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Papers by Gaia Mattei

2023 IEEE International Workshop on Metrology for the Sea; Learning to Measure Sea Health Parameters (MetroSea)

Water, Dec 29, 2022

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

2023 31st Euromicro International Conference on Parallel, Distributed and Network-Based Processing (PDP)

Geosciences

Punta Licosa promontory is located in the northern part of the Cilento coast, in the southern Tyr... more Punta Licosa promontory is located in the northern part of the Cilento coast, in the southern Tyrrhenian basin. This promontory is bordered by sea cliffs connected to a wide shore platform sloping slightly towards the sea. This area has been considered stable at least since Late Pleistocene, as testified by a series of evidence well known in the literature. The aim of this research is to reconstruct the main coastal changes that have occurred in this area since the middle Holocene by means of the literature data, aerial photo interpretation, satellite images, GPS measurements, direct underwater surveys, GIS elaborations of high-resolution DTMs, bathymetric data and high-resolution orthophotos taken by UAV. Particular attention was paid to the wide platform positioned between −7.2 ± 1.2 m MSL and the present MSL, this being the coastal landform interpreted as the main consequence of sea cliff retreat. The elevation of this landform was compared with the GIA models calculated for the ...

Water

High coastal sectors constitute the most widespread coastal environment and, under the present ac... more High coastal sectors constitute the most widespread coastal environment and, under the present accelerated sea-level rise scenario, are suffering huge impacts in terms of erosion. The aim of this paper is the proposal of a new methodological approach for the assessment of their susceptibility to erosive processes. The method is based on the combination of two matrices, i.e., a matrix considering the main physical elements (essentially morphological and geotechnical characteristics) that determine the proneness to erosion of a specific high coastal sector, and a forcing matrix, which describes the forcing agents affecting the considered sector. Firstly, several variables were selected to construct each one of the two matrices according to existing studies and, in a second step, they were interpolated to obtain the susceptibility matrix (CSIx). The approach was applied to Procida Island and Cilento promontory, both located in southern Italy. Results obtained were validated by comparin...

<p>The Punta Licosa promontory is located in the northern part of Cilento coast in ... more <p>The Punta Licosa promontory is located in the northern part of Cilento coast in the southern Tyrrhenian basin. In this attractive landscape, depositional and erosional landforms, located both above and below sea level, can be considered a challenge of scientific interest to reconstruct the geomorphological evolution under the control of sea-level changes occurred during the late Quaternary period. The geomorphological study of this area took into account data provided by literature, aerial photo interpretation, GPS measurements, geological surveys, GIS elaborations of high-resolution DTMs, bathymetric data and high-resolution orthophotos taken by unmanned aerial vehicles. The detected landforms were grouped based on morphogenetic and morphoevolutive criteria, paying particular attention to several orders of shore platforms recognized both in the emerged and submerged sectors. Thanks to their analysis, the response of this coastal system to sea-level stands and changes since MIS 7 was detailed reconstructed. According to our reconstructions, three different phases of sea-level stand were identified along the emerged coastal sector. The first sea-level stand is documented by the inner margins of shore platform remnants detected at 9.5 m MSL, ascribed to the MIS5e highstand, according to several authors. The second sea-level stand is poorly testified in our study area but is chronologically well-constrained at Cala Infreschi (southern part of Cilento promontory) thanks to aeolian sands located at 2.7 ± 0.1 MSL and dated by Bini et al. (2020) to 109.1 ± 0.8 ka BP (MIS5d). The third sea-level stand was extensively mapped along the entire coastal sector at about 4.5 m a.s.l. and dated by Iannace et al. (2001) to 102 ± 4 ka BP (MIS5c). The heights at which the above-mentioned sea-level stands are located suggest that the study area gained substantial tectonic stability since MIS 7. This deduction was the starting point of the second research phase in which the morphometric analysis of bathymetric data, coupled with a reinterpretation of literature data, provided clear evidence of sea-level stands occurred since the post-glacial sea-level rise and recognized at depths of about -43/-56 m, -16/-20 m and -8/-10 m MSL. Particular attention was paid to the wide platform formed after the Holocene slowdown in sea-level rise positioned between - 6 m MSL and the present MSL. By comparing our spatial analysis of this landform and the GIA models calculated for the southern Tyrrhenian area, we established that this platform was shaped during the last 6500 years, experiencing retreating rates of 0.030 m/yr, 0.046 m/yr, and 0.039 m/yr in the northern, central, and southern sector of Cilento promontory, respectively. In conclusion, our approach demonstrates the effectiveness of a multi-temporal geomorphological analysis, in order to reconstruct the coastal response to RSL variations in stable contexts along high rocky sectors.</p><p><strong>References</strong></p><p>Bini, M., et al. "An end to the Last Interglacial highstand before 120 ka: Relative sea-level evidence from Infreschi Cave (Southern Italy)." Quaternary Science Reviews 250 (2020): 106658.</p><p>Iannace, A., et al. "The OIS 5c along Licosa cape promontory (Campania region, southern Italy): morphostratigraphy and U/Th dating." Zeitschrift fur Geomorphologie 45.3 (2001): 307-320.</p>

<p>Campi Flegrei, located within the Gulf of Pozzuoli (SW Italy), is one of the mos... more <p>Campi Flegrei, located within the Gulf of Pozzuoli (SW Italy), is one of the most active volcanic districts of the Mediterranean basin and is characterized by sudden vertical ground movements that have locally exacerbated the glacial-hydro-isostatic sea-level rise since the late Pleistocene.<br>In this research, a geoarchaeological study of the coastal sector between Torregaveta Promontory and the western margin of Miseno Cape, located in the peripherical area of Campi Flegrei caldera, was carried out through a multi-technique approach.<br>Along this coastal sector, several archaeological remains, witnessing the past Roman occupation, were deeply studied to investigate the ancient sea levels. In particular, at the foot of Torregaveta Promontory, the ruins of an ancient Roman maritime villa, belonged to the Roman consul Publio Servilio Vatia Isaurico and dated back to the second half of the first century BC, are still visible. Among these, the fish tank and the nymphaeum were surveyed by specialized scuba divers in order to interpret them as archaeological sea-level markers. The submersion of the lowest level of crepido was measured at -2.94 m MSL and interpreted as sea-level index point (SLIP) and, on the other hand, the tuffaceous platform found at the base of the apsidal area of the nymphaeum (located at -1.35 m MSL) of the villa was interpreted as a Terrestrial Limiting Point (TLP). Indirect investigations were also carried out by using a prototype of a marine drone (ARGO engineered in the Parthenope University laboratories) equipped with acoustic and optical sensors in order to obtain a multi-scale high-resolution mapping of both the underwater landscape and archaeological structures. This data was crucial to interpret the main coastal changes mainly related to Late-Holocene relative sea-level changes.<br>Along the NW side of Miseno Cape, a direct survey was carried out in the surrounding area of Dragonara cave, where the remains of several fish tanks are located. The submersion of the lowest level of crepido of the best-preserved fish tank was measured at -2.8 m MSL.<br>The RSL at -3.2 ±0.29 m MSL archaeologically dated at I century BC was compared with the glacial- and hydro-isostatic adjustment (GIA) models available for the study area, assessing a subsidence of about 2 meters and probable volcano-tectonic origin occurred in the last 2100 years.<br>Finally, all the data were crossed with bibliographic studies on low coast sectors in order to reconstruct the paleo-geographic scenario of this complex coastal sector during the Roman Age. The consolidation of the dune cordon at Fusaro (ancient <em>Acherusia</em>) that allowed the construction of a coastal road during the I century BC (in accordance with historical sources) coupled with the building of the studied <em>otium villas</em> led to suppose a period of RSL stability or slow rate in sea-level rise. After that moment, the subsiding trend induced a progressive coastal retreat of the high coast sectors (Monte di Procida and Miseno Cape). While the sandy areas underwent a progradation of a maximum of ~250 meters thanks to the sedimentary inputs coming from the nearby Volturno river.</p>

Water

In recent decades, the study of sea-level changes as recorded along entire coastlines around the ... more In recent decades, the study of sea-level changes as recorded along entire coastlines around the world has been a primary scientific focus in climate change studies; it allows the exploration of past landscape evolution, geomorphological processes, human impact, and system response to develop future perspectives [...]

<p>The Campi Flegrei is one of the widest and dangerous active volcanic complexes i... more <p>The Campi Flegrei is one of the widest and dangerous active volcanic complexes in the Mediterranean basin, worldwide known for the sudden vertical ground movements (bradyseismic crisis) characterizing its post-calderic volcanic activity since the Late Pleistocene. Despite its intense volcano-tectonic activity, the area has been densely inhabited since the Greek-Roman time and still preserves in its submerged sector many archaeological remains whose particular features can be interpreted as high-precision sea-level markers.</p><p>This research presents the results from a multidisciplinary study aimed at reconstructing the coastal landscape of Campi Flegrei and its surroundings during Roman Time by using a complex multi-technique approach.</p><p>The study area, ranging from the western margin of Torregaveta Promontory to the eastern area of Castel dell’Ovo in the City of Naples, was surveyed by a team of specialized divers (archaeologists and geomorphologists) and by using different indirect methods. High-precision data related to the underwater morphologies were obtained by coupling extensive morpho-acoustic surveys (Multibeam and Side Scan Sonar) with integrated detailed surveys using an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) equipped with acoustic and optical sensors.  3D reconstructions of seabed morphologies and submerged archaeological remains were integrated with sedimentological analysis of several boreholes, in order to obtain the geological, geomorphological, and archaeological interpretation related to the Roman coastal seascape.</p><p>The landscape evolution was evaluated both in terms of coastline variations, with related prograding/retreating trends, and quantification of the effects of the local volcano-tectonic activity recorded by the high-precision sea-level markers, leading to the identification of a differential behavior in terms of vertical ground movements along the different sectors of the study area.  Indeed, the RSL variation in the area is non-monotonic being controlled by the alternation of phases of positive and negative VGMs associated with multiple bradyseismic crises.</p><p>In particular, by comparing the collected RSL data with different GIA models, it was possible to observe that 2.1 ka BP the central part of the caldera was affected by a general subsiding trend with peak of acceleration up to -3.4 mm a<sup>-1</sup> between 2.1 and 1.9 ka BP. On the other hand, along the Posillipo and Chiaia coastal sectors, outside the eastern margin of the Campi Flegrei caldera, the RSL datapoints testified an overall subsiding trend during the Holocene which indicate general subsidence with rates between -1.2 and -2.5 mm <sup>a-1</sup> at least in the last 2.0 ka.</p><p>Moreover, the combination of this multi-technique approach allowed the realization of a geoarchaeological map of the coastal landscape of Campi Flegrei and its surroundings between the II century BC and the I century AD, highlighting how the Romans gave rise to a new approach to the coastal outline and utilization becoming the precursors of an ever-increasing anthropization.</p>

Quaternary Science Reviews, Mar 1, 2022

Rendiconti Lincei. Scienze Fisiche e Naturali, 2020

The coasts of the Mediterranean Sea are characterized by the presence of many archaeological rema... more The coasts of the Mediterranean Sea are characterized by the presence of many archaeological remains (ports, protection structures, villas, fish tanks, etc.) that have been emplaced since the Roman Age and have persisted until present day. Due to their archaeological value, these structures represent an inestimable cultural heritage at regional and national scale. As consequence of local sea level variations, most of these structures are today submerged and, for this reason, they represent an important geo-archaeological proxy for the reconstruction of the ancient coastal landscape. Nevertheless, marine processes, such as coastal erosion and/or flooding, are among the main factors contributing to their damage and, hence, protection and conservation strategies need to be enhanced. In this paper, the vulnerability to marine factors of five coastal archaeological sites has been assessed. The investigated sites are located along the Posillipo Hill, one of the most beautiful and attractive coastal sector in the Gulf of Naples (Southern Italy). The analysis has been carried out by applying a vulnerability index method, which is based on the combination of a number of different indicators accounting for both marine processes and the typology of the remains. The results of this study allowed identifying the most vulnerable sites that require, for their conservation and sustainable usability, urgent management strategies.

Ocean & Coastal Management, 2019

This paper presents a methodological approach for the determination of the vulnerability of coast... more This paper presents a methodological approach for the determination of the vulnerability of coastal archaeological sites to marine and aeolian processes, e.g. wave erosion, temporary flooding, wind erosion, etc. The methodology allows defining different degree of vulnerability, taking into account both the potential impacts of the physical processes and the architectural characteristics of the investigated archaeological structures. The method is based on the application of specific vulnerability matrices, accurately defined for each coastal zone (i.e. the backshore, foreshore, nearshore and offshore) where archaeological sites are actually located. Results allow identifying the vulnerability level of each specific site and the index therefore represents an operative tool for the definition of most suitable management actions for the protection and conservation of the archaeological heritage. In order to provide a first application of the proposed methodology, all coastal archaeological sites located in the Gulf of Naples (Southern Italy) have been investigated. The results are presented as a vulnerability map and highlight as seven archaeological sites present a high vulnerability level, four of which are located in two submerged archaeological parks (Underwater Archaeological parks of Baia and Gaiola). The other three sites (Terma Ginnasio, Pezzolo and Tiberio villas, 1st century BC) have no legal protection and therefore they require priority monitoring programs and preservation actions.

Quaternary Science Reviews

Puteoli coastal sector is located in the Campi Flegrei volcanic area, along the Mediterranean coa... more Puteoli coastal sector is located in the Campi Flegrei volcanic area, along the Mediterranean coasts. This sector is rich in archaeological remains here used as sea-level markers useful to reconstruct the vertical ground movements affecting the CF area. Marine surveys by means of an Unmanned Surface Vessel equipped with geophysical instruments were carried out along the coastal sector to reconstruct the seabed morphology and to detect the submerged remains. By analysing geomorphological stratigraphic and archaeological data, the natural and anthropogenic landscape evolution of Puteoli since the Greek-Roman period was evaluated.

Quaternary International, 2021

2023 IEEE International Workshop on Metrology for the Sea; Learning to Measure Sea Health Parameters (MetroSea)

Water, Dec 29, 2022

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

2023 31st Euromicro International Conference on Parallel, Distributed and Network-Based Processing (PDP)

Geosciences

Punta Licosa promontory is located in the northern part of the Cilento coast, in the southern Tyr... more Punta Licosa promontory is located in the northern part of the Cilento coast, in the southern Tyrrhenian basin. This promontory is bordered by sea cliffs connected to a wide shore platform sloping slightly towards the sea. This area has been considered stable at least since Late Pleistocene, as testified by a series of evidence well known in the literature. The aim of this research is to reconstruct the main coastal changes that have occurred in this area since the middle Holocene by means of the literature data, aerial photo interpretation, satellite images, GPS measurements, direct underwater surveys, GIS elaborations of high-resolution DTMs, bathymetric data and high-resolution orthophotos taken by UAV. Particular attention was paid to the wide platform positioned between −7.2 ± 1.2 m MSL and the present MSL, this being the coastal landform interpreted as the main consequence of sea cliff retreat. The elevation of this landform was compared with the GIA models calculated for the ...

Water

High coastal sectors constitute the most widespread coastal environment and, under the present ac... more High coastal sectors constitute the most widespread coastal environment and, under the present accelerated sea-level rise scenario, are suffering huge impacts in terms of erosion. The aim of this paper is the proposal of a new methodological approach for the assessment of their susceptibility to erosive processes. The method is based on the combination of two matrices, i.e., a matrix considering the main physical elements (essentially morphological and geotechnical characteristics) that determine the proneness to erosion of a specific high coastal sector, and a forcing matrix, which describes the forcing agents affecting the considered sector. Firstly, several variables were selected to construct each one of the two matrices according to existing studies and, in a second step, they were interpolated to obtain the susceptibility matrix (CSIx). The approach was applied to Procida Island and Cilento promontory, both located in southern Italy. Results obtained were validated by comparin...

<p>The Punta Licosa promontory is located in the northern part of Cilento coast in ... more <p>The Punta Licosa promontory is located in the northern part of Cilento coast in the southern Tyrrhenian basin. In this attractive landscape, depositional and erosional landforms, located both above and below sea level, can be considered a challenge of scientific interest to reconstruct the geomorphological evolution under the control of sea-level changes occurred during the late Quaternary period. The geomorphological study of this area took into account data provided by literature, aerial photo interpretation, GPS measurements, geological surveys, GIS elaborations of high-resolution DTMs, bathymetric data and high-resolution orthophotos taken by unmanned aerial vehicles. The detected landforms were grouped based on morphogenetic and morphoevolutive criteria, paying particular attention to several orders of shore platforms recognized both in the emerged and submerged sectors. Thanks to their analysis, the response of this coastal system to sea-level stands and changes since MIS 7 was detailed reconstructed. According to our reconstructions, three different phases of sea-level stand were identified along the emerged coastal sector. The first sea-level stand is documented by the inner margins of shore platform remnants detected at 9.5 m MSL, ascribed to the MIS5e highstand, according to several authors. The second sea-level stand is poorly testified in our study area but is chronologically well-constrained at Cala Infreschi (southern part of Cilento promontory) thanks to aeolian sands located at 2.7 ± 0.1 MSL and dated by Bini et al. (2020) to 109.1 ± 0.8 ka BP (MIS5d). The third sea-level stand was extensively mapped along the entire coastal sector at about 4.5 m a.s.l. and dated by Iannace et al. (2001) to 102 ± 4 ka BP (MIS5c). The heights at which the above-mentioned sea-level stands are located suggest that the study area gained substantial tectonic stability since MIS 7. This deduction was the starting point of the second research phase in which the morphometric analysis of bathymetric data, coupled with a reinterpretation of literature data, provided clear evidence of sea-level stands occurred since the post-glacial sea-level rise and recognized at depths of about -43/-56 m, -16/-20 m and -8/-10 m MSL. Particular attention was paid to the wide platform formed after the Holocene slowdown in sea-level rise positioned between - 6 m MSL and the present MSL. By comparing our spatial analysis of this landform and the GIA models calculated for the southern Tyrrhenian area, we established that this platform was shaped during the last 6500 years, experiencing retreating rates of 0.030 m/yr, 0.046 m/yr, and 0.039 m/yr in the northern, central, and southern sector of Cilento promontory, respectively. In conclusion, our approach demonstrates the effectiveness of a multi-temporal geomorphological analysis, in order to reconstruct the coastal response to RSL variations in stable contexts along high rocky sectors.</p><p><strong>References</strong></p><p>Bini, M., et al. "An end to the Last Interglacial highstand before 120 ka: Relative sea-level evidence from Infreschi Cave (Southern Italy)." Quaternary Science Reviews 250 (2020): 106658.</p><p>Iannace, A., et al. "The OIS 5c along Licosa cape promontory (Campania region, southern Italy): morphostratigraphy and U/Th dating." Zeitschrift fur Geomorphologie 45.3 (2001): 307-320.</p>

<p>Campi Flegrei, located within the Gulf of Pozzuoli (SW Italy), is one of the mos... more <p>Campi Flegrei, located within the Gulf of Pozzuoli (SW Italy), is one of the most active volcanic districts of the Mediterranean basin and is characterized by sudden vertical ground movements that have locally exacerbated the glacial-hydro-isostatic sea-level rise since the late Pleistocene.<br>In this research, a geoarchaeological study of the coastal sector between Torregaveta Promontory and the western margin of Miseno Cape, located in the peripherical area of Campi Flegrei caldera, was carried out through a multi-technique approach.<br>Along this coastal sector, several archaeological remains, witnessing the past Roman occupation, were deeply studied to investigate the ancient sea levels. In particular, at the foot of Torregaveta Promontory, the ruins of an ancient Roman maritime villa, belonged to the Roman consul Publio Servilio Vatia Isaurico and dated back to the second half of the first century BC, are still visible. Among these, the fish tank and the nymphaeum were surveyed by specialized scuba divers in order to interpret them as archaeological sea-level markers. The submersion of the lowest level of crepido was measured at -2.94 m MSL and interpreted as sea-level index point (SLIP) and, on the other hand, the tuffaceous platform found at the base of the apsidal area of the nymphaeum (located at -1.35 m MSL) of the villa was interpreted as a Terrestrial Limiting Point (TLP). Indirect investigations were also carried out by using a prototype of a marine drone (ARGO engineered in the Parthenope University laboratories) equipped with acoustic and optical sensors in order to obtain a multi-scale high-resolution mapping of both the underwater landscape and archaeological structures. This data was crucial to interpret the main coastal changes mainly related to Late-Holocene relative sea-level changes.<br>Along the NW side of Miseno Cape, a direct survey was carried out in the surrounding area of Dragonara cave, where the remains of several fish tanks are located. The submersion of the lowest level of crepido of the best-preserved fish tank was measured at -2.8 m MSL.<br>The RSL at -3.2 ±0.29 m MSL archaeologically dated at I century BC was compared with the glacial- and hydro-isostatic adjustment (GIA) models available for the study area, assessing a subsidence of about 2 meters and probable volcano-tectonic origin occurred in the last 2100 years.<br>Finally, all the data were crossed with bibliographic studies on low coast sectors in order to reconstruct the paleo-geographic scenario of this complex coastal sector during the Roman Age. The consolidation of the dune cordon at Fusaro (ancient <em>Acherusia</em>) that allowed the construction of a coastal road during the I century BC (in accordance with historical sources) coupled with the building of the studied <em>otium villas</em> led to suppose a period of RSL stability or slow rate in sea-level rise. After that moment, the subsiding trend induced a progressive coastal retreat of the high coast sectors (Monte di Procida and Miseno Cape). While the sandy areas underwent a progradation of a maximum of ~250 meters thanks to the sedimentary inputs coming from the nearby Volturno river.</p>

Water

In recent decades, the study of sea-level changes as recorded along entire coastlines around the ... more In recent decades, the study of sea-level changes as recorded along entire coastlines around the world has been a primary scientific focus in climate change studies; it allows the exploration of past landscape evolution, geomorphological processes, human impact, and system response to develop future perspectives [...]

<p>The Campi Flegrei is one of the widest and dangerous active volcanic complexes i... more <p>The Campi Flegrei is one of the widest and dangerous active volcanic complexes in the Mediterranean basin, worldwide known for the sudden vertical ground movements (bradyseismic crisis) characterizing its post-calderic volcanic activity since the Late Pleistocene. Despite its intense volcano-tectonic activity, the area has been densely inhabited since the Greek-Roman time and still preserves in its submerged sector many archaeological remains whose particular features can be interpreted as high-precision sea-level markers.</p><p>This research presents the results from a multidisciplinary study aimed at reconstructing the coastal landscape of Campi Flegrei and its surroundings during Roman Time by using a complex multi-technique approach.</p><p>The study area, ranging from the western margin of Torregaveta Promontory to the eastern area of Castel dell’Ovo in the City of Naples, was surveyed by a team of specialized divers (archaeologists and geomorphologists) and by using different indirect methods. High-precision data related to the underwater morphologies were obtained by coupling extensive morpho-acoustic surveys (Multibeam and Side Scan Sonar) with integrated detailed surveys using an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) equipped with acoustic and optical sensors.  3D reconstructions of seabed morphologies and submerged archaeological remains were integrated with sedimentological analysis of several boreholes, in order to obtain the geological, geomorphological, and archaeological interpretation related to the Roman coastal seascape.</p><p>The landscape evolution was evaluated both in terms of coastline variations, with related prograding/retreating trends, and quantification of the effects of the local volcano-tectonic activity recorded by the high-precision sea-level markers, leading to the identification of a differential behavior in terms of vertical ground movements along the different sectors of the study area.  Indeed, the RSL variation in the area is non-monotonic being controlled by the alternation of phases of positive and negative VGMs associated with multiple bradyseismic crises.</p><p>In particular, by comparing the collected RSL data with different GIA models, it was possible to observe that 2.1 ka BP the central part of the caldera was affected by a general subsiding trend with peak of acceleration up to -3.4 mm a<sup>-1</sup> between 2.1 and 1.9 ka BP. On the other hand, along the Posillipo and Chiaia coastal sectors, outside the eastern margin of the Campi Flegrei caldera, the RSL datapoints testified an overall subsiding trend during the Holocene which indicate general subsidence with rates between -1.2 and -2.5 mm <sup>a-1</sup> at least in the last 2.0 ka.</p><p>Moreover, the combination of this multi-technique approach allowed the realization of a geoarchaeological map of the coastal landscape of Campi Flegrei and its surroundings between the II century BC and the I century AD, highlighting how the Romans gave rise to a new approach to the coastal outline and utilization becoming the precursors of an ever-increasing anthropization.</p>

Quaternary Science Reviews, Mar 1, 2022

Rendiconti Lincei. Scienze Fisiche e Naturali, 2020

The coasts of the Mediterranean Sea are characterized by the presence of many archaeological rema... more The coasts of the Mediterranean Sea are characterized by the presence of many archaeological remains (ports, protection structures, villas, fish tanks, etc.) that have been emplaced since the Roman Age and have persisted until present day. Due to their archaeological value, these structures represent an inestimable cultural heritage at regional and national scale. As consequence of local sea level variations, most of these structures are today submerged and, for this reason, they represent an important geo-archaeological proxy for the reconstruction of the ancient coastal landscape. Nevertheless, marine processes, such as coastal erosion and/or flooding, are among the main factors contributing to their damage and, hence, protection and conservation strategies need to be enhanced. In this paper, the vulnerability to marine factors of five coastal archaeological sites has been assessed. The investigated sites are located along the Posillipo Hill, one of the most beautiful and attractive coastal sector in the Gulf of Naples (Southern Italy). The analysis has been carried out by applying a vulnerability index method, which is based on the combination of a number of different indicators accounting for both marine processes and the typology of the remains. The results of this study allowed identifying the most vulnerable sites that require, for their conservation and sustainable usability, urgent management strategies.

Ocean & Coastal Management, 2019

This paper presents a methodological approach for the determination of the vulnerability of coast... more This paper presents a methodological approach for the determination of the vulnerability of coastal archaeological sites to marine and aeolian processes, e.g. wave erosion, temporary flooding, wind erosion, etc. The methodology allows defining different degree of vulnerability, taking into account both the potential impacts of the physical processes and the architectural characteristics of the investigated archaeological structures. The method is based on the application of specific vulnerability matrices, accurately defined for each coastal zone (i.e. the backshore, foreshore, nearshore and offshore) where archaeological sites are actually located. Results allow identifying the vulnerability level of each specific site and the index therefore represents an operative tool for the definition of most suitable management actions for the protection and conservation of the archaeological heritage. In order to provide a first application of the proposed methodology, all coastal archaeological sites located in the Gulf of Naples (Southern Italy) have been investigated. The results are presented as a vulnerability map and highlight as seven archaeological sites present a high vulnerability level, four of which are located in two submerged archaeological parks (Underwater Archaeological parks of Baia and Gaiola). The other three sites (Terma Ginnasio, Pezzolo and Tiberio villas, 1st century BC) have no legal protection and therefore they require priority monitoring programs and preservation actions.

Quaternary Science Reviews

Puteoli coastal sector is located in the Campi Flegrei volcanic area, along the Mediterranean coa... more Puteoli coastal sector is located in the Campi Flegrei volcanic area, along the Mediterranean coasts. This sector is rich in archaeological remains here used as sea-level markers useful to reconstruct the vertical ground movements affecting the CF area. Marine surveys by means of an Unmanned Surface Vessel equipped with geophysical instruments were carried out along the coastal sector to reconstruct the seabed morphology and to detect the submerged remains. By analysing geomorphological stratigraphic and archaeological data, the natural and anthropogenic landscape evolution of Puteoli since the Greek-Roman period was evaluated.

Quaternary International, 2021