correctly evaluate the restoration project and future use, concerns the relationship between the architectural structure and its environment. Three sectors of this aspect are indicated, along with examples, with particular emphasis on geological implications. (1) Environmental hazards: earth (erosion, earthquakes, volcanoes, subsidence etc.); water (floods, seastorms, pollution etc.); air (hurricanes, whirlwinds, pollution etc.); biological factors (deteriorated areas, infestation etc.). (2) Causes and effects: the study of the environmental factors that have led to the construction and the typology of the architectural landmark; forecasts of the consequences for the environment of the various types of conversion of the historical landmark. (3) Environment education: informative and educational programs for an integral knowledge of the environment in which the historical city is situated and to promote an environmental consciousness.