Un esempio di coesistenza difficile tra ambiente fisico ed antropizzazione: l'area vesuviana

Abstract

Analysis of geological, geomorphological, volcanological and historical data is used for a qualitative reconstruction of the evolution of surface morphologic features of the Somma-Vesuvius area during the last 2,000 years, starting from the landscape as modified by the Vesuvius Plinian eruption of 79 A.D. Physical factors of morphogenesis (volcanic activity and surface run-off, in particular) seem to have played a prominent role in modifying this "Vesuvian" landscape at least up to 1,500 A.D. After this date, the anthropic factor started to interfere heavily with natural factors increasing the already high risk: periods of low geological risk are associated both with very low volcanic activity and marginal human presence. It can also be observed that in recent and present times, in spite of a conspicuous volcanic activity and consequent hydrogeologic damage, the human presence has intensely and widely modified the Vesuvian landscape thereby accelerating the degradation process of the territory.