Geological Map Of Italy Research Articles

Geospatial Information Technologies for Mobile Collaborative Geological Mapping: The Italian CARG Project Case Study

A collaborative open-source IT infrastructure is designed and implemented to optimize the process of geological field data collection, integration, validation, and sharing. Firstly, field data collection is carried out by multiple users using free and open-source GIS-based tools for mobile devices according to a predefined database structure; then, data integration is automatically performed in a central server, where the collected geological information is stored and validated; finally, data are shared over the Internet, providing users with up-to-date information. The IT infrastructure is currently being employed to accomplish surveys for the realization of the “Brescia” geological map within the New Geological Map of Italy, scale 1:50,000 (CARG Project). Users are only required to run the field data collection application on their mobile devices, add different geometric features to predefined thematic layers and fill in the dialogue forms with the required information to store the new structured and georeferenced data in the central database. The major advantage of the proposed IT infrastructure consists of guaranteeing the operational continuity between field surveys and the finalization of geological or geothematic maps leveraging field data collection tools that are operational both online and offline to ensure the overall system resilience.

The geology of the Western Alps through the field notebooks of Secondo Franchi (1859-1932)

Secondo Franchi (1859–1932) was one of the most important geologists of the Regio Ufficio Geologico of Italy. In collaboration with his colleagues of the Turin office, starting from 1888 Franchi surveyed in detail the Western Alps to contribute to the new Geological Map of Italy at the 1:100,000 scale. Franchi’s studies contributed to the definition of a still largely accepted chronostratigraphic framework for the Alpine successions, and to the recognition of previously overlooked folding and faulting phases in the Western Alps. Eleven of Franchi’s field notebooks are kept in the Library of Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale in Rome. These notebooks are richly illustrated with geological sections and landscape sketches and represent an invaluable first- hand resource for the analysis of Franchi’s mapping methods and interpretive procedures. This paper analyses Franchi’s contribution to the geological knowledge of some specific localities of the Western Alps, integrating excerpts from his original field notebooks and published works.

The INSPIRE harmonisation: the Geological Map of Italy at 1:100,000 scale

Abstract. The INSPIRE Directive institute a European infrastructure for spatial information to support the environmental policies of the European Union. In the mainframe of the Directive, 34 different themes that represents different environmental information has been identified. One of this is the Geology theme; it is split into three subthemes and represent a "reference data theme” because it provides basic knowledge on the physical properties and composition of rocks and sediments, their structure and their age as represented in geological maps, as well as geomorphological features.In the feature catalogue of the INSPIRE application schema Geology has been defined the term lists for the information types. Some of these are fully compliant with the features defined in the 1:100.000 scale geological map database and are used in the semantic harmonization procedure.

Semi-Automatic Identification and Pre-Screening of Geological–Geotechnical Deformational Processes Using Persistent Scatterer Interferometry Datasets

This work describes a new procedure aimed to semi-automatically identify clusters of active persistent scatterers and preliminarily associate them with different potential types of deformational processes over wide areas. This procedure consists of three main modules: (i) ADAfinder, aimed at the detection of Active Deformation Areas (ADA) using Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) data; (ii) LOS2HV, focused on the decomposition of Line Of Sight (LOS) displacements from ascending and descending PSI datasets into vertical and east-west components; iii) ADAclassifier, that semi-automatically categorizes each ADA into potential deformational processes using the outputs derived from (i) and (ii), as well as ancillary external information. The proposed procedure enables infrastructures management authorities to identify, classify, monitor and categorize the most critical deformations measured by PSI techniques in order to provide the capacity for implementing prevention and mitigation actions over wide areas against geological threats. Zeri, Campiglia Marittima–Suvereto and Abbadia San Salvatore (Tuscany, central Italy) are used as case studies for illustrating the developed methodology. Three PSI datasets derived from the Sentinel-1 constellation have been used, jointly with the geological map of Italy (scale 1:50,000), the updated Italian landslide and land subsidence maps (scale 1:25,000), a 25 m grid Digital Elevation Model, and a cadastral vector map (scale 1:5,000). The application to these cases of the proposed workflow demonstrates its capability to quickly process wide areas in very short times and a high compatibility with Geographical Information System (GIS) environments for data visualization and representation. The derived products are of key interest for infrastructures and land management as well as decision-making at a regional scale.

The mapping of the Lombard geologists in the XIX Century from Brocchi to Taramelli

The purpose of this paper is to show the contribution given, during the XIX century, from the Lombard researchers in order to carry out geological maps able to support the comparison with those realized by foreign geologists as L. von Buch, F. R. von Hauer, H.T. de La Beche and others. Indeed still in the first quarter of the century in Italy, the geological mapping was scarce and inadequate in order togive reliable information, surely owing to lack of suitable mapping proceedings and topographical basis. But it is really in this time the Lombard geology becomes animated by strong personalities as G.B. Brocchi and S. Breislak, inclined to work on the field because their public offices (and in the same conditions will be also G. Curioni), all skilled in the mining researches, but also scrupulous observers of the soil features.On the basis of the experiences matured in contact with the French, Swiss German and Austrian geologists, one must remember the researches and monographs made by G. Omboni, the maps made by E. Cornalia, C.F. Parona and others. Lastly, the best contribution to the Lombard and Italian geological mapping is that given by T. Taramelli, loyal disciple of A. Stoppani, indefatigable surveyor of the Carnic and Julian Alps of which he leaved very extraordinary documents. The remarkable level reached by the Italian geological mapping will be esteemed, during the second International Geological Congress in Bologna in 1881, by means also of the first edition of the official great Geological Map of Italy made by the Royal Geological Survey of Italy.

PALEOCENE TO LOWER EOCENE LARGER FORAMINIFERAL ASSEMBLAGES FROM CENTRAL ITALY: NEW REMARKS ON BIOSTRATIGRAPHY

We present the micropaleontological record on ongoing research on Paleogene larger foraminifers from Central Italy collected in the field work for the realization of the geological sheet 348 “Antrodoco” of the Geological Map of Italy 1:50.000 scale. The work provides an examination of the biostratigraphic potential of selected taxa with emphasis on rotaliids. Ornatorotalia is documented for the first time from the Paleocene. Possible new species of Miscellanea , Ornatorotalia , and Rotalia are figured and described in open nomenclature.

Progetto CARG – Foglio N.070 "Monte Cervino"

The Monte Cervino sheet (070) of the Geological Map of Italy, scale 1:50.000 (CARG Project - ISPRA), covers the high mountains of the Pennine Alps from the northern flank of the middle Aosta valley (423 km2) to the southern Valais (149 km2). This is a key area of the western Alps due to the birth and development of geological studies on Alpine tectonics, and is dominated by the Austroalpine-Penninic collisional wedge, a fossil subduction complex of continental and oceanic nappes. The Italian part of the sheet was surveyed on a scale of 1:10.000: the Italian working group was coordinated by Giorgio V. Dal Piaz and was composed of Andrea Bistacchi, Nicola Bistacchi, Giorgio V. Dal Piaz, Giovanni Dal Piaz, Matteo Massironi, Bruno Monopoli, Alessio Schiavo e Giovanni Toffolon, and also greatly benefited from collaboration by Leonsevero Passeri and Gloria Ciarapica. The Swiss part of the sheet was prepared at 1:50.000 scale, thanks to Yves Gouffon (swisstopo) and based on the Chanrion-Mont Velan (Burri et al., 1998) and Matterhorn sheets (Bucher et al., 2004) of the Geologischer Atlas der Schweiz, scale 1:25.000. The geological dataset (1:10.000, 1:25.000 and 1:50.000) has been implemented and validated in GIS environment by Land Technology & Services S.r.L under the supervision G.V. Dal Piaz and with the responsibility of the Regione Autonoma Valle d'Aosta. Starting from geometric primitives and alphanumeric attributes of Data Base at 1:50.000, LTS with the collaboration of La Nuova Lito S.n.c, made the cartographic layout and letterpress of the sheet and notes.

Science and Life of a Geologist through his Papers. The Personal Archive of Giovanni Capellini in La Spezia

This study of the life and work of the Italian geologist Giovanni Capellini (1833-1922) started in 2005 during the process of restoring and reorganizing that portion of his personal archive kept at the Academy Lunigianese of Sciences in La Spezia, Italy. Until now, little has been written on the scientific achievements of Giovanni Capellini, resulting from a sixty year career. This contribution aims to offer an overview of the scientific biography of Capellini, his publications and manuscript documents, and the main contents of that portion of his personal archive housed in La Spezia. Capellini began his long career in the natural sciences by educating himself in La Spezia, after which he enrolled in and graduated from the University of Pisa, Italy. He concluded his formal education with one year of educational travel in Europe. At the age of twenty-seven, Capellini obtained the professorship of geology at the University of Bologna and remained there for sixty years. During his career, he achieved several important goals, among them the reorganization of the Geological and Paleontological Museum of the University of Bologna. The Museum was founded in 1871 and soon became an institution recognized for its excellence in Italy and throughout Europe. By the conclusion of his career in 1922, he was a professor of international fame, Senator of the Kingdom of Italy, and supporter of international scientific dialogue as an indispensable means for the advancement of knowledge. Capellini always promoted the diffusion of natural sciences studies, both within Italy and throughout Europe. He contributed to three regional mapping projects that were incorporated into the geological map of Italy. Above all, he educated many generations of young professionals who contributed to Italy's economic and cultural life.

Stratigraphic and structural features of the Sibillini Mountains (Umbria-Marche Apennines, Italy)

In this paper we illustrate the stratigraphic and structural features of the Sibillini Mountains on the basis of a 1:40.000 geological map. Following the “Foglio 132 Norcia” (Geological Map of Italy at 1:100.000 scale; [Scarsella, 1941][1]), this new geological map is the first cartographic document that covers the whole area of the Sibillini Mts. This area is key for understanding the geological evolution of the external zones of the Apennine orogen, mostly owing to the pronounced structural elevation of the Apennine ridge at the Sibillini Mts. area. This allowed us to: a ) carry out stratigraphic and structural analyses for the Umbria-Marche sedimentary cover to the oldest units; b ) analyze the paleotectonic setting of this sector of the Afro-Adriatic continental margin and the behavior of pre-existing structures during the subsequent deformation events; c ) investigate in depth the major Apennine thrust front (“Sibillini Mountains Thrust”) exposed in several sites (Fiastrone, Ambro, Tenna and Tronto valley) and its relationship with the units of the adjacent Messinian foredeep. Inherited (pre-thrusting) structures played an important role on the tectonic evolution of the study area. In addition to those of Jurassic age, associated to thinning of the Adriatic continental margin (the most frequent), there are also some Cretaceous-Eocene extensional faults and others probably related to Miocene foreland deformation. These extensional faults show very limited, or none, reversal of slip during contractional neogenic deformation. Usually they were tilted and, subsequently, displaced by thrust faults; locally they were deformed by buttressing processes. The paleotectonic setting also influenced the development of minor folds, as is evident in the Mt. Bove anticlinorium. Shortening-related structures are mainly represented by asymmetric, northeast-verging thrust-related anticlines involving Mesozoic-Tertiary sedimentary successions. Among these structures, the most important and well-known is the Sibillini Mts. Thrust, which bounds the Apennine mountain front, separating it from the Marche-Abruzzi foothills. This major fault affects the eastern, vertical to overturned, limb of the arcuate shaped Mt. Fiegni-Mt. Vettore anticline, which shows several complications, mostly due to the occurrence of minor thrust splays forming isolated lens-shaped tectonic slices up to several kilometers-long. The geological cross sections show that in the southernmost part of the Sibillini Mts. Thrust the displacement is partly buried and forms a detachment located at the base of the Laga Fm. Much of the Neogene compressional structures has been dissected by NNW-SSE trending Quaternary normal and oblique-slip faults, some of which reactivated older extensional structures. These faults do not seem to crosscut the Sibillini Mts. Thrust. Some of them show fresh fault scarps in the substrate and/or affect recent continental deposits and are considered responsible for the intense seismic activity of the area. [1]: #ref-141

Sharing data and interpretations of geological maps via standardised metadata and geoportals

The so-called “Informatics-revolution” and related Information Technology (IT) are a chance to increase spreading of geoscientific knowledge and transfer of information represented in geological maps, but, in order to actually take advantage of systems-aided communication, geological information has to be specifically harmonized and standardized. New methodological and technological approaches in the representation and communication of geological maps are enabled by widespread use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and web mapping services (e.g. the WMS standard protocol) that i ) allow sharing and spatially discovering maps, and ii ) support interchange of data amongst different systems, experts and communities. Since sharing and retrieving of geological maps through geoportals and spatial data infrastructures spread, problems about semantic heterogeneity and different structures of geological databases (DB) come out. A strategy to meet needs of interoperability consists of integrating geological map DB by standard languages and meta-information, and is carried out by the INSPIRE (Infrastructure for Spatial Information in Europe) European directive that defines two relevant guidelines (the “Data Specification on Geology” and the “Metadata Implementing Rules”) usable to encode and share standardised geological information. An example of application of these standards is the Geoportal of the Torino Unit of the Institute for Geosciences and Earth Resources, where field data, map features and peculiar geological interpretations, extracted from GIS DB of geological maps, are given as single datasets and homogeneously described through specific metadata classes such as the Abstract sub-element and the Lineage sub-element. The two given examples of metadata compilations, referring to the Lis-Trana Fault and to the block stream deposits occurring in the “Torino Ovest” geological map (sheet n.155 of the Geological Map of Italy at 1:50,000 scale), highlight that standardisation is an opportunity i ) to better organize geological information, ii ) to give information about quality of data, and iii ) to specify intended meaning of interpreted features. Since metadata allow bringing out in an explicit format geological concepts and interpretations, reading of maps is improved and geoportals are actually a new method for encoding and sharing geological maps.

INTEGRATED STRATIGRAPHY OF MIDDLE-LATE MIOCENE SYNOROGENIC DEPOSITS OF THE EASTERN SOUTHERN APENNINE CHAIN: THE SAN BARTOLOMEO FLYSCH

The present paper deals with the stratigraphic and biostratigraphic study of the middle-late Miocene thrust-top basin deposits of the San Bartolomeo Flysch, exposed north of Matese mountains and analysed during the geological survey of the sheet N° 405 Campobasso of the new Geological Map of Italy, 1:50.000 scale. The integrated study of calcareous nannofossils and planktonic foraminifera, based on the semi-quantitative distribution range of index species, revealed the presence of age-diagnostic assemblages which are comparable with those of different middle-late Miocene deep-marine sedimentary settings of the Mediterranean Basin. The biostratigraphic dataset suggests an early Serravallian – early middle Tortonian age. In terms of calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy, the studied succession falls between the Last Occurrences of Sphenolithus heteromorphus and the First Occurrence of Discoaster bellus gr., corresponding to the MNN6 – MNN8 zone interval. In terms of planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphy the studied sediments fall between the Last Occurrence of Globorotalia peripheroronda and the First Regular Occurrence of Neogloboquadrina acostaensis , corresponding to the MM6 p.p. - MMi10 p.p. zone interval. This study documents the applicability of the recent Mediterranean middle –late Miocene biozonations for the biostratigraphic study of siliciclastic synorogenic sediments, and challenges the most recent studies that dated the San Bartolomeo Flysch to the late Tortonian- early Messinian.

Modern geological mapping and subsurface lithostratigraphic setting of the Venice Lagoon (Italy)

In the last decade, the knowledge of the Late Pleistocene and Holocene morphostratigraphic setting and geological evolution of the Venice lagoon area (north-western Adriatic Sea, Italy) has largely improved thanks to the analysis of new data from cores and the interpretation of a large number of very high resolution seismic (VHRS) profiles acquired in the Lagoon and Gulf of Venice. With reference to this topic, the Sheet 128 “Venezia” and the Sheet 148–149 “Chioggia-Malamocco” of the new Geological Map of Italy at the 1:50,000 scale (Carta Geologica d’Italia alla scala 1:50.000) represent the most important geological synthetic documents realized in the last years. They show age, distribution, sedimentological characteristics, and depositional environments of the exposed and buried sedimentary bodies, classified using the unconformity-bounded stratigraphic units. The analysis of data from deep cores, supported by the interpretation of VHRS profiles acquired along channels, has allowed the identification of the stratigraphic setting of the Venice lagoon subsoil generally down to about 30 m from the ground surface, and the reconstruction of the Late Pleistocene and Holocene evolution of the study area. More recently, a new VHRS system, implemented for investigations in water depth <1 m, has provided clear images of the subsurface also in the lagoon shallows; consequently, it has allowed the acquisition of new information about depositional geometries, internal bounding surfaces, and stratal relationships.

Overview of high resolution seismic prospecting in pre-Alpine and Alpine basins

Several high resolution seismic surveys were conducted in Alpine and pre-Alpine Lombardia (Northern Italy) valleys in order to reconstruct the geometries of the sediments filling the valleys, their seismo-stratigraphy and the rock basement depth. The acquisitions were made mainly in the framework of the CARG (Geological CARtography) project for the new geological map of Italy and under different research programs between the National Research Council and Regione Lombardia. The research firstly shows the capability of seismic methods in support of Quaternary research, and secondly demonstrates the response of different geomorphological features in particular: glacial valley, terminal moraine, deeply eroded valley and alluvial plain. Different tests were carried out in the seismic surveys in order to optimize the acquisition techniques for shallow prospecting (100–1000 m depth). The data were processed by applying a seismic refraction inversion technique, in addition to standard reflection processing. The integration of the two data sets improves the seismic migration of the reflection sections and the seismic interpretation, producing well-constrained seismo-stratigraphic sections coupled with an accurate seismic velocity section. The quality of the reflected events is generally higher in the glacial domain than in the fluvioglacial eroded valley, probably due to a stronger impedance contrast between soft sediments and hard rock. The terminal moraine sections show an intermediate quality of reflection record.

Http://www.socgeol.it/368/58/products/a_simplified_scheme_for_the_description_of_textural_features_in_welded_ignimbrites_the_example_of_san_pietro_island_sardinia_italy.html

Welded ignimbrites show a large variability of welding intensity and of post-depositional crystallization. According to existing literature,a complete characterization of welded ignimbritic units involves: 1) a classification scheme which includes up to 5-6 categoriesof welding intensity; 2) the definition of the style of post depositional crystallization. This classification can be very time-consumingand well beyond the standards required for a general description of ignimbrite units for regional geological mapping purposes.During the geological survey of the San Pietro Island (Sardinia, Italy) in the framework of the new geological map of Italy on a scale1:50000 (CARG Project), a large number of samples from different ignimbritic units has been collected. The geology of the area is characterizedby Oligocene-Miocene volcanic deposits, which testify for the intense explosive activity with the deposition of many variablywelded ignimbritic units and, subordinately, local effusive activity, mainly characterized by the emplacement of lava coulees. All theproducts derive from the eruption of highly evolved magmas of both calc-alkaline and peralkaline affinity.We present here a new simplified scheme for the facies classification of these ignimbritic deposits. The scheme is based on threemain textural features: the aspect ratio of the fiammae, the degree of glass shards alignment and the style of crystallization of the matrix.All these features can be used to describe the ignimbrite units for the scope of their lithological characterization in mapping projects.We suggest that the scheme can have a general interest for the geological mapping of areas dominated by the presence of weldedignimbritic units.

Sheet 280—Fossombrone 3D: A study project for a new geological map of Italy in three dimensions

The goal of this project is to define and test a method for building a three-dimensional (3D) geological model of Italy based on maps at a 1:50,000 scale, using the new national geological mapping program (CARG project). A structural model of Sheet 280—Fossombrone (Northern Apennines, central Italy) was produced using recently developed 3D visualization techniques. This area is characterized by faulted anticlines and broad synclines, involving a Triassic–Palaeogene succession detached from its underlying basement. Exhaustive knowledge of the regional and local geology, combined with available subsurface (well and seismic) data, makes this area a good test site for developing a 3D geological modeling method. The model of Sheet 280—Fossombrone was built in two steps. In the first step, we built a 2.5D geological model using the digital elevation model combined with the new 1:50,000 scale geological map of the area. This 2.5D model shows relationships between topographic elements, geology and major structures much better than traditional 2D geological maps. In the second step, we constructed an in-depth model integrating a large amount of subsurface data with field data from the recent mapping project. The geological model of Sheet 280—Fossombrone clarifies structural geometries and kinematics of this external part of the Northern Apennines. Structural and geomorphic analyses were performed on the 3D model to evaluate how additional information can be obtained from 3D cartography in order to improve knowledge of the study area. We present results of these analyses as examples.