Joint Interpretation of Archaeological, Geological, Geophysical and Remotely Sensed Data for Fluvial Geomorphology: The Case of the Calore River Meander North of Benevento (Italy)
Aug 2026· Remote Sensing· Vol 18, pp. 2629· 0 citations· 51 references
Abstract
This study presents a multidisciplinary investigation of the fluvial evolution of the northern meander of the Calore River at Cellarulo locality, near Benevento (southern Italy). The research integrates archaeological evidence, geological and geomorphological data, historical cartography, remote sensing imagery and geophysical surveys in a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment. Multi-temporal analysis of historical maps, aerial photographs and satellite images from 1824 to 2022 allowed the reconstruction of channel migration patterns and the identification of abandoned meanders and paleochannel traces. Stratigraphic data derived from boreholes revealed the presence of a channel of the Calore River dated at least in the Bronze Age (3900 years ago), abandoned in the nineteenth century. Geoelectrical investigations provided detailed information on subsurface resistivity anomalies, highlighting the presence of buried structures and possible ancient anthropogenic features located at shallow depths between 1 and 1.5 m. The combined interpretation of geomorphological, archaeological and geophysical data demonstrates significant data on the unveiling of an ancient river channel and its abandonment during the last 150 years, suggesting a strong interaction between natural fluvial dynamics and human occupation. The results confirm the effectiveness of an integrated multidisciplinary approach for reconstructing fluvial landscape evolution and for identifying buried archaeological and geomorphological features in complex floodplain environments.
Fluvial terraces represent important geomorphological archives for reconstructing the effects of climatic fluctuations, tectonic activity, and base-level changes during Quaternary times. This study investigates the geomorphological and stratigraphic evolution of the Bradano, Basento, and Salandrella River systems within the Bradanic Foredeep of southern Italy, by means of field observations, geomorphological mapping, aerial-photo interpretation, and GIS analyses. Four relative morphostratigrafic orders of Pleistocene fluvial terraces (T1–T4) have been identified and correlated across the three drainage basins. No absolute ages are available for these surfaces. The terraced deposits consist of alternating sandy and conglomeratic bodies recording multiple episodes of incision and/or aggradation overlaying erosional surfaces developed on Pre-Quaternary bedrock. Morphometric analyses revealed significant differences in terrace elevation and relative height above the modern channels, among the three investigated basins. The Salandrella basin preserves some of the highest terraced remnants, a pattern compatible with a possible tectonic contribution related to its proximity to the Apennine mountain front. Conversely, the Basento and Bradano basins evidenced a greater influence of lithological conditions, sediment supply, and climate-controlled variations in fluvial dynamics. The results indicate that the evolution of the staircase fluvial terraces reflects the combined influence of glacio-eustatic sea-level fluctuations, Quaternary climatic oscillations, local geological controls, and a possible contribution from regional tectonic deformation. The regional correlation of terraced surfaces highlights the role of the external forcing in shaping landscape evolution, while local differences emphasize the importance of catchment-scale controls within the Bradanic Foredeep.
F. Olita, S. Giano, M. Bentivenga et al.· Water· 0 citations
Geomorphic features, drainage patterns and topography are key indicators of active tectonics. This study examines geomorphological characteristics and geological hazards, specifically earthquakes and landslides, in the Muzaffarabad region. The findings contribute to disaster risk reduction and achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs). Field‐based geomorphological studies and satellite imagery were used to analyse the geomorphological characteristics of the region. Five geomorphic indices, namely asymmetry factor (AF), drainage basin shape index (Db), slope analysis, valley floor width‐to‐height (
V
f
) ratios and hypsometric curves, were calculated using shuttle radar topography mission digital elevation model (SRTM DEM). Features such as drainage offsets, stream deflections, faceted spurs, seismicity, deformed recent sediments and point bars dissection near the Jhelum and Muzaffarabad faults suggest left‐lateral oblique‐slip motion, indicating the tectonically active nature of these faults. The geomorphic and neotectonics analysis concludes that the Muzaffarabad region is highly susceptible to earthquakes and landslides, particularly, in fault‐affected areas. A flood susceptibility analysis using multi‐criteria decision analysis (MCDA) in ArcGIS was conducted to enhance climate resilience and disaster preparedness (SDG 13) and support (SDG 6) by identifying flood‐prone areas. Three high‐risk flood zones were identified: Neelum River–Shawai Nala confluence, Jhelum–Neelum rivers convergence at Domel and a low‐lying area near the Lohargali landslide. This study highlights the importance of integrating morphometric, geomorphological and geospatial techniques for effective disaster risk reduction (SDGs 11 and 13), climate‐resilient infrastructure (SDG 9), addressing SDG 6 and sustainable urban development, ensuring long‐term safety in tectonically active regions. Additionally, the methodology in this study, integrating multiple existing techniques, can be expanded for hazard assessment in other regions.
Waqar Ayub, Ahmed Nabi, M. Jabran et al.· Geological Journal· 0 citations
Geological mapping is essential for understanding the relationships among geomorphology, stratigraphy, lithology, and structural geology, which collectively control landscape evolution. This study aims to characterize the geomorphology, stratigraphy, structural geology, and geological evolution of the Rembang area and its surroundings in the North Serayu Zone, Central Java, Indonesia. The research employed an integrated qualitative and quantitative geological mapping approach combining field investigations, geomorphological analysis, stratigraphic interpretation, structural measurements, petrographic observations, Geographic Information System (GIS), and Digital Elevation Model (DEM-SRTM) analysis over a 16 km² study area. The results identified two principal geomorphological units, namely denudational hills (55%) and denudational plains (45%), characterized by dendritic to sub-dendritic drainage patterns controlled by lithological resistance and tectonic structures. Stratigraphically, the area consists of three major lithological units: Andesite Intrusion, Andesite Breccia, and Quaternary Alluvial Deposits, representing successive magmatic, volcanic, and surface depositional processes. Structural analysis revealed a dominant northwest-southeast tectonic trend expressed by joints and a dextral normal fault that significantly controls ridge alignment, valley orientation, and drainage development. Petrographic observations indicate porphyritic to aphanitic andesite composed predominantly of plagioclase, quartz, and biotite, confirming shallow intrusive magmatism. The reconstructed geological evolution suggests that the area experienced Pliocene magmatism, followed by Pleistocene volcanism, subsequent tectonic deformation, and ongoing Holocene denudation and fluvial sedimentation. These findings demonstrate that the present landscape represents the combined effects of lithological resistance, tectonic deformation, and prolonged denudational processes, providing valuable insights for regional geological interpretation, geohazard assessment, land-use planning, and geotourism development.
Agus Rochmat· International journal of res...· 0 citations
This study reconstructs and compares two major mid-20th-century geological maps of the tectonically complex Zabadani
area (at a 1:50,000 scale) to assess their spatial and lithologic consistency. Modern GIS workflows allow for scanning,
georeferencing, digitizing, and harmonizing using a unique historical sheet legend by Louis Dubertret and Vladimir
Ponikarov. The results of the overlay analysis show that spatial differences accounting for about 20% of the study area
are located along the fuzzy boundaries between the Lower Cretaceous and Upper Jurassic sequences. While Dubertret’s
regional chronostratigraphic continuity, Ponikarov’s structural approach captures much more lithomechanical detail
and fault density. To address these inconsistencies, we applied zonal statistics on NASA’s EMIT Level 2B mineral-fraction
products (60 m resolution). Both maps show the regional carbonate platform. EMIT images show a diverse mineral
landscape at the subpixel scale, including halloysite, Clinochlore, hectorite, muscovite, and dickite. This hyperspectral
fingerprinting confirms Ponikarov’s more detailed stratigraphic subdivisions in a direct way. This integrated workflow
ultimately demonstrates that combining legacy cartography with advanced imaging spectroscopy effectively isolates
real ground-level mineralogical variations from cartographic artifacts, providing an empirical roadmap for future field
verification.
Jean Albert Doumit· Journal of Oil and Gas Resea...· 0 citations
This study provides insights on modification of the drainage network within the urban area of Catania (southern Italy) by the recurrent volcanic eruptions of Mount Etna that occurred throughout the Holocene. The oldest lava flows identified within the urban area were emplaced around 5000 BC, culminating in the most recent lava flow that reached the city in 1669. By integrating historical documentation, field observations, and geotechnical borehole data, the original morphological configuration of the area was reconstructed to delineate the pre-eruptive surface drainage system prior to burial by lava flows. The geometry and depth of the paleovalleys were further constrained through estimation of the thickness of the lava flows filling these preexisting depressions. The results highlight a substantial reorganization of the local geomorphology, wherein former valleys were transformed into topographic highs, markedly altering drainage pathways and infiltration dynamics. This long-term landscape evolution continues to exert a persistent control on the spatial distribution and movement of groundwater. In particular, the principal subsurface flow directions align with the axes of the ancient surface drainage network, while the thickest lava sequences constitute the most productive groundwater reservoirs owing to their enhanced secondary permeability.
Giovanna Pappalardo, Agnese Messina· Bulletin of Volcanology· 0 citations
Remote sensing techniques and field surveys were combined to evaluate the hydrological and geomorphological effects of the Euphrates River on the lakes and ancient buried meanders in the Ramadi region. This study addresses the problem of identifying the sources of recharge and the seasonal dynamics of these water bodies. Remote sensing and field survey techniques were employed, including satellite image analysis, topographic measurements, soil texture assessment, and chemical analysis of water samples from lake, wells, and river. The results of the soil sample analysis revealed the presence of coarse, highly porous sediments in the buried meanders, confirming their potential role as subsurface reservoirs. Water quality analyses showed a strong similarity between the lake and river samples suggesting that groundwater recharge is strongly influenced by the Euphrates River. In addition, the lake 2 showed slight fluctuations in surface area between 1997 and 2025, while the lake located farther from the river showed large seasonal differences. These results indicate the role of the Euphrates River in maintaining nearby water bodies, and highlight the importance of integrating remote sensing with field surveys to provide a comprehensive understanding of water body dynamics.
Sarah Moammed, Omar Aljarrah· Iraqi Geological Journal· 0 citations