Geomorphological Features of Coastal Dunes along the Central Adriatic Coast (Abruzzo, Italy)

Abstract

Abstract The main geomorphological features of dunes/beaches were investigated along the central Adriatic coast of Italy (Abruzzo). Nine foredune areas typified by established dunes and incipient dunes were investigated through detailed geomorphological surveying and an analysis of historical maps and photographs (aerial and land). The dunes are located along both low and high coasts. The morphology is typical of foredunes, with elongated fields parallel to the coastline. The total linear extension is ∼15,500 m; established dunes are more extended than incipient ones and occupy the greatest portion of the total surface area (∼1,500,000 m2). Analyses of historical maps and photographs (aerial and land) led to the reconstruction of coastal dune morphology from the beginning of the 1800s to the turn of the 20th century, showing a surface reduction >80%. Accelerator mass spectrometry 14C dating, carried out on samples of Helix sp., outlines the minimum age of Abruzzo dune systems at about 730 ± 40 years befor...