Fragilità geomorfologica, tutela e valorizzazione di aree costiere di elevato pregio ambientale del Mediterraneo: analisi multitemporale dell'evoluzione antropo-geomorfica recente

Coastal areas are delicate and dynamic ecosystems, subject to the influence of natural and anthropogenic factors that affect their shape and structure. Erosion caused by extreme weather events and sediment scarcity are common phenomena that endanger not only beaches, dunes and valuable wetlands, but also buildings and infrastructures. To better understand ongoing changes and evolutionary trends of coastal systems, their regular monitoring, the assessment of their morphodynamics and identification of processes that influence sediment transport, play an essential role. This requires an integrated approach that considers a wide range of processes acting on coastlines. This thesis aims at analysing and comparing different low-lying coastal areas in Italy, particularly from a geomorphological perspective, to provide in-depth and up-to-date knowledge on coastal erosion issues, thus contributing at the end to the enhancement and protection of particularly vulnerable and/or environmentally valuable coastal environments. The following coasta areas have been examined: the Molise coastal stretch that extends between the harbours of Termoli and Campomarino and includes the mouth of the Biferno River, referred to as the "Biferno Area"; the Campanian coastal stretch located between the Mingardo River mouth and the Cala del Cefalo headland, referred to as the "Mingardo Area"; and the Basilicata coastal stretch, known as the "Sinni Area," which extends from the WWF Bosco Pantano Oasis of Policoro to the regional boundary Basilicata Calabria, including the mouth of the Sinni River. Through a multi-temporal analysis coving the last 70 years using GIS, historical maps, aerial photographs, orthophotos, field and laboratory activities (particularly GPS measurements to reconstruct shoreline and dune front positions, as well as beach profiles, beach sediment sampling and analysis, etc.), a consistent GIS database was obteindes that has allowed to assess the long to short term changes of shorelines, beach-dune extension/morphology and coastal defences of the studied coastal stretches and comparisons between them. This data can significantly enhance the precision of environmental restoration and protection efforts, making it an invaluable asset for coastal management. Its accessibility via a webGIS system further amplifies its utility, ensuring efficient utilization for all stakeholders involved.