Geology of Rome, Italy

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Research Article| November 01, 1989 Geology of Rome, Italy ROBERT G. THOMAS ROBERT G. THOMAS 6 The Esplanade, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 2PJ, England Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information ROBERT G. THOMAS 6 The Esplanade, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 2PJ, England Publisher: Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists First Online: 09 Mar 2017 Online Issn: 1558-9161 Print Issn: 1078-7275 © 1989 Association of Engineering Geologists Environmental & Engineering Geoscience (1989) xxvi (4): 415–476. https://doi.org/10.2113/gseegeosci.xxvi.4.415 Article history First Online: 09 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation ROBERT G. THOMAS; Geology of Rome, Italy. Environmental & Engineering Geoscience 1989;; xxvi (4): 415–476. doi: https://doi.org/10.2113/gseegeosci.xxvi.4.415 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyEnvironmental & Engineering Geoscience Search Advanced Search Abstract Rome's documented history extends back to the 8th Century BC, but it was occupied perhaps even before the 14th Century BC. While earthquakes and floods have certainly affected the geological structures of Rome, Man himself has altered the topography through refuse and rubble fill of low areas and downcutting of some high areas. Furthermore, ancient ash and tuff mine networks still endanger modern construction in some parts of Rome.In contrast to effects of Man, the geology of Rome is relatively simple. The deposits of the receding Pliocene seas are the earliest rocks exposed in modern Rome. The change to Pleistocene alluvial deposits, as the sea retreated, was interrupted about 700,000 yr ago by eruption of giant volcanoes, first to the north and then to the south, resulting in a cover of volcanic ash. These volcanoes stopped major eruption, first the northern ones and then, about 30,000 yr ago, the southern one, except for some minor ash eruptions as late as 4,000 yr ago. During the later stages of volcanism modern topography was initiated by river erosion downcutting the easily erodable volcanic deposits. Lowering of sea-level during the last glacial period and subsequent backfilling has resulted in an alluvial deposit important both for construction and for ground water.Ancient deposits of rubble and refuse are extensive in modern Rome, and present fewer foundation problems than those associated with the poorly-consolidated 18th and 19th Century refuse and rubble-fill. The volcanic tuffs and consolidated Pliocene sediments provide the best foundation material, while saturated modern fill and unconsolidated sands in the alluvium are the most difficult for construction.Ground water has traditionally been used in Rome, but since ancient times long-distance transport of good water from far-off karstic regions to the east has been necessary.Many works of the ancients still stand, even though the majority have fallen and it is unlikely that the outstanding modern works of Man will fare as well.Rome grew from a river crossing, perhaps in the 14th Century BC to a major city in the 4th Century AD. After serious depopulation in the Dark Ages, rebuilding started in Medieval times and expanded greatly during the Rennaissance. Reconstruction followed at various times with major efforts after unification in 1871 and in the early part of this century. It is again expanding rapidly, far beyond the limits of ancient Rome, bringing new areas under construction in a wider geologic setting. It appears that modern engineers are using the best available methods to minimize public hazards and are keeping pace with the complex problems of rapid expansion. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.