Holocene to near-future evolution of the southern Molise coast (Central Adriatic, Italy) under the influence of natural and anthropogenic controls

Abstract

ABSTRACT Coastal areas are dynamic environments that easily change over time. To contribute to a better understanding of natural and anthropogenic factors that may have contributed in the past and/or control present-day and near-future coastline modifications, we have realised a chronologically arranged sequence of three geomorphological and geothematic maps focusing on the southern Molise coast (Adriatic coast, Italy). The first two maps concern the geomorphological and anthropogenic modifications that occurred respectively from the Holocene to the 1950s (Map 1), and from the 1950s to the Present (Map 2). The third map deals with the present-day conditions and near-future scenarios of coastal hazard considering the period from the Present to the year 2050. Results obtained and comparative observations of the three maps highlight the elevated shoreline mobility of the Biferno River alluvial coastal plain sector, and its high susceptibility to further coastal hazard due to erosion and inundation.