Search Results (411)

Hieracium L. s. str. is a taxonomically critical genus of perennial herbaceous plants widely distributed across temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. In Italy, its diversity is mainly concentrated in the Alps and northern Apennines, whereas southern Italy hosts only a limited number of relict taxa. Recent floristic surveys conducted in the Pollino National Park (southern Italy) revealed the presence of five Hieracium taxa, which were subsequently subjected to critical taxonomic evaluation. Detailed morphological analyses, supported by original herbarium comparisons and multivariate morphometric analyses, resulted in the description of a new species, here named H. petrocastellanum, the confirmation of H. pallescens subsp. tephrochlorum in the Italian flora after nearly 130 years from its discovery, and the first record for the Pollino area of H. symphytifolium, previously considered endemic to the Madonie Mountains (north-central Sicily), as well as H. pellitum subsp. pellitum and H. caesioides subsp. caesioides. The new species, Hieracium petrocastellanum, differs in having basal leaves with cuneate bases, only 0–1 cauline leaves, and bracts with sparse simple hairs and moderately dense glandular hairs. Ecological information and data on taxonomic relationships are also provided. The conservation status is assessed for H. petrocastellanum, H. pallescens subsp. tephrochlorum, and H. symphytifolium. An analytical key is presented to distinguish the new species from its closest relatives. These results confirm the Pollino National Park as a biodiversity hotspot and improve current knowledge of Hieracium. Full article

This study evaluates the capability of multi-temporal vegetation indices derived from Sentinel-2 imagery to indicate groundwater discharge in a forested mountainous sector of the Northern Apennines (Italy). The NDVI was computed from Level-2A surface reflectance data (10 m resolution) and analyzed over five growing seasons (2017–2021), encompassing recurrent summer droughts. Aridity conditions were quantified using the Standardized Precipitation–Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) derived from long-term meteorological records. The methodological framework integrates cloud-masked satellite observations, drought characterization, and spatial statistical comparison between known spring discharge zones and randomly distributed forested control points. NDVI values extracted within 100 m radius buffers, centered on spring outlets, were systematically compared with those from control areas located outside the shallow-water-table influence zone. During periods of negative SPEI (moderate-to-severe drought), spring-centered buffers consistently exhibited higher NDVI values than control sites, with the NDVI contrast increasing under severe arid conditions. This pattern indicates enhanced vegetation resilience supported by shallow groundwater availability. The results demonstrate that vegetation health anomalies, when constrained by homogeneous land cover and a consistent hydrogeological setting, can serve as indicators of the groundwater discharge likelihood. The proposed workflow provides a reproducible and cost-effective tool to support hydrogeological reconnaissance and spring inventorying in rugged mountainous environments where field-based surveys are logistically demanding. Full article

This research assessed current and future climatic suitability for Crocus sativus L. cultivation across Italy, using species distribution models. A dataset of 721 georeferenced points from sites consistently producing top-quality saffron was combined with bioclimatic variables from the CHELSA v2.1 database. Habitat suitability was modelled with MaxEnt and projected under current (2025) climatic conditions and future scenarios for mid-century (2055) and late-century (2085), based on the GFDL-ESM4 model and the SSP3-7.0 emission scenario. The MaxEnt model showed moderate predictive performance (AUC = 0.73 ± 0.02; TSS = 0.37 ± 0.03), which is consistent with the broad ecological tolerance of C. sativus. Current suitable areas (90,049 km²) are mainly in central and northern Italy, especially along the hilly Apennines and much of the Po Plain. Response curves indicate that optimal saffron cultivation occurs mainly under moderately continental conditions, with moderate to high temperature seasonality (6.5–7.5 °C), cool winter temperatures (mean of the driest quarter 0–3.5 °C), and relatively high precipitation during the wettest month (150–250 mm). Future projections show an expansion of suitable areas (124,552 km² in 2055; 123,868 km² in 2085) and a spatial shift from lowlands and coasts toward hilly and mountain regions of the Apennines, the Alps, and the main islands. These findings can support farmers, land managers, and policy-makers in informed planning and sustainable management of saffron cultivation under climate change. Full article

Climate change is reshaping territorial safety and water-resource management, calling for digital tools that integrate heterogeneous datasets, enable advanced analyses, and enhance decision-making transparency. This article documents the three-year digital transformation (2022–2025) of the Central Apennine River Basin District Authority (AUBAC), covering > 42,000 km² and serving 8.6 million residents in central Italy. Through an incremental methodology across three releases, AUBAC developed an integrated WebGIS consolidating 613 geospatial layers and near-real-time monitoring from 1844 IoT sensors, implementing a Level 1 (Diagnostic) Digital Twin. Measured results include 141,569 platform visits, an approximately 60% reduction in administrative burden, a 70–80% reduction in plan-processing times, over 5000 users participating in public consultations, and a 40–60% increase in perceived risk understanding. The article presents the research design, platform architecture, evaluation framework, challenges encountered, and recommendations for replicability. The platform supports climate adaptation, disaster-risk reduction, and integrated water-resource management, contributing to SDGs 6, 11, and 13. The experience demonstrates that territorial Digital Twins can deliver tangible operational gains within public administration while establishing a foundation for evolution toward predictive capabilities. Full article

The Marnoso-arenacea basin (MaB) of the Northern Apennines represents one of the most significant lower–middle Miocene foredeep turbidite systems in the Mediterranean region. While the northern part of the basin (Emilia-Romagna Region) has been extensively investigated, the Umbrian portion remains less understood, particularly concerning high-resolution stratigraphic and structural frameworks. This study integrates detailed field mapping, physical stratigraphy, biostratigraphic data from calcareous nannofossils, and petrographic analyses of arenites and calcarenites to reconstruct the tectono-stratigraphic evolution of the MaB in the Umbrian portion of the basin. The basin is divided into three main tectono-stratigraphic units: Afra-Mt. Verde, Pietralunga–Gubbio–Valtopina and Mt. Vicino. The middle unit is detailed by means of stratigraphic architecture and sedimentary characteristics, which allow us to identify two distinct sub-units. Several carbonate and hybrid turbidite beds, including the Contessa megabed, serve as regional key markers, enabling robust stratigraphic correlations. Two mass-transport complexes (MTDs) have been identified and dated, revealing close relationships between sedimentation patterns and thrust propagation. Modal petrographic data indicate a mixed provenance, from the Alpine and Apennine regions, changing over time in response to tectonic segmentation. These findings enhance our understanding of the internal organization of the MaB and provide new insights into the foredeep’s paleogeography and tectono-sedimentary evolution during the Langhian–Serravallian stages. Full article

This study presents a new 1:10,000 geological map of the Monte Bove area (northern Apennines), produced through an original field survey, which allows a detailed reconstruction of Jurassic tectono-sedimentary evolution. The area is characterized by three wedge-shaped structural highs that emerged from the basin floor due to extensional tectonics, following the demise of the Early Jurassic carbonate platform. Stratigraphic and geometric relationships indicate that these highs were already established by the earliest Pliensbachian, bounded by steep fault escarpments and locally mantled by condensed pelagic deposits. Through the Jurassic, the fault-bounded blocks were progressively buried by predominantly micritic pelagic sediments, with evidence of onlap, unconformities, and reworking. The new geological map allows precise delineation of fault geometries and depositional contacts, highlighting the importance of synsedimentary tectonics in shaping basin architecture and documenting a consistent structural trend. Full article

This paper analyses the role of landscape as a fundamental dimension of post-earthquake recovery in the inland areas of Central Italy, arguing that reconstruction must be understood not only as the repair of damaged buildings but as a broader territorial process affecting identity, spatial organization, and long-term settlement trajectories. In this sense, post-earthquake recovery is also interpreted as a strategic opportunity to reinforce coast–inland relationships, acknowledging the structural interdependence between inland Apennine areas and coastal urban systems. Drawing on insights from applied research conducted in the L’Aquila 2009 crater and on the conceptual framework developed within the PRIN TRIALS project, the paper discusses how seismic events accelerate pre-existing territorial dynamics and produce enduring transformations, particularly in the proximity landscapes surrounding historic centres. Rather than presenting empirical findings, the contribution offers a theoretical and operational framework aimed at integrating landscape considerations into reconstruction processes. It outlines key concepts such as landscape quality, transformative resilience, and permanent temporariness; reviews critical normative aspects linked to emergency procedures; and proposes a set of landscape-oriented guidelines and criteria for the contextual integration of reconstruction projects. These include landscape quality objectives, multiscalar readings of identity values, and operational tools such as visual-impact assessment, Project Reference Context analysis, and principles for managing transformations in peri-urban and historic environments. Overall, the paper argues that adopting a landscape-based perspective can strengthen territorial cohesion, support the sustainable redevelopment of historic centres and their surroundings, and embed post-earthquake reconstruction within broader coast–inland territorial strategies aimed at long-term resilience and balanced regional development in Apennine communities. Full article

Springs fed by carbonate-fractured/karst aquifers support spring-dependent ecosystems and provide drinking water in the Italian Apennines, where complex hydro-meteorological environments are increasingly affected by prolonged droughts. The aim of this study was to investigate the hydrogeological behavior of two springs (Alzabove and Lupa) on the mountain ridge of Central Italy, using monthly reanalysis datasets to support sustainable water management. The Master Recession Curves based on the 1998–2023 recession periods highlighted a slightly higher average recession coefficient for Lupa (α = −0.0053 days⁻¹) than for Alzabove (α = −0.0020 days⁻¹). The hydrogeological settings of the Lupa recharge area led to a less resilient response to prolonged, extreme droughts as detected via the Standardized Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) computed at different time scales using ERA-5 Land datasets. The SPEI computed at a 6-month scale (SPEI₆) showed the best correlation with monthly spring discharge, with a 1-month delay time. A parsimonious linear regression model was built using the antecedent monthly spring discharge values and SPEI₆ as independent variables. The best modeling performance was achieved for the Alzabove spring, with some overestimation of spring discharge during extremely dry conditions (e.g., 2002–2003 and 2012), especially for the Lupa spring. The findings are encouraging as they reflect the use of a simple tool developed to support decisions on the sustainable management of springs in mountain environments, although issues related to evapotranspiration underestimation during extreme droughts remain. Full article

The Metaponto coastal plain (Ionian margin, Southern Italy) records the Late Pleistocene–Holocene evolution of a foredeep coastal system shaped by relative sea-level change, vertical land motion, and compaction. We analyze a 22 m continuous core (Meta 1) using lithofacies logging, grain size statistics and cumulative curves, multivariate analysis of grain size distributions (PCA and k-means clustering), and three AMS 14C ages, and we compare the record with a nearby borehole (MSB) and a global eustatic curve. Four depositional units document a shift from lower-shoreface–offshore deposition to lagoon–barrier/aeolian systems, culminating in late Holocene near-surface progradation. Textural end members (mud-rich offshore/lagoonal, traction-dominated, and sand-rich) are coherent across classical parameters, Visher-type curves, PCA, and k-means clusters. Depth–age comparisons suggest net uplift during the Late Glacial, followed by near-present relative sea level and a Late Holocene onset of modest net subsidence; a compaction contribution is plausible but unquantified. Subsidence/uplift rates therefore remain upper-bound estimates owing to sparse chronological control and the lack of glacio-isostatic and compaction modeling. Together with the MSB emerged-beach tie-point, the record constrains shoreline position and progradation. The inferred Mid- to Late-Holocene stabilization and progradational trends are consistent with other Italian and wider Mediterranean coastal plains. Additional dating and quantitative paleoecological proxies (e.g., foraminifera/ostracods/molluscs) are key to independently constrain salinity and water-depth changes and to refine the partitioning between subsidence and compaction. Full article

This work presents a new 1:10,000-scale geological map of the Frasassi area (central Italy), integrating recent surface and cave surveys. The map is complemented by new data on the lithostratigraphic characterisation of the Calcare Massiccio Formation (MAS), which forms the core of the local Jurassic structural high. This refined analysis allows for a more detailed subdivision of the MAS and better correlation with the overlying condensed Jurassic succession (BU) and surrounding Maiolica Formation (MAI). The map documents the complex tectono-sedimentary contacts between these units, highlighting the geometry of the MAS–MAI boundary and the occurrence of neptunian dykes both at the surface and within the cave system. The proposed structural interpretation suggests that the Frasassi high was an elongated NW–SE block bounded by conjugate oblique-slip normal faults later reactivated during folding. The results refine the understanding of Jurassic paleogeography and post-Jurassic deformation in the northern Apennines and provide an updated framework to support future geological studies in the area. Full article

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a powerful tool for imaging shallow stratigraphic and structural features. This study shows that it is particularly effective also in detecting near-surface evidence of active faulting. In the Southern Apennines (Italy), one of the most seismically active regions of the Mediterranean area, the shallow expression of active faults is often poorly constrained due to limited or ambiguous surface evidence. Low-frequency GPR profiles were acquired in the Calore River Valley (Campania Region), an area historically affected by large earthquakes and characterized by debated seismogenic sources. The surveys employed multiple antenna frequencies (30, 60, and 80 MHz) and both horizontal and vertical acquisition geometries, enabling penetration depths ranging from ~5 m to ~50 m. The acquired GPR profiles, integrated with high-precision georeferencing, were able to reveal the presence of shallow steeply dipping active normal faults striking E–W to ENE–WSW, here named the Postiglione Fault System. Therefore, this study highlights the methodological potential of low-frequency GPR for investigating active faults in carbonate substratum and fine-to-coarse-grained sedimentary units and thus contributing to refining the seismotectonic framework and improving seismic hazard assessment of seismically active areas such as the Southern Apennines. Full article

In recent decades, increasing anthropogenic pressure and climate change have made the protection and sustainable management of groundwater resources essential. In this context, the identification of aquifer recharge zones, especially those characterized by rapid groundwater flow and high vulnerability to surface pollution sources, becomes a priority for the protection of underground resources. In the Po Plain (northern Italy), based on the lithological, geometric, hydraulic, and hydrodynamic characteristics of the aquifers, the recharge areas are mainly located in the alluvial fans of the Alpine and Apennine foothills. Due to the high hydraulic conductivity of the aquifer, the shallow depth of the water table and the agricultural activities, groundwater resources are vulnerable to nitrate (NO₃⁻) contamination. Given this background, the present study introduces a novel methodological approach based on the geochemical signature of groundwater, indicated by the presence of bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) and NO₃⁻ ions, aimed at identifying aquifer recharge areas. Specifically, by analyzing time series of NO₃⁻ and HCO₃⁻ concentrations for the period 2012–2023, and applying criteria of an HCO₃⁻/NO₃⁻ ratio < 10 and NO₃⁻ > 30 mg/L, it was possible to identify areas where aquifer recharge processes are clearly evident. These recharge processes are rapid, as confirmed by the hydraulic gradient, the high hydraulic conductivity of the aquifers, and further supported by the isotopic composition of groundwater, especially tritium concentrations. Furthermore, due to the hydrogeological characteristics of the surveyed region, which resemble those of alluvial basins in close proximity to mountain ranges, the methodology and findings of this study can be used as an unconventional and expedited method for similar research conducted globally, offering hope for the future of groundwater research. Full article

Assessing soil fertility is a complex task as it is determined by natural and anthropogenic factors, including specific agronomic interventions (e.g., fertilization and crop rotation) and broader soil management (e.g., tillage and drainage). For agricultural management, soil represents a primary production factor whose chemical–physical characteristics and macro-elements content must be known. This work presents the maps of three macronutrients, i.e., N, K, and P, in the topsoils (0–30 cm layer) of the Emilia-Romagna (21,710.1 km²) region in NE Italy. The maps and associated uncertainty at 100 m resolution were obtained via digital soil mapping (DSM) resorting to Quantile Random Forests using topsoil data from the regional soil database (N = 34,750). As Emilia-Romagna is characterized by two distinct major landforms, i.e., the intensively cultivated alluvial plain and the extensively managed mountain range of the Northern Apennines, each representing nearly half of the region, two distinct sets of numerical and categorical covariates were used as predictors for the DSM estimation of each macronutrient. Results highlight an average N content of approximately 1.57 ± 0.83 (standard deviation) g kg⁻¹ in the alluvial plain and of 1.63 ± 0.49 g kg⁻¹ in the Apennines. For exchangeable potassium (K), concentrations were 275.90 ± 92.6 mg kg⁻¹ and 210.2 ± 86.3 mg kg⁻¹ in the plain and Apennines, respectively. A stark contrast was observed for available phosphorus (P), with mean values of 40.4 ± 11.0 mg kg⁻¹ in the alluvial plain, dropping to 15.2 ± 6.1 mg kg⁻¹ in the Apennines. Such results provide useful information for assessing the fertility of regional soils and provide a reference baseline for soil quality monitoring. The resulting macronutrient maps were eventually compared with those based on the Land Use and Cover Area frame Survey (LUCAS), which represents the reference baselines at the EU scale. Full article

Landslides are among the most damaging natural hazards, posing significant threats to human lives and infrastructures, especially in mountainous regions such as the Central Apennines (Italy). This study focuses on the Mt. Marsicano catchment (2245 m a.s.l.), characterized by peculiar morphometric features and geomorphological constraints that highlight the possibility of potential landslide scenarios. The methodological approach led to the identification of potential landslide propagation patterns. The RAMMS::DEBRIS FLOW module was used to model two potential landslide scenarios: a debris flow-like movement with a volume of 2.03 × 10⁴ m³ and a rock avalanche-like movement with a volume of 1.2 × 10⁶ m³. Findings from the latter scenario suggested river obstruction and potential lake formation upstream. Triggering mechanisms were partially explored, linking the debris flow scenario to heavy rainfall events (>50 mm/day) and the rock avalanche scenario to earthquakes with Mw > 5.0. Despite the absence of occurred landslides for back-calculation analysis and modeling based on geomorphic evidence rather than calibrating to a specific local past event, the study provides preliminary clues about the combination between morphometric analysis and geomorphological constraints in hypothesizing potential landslide scenarios. It provides a foundation for anticipating future landslide impacts in mountainous areas with limited historical data, offering valuable geomorphological insights for preventive hazard assessment and mitigation strategies in similar environments. Full article

The study of faults in seismic gap areas is essential for assessing the potential for future seismic activity and developing strategies to mitigate its impact. In this research, we employed a combination of geomorphological analysis, aerophotogrammetry, high-resolution topography, and soil analysis to estimate the age of tectonically exposed fault surfaces in a seismic gap area. Our focus was on the Piano delle Rose Fault in the northern Calabria region, (southern Italy), which is a significant regional tectonic structure associated with seismic hazards. We conducted a field survey to carry out structural and pedological observations and collect soil samples from the fault surface. These samples were analyzed to estimate the fault’s age based on their features and degree of pedogenic development. Additionally, we used high-resolution topography and aerophotogrammetry to create a detailed 3D model of the fault surface, allowing us to identify features such as fault scarps and offsets. Our results indicate recent activity on the fault surface, suggesting that the Piano delle Rose Fault may pose a significant seismic hazard. Soil analysis suggests that the onset of the fault surface is relatively young, estimated in an interval time from 450,000 to ~ 300,000 years old. Considering these age constraints, the long-term slip rates are estimated to range between ~0.12 mm/yr and ~0.33 mm/yr, which are values comparable with those of many other well-known active faults of the Apennines extensional belt. Analyses of key fault exposures document cumulative displacements up to 21 m. These values yield long-term slip rates ranging from ~0.2 mm/yr (100,000 years) to ~1.0 mm/yr (~20,000 years LGM), indicating persistent Late Quaternary activity. A second exposure records ~0.6 m of displacement in very young soils, confirming surface faulting during recent times and suggesting that the fault is potentially capable of generating ground-rupturing earthquakes. High-resolution topography and aerophotogrammetry analyses show evidence of ongoing tectonic deformation, indicating that the area is susceptible to future seismic activity and corresponding risk. Our study highlights the importance of integrating multiple techniques for examining fault surfaces in seismic gap areas. By combining geomorphological analysis, aerophotogrammetry, high-resolution topography, and soil analysis, we gain a comprehensive understanding of the structure and behavior of faults. This approach can help assess the potential for future seismic activity and develop strategies for mitigating its impact. Full article