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Coastal erosion study using geophysical methods: the case of the cliff of Roca (Lecce, Italy)
by
Giovanni Leucci
University of Lecce
A marine cliff is the result of the interaction between marine and land processes; it is a steep slope, generally of varying height and partly submerged. In broad lines, its evolution depends on its stability, i.e., on its height and on the physical – mechanical characteristics of the rock in which it is modelled, as well as on the type of impacting wave during the storms.
In the present work the physical condition of the cliff of Roca (Lecce, Italy) is examined. The area is of particular interest for the presence of a very important archaeological cave (Grotta della Poesia).
In order to know the evolution of the erosion phenomena, 3D electrical tomography, seismic refraction tomography and ground penetrating radar surveys were carried out.
The compared interpretation of the geophysical data used together with the geomorphological data permitted to point out the possible existence of a cavity in the sedimentary body of the cliff and a microfractures system that divides in two parts the body of the cliff.
Date received: July 6, 2004
Copyright © 2004 by the author(s). The author(s) of this document and the organizers of the conference have granted their consent to include this abstract in Atlas Conferences Inc. Document # caon-04.