Summary 

In response to the accidental exhumation of three ancient trees by farmers, we conducted a multidisciplinary study based on the stratigraphic analysis of boreholes, carbon-14 dating, aerial photo interpretation, and analysis of palaeobotanical and archaeological evidences. We reconstructed the formation and evolution during Roman times of a first “continuous” and then “discontinuous” deltaic strandplain at the mouth of the Carapelle Stream in the Tavoliere di Puglia Plain—the second-largest plain in Italy. Ttwo main phases can be recognised in the evolution of the Carapelle deltaic strandplain: 1) a first phase, lasted until ca. the birth of Christ, was characterised by a regular and continuous construction of sand ridges one leaning against the other; 2) a second phase, lasted more or less from the birth of Christ to the termination of the construction of the deltaic strandplain, was characterised by the discontinuous construction of sand ridges/coastal barriers with the isolation of lagoons/ponds, and by evidences of alluvial events. The most probable climatic–environmental scenario to have formed the Roman-period deltaic strandplain implied that: 1) the first phase was triggered by a higher total amount of precipitations, but with less extreme alluvial events; 2) the second phase was triggered by a total amount of precipitation lower than the previous period, but with higher occurrence of extreme alluvial events and/or by extreme alluvial events separated by longer period of low precipitations. This second phase was enhanced by the opening of vegetation. The passage between the first and second phase of the Carapelle deltaic strandplain coincides with the passage from overall negative NAO index to an overall positive NAO index. 

 Summary 

Tidal sea level variations in the Mediterranean basin, although altered and amplified by resonance phenomena in existing GNSS stations in the Mediterranean area to assess the feasibility and the precision of the technique. For those stations that allow the estimation of sea level, we estimate one year of sea level variations (2021) and compare it to the nearest tide gauge. 

 Summary 

Alluvial plains along the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea are susceptible to subsidence due to natural sediment compaction, tectonic forces, urban growth and over-exploitation of groundwater resources. Subsidence process may largely affect coastal landscapes, especially in areas with compressible deposits in the subsoil. In this article, the historical changes of landscape (from 1600 to present) and the vertical ground movement (in the last 30 years) of Volturno Coastal Plain (VCP) were analyzed to shed light on the possible relations between the location of subsiding lands and the landscape changes in the last centuries mainly due to land reclamation works. To this aim, historical maps, satellite images, and radar interferometric vertical ground deformation datasets were acquired and integrated in a geographic information system. The historical cartography allowed to ouline the landscape changes of coastal plain features that took place mainly in the marshy and swampy areas and in the dune system before and after the reclamation works. Ground deformation trends have been assessed between 1992 and 2021 based on processing several radar satellite data with Synthetic Aperture Radar Differential Interferometry (DInSAR) techniques. Vector and grid analysis tools have been used to draw features of past landscapes, to continuously represent the vertical movement of soil and to compare the available data. Before the mid-1950s, anthropogenic activity was limited and not associated with active subsidence processes in the marshes and lacustrine areas. However, in recent decades, satellite radar interferometric data show that high subsidence areas in the middle and lower sectors of Volturno Coastal Plain (VCP) are locally enhanced by anthropogenic activity. It is noteworthy that the subsidence of VCP today is related to the cumulative effects of several processes that have developed at different temporal and spatial scales. 

 Summary 

Beach rocks are located along many coasts of the Mediterranean basin. The early diagenesis environment and the mean sea level along the shoreline make these landforms useful in the reconstruction of relative sea-level changes and, in particular, as SLIPs (sea-level index points). The beach rocks surveyed along the Ionian coast of Apulia were found to be well preserved at three specific 

depth ranges: 6–9 m, 3–4 m, and from the foreshore to about 1.20 m. Morpho-bathymetric and dive surveys were performed to assess both the geometries and the extension of the submerged beach rocks. Samples were collected at these different depths in the localities of Lido Torretta, Campomarino di Maruggio, San Pietro in Bevagna, and Porto Cesareo. Bivalve shells were identified and isolated from the beach rock samples collected at a depth of 7 m; AMS dating provided a calibrated age of about 7.8 ka BP. Their morphology and petrological features, along with the time constraints, enabled us to (i) reconstruct the local sea-level curve during the Holocene, (ii) corroborate acquired knowledge of the relative sea-level history, and (iii) identify possible local vertical land movement (VLM). 

Understanding millennial changes in relative sea level (RSL) and coastal responses in stable regions is crucial for deciphering the intricate relationship between natural dynamics and human adaptation. This interdisciplinary study explores the interplay between mid-to-Late Holocene sea-level fluctuations and tectonic along the mid- Tyrrhenian coast. 

The study area, located between the Fondi and Garigliano coastal plains, held great significance in ancient times. In particular, the strategic role of Formia, a monitoring point for the Tyrrhenian Sea, made this city one of the most important commercial hub during Roman occupation, leading to a significant urbanization of the coastal stretch testified by well-preserved remains nowadays scattered along the submerged or semi-submerged coastal sectors. 

This study reconstructs the mid-to-Late Holocene morpho-evolution and RSL changes in the study area by creating a geodatabase made of 52 sea-level markers (SLMs) derived from direct geoarchaeological measurements, stratigraphic and palaeoecological interpretations of new borehole data, and previously published stratigraphic data. Specifically, the radiocarbon dating of three peat samples provided new data ranging between 7.62 ± 47 and 1.00 ± 51 ka BP on the sea level history in the area. Based on our dataset, between 9.0 and 8.0 ka BP, the sea level rose from -19 m to -6.5 m at a rate of about 15.6 mm/y, slowing to 0.8 mm/y afterwards, stabilizing at its current position. Results suggest that during the 1st century BC, local sea level was no higher than -0.55 ± 0.29 m. 

The collected RSL data support the hypothesis of tectonic stability of this sector during the last 2.0 ka, testified by the position of the SLMs in accordance with the glacio-hydro-isostatic adjustment (GIA) models and supported by the determination of average vertical ground movement rates of - 0.017 ± 0.23 mm/y. 

Finally, in terms of coastal changes the overlay between new data from geoarchaeological surveys, reinterpretation of previously-published stratigraphic data, and geomorphological analysis allowed us to deduce a general coastal progradation trend in the historical time for both low-lying and rocky sectors, due to natural and anthropogenic forcing factors. 

 Summary 

Probabilistic tsunami hazard analysis (PTHA) introduces potential biases in tsunami risk assessment if it assumes static coastlines. Global warming, in addition to geological and local factors, may affect sea-level rise in the next few decades. Here, we provide a method that integrates the expected sealevel rise into existing PTHA, updating regional models without further tsunami simulations. We perform the tsunami hazard analysis at the densely populated Mediterranean coasts, which are highly exposed to tsunami inundations, as reported by historical and instrumental evidence. PTHA and related epistemic uncertainties significantly change when we include the time-dependent components, such as: (1) vertical land movements along the coasts, and (2) future sea-level changes based on the expected climate scenarios described by the IPCC AR6 Report. Probability maps show that the mean probability of exceeding the 1 m and 2 m maximum inundation heights in 2070 has a general increase differentiating locally, with percent variations mainly in the range 10–30% of the updated timedependent PTHA compared with the current PTHA. 

 Summary 

The knowledge of geomorphodynamic aspects is crucial for understanding marine and coastal processes/dynamics as well as for characterizing coastal environments heavily affected by anthropogenic activities. To provide a framework of analysis that can be applied in a consistent way for the geo-environmental characterization of highly contaminated coastal sites, in this paper a set of operational guidelines is proposed. Special attention is given to the role of geomorphological-based surveys and analyses in defining (i) the site-specific geological model of the investigated site, (ii) the anthropogenic impacts on marine and coastal sediments, (iii) the expected morphodynamic variations induced by climate change and anthropogenic interventions, (iv) tailored dissemination activities and community engagement plans. Then, an evaluation of the state of the art of activities already performed for the characterization of the coastal contaminated sites located in the Apulia region (southern Italy) is provided. The outcomes of this research are also provided in the form of infographics to favor their dissemination among communities and stakeholders. 

 Summary 

The current setting of most Tyrrhenian coastal plains in central-southern Italy is the result of the interaction between sedimentary inputs, tectonic movements, and sea level changes during the Quaternary. Based on a comprehensive review of data from the literature on the stratigraphic setting of the coastal plains of Volturno and Garigliano Rivers, and with the final output being a validated 3D geological model, this study provides new elements for improved definition of the chronological intervals of fault activity. Specifically, the ages of tectonic deformations and/or subsidence are crucial for future estimates of coastal hazards induced by both seismicity and coastal inundations. Our multidisciplinary approach includes (i) definition of the Late Quaternary sedimentary architecture by revision of a large amount of core data, (ii) acquisition of offshore seismic reflection data and their correlation with sedimentary bodies of the coastal plains, and (iii) structural analysis of the main faults. These investigations were conducted on the marine segment offshore Mount Massico and on contiguous portions of the Volturno and Garigliano alluvial–coastal plains. The acquisition of seismic and core data enabled the definition of the sedimentary architecture of the coastal sectors of the plains. The Mt. Massico ridge (northern Campania), comprising Mesozoic–Cenozoic units of the orogenic chain and morphologically separating the two plains, was the subject of mesostructural analysis of fault orientation and kinematics. The seismic lines were calibrated correctly using two close stratigraphic core logs from the Garigliano Plain. The identification of correlatable and/or coeval stratigraphic/seismic units reveals land–sea correlations. These units are clearly affected by recent faulting expressed by complex deformation patterns, such as flower structures and strike-slip faults. 

 Summary 

We analyze the variation in groundwater budget by modeling an aquifer in a semi-arid region in southern Italy, using different good pumping scenarios. This aquifer is overexploited due to the agricultural vocation of the area. We propose an integrated method to assess the distribution of hydrogeological parameters and the recharge rates. The hydrogeological parametrization is performed through a hydrostratigraphic approach using the geostatistical tool. Recharge rates are computed through a soil water balance application, using different monitoring stations over the area for the whole period of interest. Integrating the results of this analysis with pumping scenarios based on the water irrigation requirement of the main crops in the area, different water budgets are estimated. The results show how different pumping scenarios affect the availability of water resources and thus underline the importance of management. This integrated hydrogeological model can be applied to other areas with similar hydrogeological characteristics, and it can be considered a valuable tool for evaluating sustainable groundwater management strategies, considering land use practices and socio-economic factors. 

 Summary 

In 2023, the Italian community of Quaternary scientists produced, under the umbrella of METIQ (Modello Evolutivo del Territorio Italiano nel Quaternario (Evolutive Model of the Italian Territory during the Quaternary) coordinated by the Geological Survey of Italy (ISPRA), a Quaternary Map of Italy at 1:500.000 scale that included a database of the last interglacial (LIG) marine highstand’s markers along the Italian coasts. The LIG geodatabase lists several well-preserved outcrops and cores, rich in marine fossil features and deposits, straddling the whole Italian coastal areas. This geodatabase relies on three already existing databases, integrated with data from recently published works. In addition, for each site, a re-evaluation of the main chronological and geomorphological data (elevation, age, measurement error, relationship with original sea level and isostatic adjustment correction, GIA) has been made. Coastal areas with the most important LIG inner margins are highlighted. Finally, the long term geological vertical displacement rate is calculated for each site according to the requirements of the METIQ database. 

 Summary 

In 2023, the Italian community of Quaternary scientists produced, under the umbrella of METIQ (Modello Evolutivo del Territorio Italiano nel Quaternario (Evolutive Model of the Italian Territory during the Quaternary) coordinated by the Geological Survey of Italy (ISPRA), a Quaternary Map of Italy at 1:500.000 scale that included a database of the last interglacial (LIG) marine highstand’s markers along the Italian coasts. The LIG geodatabase lists several well-preserved outcrops and cores, rich in marine fossil features and deposits, straddling the whole Italian coastal areas. This geodatabase relies on three already existing databases, integrated with data from recently published works. In addition, for each site, a re-evaluation of the main chronological and geomorphological data (elevation, age, measurement error, relationship with original sea level and isostatic adjustment correction, GIA) has been made. Coastal areas with the most important LIG inner margins are highlighted. Finally, the long term geological vertical displacement rate is calculated for each site according to the requirements of the METIQ database. 

This study leverages high-resolution climate datasets and advanced hydrodynamic modelling tools to propose a methodological procedure for assessing the potential impact of changes in atmospheric patterns on marine bottom stress and erosion processes occurring on the seabed. The analysis focuses on the Mar Piccolo basin of Taranto, a coastal area in southern Italy where marine sediments are heavily impacted by both past and ongoing anthropogenic pollution. Hydrodynamic simulations performed to define medium-term future scenarios indicate that, starting from 2035, a marked increase in current intensity is expected in both surface and bottom layers. This shift in current dynamics can be mainly attributed to changes in the wind regime. The enhanced current intensity is expected to lead to stronger shear stresses at the sediment-water interface, exceeding the critical thresholds for sediment resuspension, favouring sediment mobilization. These outcomes highlight the importance of analysing climate-related processes for understanding expected coastal dynamics and designing targeted remediation strategies for contaminated coastal sites. 

 Summary 

From the analysis of geodetic data and climatic projections for the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP1-2.6; SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5) released in the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), we estimated the rates of LS, the projected local relative sea level rise (RSLR), and the expected extent of flooded surfaces for 11 selected areas of the Venice Lagoon for the years 2050, 2100, and 2150 AD. Vertical Land Movements (VLM) were obtained from the integrated analysis of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and Interferometry Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) data in the time spans of 1996–2023 and 2017–2023, respectively. The spatial distribution of VLM at 1–3 mm/yr, with maximum values up to 7 mm/yr, is driving the observed variable trend in the RSLR across the lagoon, as also shown by the analysis of the tide gauge data. This is leading to different expected flooding scenarios in the emerging sectors of the investigated area. Scenarios were projected on accurate high-resolution Digital Surface Models (DSMs) derived from LiDAR data. By 2150, over 112 km2 is at risk of flooding for the SSP1-2.6 low-emission scenario, with critical values of 139 km2 for the SSP5-8.5 high-emission scenario. In the case of extreme events of high water levels caused by the joint effects of astronomical tides, seiches, and atmospheric forcing, the RSLR in 2150 may temporarily increase up to 3.47 m above the reference level of the Punta della Salute tide gauge station. This results in up to 65% of land flooding. This extreme scenario poses the question of the future durability and effectiveness of the MoSE (Modulo Sperimentale Elettromeccanico).

The Salento Leccese coast (southern Apulia, Italy) is marked both by primary and secondary coasts (cliffs and beaches); beaches, in particular, constitute about a quarter of the coastal perimeter. The Salento Leccese coast experienced dramatic change over the last two centuries due to natural and anthropic causes. This change was reconstructed through a geomorphological survey, historical cartography, and an aerial photo analysis. In particular, two case studies are described: the first one stretches along the Adriatic coast of the peninsula (Torre dell’Orso locality), and the second one is located along the Ionian coast (Torre Pali locality). For these coastal tracts, the main geomorphological features and the natural evolution that occurred during the Holocene are described, along with the anthropic modifications induced in the coastal landscape over the last two centuries. This study represents a useful knowledge background for coastal planners and decision makers, which will be utilized by the National Restoration Plans to be implemented in the near future, with the aim of restoring degraded ecosystems according to the recent Nature Restoration Law of the European Commission (2024). 

 How to cite and download publication: 

Mastronuzzi, G. (2025). L'arroganza e l'ignoranza non salveranno le coste. L'intervento dell'uomo e il clima stanno distruggendo il mare. In: “Villaggio Globale - Abbiamo rotto anche il mare” Trimestrale di ecologia Anno XXVIII n. 111 Settembre 2025 / 2 - ISSN 2039-7208 

Coastal landforms, particularly sea cliffs and associated wave-cut platforms, preserve key evidence of past sea-level fluctuations, tectonic activity, and paleoclimate variability. In this study, we implement a supervised machine learning approach, trained on an original, expert-labeled geomorphological dataset, to detect and classify inherited and active coastal features - such as paleo-sea cliffs and polycyclic sea cliffs - along the south-Tyrrhenian. Using DTM and morphometric indicators, our model, based on a RandomForestClassifier trained on expert-based cartography and independently validated, accurately identifies the spatial signatures of Quaternary coastal evolution. These results are cross validated against independent geomorphological mapping and sea-level reconstruction datasets. The integration of geomorphological classification with sea level markers enables us to reconstruct coastal morphogenesis in relation to the last interglacial cycle. Our findings highlight the potential of machine learning to automate the identification of coastal paleo-landscapes, providing insight into the imprint of climatic forcing on their morphology. This approach offers a scalable framework for investigating past climate–landscape interactions and for supporting future coastal hazard assessments under changing climate conditions. 

Coastal environments in the Mediterranean are currently facing significant challenges due to the impact of Global Warming, largely attributed to human activities. The Mar Piccolo stands out as one of the Mediterranean’s most polluted semi-enclosed marine basins. To delve into its environmental changes, a sediment core (S05B) and eight surface sediment samples underwent extensive analysis, encompassing sedimentological and palynological organic matter assessments. The main objective was to uncover the principal morpho-sedimentary processes from latest Pleistocene to Holocene, resulting in the identification of five distinct landscape scenarios. Initially, during a period of arid climate, the area transitioned from fluvial incision to the formation of brackish ponds. As the Holocene brought about improved climatic conditions, the Mar Piccolo underwent further transformations, changing into a paralic environment where freshwater and salt marshes coexisted. The saltmarshes were sustained by sporadic marine spillovers, as indicated by foraminiferal organic linings. At 10.3 cal ka BP, a marine ingression took place marked by dinocysts, aligning with the Mediterranean sea level curve. This led to the establishment of a low hydrodynamic semi-enclosed marine basin, although changes in bottom oxygenation occurred over time. Anoxic events were identified during the Sapropel 1 deposition and the 4.2 ka BP megadrought event. After the 4.2 ka BP event, evidence of human impact emerges as indicated by the occurrence of human intestinal parasites resting eggs along with a shift in phytoclasts assemblages towards a dominance of cuticles suggesting intensified agricultural activities around the basin. Furthermore, analyses of palynological organic matter in surface sediments provide evidence of significant impacts from current human activities. Consequently, evaluating both past and ongoing anthropogenic influences through palynological organic matter analysis represents a crucial application in this research area. 

Global sea-level rise represents one of the most evident impacts of anthropogenic climate change. It is expected to trigger widespread environmental changes, such as major coastal erosion and progressive inundation of large portions of low-elevated coastal zones. Such impacts will be of remarkable importance in the most vulnerable coastal areas, such as large alluvial plains. However, is it possible to define a common response for this type of coastal environment to climate change? Furthermore, what are the drivers that mostly control their evolution? We evaluate the potential resilience of six major western Mediterranean coastal plains to future Relative Sea-Level Rise (RSLR– i.e., sea-level variation due to the combined effect of eustatic sea-level rise and local subsidence) by examining the Holocene coastal response to past sea-level variations. In each investigated coastal plain, we statistically reconstruct the past variability in the sea-level rise rates and analyze the geomorphic response (i.e., retreat, stability, or progradation) of the coastline to these changes. Then, we compare these data with the local RSLR rates expected for the next decades (up to the year 2100), calculated considering sea-level projections under three different climate scenarios (i.e., SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7, SSP5-8.5) and corrected for the local coastal subsidence trends characterizing each coastal plain. This allows us to predict the potential morphodynamic response of each plain to future RSLR by applying a newly developed coastal plain sensitivity index (CPSI), integrating the past and recent coastal trends. Results indicate that only under the SSP2-4.5 scenario, a low probability (< 13%) of natural resilience (intended as shoreline in equilibrium/stable shoreline) is observed. Under all the other scenarios, the investigated coastal plains are destined for an irreversible retreat trend. 

Sea level rise (SLR) is one of the most evident consequences of global warming. Low-lying coastal areas with mobile coastal systems are particularly exposed to sea level change (SLC), both transient (storm surges and tsunamis) and permanent (SLR), especially when coupled with vertical land movements (VLMs), determining local relative sea level rise (RSLR). In this study, starting from a critical analysis of methods exploited for the assessment of the vulnerability to RSLR and their suitability, a tailored approach for the impact assessment as an operative tool for the management of coastal areas in a changing climate is proposed. Our analysis was carried out through the evaluation of 49 selected studies, which were included in a specifically implemented database by searching in Scopus. This insight shows that the static approach represents the most popular method for the analysis and visualization of the expected coastal modifications, followed by the model-based approach. Furthermore, the evaluation of the suitability level of each accounted method highlighted that topographic and index-based methods are significant for regional analyses, whilst model-based approaches are strongly exploited for site-specific analyses. Based on the outcomes of this analysis, a multi-step procedure for coastal zone management is proposed. 

Rocky coasts are the most common type of coastal environment and are presently experiencing significant erosion as a consequence of accelerated sea-level rise and increase in coastal storms. This type of coastline, like all coastal environments, is subject to the effects of a huge number of marine and terrestrial processes that continually reshape them over time. This research suggests a new methodological approach for assessing the vulnerability of rocky coasts to forcing factors that may be emphasised by ongoing climate change. The proposed approach combines two matrices: the Physical Element Index (PEIx), which assesses the most relevant morphological and geotechnical features of the considered landform to evaluate its susceptibility to erosion, and the Cliff Forcing Index (CFIx), which accounts for the marine forces impacting the specific coastal form. The method was tested on different coastal areas sited along the southwest coast of Italy, differing in geological characteristics and marine conditions. The analysis demonstrated that most of the considered coastal sectors belonged to the “Low” (Cala Rossa, Cirella 1, Guardiola, Marechiaro, Punta del Corvo, Puolo, Torre di Mezzo), “Medium” (Capo Rama, Cirella 2, Seiano 1, Spiaggia del Poggio, Torrefumo 2) and “High” (Coroglio, Irminio, Punta Braccetto, Punta Pennata) classes of CSIx due to the interaction among morphological, geotechnical and forcing factors. This procedure allows the zonation of wide rocky coastal areas according to their grade of susceptibility and the identification of areas of criticism where specific studies and monitoring programs need to be developed to adopt sound management strategies.