Piero Farabollini

Geomorphological evidence for anti-Apennine faults in the Umbro-Marchean Apennines and in the peri-Adriatic basin, Italy

Abstract The Apennines are a relatively recent mountain chain which has been affected by uplift movements since the Upper Pliocene. In fact the remnants of an “erosional surface”, reduced close to base level, is preserved at the top of the relief. There is no general agreement on the geodynamic stress field and mechanisms which are creating the chain. However, it is largely accepted that uplift occurred together with the activation, on the western side of the chain, of extensive faults, oriented in the Apennine direction (NW-SE), which have been linked to the opening of the Tyrrhenian sea. A great debate is going on about the presence and significance of anti-Apennine faults (NE-SW) which have been observed by some authors but completely denied by others. The main evidence is represented by[ (1) block faulting of the remnants of the “erosional surface”. Along the Marchean Ridge, more elevated relief, delimiting relatively depressed areas, was created in correspondence with the Sibillini Mts. and Mt. S. Vicino. Similar evidence has been found in the Umbro-Marchean Ridge. Locally more than 1500 metres of displacement have been observed between more and less uplifted remnants. (2) Block faulting of fan deltas and related beaches, of Sicilian to Crotonian age, with more elevated sediments preserved between the Tronto and Tenna rivers and between the Musone and Esino rivers. Maximum displacement along a transect parallel to the coast is 200 metres. (3) fault-scarps affecting the Middle Pleistocene river terraces, as observed along the Esino, the Tronto, the Chienti and the Tenna river valleys. Maximum displacements are in the order of 50 metres. (4) Faulting of horizontal karst galleries and reorientation of the cave network, as in the Frasassi Gorge. Maximum displacements are about 100 metres. (5) Captures and alignments in the drainage network of the main river courses. (6) Large-scale gravitational movements, as in the Ancona landslide, and along the Chienti and Esino rivers. Their activation occurred in most cases after the Lower Pleistocene and although their displacements may be of relatively limited extent, dispite their recent activity, they played a major role in the modelling of the landscape. These faults display transtensive, extensional and trascurrent movements. Apart from the controversial geodynamic significance of these faults, from a geomorphological point of view they must be considered transverse elements of the stress field from blocks more or less uplifted along the Apennine chain. The importance and timing of activity of these faults in the Quaternary geomorphological evolution of the Umbria-Marchean Apennines is demonstrated using evidence usually underestimated by structural geologists, which can contribute to a debate based on a multidisciplinary approach.

The Role of Earth Science and Landscape Approach in the Ethic Geology: Communication and Divulgation for the Prevention and Reduction of Geological Hazard

Territorial and environmental problems demand, now more than ever, and particularly in Italy where the situation is dramatic, the constant presence of the geologist in all social, cultural, economic and territorial contexts. It is necessary to act with greater authority and to make the public aware of how the territory in which they live can be both a source of risk and a resource. Knowledge is the key tool; the diffusion of scientific heritage, using well known and appreciated topics that are more accessible to the public, may represent one of the goals for the communication and sensitivity versus natural disasters. From the latest dramatic events in Italy emerged the need to create a new kind of communication that can activate a wider and conscious target, providing society with correct and clear information about the geo-environmental conditions in Italy. There is an obvious need for a new approach to the problems related to the complex context that now shows us a planet going beyond the critical point. A holistic approach is imperative, that is a one that considers the environmental and social ecosystem in its entirety, providing all policy makers with a realistic view of the situation and of possible developments. In fact, a big problem for scientists as well as for society, is the prediction of natural disasters. Knowing what is going to happen, as accurately as possible, is the key to be able to provide an effective warning of the population and plan action to safeguard people and properties.

LANDSCApp: a friendly way to share the Italian geo-heritage

Abstract The geological landscape is an excellent topic for a better enhancement of the sustainable tourism. Considering Landscape as the result of the endogenous and exogenous activities that form the Earths surface, and/or as the result of the interaction of many natural and cultural components, it is almost mandatory the use of such a theme as an informative vector in Environment Sciences popularization. Modern technology offers new powerful tools to reach and share a complete knowledge on the territory (intended as the integration between natural and cultural components). The overlay of thematic maps (geological, geomorphological, physiographic maps) as well as the integration of collected data allows us to identify the areas of greater natural and cultural value. The outdoor sports, expecially cycling and ski, give us an opportunity to talk about the territory, referring to its natural and cultural history; GIS and 3D modelling, are flexible and friendly tools in educational plans as well as in territorial promotion, fitting for the purpose of a twinning with TV sport transmission, as confirmed by the GeoloGiro experience (Geology at the Giro d’Italia 2013/14/15/16). The prototypical App here proposed, will show the landscape where the sports are played, through the visualisation of thematic maps and correlated images (3D modelling, animation, cartoons) integrating information on local environment and culture: the “LandscApp”. We argue that special attention should be devoted to the link between landscapes, wine tourism and sports, and that this new field would spur new actions to promote sustainable development in Italy, as well as a more sensible culture of responsible wine consumption.

Geomorphological Hazard in Hypogeum Karst Touristic Landscape: An Example from Frasassi Cave (Central Italy)

The study of geomorphological hazards in tourist areas has been addressed only recently, mostly because in areas of high touristic value any risk for excursionists or for simple nature lovers represents a strong conditioning factor to the fruition and therefore to the economy of an entire area. The geomorphological hazard can turn into a considerable risk, if one takes into account the increasing human pressure even in remote areas. The development of tourism, in fact, brings an increasing number of people to discover and attend both areas prone to hazards for some time, both in areas where these hazards are being increased. The complexity and multiplicity of these changes require necessarily a greater attention not only for a correct comprehension of natural phenomena but mostly for their possible interactions with tourism attendance and fruition. Based on previous experiences, also as a result of research projects funded by the Italian Ministry for the University and the Research (MIUR). A study on the natural hazards related to the touristic fruition in the area of Frasassi Cave in the Marche region (central Italy) is following presented.

Geomorphological evolution of the middle-lower reach of the Tronto river (central Italy), during the last 200 years: impacts on flood hazard

The geomorphological dynamics is an important indicator for understanding processes of river erosion and sediment transport useful to plan appropriate remedial works along the rivers, so as not to modify the fragile equilibrium of the river itself. The present study aims at improve the knowledge on the geomorphological evolution of the Tronto river between the rivers mouth and the town of Ascoli Piceno through the analysis of historical maps and aerial photos covering different time spans.The retrieval of historical maps has allowed the reconstruction of the geomorphological evolution of the river bed and of the intervention aimed at river banks protection or, sometimes, for agricultural and industrial use.The interventions along the river beds began around the early 1900s (following the disastrous events of 1897 and 1898), resulting in a strong reduction of the floodplain width, from about 330 up to 210 meters and a rectification of the same with the construction of embankments up to 6 meters above the thalweg; these interventions were more intense at the mouth. The mismanagement of the terminal reach, among other things, after the interventions started in 1978 with the overall reduction in the flow section of the river, will favor the expansion of the flow during the 1992 flood event. The analysis, carried out in a GIS environment, evidenced as the interventions made along the river, have progressively modified almost all of the river reach for a length of over 20 km, reducing the typical cross section of about 50%.