Key research themes
1. How can multi-scale methodologies improve the assessment and prediction of soil erosion susceptibility in diverse geomorphological contexts?
This research theme explores the development and application of multi-scale and multi-disciplinary methodologies for assessing soil erosion susceptibility, integrating geomorphological, climatic, and anthropogenic factors. The goal is to improve predictive capabilities and inform management practices across different settings including coastal cliffs, badlands, and archaeological areas. Such approaches are crucial to understanding complex erosion dynamics influenced by lithology, topography, climate variability, and land use, particularly given climate change impacts.
2. What role do land use changes and agricultural practices play in modulating soil erosion rates and sediment connectivity in erosion-sensitive Mediterranean landscapes?
This theme investigates how transitions from traditional extensive cropping systems to intensive land uses in Mediterranean agricultural landscapes affect hydrological responses, soil loss rates, and sediment connectivity. The focus revolves around empirical field measurements combined with soil erosion models and GIS-based connectivity indices to elucidate the interplay of land management, vegetation cover, machinery use, and topography on erosion processes and landscape sediment dynamics.
3. How do geomorphological and structural factors control the mechanisms and rates of rocky cliff erosion in coastal environments?
This research theme focuses on understanding the physical controls of rocky cliff erosion through detailed characterization of geological structures, lithology, and geomorphological processes. It includes the use of high-resolution topographic and geometric models to quantify cliff retreat and instability mechanisms, which are essential for hazard assessment and coastal management under changing climatic conditions.