Geology and Geomorphology

Calcaterra, Ascione, De Vita, Pennetta, Santangelo, Allocca, Donadio, Fabbrocino, Russo Ermolli, Perriello Zampelli


Researches falling within this area deal with the “System Environment”, through the analysis of elements and physical processes associated with the exogenous dynamics of the geosphere, finding and use of groundwater and geomaterials, assessment and mitigation of geological and geoenvironmental risks, definition of engineering-geological models of geological settings involved in anthropogenic modifications.

Further researches of this area involve processes of erosion and uplift, morphotectonics, palaeoclimates and palaeoenvironments, integrated stratigraphy of deposits filling intermountain depressions, tephostratigraphy and tephrochronology, geomorphology and geoarchaeology, also underwater.

Geomorphological cartography for land management, both in subaqueous and subaerial environments, is also produced. We are involved in applied studies of great relevance for the soil protection, such as: assessment of landslide hazard and risk, developing mapping methodologies within GIS environments; characterization of products and processes related to rock weathering; analysis of ground deformations through Remote-Sensing techniques; analysis of causes, effects and processes of weathering in building geomaterials.

Studies on surface water and groundwater aim finding aquifers in different geological settings, to reconstruct groundwater circulation, to assess aquifers’ vulnerability, management, protection against pollution and remediation.