Sandro De Muro

Morpho-sedimentary features and sediment transport model of the submerged beach of the ‘Pineta della foce del Garigliano’ SCI Site (Caserta, southern Italy)

ABSTRACT In this paper, we present the results of a detailed geomorphological and sedimentological study of a coastal sector of southern Italy, the Pineta della foce del Garigliano SCI (i.e. Site of Community Importance), which is largely affected by shoreline retreat and the degradation of dune habitat. The analysis of shoreline evolution demonstrates that severe erosion processes have occurred over the last 50 years. They caused the complete dismantling of the foredune, whereas the anomalous and advanced position of the secondary dune promoted a progressive loss of vegetation habitat of high environmental value such as juniper (Juniperus oxycedrus ssp. macrocarpa). Morpho-sedimentary data and hydrodynamic models suggest that the main climate events promoted a net longshore transport toward the South. Our analyses confirm that erosion processes are linked to natural factors but several negative human practices have contributed to the acceleration of shoreline retreat and degradation of the dune habitat. In addition to its scientific value, the map and data here presented represent an important tool for beach management purposes.

Morpho-sedimentology of a Mediterranean microtidal embayed wave dominated beach system and related inner shelf with Posidonia oceanica meadows: the SE Sardinian coast

This article presents a morpho-sedimentological map of a Mediterranean embayed microtidal wave-dominated beach system and related inner shelf. The study area is located between Capo Boi and the Torre de su Fenugu sector, and focuses on Solanas beach in SE Sardinia. All of the collected data were processed to draw a main 1:7,000 scale map, which shows the general characteristics of the entire area, including its hydrodynamic, morphological, and sedimentological features (distribution of siliciclastic and biogenic/bioclastic sediments), rocky outcrops, beach rocks, and marine phanerogam meadow coverage (mainly Posidonia oceanica). Several secondary maps such as routes and paths, side-scan sonar photomosaic interpretations, and sedimentary facies have also been included. In addition to its scientific value, the map can be an important tool for beach management purposes.

Acoustic facies and seabed features of the mixed carbonate-siliciclastic deposits of the last eustatic cycle in the La Maddalena Archipelago (North Sardinia, Italy)

A high-resolution Chirp acoustic survey of 250 nautical miles performed in the La Maddalena Archipelago provided a scheme of the acoustic facies of the recentmost sediments and a frame of the large-scale bedforms linked to the last eustatic cycle that charac - terize its channels. Five main acoustic facies have been recognized and mapped. Due to the good coherence with the sediment texture map of the area, an interpretation of the acoustic facies in sedimentary terms is presented. The archipelago is characterized by a complex system of inlets, promontories, bays and channels ruled by the main tectonic trends of the region. A main, 20 km-long channel (Bucinara Channel) with numerous straits and some shoals divides the northern Sardinia coast from the main islands of Spargi, La Maddalena, Santo Stefano and Caprera. A shorter and larger channel occurs in the northern part of the Archipelago. Two minor sea branches connect these channels. The bathymetry of the area reveals that the channels generally have a flat bottom and steep flanks, with water depth mostly ranging between –35 and –60 m, with the exception of saddles and shoals. The sedimentary regime of the area is controlled by storm-induced currents and by a high carbonate production associated to the widespread presence of the Posidonia Oceanica seagrass, a marine Phanerogama that populates the flanks of the channels of the Archipelago. A multitude of morphologic forms can be attributed to the phases of falling, lowstanding, rising and high-standing of the last Pleistocene-Holocene eustatic cycle. Angular unconformities, gullies and sediment-incised palaeo channels along with abrasion platforms in the granitic basement witness the last sea level fall and low-stand. These forms now lie at water depths ranging between –33 m and –60 m and are covered by a thin veneer of sediments of the Holocene transgression. They have all been formed when the sea-level was about –110 m below the present datum and the Archipelago was a landscape of rocky hills separated by large, flat valleys scoured by torrent-like rivers. The Holocene rise of sea-level (Versilian transgression) caused the flooding of the landscape and the deposition of the thin sedimentary cover imaged by the acoustic profiles. The rising was punctuated by some sea-level still stands evidenced by terraced surfaces lying at depths between –33 m and –47 m which are coherent with the mapped and dated beach-rocks of the Bocche di Bonifacio strait. The decrease of sea level rise at 5000-6000 years B.P. and the following stabilization of sea level have triggered the present sedimentary and hydrodynamic conditions which, in turn, favoured the formation and maintenance of the bedforms. The Archipelago is dominated by an eastward directed sea current, and subordinately by a westward current. In the two main WNW-ESE and W-E trending channels of the Archipelago, the current flows have formed some longitudinal sand ridges up to 3 km long and 5 m high, while in the N-S oriented channels, transversal sand banks up to 10 m thick occur. Sea floor undulations, interpreted as sand waves, are present in some restricted areas close to the Sardinia coast in downflow position with respect to the headlands. Their wavelength (L) ranges between 10 to 40 m and the height (H) is up to 1,5 m, the ratio H/L

Morphodynamics of a Mediterranean microtidal wave-dominated beach: forms, processes and insights for coastal management

ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to present a new morphodynamic map (1:10,000 scale) of a wave-dominated sector of a Mediterranean ria-type coast (NE Sardinia, Italy). The area has been studied since 1995 with respect to its geomorphological and sedimentological processes. Our map is produced using topographic-bathymetric, textural and compositional data collected during different surveys conducted from 1995 to 2014. The Main Map shows forms, processes and deposits of the coastal belt, as well as the main geological outcrops, structural elements and the areal distribution of seagrass, mainly Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile and Caulerpa prolifera (Forsskaal) Lamouroux. The map is useful for beach management purposes. It is noteworthy that the role of P. oceanica in the littoral area is twofold: (1) acts as a barrier to siliciclastic material from the backshore; and (2) a producer of biogenic/bioclastic sediment. Based on side-scan sonar images, the P. oceanica meadow appears to be threatened by direct mechanical damage caused by boat anchoring and mooring activities. The human impact on dune habitats has also been recognized and is related to pedestrian and vehicular transit, boat storage and infrastructure for bathing.

A comparison of geomorphic settings, sediment facies and benthic habitats of two carbonate systems of Western Mediterranean Sea and South Western Australia: Implications for coastal management

ABSTRACT Tecchiato, S., Buosi C., Ibba, A., Ryan, D.A., and De Muro, S., 2016. A Comparison of Geomorphic Settings, Sediment Facies and Benthic Habitats of Two Carbonate Systems of Western Mediterranean Sea and South Western Australia: Implications for Coastal Management. In: Vila-Concejo, A.; Bruce, E.; Kennedy, D.M., and McCarroll, R.J. (eds.), Proceedings of the 14th International Coastal Symposium (Sydney, Australia). Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 75, pp. 562–566. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. A similarity exists between the coastal areas of South Western Australia and South Sardinia (Italy-Western Mediterranean Sea), as temperate water carbonate sedimentation dominates the inner shelf at these locations. The seagrass carbonate factory regulates the deposition of modern bioclasts, and the distribution of seagrass meadows and accumulation of bioclasts is controlled by similar processes at the study sites. These biogenic components are mixed to quartz-feldspar sands producing significantly comparable sediment facies, which have been previously documented for Esperance Bay (South Western Australia) and off Porto Pino beaches (Sardinia). Whilst the geological settings of these areas show similar outcropping lithologies, the clastic component of these mixed biogenic and quartz-feldpar sand facies is transported by different agents in the Australian and Sardinian site. In this paper, the similarity between sediment facies is highlighted and their comparison has produced new insights into the processes regulating sediment accumulation in two hydrodynamically different embayments. The characteristics of seagrass beds and their link to the beach system are also compared and set within the context of Mediterranean and South Australian bioregions. These outcomes are relevant for beach management, as European and Australian environmental regulations are compared herein.

Sandy beaches characterization and management of coastal erosion on western Sardinia island (Mediterranean Sea).

ABSTRACT De Falco, G., Budillon, F., Conforti A., De Muro, S., Di Martino G., Innangi, S., Perilli, A., Tonielli, R., Simeone, S. 2014. Sandy beaches characterization and management of coastal erosion on western Sardinia island (Mediterranean sea).In: Green, A.N. and Cooper, J.A.G. (eds.), Proceedings 13th International Coastal Symposium (Durban, South Africa),Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 70, pp. 395–400, ISSN 0749-0208. Coastal erosion is a global problem which affects sandy and rocky shores worldwide. Coastal erosion can be triggered by several causes. Local processes can generate erosion hot spots, whereas at the global scale, the main forces are sea level rise, changes in storm climate and human interference. Beaches along the Mediterranean sea are strongly affected by coastal erosion. Recently, the Protocol on Integrated Coastal Zone Management in the Mediterranean (PAP/RAC 2007) recommended the prevention of erosion processes by restoring the natural adaptive capacity of the coast and by improving the knowledge on the state, development and impact of coastal erosion. In order to achieve the objective of the PAP/RAC protocol, we characterized 24 sandy beaches along ~270 km of the western coastline of the Sardinia island (western Mediterranean). Grain size and mineralogy of the foreshore sediments were analyzed and the intertidal elevation/bathymetric profile were measured using the Differential Global Positioning System. Aerial photos were used to identify the shoreline configuration, the number of bars and morphodynamic features. A digital elevation model (DEM) of the adjacent shelf was produced and acoustic backscatter, grab and box-corer sediment samples were collected in order to characterize the seafloor and to identify the substrate lithology, particularly the distribution of sandy sediments. The investigated coastline is characterized by linear, multibarred beaches and wide transgressive dune fields formed by terrigenous and coarse sand. These linear beaches are alternated with embayed beaches which locally show a mixed terrigenous/bioclastic carbonate composition. Large sandy bodies were found in the inner shelf, often forming dune fields which were uncovered by mud drapes. A database was created to facilitate the characterization of the beach systems along the studied coastline and adjacent inner shelf. It is anticipated that the database will be used by policy makers in support of the implementation of coastal erosion management strategies.

Geomorphology of four wave-dominated microtidal Mediterranean beach systems with Posidonia oceanica meadow: a case study of the Northern Sardinia coast

ABSTRACT The results of this geomorphological study, which focuses on four Mediterranean embayed microtidal wave-dominated beach systems and the related inner shelf, are reported on a detailed geomorphological map (1:12,000 scale). The study area is located between Punta di Li Francesi and Lu Poltiddolu in NW Sardinia, W of the Strait of Bonifacio. The Main Map presents geomorphological, sedimentological, hydrodynamical and ecological (underwater vegetation) features indicated in nine sections of the map legend. Integrative maps (1:40,000 scale) of side-scan sonar surveys, sedimentary facies, survey routes and sampling point locations are also represented on the Main Map. This work summarizes 25 years of historical geomorphological datasets and can be considered as a reference for future comparisons of the study area as indicated by current European legislation. In addition to the scientific value of this study, the proposed map can be an important tool for coastal, beach and inner shelf management.

Geomorphology and sedimentology of Porto Pino, SW Sardinia, western Mediterranean

ABSTRACT This paper presents a detailed (1:4000) geomorphological, sedimentological and ecological map of a Mediterranean microtidal wave-dominated beach system and adjacent inner shelf. This map is an innovative cartographic product that integrates a range of processes of present and past timeframes. It is part of a larger cartography on the coastal geomorphology of Sardinia (Italy) aiming to facilitate coastal management practices and future scientific research. The study area is located in SW Sardinia (Italy), and focuses on Porto Pino beach, an important tourist destination of semi-pristine nature, facing environmental pressures common to many coastal Mediterranean settings. In this context, the main human impact on coastal dune habitats is described and a full environmental characterization of the beach system is presented.

Geomorphology map of the marine and transitional terraces and raised shorelines of the Península Juan Mazía, Tierra Del Fuego. Straits of Magellan – Chile

This manuscript presents a detailed map (1:50,000) of the geomorphology of the marine and transitional terraces and raised shorelines linked to Holocene-Pleistocene (?) glacio-eustatic variations in Península Juan Mazía situated on the Segunda Angostura in the western area of the Straits of Magellan. The Main Map, centered on approximately 52° 40’ and 52°60’, was compiled through geomorphological survey in the field integrated with interpretation of aerial photographs and remote-sensing imagery. The survey has allowed mapping of a regular sequence of terraces and raised shorelines represented mainly by marine, and partially by transitional terraced deposits, located in four orders at the respective elevations of 18÷25 m, 6÷11 m, 3÷5 m and 1÷2 m above mean sea level. The Main Map also provides other features such as landforms and deposits, due to littoral, running water, glacial and wind processes.

An integrated sea-land approach for mapping geomorphological and sedimentological features in an urban microtidal wave-dominated beach: a case study from S Sardinia, western Mediterranean

ABSTRACT An integrated cartographic approach has been used to summarize different data (geomorphological, sedimentological, hydrodynamic, ecological and anthropic) from an urban microtidal, wave-dominated beach and adjacent inner shelf in a comprehensive and easily readable mapping output. The study area is located in S Sardinia (Italy, Mediterranean Sea) and focuses on Poetto beach. All the data in this study were processed to produce a Main Map (1:6400 scale) showing the key characteristics of the entire area and three detailed secondary maps (1:56,000 and 1:59,000 scale) that include topographic and eco-graphic profiles, the distribution of sedimentary facies and the main anthropic impact. This map, providing detailed information on the beach dynamics, human impact and the marine ecological status of the Poetto urban beach, represents a useful new tool to facilitate environmental conservation and beach management.