Hydrogeological mapping of the highly anthropogenically influenced Peligna Valley intramontane basin (Central Italy)

This paper presents the hydrogeological mapping of the Peligna Valley (Central Italy) intramontane basin. The basin is hydrogeologically complex due to the significant surface and underground water resources which are extensively used for potable, industrial, agricultural and healing purposes. The basin history is characterised by a significant fluvio-lacustrine deposition whose thickness can reach as much as 500 m. The depositional environment is completely surrounded by calcareous mountains. These represent extensive aquifers which feed large regional point and linear springs with total discharges of 16 m3/s. The highly complex hydrogeology of the study area and the varied usage of the water resources required extensive data collation and typical geological and hydrogeological assessments. Two years worth of hydrodynamic and hydrochemical monitoring of wells, springs, rivers and especially artificial channels that convey water for industrial, hydroelectric and irrigational purposes were also undertaken. The construction of an accurate spatial-temporal database allowed assessing and mapping the complex relationships between superficial water and groundwater. These relationships are shown in the attached 1:25,000-scale map. The map has been compiled with a detailed descriptive legend, various hydrogeological sections, schematics of the anthropogenic activities, diagrams and tables and, finally, four schematics at a 1:150,000-scale showing risk to contamination. It is hoped that this layout will assist in reading the map independently from any other supporting material.