Sibari Plain represents the northeastern sector of Crati Basin which is characterized by an infilling with maximum thickness of over 3km formed by three main sedimentary successions. The first one of Tortonian-Pliocene age is formed by terrigenous and evaporitic deposits (gypsum and halite). It is overlaid by a complex plio-pleistocenic succession characterized by two gravelly-sandy units separated by two clayey units . The uppermost third succession is made by sedimentary wedge developed since 10ky BP. Actual morphological setting of the lower Crati valley is essentially correlated to holocenic evolution and it is controlled by the combination of various factors: neotectonic, subsidence, clime and sedimentary processes. The Sibari Plain is lower than sea-level making indispensable a complex drainage system composed by channels and dewaterings also used for agriculture irrigation reducing withdrawals by wells. The building of the actual Crati Delta started about 6ky BP. It represents the combination between sea-level rise deceleration and increase of the clastic feed that caused the coastal line advancing from the archeological site of Favella della Corte to the actual position covering about 7 km. Deltaic system progradation develops through a northeastern shift and a rapid evolution of alluvial and coastal environments with the development of dunes system, wetlands, lagoons and the repeated confluence and separation between Crati River and Coscile River. In the Sibari plain, the analysis of tens of stratigraphic logs and the photogrammetric interpretation integrated by seismic surveys have allowed to identify different geomorphologic events related to natural and anthropic processes. Geochemical analysis of ground waters in the deltaic system of Crati River shows a saline pollution phenomenon of water table, with Cl contents up to 2000 ppm. The saline pollution represents the major environmental risk for agricultural production in the lower Crati Valley. This multidisciplinary studies allowed the preliminary definition of hydrogeologic model and the planning of a remote sensor monitoring system. Our results indicate that the lower Crati valley represents a brittle landscapeterritorial unit, with rapid evolutions in historical and recent times, with landscape elements controlled by geological processes (transport-sedimentation-erosion, subsidence, relative sea-level variations) and antrophic factors (drainage work, dams, seaports, embankments, soil utilization, exploitation of water resources).
Preliminary study of Holocenic geological evolution of the lower Crati valley
Cianflone G;DOMINICI, Rocco;Apollaro C;De Rosa R;Vespasiano G.
2013-01-01
Abstract
Sibari Plain represents the northeastern sector of Crati Basin which is characterized by an infilling with maximum thickness of over 3km formed by three main sedimentary successions. The first one of Tortonian-Pliocene age is formed by terrigenous and evaporitic deposits (gypsum and halite). It is overlaid by a complex plio-pleistocenic succession characterized by two gravelly-sandy units separated by two clayey units . The uppermost third succession is made by sedimentary wedge developed since 10ky BP. Actual morphological setting of the lower Crati valley is essentially correlated to holocenic evolution and it is controlled by the combination of various factors: neotectonic, subsidence, clime and sedimentary processes. The Sibari Plain is lower than sea-level making indispensable a complex drainage system composed by channels and dewaterings also used for agriculture irrigation reducing withdrawals by wells. The building of the actual Crati Delta started about 6ky BP. It represents the combination between sea-level rise deceleration and increase of the clastic feed that caused the coastal line advancing from the archeological site of Favella della Corte to the actual position covering about 7 km. Deltaic system progradation develops through a northeastern shift and a rapid evolution of alluvial and coastal environments with the development of dunes system, wetlands, lagoons and the repeated confluence and separation between Crati River and Coscile River. In the Sibari plain, the analysis of tens of stratigraphic logs and the photogrammetric interpretation integrated by seismic surveys have allowed to identify different geomorphologic events related to natural and anthropic processes. Geochemical analysis of ground waters in the deltaic system of Crati River shows a saline pollution phenomenon of water table, with Cl contents up to 2000 ppm. The saline pollution represents the major environmental risk for agricultural production in the lower Crati Valley. This multidisciplinary studies allowed the preliminary definition of hydrogeologic model and the planning of a remote sensor monitoring system. Our results indicate that the lower Crati valley represents a brittle landscapeterritorial unit, with rapid evolutions in historical and recent times, with landscape elements controlled by geological processes (transport-sedimentation-erosion, subsidence, relative sea-level variations) and antrophic factors (drainage work, dams, seaports, embankments, soil utilization, exploitation of water resources).I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
