NE Italy Research Articles

Life cycle assessment of bioenergy production from orchards woody residues in Northern Italy

In the alpine Autonomous Province of Bolzano (NE Italy), about 40% of the biomass used for bioenergy production is currently imported. This share is expected to further increase in the near future owing to growing renewable energy needs. The residual biomass harvestable from the local agronomic sector, mostly based on the cultivation of apple, is a promising option to supply relatively cheap bioenergy feedstock. In this study, we investigate the use of woody residues from apple orchards (apple orchard's woody residues, AWRs) for the production of bioenergy using the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. The system boundaries include the harvesting and chipping of AWRs, their transport to the energy plant and conversion into heat and power in a gasification unit. The life cycle inventory (LCI) data rely on field measurements for AWRs harvesting and chipping operations, as well as for their chemical and energy characterization. In the life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) phase, we consider various environmental impact categories like climate change, acidification, fossil depletion, and others. We benchmark the outcomes with two alternative reference systems based on fossils fuels.Our results show that the energy production using AWRs generally presents better environmental indicators than the reference systems, although some trade-offs exist. For instance, whereas the bioenergy system saves up to about 85% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and about 95% of non-renewable resources, it is usually associated with higher toxicity impact potentials.

A multidisciplinary approach in sinkhole analysis: The Quinis village case study (NE-Italy)

During the last recent years, in Quinis, a small village sited in the Alta Val Tagliamento valley (Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, NE Italy), the inhabitants faced with instability phenomena related to the presence of soluble rocks in the subsurface. The evaporite bedrock is mainly mantled, in fact, by high thickness deposit. This paper explains the methodological approach that we used to identify the instabilities in a very complex geo-structural environment where the urbanization limits the applicability of several investigation techniques. Different methods were used to define the bedrock morphology, to characterize the mantling deposits and to identify the processes behind. What emerged from the study is a mandatory multidisciplinary approach to characterize the subsoil, because each technique is not able individually to take to a unique result. The data collected allowed to draft a geo–hydrogeological conceptual model of the Quinis village.The lessons learned, even if with some site-specific dependency, demonstrate the importance of broad-spectrum investigations, which are essential to understand the subsurface characteristics avoiding relevant socio-economic impact and supporting an adequate future territorial planning.

Morphological perspective on the sedimentary characteristics of a coarse, braided reach: Tagliamento River (NE Italy)

In order to understand heterogeneity distribution of hydraulic properties, many studies have proposed models of coarse, braided river deposits. However, they often focus either on the surface/near surface or on ancient deposit analysis. Furthermore, the link between morphological (surface) and sedimentological (outcrops) information has not been fully explored yet. This publication aims to characterize the morphodynamics of a braided, gravel-bed reach of the Tagliamento River (NE Italy) and to assess its relationship with the subsurface heterogeneity. The morphological analysis is based on a LiDAR-derived DEM, aerial and satellite photographs from 1998 to 2011, as well as field observations. A water-stage time series allows the morphological changes to be related to the discharge dynamics. The sedimentological knowledge on coarse, braided deposits was mainly gained from the observation of analog Pleistocene coarse deposits in Switzerland. The main geomorphological elements are identified in terms of their topographic signature and genesis, setting apart the trichotomy water–vegetation–bar. The braidplain is characterized by higher-lying zones with dentritic gully drainage networks and active zones where most of the morphology reworking occurs. Furthermore, two morphologies mark the active zones: a low-discharge morphology (low-discharge incisions and channels, slip-face lobes, etc.) superimposed on a high-discharge morphology (gravel sheets, scours, etc.). Each morphological element is related to a depositional (i.e., sedimentological) element whose preservation potential in the subsurface is assessed as a function of the river-bed aggradation dynamic. The settings that impact the subsurface flow in terms of fast pathway and connectivity are addressed.

Seasonal variations of PAHs content and distribution patterns in a mixed land use area: A case study in NE Italy with the transplanted lichen Pseudevernia furfuracea

The seasonal differences of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) content in lichen transplants were investigated in an area of ca. 40 square kilometers in NE Italy characterized by different land use. Two sets of samples of the epiphytic lichen Pseudevernia furfuracea were collected in a pristine area of the Carnic Alps and transplanted to 40 exposure sites for a period of two months, respectively in late winter and in summer. Results revealed a pronounced difference between the two seasons in terms of PAH content and distribution patterns. After the summer exposure the PAH concentrations in the transplants were more than one order of magnitude lower than after the winter exposure (ranging from 48.22 to 272.73 ng g−1 dw and from 289.73 to 1575.85 ng g−1 dw in the summer and winter samples respectively). Also the main emission sources changed, mostly due to the drastic reduction in the emissions by wood burning for domestic heating and to the different meteorological conditions. In summer PAHs degradation was enhanced by intense UV radiation, high temperatures, and presence of ozone. The implications of these findings for the biomonitoring of PAHs pollution are addressed.

Geochemistry and zircon U-Pb geochronology of magmatic enclaves in trachytes from the Euganean Hills (NE Italy): further constraints on Oligocene magmatism in the eastern Southern Alps

This study presents the results of the geochemical and geochronological investigation of magmatic enclaves in trachytes from the Euganean Hills (NE Italy). The Euganean Hills magmatic district is the most recent (Eocene-Oligocene) volcanic distric within the Veneto Volcanic Province (VVP), which represents the main magmatic event in the eastern Southern Alps. The studied enclaves include intrusive and crystal mush types, the latter characterised by embayments of the host trachyte towards the core of the enclaves. Both types have zircon U-Pb ages of ~30–32 Ma, indicating that they are contemporaneous with the second Euganean magmatic phase. Amphibole-bearing intrusive enclaves (syenites and quartzo-monzonites) and crystal mushes have similar major and trace element compositions ( e.g. REE, Rb, Ba, K, Nb, Pb, Th and Y contents) as those of the host trachyte. They are interpreted as magma chamber solidification fronts with different degrees of crystallization, which were caught as enclaves by the trachytic magma during its ascent. Amphibole-free intrusive enclaves show peculiar trace element compositions (depletion in Th, U, Nb, Ta, MREE and HREE, and marked Eu positive anomaly), in contrast to the compositions of Euganean lavas and other studied enclaves, and are interpreted as cumulative rocks resulting from concentration of crystals fractionated during trachyte–rhyolite evolution. This study confirms that low-pressure fractional crystallisation played a primary role in the evolution of magma in the VVP. The first zircon U-Pb ages from the Euganean rocks prove a Lower Oligocene age for the second Euganean magmatic phase. The use of this robust chronometer should be extended to the Euganean lavas, to better constrain the chronological sequence of eruptive events.

Multi-methodological study of palaeo-Christian glass mosaic tesserae of St. Maria Mater Domini (Vicenza, Italy)

This study focuses on polychrome glass tesserae from the palaeo-Christian mosaic, still in situ , which decorates the vaults of the votive chapel of St. Maria Mater Domini in Vicenza (Veneto region, NE Italy). Aims are characterisation of the “base composition” of the glassy matrix and identification of opacifiers and colourants and these are performed by means of a multi-methodological approach (SEM-EDS, EMPA, XRPD, IS). Systematic comparisons between the Vicenza tesserae and those from the votive chapel of St. Prosdocimus in Padova, part of the remains of the only other palaeo-Christian mosaic located in the Veneto, coeval in age and with comparable colour palettes, are also carried out in order to improve our knowledge of production technologies of these materials during the 6th century AD in the Northern Adriatic area. Textural, chemical, diffractometric and spectroscopic data indicate multiple production technologies in the Vicenza tesserae , with evidence of several glassy matrices, opacifiers/pigments and/or ionic colourants/decolourants, all variously mixed in order to obtain the desired shades. In particular, the matrices of the Vicenza tesserae , mostly comparable with compositional reference groups typical of both Roman and Late Roman times, and opacifiers/pigments mainly composed of antimony-based compounds typical of Roman tradition, indicate the extensive availability of older glass for re-use and/or a preference for recycling, rather than the preparation of new batches. Peculiar is also the finding, in one Vicenza Aquamarine sample, of an opacifier composed of sodium antimonate, never found in ancient glass tesserae until now. Comparisons between the Vicenza and Padova mosaics indicate technological connections between the sites, as testified by the many chromatic groups with high degree of comparability. However, when differences are observed into chromatic groups compared, the Vicenza tesserae generally show older technological features than those of Padova. The hypothesis advanced here, related to the different geographical location of the two sites, explains such experimental evidence in terms of the different speeds at which innovative technologies spread in north-eastern Italy.

Anthropic impact on thermal aquifer: the case study of the Euganean Geothermal Field (NE Italy)

The Euganean Geothermal Field represents an important natural and economical resource for Veneto region (NE Italy) and its thermal water is mainly used for balneotherapy. Approximately 170 wells exploit 14*106 m3/y of hot water (temperature from 65°C to 86°C) from rocky aquifers located at different depths. The potentiometric level of the most exploited 300-500 m deep aquifer has been monitored by a network of abandoned wells since 1975, and the exploitation has been monitored since 1979. The analysis of the level evidences an anthropic annual regime related to the touristic seasons and characterized by a decrease during spring and autumn (high rate of incoming tourists and high exploitation) and a recovery during winter and summer (low exploitation). In addition, a general increasing trend of the potentiometric level has been recorded since the 1990s and it can be related to the decrease of the exploitation. The time series showing the clearest relationship between level and flow rate is used to perform a black-box model using a Generalized Additive Model. The model estimates a natural potentiometric level of 15 m above the ground level, comparable with the level measured in a well far from the most exploited areas of the thermal field.

Numerical modeling to well-head protection area delineation, an example in Veneto Region (NE Italy)

The article presents an example of well-head protection area (WHPA) delineation in middle Venetian plain, using geostatistical simulation for the subsoil reconstruction, groundwater flow modeling and automatic calibration.

Responsiveness to acoustic stimulation, distribution and habitat preferences of the Grey-headed Woodpecker, Picus canus, and the Three-toed Woodpecker, Picoides tridactylus, in Friuli-Venezia Giulia (North-eastern Italy)

The study was carried out from 2003 to 2011 with the aim of determining the responsiveness to acoustic stimulation, the distribution and the habitat preferences of <em>Picus canus</em> and <em>Picoides tridactylus</em> in Friuli-Venezia Giulia (NE Italy). <em>P. canus</em> resulted as being more responsive than <em>P. tridactylus</em> to conspecifics stimulation, responding in 13.23% of the points where a stimulus was emitted, against 7.65% of the other species. In both taxa, when there was a response, it was predominantly by the male birds. The most frequent type of response in <em>P. canus</em> was song, heard in 57.89% of the points, while for <em>P. tridactylus</em>, it was drumming, which was heard in 65.38% of the points. For both species (especially for P. tridactylus), a tendency was recorded to expand the range and to occupy new areas within the known range. <em>P. canus i</em>n Friuli-Venezia Giulia was found from altitudes close to the sea level up to the treeline (range 0-2000 m a.s.l.), while <em>P. tridactylus</em> was found in montane and subalpine woodlands (range 800- 2000 m a.s.l.). The observations of P. canus were obtained at a mean altitude of 977 m a.s.l. (± 402 SD), located in the altitudinal belt dominated by Fagus sylvatica L., which is present in more than half of the woodlands in which the woodpecker was found.<em> P. tridactylus</em> was discovered at a mean altitude of 1424 m a.s.l. (± 246 SD), located in the altitudinal belt dominated by Picea abies (L.) H. Karst., which is present in almost 90% of the woodlands in which this species was found. In some areas, densities of 0.67-2.26 territories/100 ha were obtained for<em> P. canus</em> and 0.16-0.40 territories/100 ha for <em>P. tridactylus.</em> In Friuli-Venezia Giulia, a population of 320-390 pairs of P. canus and 45-60 pairs of P. tridactylus has been estimated, with an approximate 15% increase of<em> P. canus</em> compared to the beginning of the century, and just over 60% for the other species. Finally, some aspects concerning conservation-related problems are reported.

Powder diffraction of yellow and red natural earths from Lessini Mountains in NE Italy

A first attempt to differentiate goethite- and hematite-based natural materials, used for several purposes during the Late Palaeolithic in the Lessini Mountains (Italy), is here proposed. All raw materials were collected from known geological sites within a distance of about 20 km from archaeological excavations (Tagliente and Fumane caves) where ochre fragments were found. X-ray powder diffraction allowed the mineralogical composition of samples collected from carbonate and volcanic geological host and parent rocks to be inferred; in addition, a preliminary distinction based on the different mineral assemblages, on the presence of distinctive mineral phases and on the degree of crystallinity of some compounds such as hematite, became possible. The acquired data thus represent a sort of preliminary inventory for provenance studies on archaeological samples originating in the same region, for which ancillary micro-analytical and geochemical techniques are planned.

The Friulian-Venetian Basin II: paleogeographic evolution and subsidence analysis from micropaleontological constraints

During the Cenozoic, the Friulian-Venetian Basin (FVB, NE Italy) underwent a complex evolution, related to the inherited Mesozoic sea-bottom topography and the load exerted by the main tectonic phases which affected the three surrounding belts: the Dinarides to the east, the Southern Alps to the north and the Northern Apennines to the south-west. The study of the foraminiferal assemblages from over 500 samples collected from 13 key wells provides important constraints on the paleobathymetric changes which occurred into the basin through time. Moreover, the defined bathymetric ranges, together with information on both thickness of the different depositional units and depositional geometries (derived from 2D seismic), were used as input in geohistory analysis in order to reconstruct the subsidence/uplift trends occurred in different sectors of the basin, as a response to collisional tectonics acting along basin boundaries. The collected results show that the overall depositional architecture of the FVB is the result of six main tectono-depositional phases (Lutetian, Chattian, Langhian, Tortonian, Piacenzian and Quaternary) characterised by paleobathymetric variations and subsidence/uplift trends reflecting the change in the tectonic control of the basin and the balance between subsidence and sediment supply. In particular, the easternmost sector of the FVB evolved as a Dinaric foredeep during Lutetian time. Since Chattian time (Cavanella Group), a moderate subsidence phase characterised by faint flexure to the north occurred, which was followed by a Langhian accentuated subsidence phase, consistent with the development of a Southalpine system. The accommodation space was progressively outpaced by the sediment flux during Serravallian-Messinian time as demonstrated by an overall shallowing upward trend recorded in this stratigraphic interval. A new basin configuration occurred during Piacenzian, when a complex geometry was developed due to the concurrent flexural load of the Southern Alps, to the North, and of the Apennines, to the South. Unlike the previous stratigraphic intervals, the Quaternary sedimentary sequence eventually shows a broadly symmetrical geometry with fast and relatively homogeneous subsidence all over the basin, overbalanced by the sedimentary supply. The observed symmetrical subsidence distribution could be interpreted as a consequence of both vanishing tectonic control and increase of sedimentary input related to increasing climatic variability.

XEROPICTA (GASTROPODA, HYGROMIIDAE) GOES WEST: THE FIRST RECORD OF X. KRYNICKII (KRYNICKI, 1833) FOR MONTENEGRO, WITH A DESCRIPTION OF ITS SHELL AND GENITAL MORPHOLOGY, AND AN ADDITIONAL RECORD OF X. DERBENTINA (KRYNICKI, 1836) FOR ITALY

Xeropicta krynickii (Krynicki, 1833) has a peri-Black Sea distribution, extending its range as far as Middle East. The species has never been recorded further West of Skopje (Macedonia). Recent collecting in Podgorica (Montenegro) revealed the presence of this taxon thus widening its range toward West, even if most probably the species has been introduced by human activities. Xeropicta derbentina (Krynicki, 1836) has been recorded from a single site in NE Italy. A second site has been recently discovered along a docking area of Trieste’s harbour (Italy).

Tectonic and climatic inferences from the terrace staircase in the Meduna valley, eastern Southern Alps, NE Italy

Results of stratigraphic and morphotectonic analyses on fluvial terraces at the outlet of the Meduna valley in the eastern Southern Alps are used to investigate on the tectonics and paleoclimate. The Meduna valley, prone to destructive earthquakes, belongs to the front of the eastern Southern Alps, a south-verging fold and thrust belt in evolution from the Middle Miocene to the present, constructed by ENE–WSW striking, SSE-verging medium to low-angle thrusts, gradually propagating in the Venetian–Friulian plain. In the study area, located south of the Periadriatic thrust, the main structural element is the ENE–WSW striking Maniago–M. Jouf thrust system. Seven depositional units, ranging in age from Pliocene to Holocene, and a hierarchy of four numbered terrace complexes were identified. Stratigraphic and geometric relationships between sedimentary units, basal surfaces and terraces allow the reconstruction of the chronology of the depositional events. The study shows that the valley configuration has been shaped during the Pliocene–Quaternary with long-lasting steady intervals, interspaced with periodic tectonic pulses of the thrust front of the eastern Southern Alps. The most recent pulse related to the Maniago thrust shows an upper Pleistocene–Holocene slip rate of about 0.6mm/yr.

Meta-analysis of a Holocene 14C database for the detection of paleohydrological crisis in the Venetian–Friulian Plain (NE Italy)

The Venetian–Friulian Plain is the northernmost alluvial environment facing the Adriatic Sea and it represents the transition from the Mediterranean domain to the Alps and the temperate regions of central and eastern Europe. The investigated area consists of the alluvial systems of Brenta, Piave and Tagliamento rivers, forming distinct alluvial megafans fed by mountain basins of 1567, 3899 and 2580km2, respectively. The database of radiocarbon dates related to the Holocene alluvial evolution of the Venetian–Friulian Plain consists of 136 samples, 65 of them classified as change-after dates. We analyzed statistically the database with the aim of detecting periods of enhanced flooding activity. The individual calibration probability intervals of each radiocarbon age were summed, producing a cumulative probability density function (CPDF) plot for each alluvial system and for the whole database. Each change-after CPDF plot has been subtracted to its correspondent CPDF plot of the entire sub-dataset, obtaining a relative cumulative probability function (RCPF) curve.The analysis of these curves evidences that statistically significant information are available between about 8.5 and 0.8kacal BP. In particular, nine periods of enhanced flooding activity have been identified: 8.4–8.3, 7.5–7.2, 6.9–6.2, 5.5–5.3, 4.7–4.5, 2.3–2.1, 1.9–1.7, 1.6–1.4 and 1.3–0.8kacal BP. In the interval 8.5–0.8kacal BP, some sub-periods are not statistically significant because of the relatively few change-after dates available. Notably, between 4.5 and 2.3kacal BP no interval has been recognized, even if some important flooding deposits are documented in the stratigraphic and geomorphological record.Meta-analyses revealed quite a good correlation of several flooding periods occurred in the study area with the flooding record of the Lake Iseo (northern Italy), as well as with positive peaks in the Ice Rafted Debris (IRD) curve for the North Atlantic, namely Bond events 1, 3, 4 and 5. Comparison with other flood sequences obtained in Great Britain, Spain, Poland and Germany with the same statistical approach used in this work confirms the presence of some common intervals. In particular, synchronous periods of hydrological crisis are recorded in NE Italy and Great Britain at 7.5–7.3, 6.9–6.5, 6.3–6.2, 4.7–4.5, 2.3–2.1, 1.5–1.4, 1.3–1.1, 0.9–0.8kacal BP. Two of them, 4.7–4.5 and 0.9–0.8kacal BP, occurred also in the Iberian Peninsula. These results suggest that during the middle and late Holocene enhanced flooding activity in NE Italy is recurrently connected to events or phases of climatic deterioration at regional and continental scale, with minor influence of local forcings.

Fe(III) and Mn(II) EPR quantitation in glass fragments from the palaeo-Christian mosaic of St. Prosdocimus (Padova, NE Italy): Archaeometric and colour correlations

Abstract In this work, we present the results of the quantitative determination of Fe and Mn in different oxidation states, inferring a colour to the glass used in a palaeo-Christian polychrome mosaic of St. Prosdocimus in the Basilica of St. Justine (Padova). The colour in the glass is determined by the amount of the ions of the elements in different oxidation states. More than 3000 loose tesserae of this mosaic, characterised by a full range of colours, are available, with different features of opacity. For a representative batch of tesserae with different colours, the determination of Mn(II), Mn(III), Fe(II) and Fe(III) was obtained by using a combination of Electron MicroProbe Analysis (EMPA) and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR). A meaningful relationship between colour, and the ions content in the ancient glasses was found.

SPECIES DIVERSITY OF BRYOPHYTES AND FERNS OF LAMPENFLORA IN GROTTA GIGANTE (NE ITALY)

Lampenflora consists of phototrophic organisms which grow near artificial light. In caves with artificial lighting, a vegetation of aerophytic cyanobacteria and algae, bryophytes and ferns can be found around lamps; these communities represent an alteration of the underground environment and may cause damages both to speleothems and cave fauna. The development of lampenflora is a typical problem for show cave management. A floristic research of bryophytes and ferns (land plants) of lampenflora was carried out in 2012 in Grotta Gigante, a very well-known show cave of the Trieste Karst (NE Italy), in order to compile a species inventory. 26 sites near artificial lights of different kinds were sampled in the dark zone of the show cave. 16 moss species and 2 ferns were found; no liverworts were observed. The most common species are the mosses Eucladium verticillatum, Fissidens bryoides, Oxyrrhynchium schleicheri, Rhynchostegiella tenella and the fern Asplenium trichomanes ; 7 moss species were found only in one to two sites. Some moss species belong to the flora of natural cave entrances of the Italian Karst, while other are typical of disturbed, open habitats. Various moss species and A. trichomanes are colonizing areas around LEDs and fluorescent lamps installed in 2009 along the cave’s pathways for safety lighting. Species richness of bryophytes and ferns of lampenflora in Grotta Gigante is the highest compared to other recently investigated show caves in the neighbouring Slovenia. Lampenflora of Grotta Gigante conforms to that found in other Slovenian show caves starting from the ’40. The main ecological factors affecting lampenflora identified in this work are: light intensity, water availability, type of substrate, morphological features of surfaces, presence of clay. Aspects of species ecology and distribution in the cave are discussed.

River embankment characterization: The joint use of geophysical and geotechnical techniques

Abstract Recent flood events in Northern Italy (particularly in the Veneto Region) have brought river embankments into the focus of public attention. Many of these embankments are more than 100 years old and have been repeatedly repaired, so that detailed information on their current structure is generally missing. The monitoring of these structures is currently based, for the most part, on visual inspection and localized measurements of the embankment material parameters. However, this monitoring is generally insufficient to ensure an adequate safety level against floods. For these reasons there is an increasing demand for fast and accurate investigation methods, such as geophysical techniques. These techniques can provide detailed information on the subsurface structures, are non-invasive, cost-effective, and faster than traditional methods. However, they need verification in order to provide reliable results, particularly in complex and reworked man-made structures such as embankments. In this paper we present a case study in which three different geophysical techniques have been applied: electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), frequency domain electromagnetic induction (FDEM) and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). Two test sites have been selected, both located in the Province of Venice (NE Italy) where the Tagliamento River has large embankments. The results obtained with these techniques have been calibrated against evidence resolving from geotechnical investigations. The pros and cons of each technique, as well as their relative merit at identifying the specific features of the embankments in this area, are highlighted. The results demonstrate that geophysical techniques can provide very valuable information for embankment characterization, provided that the data interpretation is constrained via direct evidence, albeit limited in space.

Assessment of total soil and plant elements in rice-based production systems in NE Italy

Macro- and micronutrients concentrations and PTEs contents in soils and plants (rice) from the rice district in the Venetian territory (NE Italy) have been determined by Inductive Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), with the following aims:-to determine the background levels of macro- and microelements in the study area;-to assess possible contamination of soils and plants;-to calculate the Translocation Factor (TF) of metals from soil to plant, and the possible hazard for human health.Four rice plots with different rotation systems were investigated from seedling time to harvesting; sampling of soils (0–30cm) and plants was carried out 4 times during growing season (three replicates). Rice plants were separated into the roots, stems, leaves and grains, and then oven-dried. Chemical and physical analyses were carried out at the Soil Science Lab of the University of Bologna and Venice, respectively. The results obtained point to a land with high soil contamination by Li and TI. The total concentrations of most studied metals (Al, As, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, Sr, V, Zn) in the soil samples fell in the natural geochemical background concentration levels, even though the concentration levels of some of them (e.g. Sn) overcame the Italian threshold limits for green areas (DM 152/2006). Most elements are likely associated with the geochemistry of the parent material. Antimony and Ti contents in soils are positively correlated with soil pH, while As, Be, Fe, Li, Sb, Ti, Tl and Zn are negatively correlated with organic matter content. With the exception of strontium, soil metals are always correlated between variable couples. Heavy metals in plants vary according to the sampling season, texture and moisture, and soil pH. Most non-essential trace elements are accumulated in rice roots and, only in cases of essential micronutrients, in leaves. Therefore, rice can be assumed as an excluder plant (i.e. metal in the roots<metal in soil) for Li, Sn, Tl. The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that soil extractable P and total Ca played an important role in predicting annual grain yield of rice. The average translocation of metals from the soil to the root was found to be >1, irrespective of the essential/not essential function; conversely, only essential elements (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn) are translocated rather easily from the roots to leaves (TF≤1) via xylem, and very little are translocated to grains (TF≪1). Rice plants were able to accumulate non essential metals in their tissues especially in the roots, but not in the edible part, and this could be useful for the restoration of contaminated sites with a very limited hazard for human population consuming rice crops.

The carbonate mass transport deposits of the Paleogene Friuli Basin (Italy/Slovenia): Internal anatomy and inferred genetic processes

Abstract The Paleogene carbonate “megabreccia” units of the Friuli Basin are composite deposits produced by catastrophic shallow-water carbonate platform collapses re-deposited in relatively deep-water inner foredeep settings developed at the front of the advancing Dinaric thrust system. These thick, basin-wide mass transport deposits (MTDs) record the catastrophic emplacement of bipartite slide masses, comprising a lower coherent/cohesive blocky flow and an upper grain/turbulent flow. We here present the results of micro- to outcrop-scale structural analyses, constrained by stratigraphic and sedimentologic observations, performed to identify the internal deformation mechanisms and the emplacement processes of four of the largest MTDs exposed in two large three-dimensional outcrops: the Vernasso (NE Italy) and Anhovo (W Slovenia) open-pit quarries. Our results reveal a variety of primary (sedimentary) soft sediment deformation structures testifying fluid overpressure conditions within the brecciated, fine-grained matrix that sustain, intrude and surround slide blocks and clasts. Meso-scale structural analyses unraveled paleo-transport directions toward the N for the Vernasso quarry and toward the S for the Anhovo quarry. This suggests a forced propagation of the mass transport events controlled by the shape of basin, and reinforces the interpretation of different source areas related to multiple collapses from a carbonate platform rimming the southeastern tip of the basin. These units are thought to represent exhumed fossil examples of the MTDs extensively mapped in the present-day, carbonate-dominated continental margins, and thus, considered as reliable analogues for integrated studies.

Interseismic coupling, seismic potential, and earthquake recurrence on the southern front of the Eastern Alps (NE Italy)

AbstractHere we use continuous GPS observations to document the geodetic strain accumulation across the South‐Eastern Alps (NE Italy). We estimate the interseismic coupling on the intracontinental collision thrust fault and discuss the seismic potential and earthquake recurrence. We invert the GPS velocities using the back slip approach to simultaneously estimate the relative angular velocity and the degree of interseismic coupling on the thrust fault that separates the Eastern Alps and the Venetian‐Friulian plain. Comparison between the rigid rotation predicted motion and the shortening observed across the area indicates that the South‐Eastern Alpine thrust front absorbs about 70% of the total convergence between the Adria and Eurasia plates. The coupling is computed on a north dipping fault following the continuous external seismogenic thrust front of the South‐Eastern Alps. The modeled thrust fault is currently locked from the surface to a depth of ≈10 km. The transition zone between locked and creeping portions of the fault roughly corresponds with the belt of microseismicity parallel and to the north of the mountain front. The estimated moment deficit rate is 1.3 ± 0.4 × 1017Nm/yr. The comparison between the estimated moment deficit and that released historically by the earthquakes suggests that to account for the moment deficit the following two factors or their combination should be considered: (1) a significant part of the observed interseismic coupling is released aseismically and (2) infrequent “large” events with long return period (&gt; 1000 years) and with magnitudes larger than the value assigned to the largest historical events (Mw≈ 6.7).