GeolCarp_Vol68_No1_19

GEOLOGICA CARPATHICA

, FEBRUARY 2017, 68, 1, 19 – 28

doi: 10.1515/geoca-2017-0002

www.geologicacarpathica.com

Long-term geomorphological evolution in the Abruzzo area,

Central Italy: twenty years of research

ENRICO MICCADEI, TOMMASO PIACENTINI and MARCELLO BUCCOLINI

Department of Engineering and Geology, Università degli Studi “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, Italy;

miccadei@unich.it, tpiacentini@unich.it, buccolini@unich.it

(Manuscript received January 8, 2016; accepted in revised form November 30, 2016)

Abstract: The most recent research studies into the long-term landscape evolution of the Abruzzo area, carried out over

the last twenty years at the “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, are based on an integrated approach incorpo-

rating structural geology and geomorphology and, in particular, the geomorphometry of topographic and hydrographic

aspects, geological and structural-geomorphological surveys and mapping supported by morpho-stratigraphic and

chrono logical constraints.The geomorphological analyses have allowed us to outline the main stages of geomorphological

evolution and to identify the factors that have contributed to the landscape shaping of the Apennine Chain, the Adriatic

Piedmont and the fluvial plains and coastal sectors, up to the Tremiti islands. In the Apennine Chain, landscape evolution

— in a ridge, valley and basin system — is connected to the regional uplift, local tectonic subsidence and local base level

variations, which have led to changes in the drainage systems, from exoreic to endorheic (in the intermontane basins) and

then to exoreic again. In the Adriatic Piedmont, landscape shaping is connected to uplifting and eustatic sea-level

fluctuations, which have induced the formation of a structure-controlled drainage system and the shaping of systems of

entrenched alluvial fans and large consequent river valleys, with flights of river terraces. In the coastal Adriatic area

— composed of a coastal plain-coastal slope system (northern and southern coast) and of a cliffed rocky coast (central

coast, Tremiti) interrupted by river valleys — landscape shaping is the result of selective erosion due to the interaction

between marine geomorphic processes and slope processes connected to Late Quaternary eustatic fluctuations.

Keywords: geomorphological studies, landscape evolution, Neogene–Quaternary, Central Apennine Chain, Adriatic

Piedmont, coastal areas.

Introduction

Research studies on the relief landforms and processes that

characterize the Abruzzo area are very complex, requiring an

interdisciplinary approach that involves structural geomor-

phology in a broad sense, and must take into consideration the

various tectonic events that occurred in the Central

Apennines.

The Abruzzo area can be divided into three main morpho-

structural domains: the Central Apennines Chain, the Adriatic

Piedmont, with its large fluvial plains, and the coastal area,

each one presenting different morphostructural features in

terms of both surface and deep structure. The structural-

geomorphological relations, boundaries and internal differen-

tiations between the three domains, which reflect a different

morphogenesis at different times, are particularly significant.

In this framework, the various stages of evolution (especially

the initial ones) and the connections between the domains are

not entirely clear. These domains are the result of differen-

tiated geomorphological evolution, which took place after the

initial emersion stages: Eocene–?Oligocene to Miocene in the

chain areas and late Early Pleistocene in the piedmont and

even later in the coastal areas.

The geomorphological research conducted over the last

twenty years by the authors — and still under way — has

focused on the long-term geomorphological evolution of the

Abruzzo area, in connection with the scientific debate (since

Castiglioni 1935; Demangeot 1965; Mazzanti & Trevisan

1978) about the evolution of Central Italy. The research has

focused on the comparison of the Apennine Chain, the Adria-

tic Piedmont and the Adriatic sectors, up to the Tremiti islands

(Fig. 1), with particular reference to:

• morphogenesis in the chain, piedmont and coastal

areas;

• geomorphological evolution of the intermontane basins

and the main Abruzzo drainage systems, with reference to

tectonic processes and eustatic fluctuations;

• slope processes in relation to morphostructural features.

The research work of the authors was based upon detailed

geomorphological analyses carried out at local, catchment

and regional scales, including in particular topography and

hydro

graphy geomorphometry, bedrock and Quaternary

surface deposits mapping, and structural-geomorphological

mapping, further supported by the definition of morpho-

stratigraphic and chronological constraints (

C, U/Th,

Ar/Ar dating). This approach is a key tool for understanding

the long-term evolution of the landscape resulting from the

combination of the tectonic processes that have built up the

relief and the geomorphological surface processes that have

dismantled it.

MICCADEI, PIACENTINI and BUCCOLINI

GEOLOGICA CARPATHICA

, 2017, 68, 1, 19 – 28

General geological and geomorphological structure

of the Abruzzo area

The current landscape setting of the Abruzzo area, as well as

that of the northern and southern Italian peninsula, is the result

of the Neogene–Quaternary geological evolution of an

east-verging chain-foredeep-foreland orogenic system gene-

rated through the westward subduction of the Adriatic micro-

plate (Fig. 1).

Geomorphological evolution began with the emersion of the

orogen, forming an initial landscape, at least from the Mio-

cene (possibly Eocene–?Oligocene) in the chain area and from

the late Early

Pleistocene in the piedmont area, and it is closely

connected with a complex combination of endogenous (mor-

photectonics) and exogenous processes (slope, fluvial, karst

and glacial processes), also inducing selective erosion on

existing geological structures.

The morphology of the Central Apennine Chain is asym-

metric, with its highest peaks (Gran Sasso, 2912 m a.s.l.;

Maiella, 2793 m a.s.l.; Figs. 1 and 2) located eastward of the

main Tyrrhenian–Adriatic drainage divide, and is characte-

rized by the superimposition of undulations of different wave-

lengths, comprising a wide bulging (>100 km), intermediate

undulations (10 –20 km) and minor undulations (< 2km)

(Fig. 2; D’Agostino et al. 2001; Molin & Fubelli 2005;

Piacentini & Miccadei 2014). The chain is made up of thrust

sheets that were generated through the deformation of

Mesozoic–Cenozoic palaeogeographical domains (carbonate

platforms and related margins, slope and basin) consisting of

pre-orogenic lithological sequences having different

Fig. 1. Location map of the study area and geological scheme of central Italy (modified from Parotto et al. 2004). The boxes show the location

of Fig. 2.

GEOMORPHOLOGICAL EVOLUTION IN THE ABRUZZO AREA, CENTRAL ITALY: TWENTY YEARS OF RESEARCH

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thicknesses, rheology and erodibility (mainly limestone and/or

alternating limestone/marl). Orogenic compressional tectonics

along NW–SE to N–S-oriented thrusts affected the Central

Apennines from the Late Miocene (western side) to the Early

Pliocene (eastern side). This deformation caused the complex

superimposition of the tectonic units one over the other and

over synorogenic pelitic arenaceous turbiditic sequences.

The consequent tectonic thickening led to the emersion of the

chain and the shaping of the incipient landscape composed of

low hilly relief, gentle surfaces and islands, bordered by bays

and small marine basins (Coltorti & Pieruccini 2000; Parotto

et al. 2004; APAT 2006 a,b,c,d; Patacca et al. 2008; ISPRA

2010 a,b,c,d; Vezzani et al. 2010; Calamita et al. 2012;

Miccadei et al. 2012 a; Bonini et al. 2014 and references

therein). Compressional deformation was followed by strike-

slip tectonics along mostly NW–SE to NNW–SSE-oriented

faults poorly constrained in age and largely masked by later

extensional tectonic events. Strike-slip tectonics contributed

to defining a more complex tectonic setting, deforming the

compressional tectonic units.

Since the Early Pleistocene (and more intensively during

the Middle Pleistocene), the orogen underwent regional up lif-

ting (average rate 0.2–1 mm/a), connected to sublithospheric

dynamics and responsible for the long-wavelength bulging of

the chain (Demangeot 1965; Cinque et al. 1993; Dramis 1993;

Ascione & Cinque 1999; D’Agostino et al. 2001; Mayer et

al. 2003; Ascione et al. 2008; Carminati & Doglioni 2012;

Faccenna et al. 2014). In connection with regional uplift, local

extensional tectonics affected the chain — first in the western

areas and then in the eastern ones — and led to the formation

of the intermediate topography undulations along the main

NW–SE-trending extensional fault systems (Fig. 2) (average

slip-rates ~ 0.1–1.5 mm/a; Papanikolaou et al. 2005 and refe-

rences therein). This caused the uplifting of the chain system,

the formation of the intermontane basins (Cavinato & De

Celles 1999; Galadini & Messina 2004; Giaccio et al. 2012;

Bonini et al. 2014; Piacentini & Miccadei 2014 and references

therein), the ensuing widening of the chain area and the emer-

sion of the Adriatic Piedmont (Dramis 1993; Coltorti et al.

1991, 1996; Aucelli et al. 1996; Centamore et al. 1996; Del

Monte et al. 1996; Lupia Palmieri et al. 1996, 1998; Ascione

& Cinque 1999; D’Alessandro et al. 2003; Mayer et al. 2003).

The present-day tectonic setting is characterized by exten-

sional tectonics still active in the axial part of the chain, which

is characterized by intense seismicity and strong historical

earthquakes (up to M 7.0; e.g. Fucino 1915; L’Aquila 2009).

The Adriatic Piedmont is characterized by moderate uplifting

and moderate seismicity, while the Adriatic sea is affected by

subsidence and by moderate compression and strike-slip

related seismicity (Di Bucci & Angeloni 2013 and references

therein).

The combination of these processes with Quaternary cli-

mate fluctuations led to the most important morphogenetic

phases, involving morphotectonic and selective erosion pro-

cesses, both in the chain area and in the piedmont and coastal

areas. This resulted in the reorganization of drainage systems,

the dismembering of the palaeo-landscapes generated during

the initial shaping stage, the development of consequent

valleys with flights of fluvial terraces and the formation of the

present-day landscape (D’Agostino et al. 2001; Ascione et al.

2008; Nesci et al. 2012; Piacentini & Miccadei 2014 and refe-

rences therein).

Fig. 2. Swath profile in the SW–NE direction across the central Apennines (from 40 m DEM). Maximum, minimum and average elevations

(and the related interpolation) are shown, as well as the main extensional fault systems and the position of the main divides (modified form

Piacentini & Miccadei 2014).

GEOMORPHOLOGICAL EVOLUTION IN THE ABRUZZO AREA, CENTRAL ITALY: TWENTY YEARS OF RESEARCH

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NW–SE-trending chain axis, underlain by synorogenic

pelitic-arenaceous sequences (fault line valleys) or carved

into the calcareous bedrock (transversal and radial

valleys);

• tectonic valleys and large tectonic intermontane basins,

mostly NW–SE-elongated and partly filled with Quater-

nary post-orogenic continental deposits.

These morphostructural elements were affected by the main

surface processes (mostly fluvial, slope, lacustrine, karst and

glacial) induced and controlled by climate fluctuations, local

and regional tectonics and related base level variations.

The analysis of the geomorphological-structural characte-

ristics of the main ridges, valleys and intermontane basins, of

the drainage systems and of karst palaeo-landscapes (Ciccacci

et al. 1999; Miccadei et al. 1999; Piacentini 2000; Cavinato et

al. 2002; Villani 2004; Ascione et al. 2007; Berti 2008;

Piacentini & Miccadei 2014; Santo et al. 2014 and references

therein) has enabled us to outline the evolution of the land-

scape in relation to uplifting, extensional tectonics and geo-

morphological processes (Fig. 4).

The earliest evidence of local erosion, probably due to karst

processes, dates back to the Eocene–Oligocene (Miccadei et

al. 2012a), bearing witness to the early emersion

that took

place when the area was still in the foreland of the Apennine

orogenic system. Between the Late Miocene and the Pliocene,

the Abruzzo area was progressively affected by compressional

tectonics. The landscape was gradually transformed into

a series of islands, separated by some marine sedimentary

basins, where deposits were laid down over the deformed

pre-orogenic sequences (piggy-back, thrust-top basins;

Fig. 4. Distribution of the geomorphic processes in the chain, piedmont and coastal plain sectors of the Abruzzo area.

MICCADEI, PIACENTINI and BUCCOLINI

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, 2017, 68, 1, 19 – 28

Cipollari et al. 1999; Miccadei et al. 2012a and references

therein). This initial landscape was characterized by minor

topographic undulations related to karst and fluvial erosion,

the remnants of which have been preserved at the top of the

relief; patches of conglomerates with allochthonous elements

found at high elevations and in large hanging valleys provide

evidence of a pre-existing drainage system originating from

the western sectors (Marsica area; Miccadei & Parotto 1999;

Miccadei et al. 2012a).

In the chain area, since the Early Pleistocene (Fig. 4), anti-

clinal ridges, thrust ridges (e.g., Monte Morrone, Montagna

Grande) and fault line valleys (e.g., the Giovenco River Valley,

Sangro River Valley and Tasso Stream Valley) have been

shaped by the geomorphic processes controlled by the litho-

structural features of

compressional structures. The presence

of palaeosurface remnants on top of the relief and the arrange-

ment of continental deposits on the valley slopes show various

stages in the deepening of the hydrographic network and in the

incision of the landscape that started in the Early Pleistocene,

when part of the relief had probably already developed

(Galadini & Messina 2004; Ascione et al. 2008; Aucelli et al.

2011; Giaccio et al. 2012). This led to the outline of the current

chain configuration.

Intermontane basins, tectonic valleys and homoclinal

faulted ridges started to be shaped diachronically in connec-

tion with extensional tectonics: from the Early Pleistocene in

the western portion of the Apennines and from the late Early

Pleistocene in the axial and eastern sides (Figs. 3 and 4)

(Cavinato & De Celles 1999; D’Agostino et al. 2001; Galadini

& Messina 2004; Carminati & Doglioni 2012; Bonini et al.

2014; Mazzoli et al. 2014; Piacentini & Miccadei 2014). Large

intermontane basins were formed, elongated in a NW–SE to

NNW–SSE direction and bounded by normal faults mostly on

their eastern sides (Fig. 4). These basins were progressively

filled with sequences of alluvial fan, fluvial and lacustrine

deposits. The tectonic subsidence of the basins led to the

re arrangement of the drainage systems and the formation of

endorheic areas in the axial part of the chain (Fucino,

L’Aquila).

During the Early–Middle Pleistocene, intermontane basins

were filled primarily by sequences of lacustrine deposits.

These bear witness to the formation of a large system of lacus-

trine basins within low-lying areas bordered by fault related

escarpments and fault slopes. These basins developed mostly

along NW–SE and WSW–ENE-oriented fault systems, with

complex deformation histories (including strike-slip move-

ments) and a last stage characterized by extensional tectonics.

During the latter, the local tectonic subsidence rate was higher

than the regional

uplift rate, thus preserving an endorheic

drainage system in the basins.

Extensional tectonics induced the formation of large sets of

tectonic landforms and of slope-alluvial fan deposits. At the

same time, variations in local base levels (within the intermon-

tane basins) and the deepening of the hydrographic network

induced intense surface processes and controlled the develop-

ment and exhumation of thrust and anticlinal ridges (Ciccacci

et al. 1999; Miccadei et al. 1999, 2004; Cavinato et al. 2002;

Galadini & Messina 2004; Giaccio et al. 2012; Piacentini &

Miccadei 2014; Santo et al. 2014; for the surrounding areas

see also Coltorti et al. 1991, 1996; Amato et al. 2014; Aringoli

et al. 2014; Giano et al. 2014; Labella et al. 2014 and refe-

rences therein).

In the late Middle Pleistocene, the Appenines area under-

went an extensive landscape modification. A sudden change

occurred, from closed drainage systems and lacustrine basins

to open through-going drainage systems connected to the

Adriatic Piedmont. This is indicated in the sedimentary

sequence of the intermontane basins by the transition — with

erosional contacts and unconformities — from lacustrine

deposits to mainly fluvial and alluvial ones. In this stage, the

effects of regional uplift and geomorphic processes overcame

the local tectonic subsidence, inducing the incision and deepe-

ning of the drainage network. The connection between the

basins and the Piedmont was the result of the incision of both

longitudinal (along tectonic or fault line valleys) and trans-

versal deep gorges (along transversal valleys crossing fault

slopes, faulted homocline ridges and thrust ridges).

The front of the Apennine Chain experienced extensive

modifications connected with the evolution of the chain. From

the Miocene to the Pliocene, the front migrated from west to

east, inducing the gradual emersion of the chain. Since the

Early Pleistocene, it has been located in its present position

near the outer and more superficial thrusts. In this area, geo-

morphological studies and mapping (D’Alessandro et al.

2008; Della Seta et al. 2008; Miccadei et al. 2012c, 2013) have

shown the development of intense selective erosion processes

induced by the regional uplift and controlled by the passive

role of morphostructures and lithology in terms of hardness,

fracturing and erodibility. These processes resulted in the for-

mation of major thrust ridges (Gran Sasso, eastern Morrone)

and exhumed anticlinal ridges (Maiella) along the chain front.

From the Middle to the Late Pleistocene, these morphostruc-

tures were incised by radial valleys (Maiella) and transversal

valleys. The main transversal valleys (e.g., Popoli gorges,

Pescara River) defined the connection of the drainage system

of the Apennines Chain with the one in the piedmont area.

Along the front of the chain, a sequence of alluvial fans and

terraced fluvial deposits provides evidence that the incision

occurred as a result of uplifting and drainage network deepe-

ning (see also Demangeot 1965; Dufaure et al. 1989; Coltorti

et al. 1991, 1996; Aucelli et al. 1996; Del Monte et al. 1996;

Nesci & Savelli 2003).

The Adriatic Piedmont landscape (D’Alessandro et al. 2003,

2008; Paron 2004; Della Seta et al. 2008; Buccolini et al.

2010; Miccadei et al. 2012c, 2013; for surrounding areas see

also Coltorti et al. 1991, 1996; Giannandrea et al. 2014: Gioia

et al. 2014) started to develop more recently, during the emer-

sion phase that occurred in the late Early Pleistocene (Fig. 4).

Its morphostructural setting is the result of the late evolution

of the Adriatic foredeep domain of the Apennine orogenic sys-

tem, with a coarsening-up sequence of marine clayey-san-

dy-conglomeratic rocks (Late Pliocene–Early Pleistocene)

GEOMORPHOLOGICAL EVOLUTION IN THE ABRUZZO AREA, CENTRAL ITALY: TWENTY YEARS OF RESEARCH

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characterized by a slightly NE-dipping homoclinal setting.

After the emersion, uplifting led to the shaping of cuestas,

mesas and plateaux incised by approximately SW–NE-

oriented consequent valleys. Some of these valleys lie within

the piedmont area. Others originate from the chain front and

cut across the whole piedmont. The main ones originate at the

core of the chain, cross its front through the main transversal

valleys and run across the piedmont within large alluvial

plains. The latter are characterized by fluvial deposits arranged

in flights of at least four orders of terraces that formed in the

Middle Pleistocene–Holocene interval. The slopes are exten-

sively covered by landslide and colluvial deposits (Della Seta

et al. 2008; D’Alessandro et al. 2008; ISPRA 2010 a,b,c,d;

Miccadei et al. 2013; for the surrounding areas see also

Coltorti et al. 1991, 1996; Bracone et al. 2012; Nesci et al.

2012; Giannandrea et al. 2014; Giano & Giannandrea 2014

and references therein). Secondary valleys show clear geo-

morphological evidence of tectonics, such as river bends,

hanging valleys and counterflow confluences. The correla-

tions between the above-mentioned geomorphic features and

the various generations of alluvial fans and river terraces in the

main and secondary valleys, together with the chronostrati-

graphic constraints, outline the shaping of a rectangular hydro-

graphic network and its possible timing. This network

deve loped in the late Middle Pleistocene and was influenced

by mainly SW–NE, N–S, NW–SE-oriented minor faults and

main joints associated with uplifting processes. It was gra-

dually incorporated in the hydrographic network rearrange-

ment up to its current configuration, which indeed still shows

a number of anomalies (network orientations, counterflow

confluences, knick points, stream captures, etc.; D’Alessandro

et al. 2008; Della Seta et al. 2008; Miccadei et al. 2012 c,

2013). Finally, rapid slope and fluvial plain dynamics are also

recorded in more recent times, mainly connected to anthropic

factors (e.g. Coltorti et al. 1996; Capelli et al. 1997; Buccolini

et al. 2007; Piacentini et al. 2015).

Therefore, the piedmont area is mainly characterized by

selective erosion processes, while the control of tectonics on

landforms is less present, although it strongly contributed to

defining the arrangement of the drainage network.

The Abruzzo coastal belt borders

the mesas and plateaux

sloping down from the piedmont area. It features a narrow,

elongated coastal plain bounded by palaeocliffs (northern

part) and a rock coast with cliffs of variable height and small

pocket beaches (southern part). Landscape shaping is con-

trolled by the geological setting of the Adriatic foredeep and

induced by uplifting, climate changes and Late Quaternary

eustatic sea-level fluctuations. In order to better understand

the landscape evolution of foreland areas, this sector was com-

pared with the Tremiti area (Ricci 2005; Mascioli 2008;

Miccadei et al. 2011a,b, 2012b; Parlagreco et al. 2011). Large

stretches of the Abruzzo coastal slopes are characterized by

palaeo-landslides, which involved entire slope portions (e.g.,

Ortona, Vasto), leading to the current coast configuration. Col-

luvial deposits and calcretes (dating: U/Th 30 –50 ka) covering

the landslide deposits allow us to date these phenomena to the

first part of the Late Pleistocene, in low sea level stands

(Calamita et al. 2012; Della Seta et al. 2013; Piacentini et al.

2015). The Holocene post-glacial sea-level rise induced the

filling of Late Pleistocene palaeo-valleys, the shaping of the

present cliffs and coastal slopes and the formation of a narrow

coastal plain. The coastal area is also characterized by recent

system of coastal dunes largely removed by urbanization and

anthropic activities (Miccadei et al. 2011b). The prevailing

role of selective erosion and morphosculptures can be assessed

in the coastal area too, in spite of the role played by tectonic

features, which have passively controlled the development of

cliffs and landslides.

Conclusions

The beginning of the morphogenesis and Quaternary geo-

morphologic evolution of the Apennine Chain and of the

related piedmont and coastal areas has always been at the cen-

tre of lively scientific debate. The geomorphological analysis

carried out by the authors in the Abruzzo and surrounding

areas have allowed us to outline the main evolutionary stages

and to identify the factors that have contributed to the land-

scape shaping of the main morphostructural domains (Fig. 4).

The geomorphological evolution of these domains has varied

over space and time and has been influenced by climate

changes and the effects of regional uplift, with different conse-

quences related to local tectonics or litho-structural control.

The main evidence is recorded in the morphostructures located

at the boundaries between the chain, piedmont and coastal

domains and in the internal variability of these domains

(Fig. 4).

The Abruzzo Apennine Chain is characterized by a complex

geological setting and landscape that evolved as a result of the

continuous combination — from Neogene to Quaternary times

— of tectonics and selective erosion, which are strongly

influenced by the juxtaposition of different lithological

sequences due to polyphasic (compressive, strike-slip and

extensional) tectonics and regional uplift. Landscape shaping

— in a ridge, valley and basin system — was thus controlled

by the combination of regional uplift and local tectonic sub-

sidence, which induced changes in the drainage base levels of

the intermontane basins and changes in the drainage systems,

from exoreic to endorheic and then to exoreic again. Climate

changes have affected the distribution of glacial and karst

landforms

as well as the variation in landslides and debris pro-

duction on the slopes and sediment transport in river valleys.

The overall morphostructural setting of the landscape is the

result of the active role of tectonics (which is prevalent in the

central and western sectors) and the passive role of the struc-

ture in selective erosion processes (which prevails in the

southern and eastern sectors; Fig. 4).

The Adriatic Piedmont has mainly a homoclinal morpho-

structural setting, incised by large consequent river valleys.

Landscape shaping has mostly resulted from the combination

of uplifting and eustatic sea-level fluctuations, together with

MICCADEI, PIACENTINI and BUCCOLINI

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, 2017, 68, 1, 19 – 28

climate changes and the related variation in sediment transport

in slopes and rivers. These processes have controlled the

selective erosion on hills and slopes and the shaping of river

valleys, with the formation of a series of wide alluvial fans and

fluvial terraces. From a morphostructural standpoint, the land-

scape is mainly influenced by selective erosion (cuestas,

mesas, plateaux) and uplift/fluvial incision processes (river

valleys and terraces), while the active role of local tectonics is

less evident, although the main tectonic elements essentially

controlled the development of the hydrographic network.

The coastal area is characterized, in the northern part, by

a narrow and elongated coastal plain with remnants of palaeo-

cliffs, interrupted by wide river valleys and, in the central-

southern part, by a rock coast with active and inactive cliffs

and large landslides. From a morphostructural standpoint,

landscape shaping is the result of selective erosion, due to the

interaction between marine geomorphic processes (and Late

Quaternary eustatic sea-level variations) and slope processes

(major landslides). These processes have been induced by

uplift and passively controlled by the litho-structural setting of

the mesa and plateaux reliefs bordering the coast as well as by

the presence of tectonic elements. More recently, the

above-mentioned long-term processes have interacted, espe-

cially in the piedmont and coastal areas, with variations in

river and coastal plain dynamics, mainly related to both natu-

ral and anthropic processes.

Acknowledgements: The authors wish to thank the reviewers

of the manuscript (A. Ascione, B. Gentili, L. Stamatopulos)

for their comments and suggestions, which greatly improved

the manuscript and figures. The authors also wish to thank for

their precious support, comments and suggestions, the Editor

J. Minár and the Guest Editors of the Thematic Issue P.P.C.

Aucelli, C.M. Rosskopf, M. Schiattarella. Special thanks

also go to the ‘Struttura Speciale di Supporto Sistema Infor-

mativo Regione Abruzzo’ (http://www.regione.abruzzo.it/

xcartografia/; http://opendata.regione.abruzzo.it/catalog) for

providing the topographic data, aerial photos and orthophotos

used for the geomorphological investigations. This work is the

result of twenty years’ research conducted by the authors at the

Laboratory of Structural Geomorphology and GIS of the

Chieti-Pescara “G. d’Annunzio” University, with the contri-

bution of several PhD. theses (Piacentini 2000; Paron 2004;

Villani 2004; Ricci 2005; Berti 2008; Mascioli 2008). This

work is funded by University funds (E. Miccadei, M. Bucco-

lini, T. Piacentini) of the Department of Engineering and Geo-

logy, Università degli Studi G. d’Annunzio Chieti — Pescara

(Italy), with the contribution of several PRIN-MIUR projects

carried out by the authors.

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