A 3D Geological Model as a Base for the Development of a Conceptual Groundwater Scheme in the Area of the Colosseum (Rome, Italy)

Cristina Di Salvo,Rossella Rea,Gian Paolo Cavinato,Massimiliano Moscatelli,Maurizio Simionato,Antonio Rodi,Marco Mancini,Francesco Stigliano

doi:10.3390/geosciences10070266

Cristina Di Salvo, Rossella Rea + Show 6 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences10070266

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Abstract

Geological models are very useful tools for developing conceptual schemes owing to their capacity to optimize the management of stratigraphic information. This is particularly true in areas where archaeological heritage is exposed to hydrogeological hazards; 3D models can constitute the first step toward the construction of numerical models created to understand processes and plan mitigation actions to improve visitor safety and preserve archaeological heritage. This paper illustrates the results of a 3D hydrostratigraphic model of the site of the Colosseum in the Central Archaeological Area of Rome. In recent years, this area has experienced numerous floods caused by intense meteorological events. A new borehole survey provided the opportunity to update previous maps and cross sections and build a local scale 3D model. The resulting conceptual model was used to identify primary gaps in existing knowledge about the groundwater system and to optimize the planning of a piezometer monitoring network. Further studies can then focus on the development of groundwater numerical models to verify hypotheses regarding inflow-outflow dynamics and facilitate the optimization of water management.

Highlights

A geological model can be considered a three-dimensional (3D) spatial representation of the distribution of sediments and rocks below the ground surface
The geological model helps optimize the management of stratigraphic information; 3D visualization speeds up the process of stratigraphic setting evaluation, allowing for verifications of existing geological maps and sections
The 3D model, together with historical-archaeological information and observations, allowed for the development of a conceptual model describing the dynamics of groundwater and surface water inflows toward the Amphitheatre

Summary

Introduction

A geological model can be considered a three-dimensional (3D) spatial representation of the distribution of sediments and rocks below the ground surface. A detailed 3D geological model can improve the capability to understand the hydrogeological hazards to which an urban area is generally exposed, as extreme events associated with water occurrence, movement and distribution ([1,2,3,4]). This application is useful when dealing with ancient archaeological heritage and constitute a support to understand the potential impact of spatial-temporal hydrogeological variations on archaeological remains [5]

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