To decipher the complex evolution history of Mediterranean delta-alluvial systems and the role played by natural (allogenic and autogenic) and anthropogenic factors, we apply a multidisciplinary approach on the Holocene depositional successions buried beneath modern plains. This approach involves palaeonvironmental, stratigraphic, palaeoclimate and human land-use proxy data in order to reconstruct high-resolution facies architecture and furnish new insights into the complex mechanisms determining specific stratigraphic trends at millennial and sub-millennial time scales.
Through the years, the Arno delta plain and the Po Delta area have represented the main sites of investigation, thanks to the active collaboration with the Department of Earth Sciences of the University of Pisa and the activation of PhD research scholarships by the University of Bologna.
The applied methodology includes (i) high-resolution facies analysis on cored successions, by means of sedimentological and micropalaeontological data, (ii) grid of stratigraphic sections aimed to the identification of the main subsurface depositional bodies and stratigraphic surfaces, (iii) combination of RS techniques (i.e., multi and hyper satellite image analyses and LiDAR) with stratigraphic sections to obtain a 3D reconstruction of past drainage networks and (iv) palynological analyses of key cored successions in order to obtain climatic and land-use information for the study area. Radiocarbon data guarantee an adequate chronological framework.
Collaborations
Prof. Giovanni Sarti – Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università di Pisa
Dr. Monica Bini – Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università di Pisa
Dr. Marco Marchesini e Dr. Silvia Marvelli – Laboratorio Palinologia e Archeobotanica http://www.caa.it/