The hilly landscape of the Periadric area in Central Italy is characterized by foredeep basin deposits (Plio-Pleistocene age), which are mainly marly-clayey and show a thickness above 500 meters. In fact, these lithotypes are generally considered aquicludes (Desiderio et al., 2011), if compared with the regional limestone aquifers of Apennines. However, a coarsening upward trend characterizes the upper portion of this stratigraphic sequence, with arenaceous deposits and even conglomerates on the top. From a geomorphological viewpoint, the areas with coarser outcrops show a flat shape and sub-vertical slopes, as boundaries. At the base of these scarps, springs can be found at the interface between coarse and fine deposits, whereas these arenaceous bodies are actual aquifers. In fact, a regular landscape, high position over the sea, and natural springs are the main reasons for settlement in these plain areas since pre-history. Until the middle of the last century, contact springs were the only water resource for every purpose. Groundwater was exploited by historical complex systems of wells and drainage tunnels, nowadays abandoned. Until now, hydrodynamics and hydrochemical features of this kind of aquifer have not been investigated deeply, because they have always been considered a worthy water resource. However, they could play a crucial role in an integrated water management, especially to cope with climate changes and drought periods. Considering these, the main purpose of this study is to investigate from a hydrogeological point of view, and to assess the groundwater quantity and quality. Five examples throughout the Abruzzo region have been considered. For each, wells and springs have been monitored seasonally (i.e. hydraulic heads or discharge, and physico-chemical parameters), pumping tests have been carried out, and water balance has been calculated. First results indicate that groundwater quantity and quality proved to be suitable for multi-purpose utilization.

Groundwater resource evaluation in Plio-Pleistocene arenaceous aquifers (Central Italy)

Alessia Di Giovanni
;
Diego Di Curzio;Sergio Rusi
2021-01-01

Abstract

The hilly landscape of the Periadric area in Central Italy is characterized by foredeep basin deposits (Plio-Pleistocene age), which are mainly marly-clayey and show a thickness above 500 meters. In fact, these lithotypes are generally considered aquicludes (Desiderio et al., 2011), if compared with the regional limestone aquifers of Apennines. However, a coarsening upward trend characterizes the upper portion of this stratigraphic sequence, with arenaceous deposits and even conglomerates on the top. From a geomorphological viewpoint, the areas with coarser outcrops show a flat shape and sub-vertical slopes, as boundaries. At the base of these scarps, springs can be found at the interface between coarse and fine deposits, whereas these arenaceous bodies are actual aquifers. In fact, a regular landscape, high position over the sea, and natural springs are the main reasons for settlement in these plain areas since pre-history. Until the middle of the last century, contact springs were the only water resource for every purpose. Groundwater was exploited by historical complex systems of wells and drainage tunnels, nowadays abandoned. Until now, hydrodynamics and hydrochemical features of this kind of aquifer have not been investigated deeply, because they have always been considered a worthy water resource. However, they could play a crucial role in an integrated water management, especially to cope with climate changes and drought periods. Considering these, the main purpose of this study is to investigate from a hydrogeological point of view, and to assess the groundwater quantity and quality. Five examples throughout the Abruzzo region have been considered. For each, wells and springs have been monitored seasonally (i.e. hydraulic heads or discharge, and physico-chemical parameters), pumping tests have been carried out, and water balance has been calculated. First results indicate that groundwater quantity and quality proved to be suitable for multi-purpose utilization.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11564/769875
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