GEOLOGICAL AND GEOMORPHOLOGICAL CONTROLS ON FLOOD PHENOMENA IN THE PUTIGNANO TOWN, SOUTHERN ITALY

Abstract

The geological/geomorphological map of Putignano town (Bari, Southern Italy) contains useful evidence of landforms and sedimentary successions in both urbanized and industrial areas, contributing also to a better understanding of floodings during high-magnitude pluviometric events in the area. The analyzed flooded areas correspond to surfaces karst landforms with different shapes and sizes. Our detailed geological/geomorphological study shows that most of the industrial area of Putignano was built on Cretaceous calcareous units in a depressed area, which corresponds to an extensive endorheic basin (locally called "il Basso"). Part of the local urban expansion, built from 1950 to present day, occupies the most depressed areas of numerous karst valleys that, despite this urbanization, still preserve their hydraulic function. Usually these geological and geomorphological features are not yet completely identified and, unfortunately, not taken into consideration in the planning stages of the urban expansion and industrial settlement.