- Via Ferrata 1, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Michael Maerker is professor for Physical Geography and Geomorphology at the Department of Earth and Environmental Sc... moreMichael Maerker is professor for Physical Geography and Geomorphology at the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences of Pavia University (UNIPV). Michael is leading a research group that focuses on methodologies like environmental modelling, GIS, remote sensing, geostatistics and datamining technologies. These methodological approaches are applied in the spatio-temporal assessment of soils, soil properties as well as to assess the dynamics of surface forming processes such as soil erosion and mass movements. The methodologies are also applied for the reconstruction of the paleo-environment. Michael's research group is working on plot, slope and catchment scales carrying out qualitative and quantitative assessments of past, present and potential future geomorphic conditions. Therefore, specific scenarios are evaluated taking into account changes in climate and/or in socio-economic conditions.edit
A pseudo-3D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) survey has been carried out to detect cavities at the Neolithic/Palaeolithic site of Grotta Scaloria, close to Manfredonia, Apulia, Italy. Scaloria Cave has a rich history of... more
A pseudo-3D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) survey has been carried out to detect cavities at the Neolithic/Palaeolithic site of Grotta Scaloria, close to Manfredonia, Apulia, Italy. Scaloria Cave has a rich history of archaeological research of more than 80 years and is one of the most important Neolithic complexes in the Mediterranean. Synthetic data modelling allowed to check the adequacy of the geophysical method and to develop a proper experimental setup at the survey design stage. Indeed, the results of the field data inversion revealed high resistivity anomalies which can be related to cavities and provided a good definition of the main geological structures and boundaries. Moreover, the results suggest that unknown and speleological unexplored cavities are still present at the Scaloria Cave study site. These findings may provide further insights on pseudo-3D ERT applicability, particularly for cavity detection. Furthermore, the approach used in this study yields frui...
Research Interests: Archaeology and Geology
Sustainable agricultural landscape management needs reliable and accurate soil maps and updated geospatial soil information. Recently, machine learning (ML) models have commonly been used in digital soil mapping, together with limited... more
Sustainable agricultural landscape management needs reliable and accurate soil maps and updated geospatial soil information. Recently, machine learning (ML) models have commonly been used in digital soil mapping, together with limited data, for various types of landscapes. In this study, we tested linear and nonlinear ML models in predicting and mapping soil properties in an agricultural lowland landscape of Lombardy region, Italy. We further evaluated the ability of an ensemble learning model, based on a stacking approach, to predict the spatial variation of soil properties, such as sand, silt, and clay contents, soil organic carbon content, pH, and topsoil depth. Therefore, we combined the predictions of the base learners (ML models) with two meta-learners. Prediction accuracies were assessed using a nested cross-validation procedure. Nonetheless, the nonlinear single models generally performed well, with RF having the best results; the stacking models did not outperform all the i...
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In times of global change, it is of fundamental importance to understand the sensitivity, stability and resistivity of a landscape or ecosystem to human disturbance. Landscapes and ecosystems have internal thresholds, giving them the... more
In times of global change, it is of fundamental importance to understand the sensitivity, stability and resistivity of a landscape or ecosystem to human disturbance. Landscapes and ecosystems have internal thresholds, giving them the ability to resist such disturbance. When these thresholds are quantified, the development of countermeasures can help prevent irreversible changes and support adaptations to the negative effects of global change. The main objective of this analysis is to address the lack of recent studies defining terms like sensitivity, resistivity and stability in reference to landscapes and ecosystems through a Bibliometric analysis based on Scopus and Web of Science peer-reviewed articles. The present research also aims to quantify landscape statuses in terms of their sensitivity, stability and resistivity. The term “landscape stability” is mainly related to quantitatively measurable properties indicating a certain degree of stability. In contrast, the term “landsca...
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Se analiza la dinámica geomorfológica de cuencas y subcuenca de la Región de Coquimbo, Chile, para establecer las condiciones que generan los eventos de 'flashflood' de verano-otoño, asociado a eventos de precipitaciones extremas.... more
Se analiza la dinámica geomorfológica de cuencas y subcuenca de la Región de Coquimbo, Chile, para establecer las condiciones que generan los eventos de 'flashflood' de verano-otoño, asociado a eventos de precipitaciones extremas. Se consideran los eventos ENSO como antecedentes previos de precipitaciones extremas, de invierno. El trabajo realizado se sustenta en la geomorfología de las laderas, de las formas de depositación y de erosión, dinámica de lechos y canales, como formas heredadas desde el Mioceno y Pleistoceno con una condición dinámica actual, más su vinculación implícita al Antropoceno. Se realizó trabajo de fotointerpretación y modelación de proxies dinámicos de escurrimiento en las subcuencas. Los resultados fueron levantados y contrastados en terreno. Como resultados se estableció que en la cuenca Santa Gracia, se presenta dos secciones, denominadas como knickpoints (Knp 1 y 2), que marcan diferencias dinámicas. La subcuenca, del mismo nombre, drena hacia el c...
Research Interests: Geography and Humanities
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Soil erosion is one of the major processes degrading the natural environment but also agricultural production areas. Soil erosion may lead to soil organic carbon (SOC) loss, especially from sloping agricultural terrain units. The use of... more
Soil erosion is one of the major processes degrading the natural environment but also agricultural production areas. Soil erosion may lead to soil organic carbon (SOC) loss, especially from sloping agricultural terrain units. The use of phytomelioration in environmental management, particularly long-term, permanent forest vegetation, is widely recognized as a possible measure for soil erosion protection and mitigation of climate change through carbon sequestration. The aim of this study was to compare of the topsoil organic carbon stocks on the slopes under soil-protecting forests in relation to the adjacent agricultural slopes. The research was conducted in the young glacial landscape of North-Central Poland. The study indicated the significant role of forest management on the increase of soil organic matter content and SOC stock. The results show that land use and slope gradients are important factors controlling soil organic carbon pools in topsoil in young glacial areas. This to...
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Tectonic activities significantly contribute to the formation of the existing drainage systems and hence, to landscape evolution. In this study we assessed the influence of morphotectonics in two semiarid catchments in the Zagros range in... more
Tectonic activities significantly contribute to the formation of the existing drainage systems and hence, to landscape evolution. In this study we assessed the influence of morphotectonics in two semiarid catchments in the Zagros range in Southwestern Iran and in the Makuyuni/ Lake Manyara area in Northern Tanzania. Soil erosion and severe gullying affect large parts of both study catchments. Earthquake activities and associated uplifting, fracturing and faulting are still active in large parts of the Zagros range. Tectonic processes in the East African Rift System have significantly contributed to the formation of the current drainage systems and landforms.
Research Interests: Geology and Gully Erosion
Gully erosion is a burning problem in the Ethiopian Highlands leading to massive soil losses and sedimentation in reservoirs. In this study gully erosion in the Upper Awash River basin in the central part of the Ethiopian Highlands was... more
Gully erosion is a burning problem in the Ethiopian Highlands leading to massive soil losses and sedimentation in reservoirs. In this study gully erosion in the Upper Awash River basin in the central part of the Ethiopian Highlands was studied using archived aerial photographs from 1965, 1971 and 1972 in combination with satellite images from Ikonos-2 and Pleiades acquired in 2006 and 2013 respectively. Gully length, areal extent and the accurate position of gully heads were mapped by meansof visual interpretation. Elevation changes due to the gully incision were analysed by calculating the difference between two digital elevation models for the years 1972 and 2006 generated by means of terrain reconstruction using the Structure from Motion approach (SfM) and satellite photogrammetry. In the study area the total gully length increased three times in the period 1965-2013. The initial rapid gully headward extension rate slowed down after 1972. Especially after 2006 effects of remediation activities led even to a decrease in total gully length. However, dendritic gully complexes continue to propagate at an alarming rate. The identified trend of gully evolution in Upper Awash area over the studied period fits to the overall trend identified in northern Ethiopia. In future more attention should be paid to quickly growing gully complexes in order to prevent increasing soil loss and sedimentation in the Koka Reservoir. The presented study proved that the approach based on a combination of archived aerial photos and data from the new satellite systems is effective to monitor gully erosion in semi-arid regions
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Research Interests: Environmental Science, Soil Science, Agriculture, Mathematical Modelling, Soil Mapping, and 15 moreMedicine, Multidisciplinary, Soil organic matter, Soil Carbon, Digital soil mapping, Soil Organic Carbon Content Prediction Using Hyperion Remote Sensing Data, Digital soil mapping and environmental modelling, Soil Organic Carbon, Mediterranean Climate, Pedotransfers Functions, Pedotransfer Function, Bulk Density, Pedotransfer Functions, Soil organic carbon pools, and Analysis of Organic Carbon in Soil
Research Interests: Human Geography, Geology, Geomorphology, Pleistocene, Maps, and 5 morePaleosol, Landform, Tributary, Colluvium, and Foothills
In this report, we present the contributions, outcomes, ideas, discussions and conclusions obtained at the PaleoMaps Workshop 2019, that took place at the Institute of Geography of the University of Cologne on 23 and 24 September 2019.... more
In this report, we present the contributions, outcomes, ideas, discussions and conclusions obtained at the PaleoMaps Workshop 2019, that took place at the Institute of Geography of the University of Cologne on 23 and 24 September 2019. The twofold aim of the workshop was: (1) to provide an overview of approaches and methods that are presently used to incorporate paleoenvironmental information in human–environment interaction modeling applications, and building thereon; (2) to devise new approaches and solutions that might be used to enhance the reconstruction of past human–environmental interconnections. This report first outlines the presented papers, and then provides a joint protocol of the often extensive discussions that came up following the presentations or else during the refreshment intervals. It concludes by adressing the open points to be resolved in future research avenues, e.g., implementation of open science practices, new procedures for reviewing of publications, and ...
Research Interests: Palaeoclimatology, Paleoanthropology, Paleontology, Physics, Anthropology, and 15 moreAtmospheric Chemistry, Paleoclimatology, Atmospheric Science, Climatology, Atmospheric Physics, Atmospheric Modeling, Atmospheric Aerosols, History of Archeology, Atmospheric sciences, Atmosphere, Paleoindian archaeology, DDC, Archeology, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, and Paleotologia
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Cultivation of grapevines in sloping soils is very widespread all over the world, representing also a fundamental branch of the local economy of several hilly zones. Vineyards can be managed in different ways especially the inter-rows.... more
Cultivation of grapevines in sloping soils is very widespread all over the world, representing also a fundamental branch of the local economy of several hilly zones. Vineyards can be managed in different ways especially the inter-rows. These management practices may influence deeply soil properties and grapevine root development. Therefore, this work aims to analyze the effects of different agronomical practices of inter-rows on soil properties, grapevine root systems and proneness towards shallow landslides. We focused on traditional agricultural techniques of tillage and permanent grass cover as well as the alternation of these two practices between adjacent inter-rows. The studied parameters were: (i) soil physical and hydrological properties; (ii) soil biodiversity; (iii) root density; (iv) root mechanical properties and root reinforcement; (v) probability of occurrence of shallow landslides. The research was conducted in several test-sites of the Oltrepò Pavese (Lombardy region...
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En el marco de las trasformaciones territoriales en el valle del río Choapa, se analizan los procesos dinámicos de la cuenca, y cómo éstos pueden verse modificados debido a las intervenciones antrópicas. En el dominio semiárido, tanto el... more
En el marco de las trasformaciones territoriales en el valle del río Choapa, se analizan los procesos dinámicos de la cuenca, y cómo éstos pueden verse modificados debido a las intervenciones antrópicas. En el dominio semiárido, tanto el paisaje natural como el antropizado, presentan una respuesta dinámica actual de diversa intensidad e impacto ante eventos pluviométricos principalmente al fenómeno de El Niño. La agricultura intensiva que se está desarrollando en laderas, conos, glacis, es una actividad incipiente pero en incremento, generando transformaciones topográficas, de cobertura vegetal y de suelo. Se analiza la geomorfología como formas heredadas y sus procesos dinámicos. Junto con la carta geomorfológica, se aplican modelos topográficos que complementan el análisis morfológico y contribuyen a deducir una condición dinámica. A partir de ello se modela la amenaza natural, para dos sectores específicos, Salamanca y Panguesillo. Si bien el marco geomorfológico es similar, no l...
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SSP1.4 Understanding mixed siliciclastic-volcaniclastic depositional systems and their relationships with geodynamics or GD2.3/CL4.14/GM5.8/MPRG22/SSP3.5 Reconstruction of ancient continents: Dating and characterization of paleosurfaces... more
SSP1.4 Understanding mixed siliciclastic-volcaniclastic depositional systems and their relationships with geodynamics or GD2.3/CL4.14/GM5.8/MPRG22/SSP3.5 Reconstruction of ancient continents: Dating and characterization of paleosurfaces Reconstructing the paleo-topography and paleo-environmental features of the Sarno River plain (Italy) before the AD 79 eruption of Somma-Vesuvius volcanic complex Sebastian Vogel[1] & Michael Märker[1] [1] Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities c/o University of Tübingen, Rümelinstraße
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Revised modelling of the post-AD 79 volcanic deposits of Somma-Vesuvius to reconstruct the pre-AD 79 topography of the Sarno River plain (Italy)In this study the methodology proposed by Vogel & Märker (2010) to reconstruct the pre-AD 79... more
Revised modelling of the post-AD 79 volcanic deposits of Somma-Vesuvius to reconstruct the pre-AD 79 topography of the Sarno River plain (Italy)In this study the methodology proposed by Vogel & Märker (2010) to reconstruct the pre-AD 79 topography and paleo-environmental features of the Sarno River plain (Italy) was considerably revised and improved. The methodology is based on an extensive dataset of stratigraphical information from the entire Sarno River plain, a high-resolution present-day digital elevation model (DEM) and a classification and regression tree approach. The dataset was re-evaluated and 32 additional stratigraphical drillings were collected in areas that were not or insufficiently covered by previous stratigraphic data. Altogether, an assemblage of 1,840 drillings, containing information about the depth from the present-day surface to the pre-AD 79 paleo-surface (thickness of post-AD 79 deposits) and the character of the pre-AD 79 paleo-layer of the Sarno River pla...
Research Interests: Geology, Geomorphology, Pompeii (Archaeology), Vesuvius, Volcano, and 12 morePerformance Model, Boosted Regression Trees, Floodplain, Digital Elevation Model, High Resolution, Classification and Regression Tree, Palaeolandscapes, Spatial Model, present day, alluvium, Model performance, and Alluvial fan
ABSTRACTIn undisturbed tropical montane rainforests massive organic layers accommodate the majority of roots and only a small fraction of roots penetrate the mineral soil. We investigated the contribution of vegetation to slope stability... more
ABSTRACTIn undisturbed tropical montane rainforests massive organic layers accommodate the majority of roots and only a small fraction of roots penetrate the mineral soil. We investigated the contribution of vegetation to slope stability in such environments by modifying a standard model for slope stability to include an organic layer with distinct mechanical properties. The importance of individual model parameters was evaluated using detailed measurements of soil and vegetation properties to reproduce the observed depth of 11 shallow landslides in the Andes of southern Ecuador. By distinguishing mineral soil, organic layer and above‐ground biomass, it is shown that in this environment vegetation provides a destabilizing effect mainly due to its contribution to the mass of the organic layer (up to 973 t ha− 1 under wet conditions). Sensitivity analysis shows that the destabilizing effect of the mass of soil and vegetation can only be effective on slopes steeper than 37.9°. This sit...
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In this paper we evaluate a stochastic method to assess the spatial distribution of landslide and debris flow processes in the Jemma basin, Central Ethiopia. The Jemma basin is draining the highlands (max. 3.676 m a.s.l.) northeast of... more
In this paper we evaluate a stochastic method to assess the spatial distribution of landslide and debris flow processes in the Jemma basin, Central Ethiopia. The Jemma basin is draining the highlands (max. 3.676 m a.s.l.) northeast of Addis Ababa towards the Blue Nile. The basin is characterized by a deeply incised stratigraphy made up of volcanic deposits like flood basalts and tephra. Hence, gravitational mass movements as well as water driven erosion processes occur, documented by the respective forms. We mapped these features using Google Earth images, aerial photo interpretation and fieldwork. The information about the spatial distribution of landslide and debris flow forms was taken as dependent variable in the stochastic modelling approach. Moreover, we performed a detailed terrain analysis to derive the independent variables. We applied two different stochastic modelling approaches based on i) Boosted Regression Trees (BRT) and ii) on an Maximum Entropy Method (MEM) to predi...
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THE SALVE RESEARCH PROJECT: SARNO RIVER PLAIN – ANCIENT LIFE IN THE VESUVIAN ENVIRONMENT (CAMPANIA, ITALIA) Sebastian Vogel, Florian Seiler, Michael Märker, Domenico Esposito 1 Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy... more
THE SALVE RESEARCH PROJECT: SARNO RIVER PLAIN – ANCIENT LIFE IN THE VESUVIAN ENVIRONMENT (CAMPANIA, ITALIA) Sebastian Vogel, Florian Seiler, Michael Märker, Domenico Esposito 1 Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB), Potsdam (Germany) 2 German Archaeological Institute, Berlin (Germany) 3 University of Pavia, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Pavia (Italy) 4 Independent Researcher, Berlin (Germany) The ancient city of Pompeii, buried by the explosive AD 79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius, is excavated and intensively studied for more than 265 years. However, in an archaeological prospective, its hinterland, in which the urban centre was politically and culturally embedded and from which it was economically dependent, is still relatively unknown. As yet no comprehensive and integrated study exist that focus on both the socio-economic as well as paleoenvironmental conditions of the Sarno River plain in Roman and pre-Roman times. To close this gap o...
In an integrative interdisciplinary approach of archaeology and geosciences the ancient cultural landscape of the Sarno River plain is being reconstructed before the volcanic eruption of Somma-Vesuvius in AD 79. In a first project phase... more
In an integrative interdisciplinary approach of archaeology and geosciences the ancient cultural landscape of the Sarno River plain is being reconstructed before the volcanic eruption of Somma-Vesuvius in AD 79. In a first project phase the pre-AD 79 topography and paleo-environmental conditions of the Sarno River plain were modelled using stratigraphic data, GIS and an inductively-derived predictive model based on decision trees. These paleo-conditions can be considered as fundamental for the understanding of the ancient settlement dynamic and the interactive human-environment relationship in the pre-Roman and Roman period. Consequently, in the second project phase this high resolution pre-AD 79 landscape model of the Sarno River plain is the basis for further detailed geoarchaeological research. The ancient local and regional road network of the Sarno River plain is being reconstructed by means of a terrain sensitive least-cost path analysis. It utilizes the pre-AD 79 topography a...
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S27 Revealing by visualising: Geographic relations in cultural heritage databases Mieko Matsumoto, Michael Märker, Espen Uleberg, Volker Hochschild Cultural heritage databases can easy accommodate, and are often required to contain large... more
S27 Revealing by visualising: Geographic relations in cultural heritage databases Mieko Matsumoto, Michael Märker, Espen Uleberg, Volker Hochschild Cultural heritage databases can easy accommodate, and are often required to contain large quantities of data. It is a challenge to present and convey this data in a manner which provides a comprehensive overview, whilst simultaneously promoting new interpretations and understanding. To continue from the CAA in Siena, we would like to bring together researchers working on varying issues connected to the geographical relationships in cultural heritage and archaeological data. This can include the technical prerequisites of database systems, such as interface solutions that transform geographic, geodetic and 3D data to visualisation tools. We welcome presentations of tools and interfaces that allow the visualisation of this data in web based services, GIS systems, etc. In addition, we also wish to discuss tools for the spatial assessment of...
The stratigraphic sequence of Scafati, about 3 km east of ancient Pompeii, is presented consisting of a multilayered sequence of repeated volcanic deposition and pedogenesis that was caused by several phases of volcanic activity and... more
The stratigraphic sequence of Scafati, about 3 km east of ancient Pompeii, is presented consisting of a multilayered sequence of repeated volcanic deposition and pedogenesis that was caused by several phases of volcanic activity and volcanic quiescence of Somma-Vesuvius, at least, the last 20,000 years. Micromorphological analysis were carried out at the soil material and selected volcanic deposits to establish a chronological succession of different phases of volcanic deposition, pedogenetic transformation but also to highlight the anthropogenic influence. The micromorphological analysis testified furrow irrigation and soil cultivation in the medieval stratigraphy and allowed the identification of very significant antropogenic features in the Bronze Age/Iron Age paleosol, i.e. complex depositional crusts and dusty clay coatings and hypocoatings, which are often used as an indicator for tillage activity. In contrast to the clear macroscopic and chemical evidence of ancient soil cult...
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Gully erosion is one of the most severe environmental problems in large areas of Iran. Land degradation and accelerated desertification are the consequence in susceptible areas. Gully erosion normally takes place when surface runoff is... more
Gully erosion is one of the most severe environmental problems in large areas of Iran. Land degradation and accelerated desertification are the consequence in susceptible areas. Gully erosion normally takes place when surface runoff is concentrated and thus, detach and transfer soil particles down the slopes into the drainage network. In traditional soil erosion studies these processes often have been neglected. In this study we investigate the spatial distribution of gully erosion processes with a quantitative method since in many national assessment approaches just qualitative models were applied. For this study we utilized a detailed terrain analysis and a stochastic modeling approach using mechanical statistics. Moreover we predict the potential spatial distribution of gullies in the Mazayejan plain of Fars province in southwestern Iran where gully erosion is the main environmental threat. Our methodological approach consists in the following steps: i) mapping of gully erosion p...
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Soil erosion is one of the most challenging environmental issues in the world, causing unsustainable soil loss every year. In South Africa, several episodes of gully erosion have been documented and clearly linked to the presence of... more
Soil erosion is one of the most challenging environmental issues in the world, causing unsustainable soil loss every year. In South Africa, several episodes of gully erosion have been documented and clearly linked to the presence of Quaternary colluvial deposits on the Drakensberg Mountain footslopes. The aim of this study was to identify and assess the triggering factors of gully erosion in the upper Mkhomazi River basin in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. We compiled a gully inventory map and applied remote sensing techniques as well as field surveys to validate the gully inventory. The gullies were subdivided into slope gullies and fluvial gullies. We derived susceptibility maps based on the spatial distribution of gully types to assess the most important driving factors. A stochastic modeling approach (MaxEnt) was applied, and the results showed two susceptibility maps within the spatial distribution of the gully erosion probability. To validate the MaxEnt model results, a subset of...
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Research Interests: Soil Science, Land uses soil fertility, Environmental Soil Science, Multidisciplinary, Soil fertility management, and 9 moreSoil Erosion, Soil organic matter, Tillage and soil organic carbon, Soil Fertility, ORGANIC SOIL, Soil Fertility and Chemistry, Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition, Soil Organic Carbon, and Soil fertility changes and conservation
Geographic information system (GIS)-based predictive modelling is widely used in archaeology to identify suitable zones for ancient settlement locations and determine underlying factors of their distribution. In this study, we developed... more
Geographic information system (GIS)-based predictive modelling is widely used in archaeology to identify suitable zones for ancient settlement locations and determine underlying factors of their distribution. In this study, we developed predictive models on Roman viticulture in the Laetanian Region (Hispania Citerior-Tarraconensis), using the location of 82 ancient wine-pressing facilities or torcularia as response variables and 15 topographical and 6 socio-economic cost distance datasets as predictor variables. Several predictor variable subsets were selected either by expert knowledge of similar studies or by using a semi-automatization algorithm based on statistical distribution metrics of the input data. The latter aims at simplifying modelling and minimizing the necessity of a priori knowledge. Both approaches predicted the distribution of archeological sites sufficiently well. However, the best prediction performance was obtained by an expert knowledge model utilizing a predic...
Research Interests: Geography and Geosciences
Soil erosion represents one of the most important global issues with serious effects on agriculture and water quality, especially in developing countries, such as Ethiopia, where rapid population growth and climatic changes affect widely... more
Soil erosion represents one of the most important global issues with serious effects on agriculture and water quality, especially in developing countries, such as Ethiopia, where rapid population growth and climatic changes affect widely mountainous areas. The Meskay catchment is a head catchment of the Jemma Basin draining into the Blue Nile (Central Ethiopia) and is characterized by high relief energy. Thus, it is exposed to high degradation dynamics, especially in the lower parts of the catchment. In this study, we aim at the geomorphological assessment of soil erosion susceptibilities. First, a geomorphological map was generated based on remote sensing observations. In particular, we mapped three categories of landforms related to (i) sheet erosion, (ii) gully erosion, and (iii) badlands using a high-resolution digital elevation model (DEM). The map was validated by a detailed field survey. Subsequently, we used the three categories as dependent variables in a probabilistic mode...
Research Interests: Geology and Geosciences
In the most ancient wine area of the Controlled Denomination of Origin (DOC) “Oltrepò Pavese” in North-West Italy, foothills of the Apennine mountains, the soils of 14 representative vineyards managed for about 10 years with tillage (T)... more
In the most ancient wine area of the Controlled Denomination of Origin (DOC) “Oltrepò Pavese” in North-West Italy, foothills of the Apennine mountains, the soils of 14 representative vineyards managed for about 10 years with tillage (T) or natural grass-cover (G) or the alternation of the two methods between the rows (GT), were compared for their contents of organic matter, main soil parameters and extent of root development, in the first meter of depth. The soils are fine textured, sometimes calcareous, with low levels of organic matter. G and GT soil treatments showed higher organic matter content (on average 1.4%) than T (0.88%). Better root development (number and area) was observed in G and GT, in comparison with T; the number and size of roots showed a positive correlation with the soil organic matter.
From the 1990s onwards several Italian rivers have experienced a recent phase characterized by active-channel widening and, generally, by bed-level stability or slight aggradation. However, its triggering factors and its diffusion, along... more
From the 1990s onwards several Italian rivers have experienced a recent phase characterized by active-channel widening and, generally, by bed-level stability or slight aggradation. However, its triggering factors and its diffusion, along with the relationship between active-channel planform dynamics and vertical adjustments, are still quite debated and only few studies are available. This research deals with the active-channel planform changes occurred along the Scrivia River floodplain reach (NW Italy) over the period 1999–2019 and it aims at investigating in detail the ongoing geomorphological processes under the river management perspective. The study is based on a quantitative multitemporal analysis of aerial photographs and satellite images performed in a GIS environment and supported by field surveys. The outcomes revealed a generalized trend of gentle active-channel widening together with widespread bank instability and several (26% of total banks) intense and localized bank ...
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In this study we focus on paleontological sites in the area of Lake Manyara and the Makuyuni River Basin, Northern Tanzania. This region is known for Middle Pleistocene fossil finds and artefacts. To analyze the spatial distribution of... more
In this study we focus on paleontological sites in the area of Lake Manyara and the Makuyuni River Basin, Northern Tanzania. This region is known for Middle Pleistocene fossil finds and artefacts. To analyze the spatial distribution of potential paleontological find locations we applied two different methodologies based on statistical mechanics and on boosted regression trees. The first one is able to handle presence-only datasets such as the locations proper. The second approach was used to study the variable importance and to derive information on the related geo-processes for classified paleontological sites. The locations and their spatial distribution were retrieved from literature and collected by own field work over the last years. For the modeling we utilized environmental information such as spatially continuous layers of topography (30 m SRTM DEM), derivatives of topography, vegetation information as well as ASTER multispectral data as predictor variables. The results reve...
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A detailed, quantitative, multitemporal analysis of historical maps, aerial photos, and satellite images was performed to investigate the channel planform changes that occurred along the Scrivia River floodplain from 1878 to 2016. Various... more
A detailed, quantitative, multitemporal analysis of historical maps, aerial photos, and satellite images was performed to investigate the channel planform changes that occurred along the Scrivia River floodplain from 1878 to 2016. Various channel planform features, including channel length, area, width, braiding, sinuosity, lateral migration, activity, and stability, were computed through an innovative geographic information system–based procedure, starting from manually digitized active-channel polygons. Three active-channel morphological evolution stages are evident from: (1) 1878 to the 1950s; (2) the 1950s to the end of 1990s; and (3) the end of 1990s onward. In the first period, the river was generally able to migrate in its floodplain, shaping the riverscape. Active-channel narrowing and increasing channel stability characterize the second period. The most recent phase shows an inversion of the morphological evolutionary trend. This last phase is characterized by a slight gene...
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Abstract The use of phytomelioration in environmental management, particularly in case of long-term, permanent forest vegetation, is one of the most natural and effective ways to mitigate the effects of soil erosion. Forests in general... more
Abstract The use of phytomelioration in environmental management, particularly in case of long-term, permanent forest vegetation, is one of the most natural and effective ways to mitigate the effects of soil erosion. Forests in general have a very effective protective function. The paper identifies differences in the basic soil properties along slope surfaces, in relation to the land use. Moreover, the role of soil-protecting forests in reducing the intensity and effects of soil erosion processes was assessed. The research was conducted in the young glacial landscape of north-central Poland. Analysis of soil catenas along the slopes and of material collected from the soil pits revealed that the forests highly protect against the degradation of soil cover, especially, in limiting, among others, loss of humus and the reduction of upper soil horizons. On the slopes under forests, clear changes in particle size distribution in relation to the adjacent slopes used for agricultural purposes were observed.