Sea Level Markers

The Luni Plain, which faces the northern Tyrrhenian Sea, underwent major landscape changes over the last 3000 years. The coastline shifted south and west, separating the ruins of the ancient Roman colony of Luni (founded in 177 BC) from the sea by means of a new coastal plain. The precise location of the coastline during the main settlement phase as well as during the city's decline has never been established, although partial and qualitative scenarios have been suggested by various authors. According to these authors, an indentation of the coastline west of the city formed a major water basin, along the shores of which traces of pre-Roman settlements exist; near the city, two minor basins were present, suitable for hosting harbour structures. The city of Luni was famed for its harbour (Portus Lunae), from which the marbles quarried in the Apuan Alps, used to build many of the monuments in Rome, were delivered. The traces of its port, however, are scattered and uncertain. Newly available subsurface data are presented, associated with a revision of unpublished archaeological evidence of the ancient city topography. Progress in palaeoenvironmental reconstructions at Luni has been possible thanks to the collection and analysis of ancient and recent cores, supported by radiocarbon dates, as well as the interpretation of archaeological findings suitable as markers for sea-level recognition. The main environmental changes in the area have been refined: since a few centuries before the colony was founded, the Luni plain had been characterized by a complex architecture of swamps and marshes limited by dune ridges and fluvial sand bars. The positions of these landforms were not fixed, but shifted, mainly depending on the spatial relationship between the coastline and the river mouths. Determining the precise position of the Roman coastline is useful to constrain the area in which archaeological surveys should be concentrated in order to identify the harbour location. Moreover, some of these results have been used to infer altitude constraints on the sea-level position in Roman times: preliminary data are shown for constructing a Late Holocene local sea-level curve in the area.

The Luni Plain, which faces the northern Tyrrhenian Sea, underwent major landscape changes over the last 3000 years. The coastline shifted south and west, separating the ruins of the ancient Roman colony of Luni (founded in 177 BC) from the sea by means of a new coastal plain. The precise location of the coastline during the main settlement phase as well as during the city's decline has never been established, although partial and qualitative scenarios have been suggested by various authors. According to these authors, an indentation of the coastline west of the city formed a major water basin, along the shores of which traces of pre-Roman settlements exist; near the city, two minor basins were present, suitable for hosting harbour structures. The city of Luni was famed for its harbour (Portus Lunae), from which the marbles quarried in the Apuan Alps, used to build many of the monuments in Rome, were delivered. The traces of its port, however, are scattered and uncertain. Newly available subsurface data are presented, associated with a revision of unpublished archaeological evidence of the ancient city topography. Progress in palaeoenvironmental reconstructions at Luni has been possible thanks to the collection and analysis of ancient and recent cores, supported by radiocarbon dates, as well as the interpretation of archaeological findings suitable as markers for sea-level recognition. The main environmental changes in the area have been refined: since a few centuries before the colony was founded, the Luni plain had been characterized by a complex architecture of swamps and marshes limited by dune ridges and fluvial sand bars. The positions of these landforms were not fixed, but shifted, mainly depending on the spatial relationship between the coastline and the river mouths. Determining the precise position of the Roman coastline is useful to constrain the area in which archaeological surveys should be concentrated in order to identify the harbour location. Moreover, some of these results have been used to infer altitude constraints on the sea-level position in Roman times: preliminary data are shown for constructing a Late Holocene local sea-level curve in the area.

The Luni Plain, which faces the northern Tyrrhenian Sea, underwent major landscape changes over the last 3000 years. The coastline shifted south and west, separating the ruins of the ancient Roman colony of Luni (founded in 177 BC) from the sea by means of a new coastal plain. The precise location of the coastline during the main settlement phase as well as during the city's decline has never been established, although partial and qualitative scenarios have been suggested by various authors. According to these authors, an indentation of the coastline west of the city formed a major water basin, along the shores of which traces of pre-Roman settlements exist; near the city, two minor basins were present, suitable for hosting harbour structures. The city of Luni was famed for its harbour (Portus Lunae), from which the marbles quarried in the Apuan Alps, used to build many of the monuments in Rome, were delivered. The traces of its port, however, are scattered and uncertain. Newly available subsurface data are presented, associated with a revision of unpublished archaeological evidence of the ancient city topography. Progress in palaeoenvironmental reconstructions at Luni has been possible thanks to the collection and analysis of ancient and recent cores, supported by radiocarbon dates, as well as the interpretation of archaeological findings suitable as markers for sea-level recognition. The main environmental changes in the area have been refined: since a few centuries before the colony was founded, the Luni plain had been characterized by a complex architecture of swamps and marshes limited by dune ridges and fluvial sand bars. The positions of these landforms were not fixed, but shifted, mainly depending on the spatial relationship between the coastline and the river mouths. Determining the precise position of the Roman coastline is useful to constrain the area in which archaeological surveys should be concentrated in order to identify the harbour location. Moreover, some of these results have been used to infer altitude constraints on the sea-level position in Roman times: preliminary data are shown for constructing a Late Holocene local sea-level curve in the area.

In order to establish paleoenvironmental conditions during the late Quaternary, four cores from the Basin of Mexico (central Mexico) were drilled in Chalco Lake, located in the southeastern part of the basin. The upper 8 m of two parallel cores were studied, using paleomagnetic, loss-on-ignition, pollen, and diatom analyses. Based on 11 14C ages, the analyzed record spans the last 19,000 14C yr B.P. Volcanic activity has affected microfossil abundances, both directly and indirectly, resulting in absence or reduction of pollen and diatom assemblages. Important volcanic activity took place between 19,000 and 15,000 yr B.P. when the lake was a shallow alkaline marsh and an increase of grassland pollen suggests a dry, cold climate. During this interval, abrupt environmental changes with increasing moisture occurred. From 15,000 until 12,500 yr B.P. the lake level increased and the pollen indicates wetter conditions. The highest lake level is registered from 12,500 to ca. 9000 yr B.P. Th...

The Luni Plain, which faces the northern Tyrrhenian Sea, underwent major landscape changes over the last 3000 years. The coastline shifted south and west, separating the ruins of the ancient Roman colony of Luni (founded in 177 BC) from the sea by means of a new coastal plain. The precise location of the coastline during the main settlement phase as well as during the city's decline has never been established, although partial and qualitative scenarios have been suggested by various authors. According to these authors, an indentation of the coastline west of the city formed a major water basin, along the shores of which traces of pre-Roman settlements exist; near the city, two minor basins were present, suitable for hosting harbour structures. The city of Luni was famed for its harbour (Portus Lunae), from which the marbles quarried in the Apuan Alps, used to build many of the monuments in Rome, were delivered. The traces of its port, however, are scattered and uncertain. Newly available subsurface data are presented, associated with a revision of unpublished archaeological evidence of the ancient city topography. Progress in palaeoenvironmental reconstructions at Luni has been possible thanks to the collection and analysis of ancient and recent cores, supported by radiocarbon dates, as well as the interpretation of archaeological findings suitable as markers for sea-level recognition. The main environmental changes in the area have been refined: since a few centuries before the colony was founded, the Luni plain had been characterized by a complex architecture of swamps and marshes limited by dune ridges and fluvial sand bars. The positions of these landforms were not fixed, but shifted, mainly depending on the spatial relationship between the coastline and the river mouths. Determining the precise position of the Roman coastline is useful to constrain the area in which archaeological surveys should be concentrated in order to identify the harbour location. Moreover, some of these results have been used to infer altitude constraints on the sea-level position in Roman times: preliminary data are shown for constructing a Late Holocene local sea-level curve in the area.

Bini M. et al., Geoarchaeological evidences of changes in the coastline progradation rate of the Versilia coastal plain between Camaiore and Viareggio (Tuscany, Italy): possible relationships with Late Holocene high-frequency transgressive-regressive cycles. (IT ISSN 0394-3356, 2009) The Late Holocene progradation of the Versilia coastal-plain, between Camaiore and Viareggio (Tuscany, Italy), was investigated on the basis of geomorphological, stratigraphical, and archaeological data. Five geomorphological units, corresponding to the Camaiore alluvial fan, beach-dune ridges, interdune marshes, a back dune marsh (Giardo and related Massaciuccoli lake area), and the presentday beach, were identified. Archaeological data provide some chronological constraints on the timing of Late Holocene coastal progradation. About 3000 yrs ago, the coastline was located about 2,5 km landward in respect to its present-day position, in the proximity of the Migliarina beach dune, behind which a marsh ar...

Bini M. et al., Geoarchaeological evidences of changes in the coastline progradation rate of the Versilia coastal plain between Camaiore and Viareggio (Tuscany, Italy): possible relationships with Late Holocene high-frequency transgressive-regressive cycles. (IT ISSN 0394-3356, 2009) The Late Holocene progradation of the Versilia coastal-plain, between Camaiore and Viareggio (Tuscany, Italy), was investigated on the basis of geomorphological, stratigraphical, and archaeological data. Five geomorphological units, corresponding to the Camaiore alluvial fan, beach-dune ridges, interdune marshes, a back dune marsh (Giardo and related Massaciuccoli lake area), and the presentday beach, were identified. Archaeological data provide some chronological constraints on the timing of Late Holocene coastal progradation. About 3000 yrs ago, the coastline was located about 2,5 km landward in respect to its present-day position, in the proximity of the Migliarina beach dune, behind which a marsh ar...

Bini M. et al., Geoarchaeological evidences of changes in the coastline progradation rate of the Versilia coastal plain between Camaiore and Viareggio (Tuscany, Italy): possible relationships with Late Holocene high-frequency transgressive-regressive cycles.

To reform the present Islamic educational system of the Muslims in the Philippines one has to start from epistemology. The epistemology that a society adheres to shapes the kind of education and the caliber of intellectuals it has. But, until today, Muslim educators and scholars in the Philippines have not attempted yet to go this way. Hence, this paper investigated the state of Islamic education of Muslims in the Philippines, as well as the Islamic epistemology, and its implications for educating them. The researcher used content analysis as a method of study. He gathered the data through library research and interview. The research shows that, based on Islamic epistemology, the Muslims should have a holistic education system to remedy the educational crisis they have. This system should aim for the development of righteous servants of God and His appointed khalifah, and a member of the Muslim ummah as well as the Philippine society. Also, the content of its curriculum should be integrated one as it should include revealed and acquired knowledge. The integration of the two with their various ramifications is an essential element to provide a holistic and integrated system of education which the Muslims in the Philippines are in need for them to efficiently play the role which Islam assigns for them.

This report presents the results of the ALSF Ribble Valley Aggregate Extraction project, which was a study of the aggregate and archaeological potential of the Lower and Upper Ribble Valley; the study area originally extended between Preston, in Lancashire and Settle in the Craven District of North Yorkshire, although during the course of the project more emphasis was placed on a study of the Lower Ribble Valley and the results are presented in ths report. The work was undertaken between May 2005 and December 2006 as a joint project between the University of Liverpool Geography Department and Oxford Archaeology North (OA North), and was funded by the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund (ALSF) under the overall management of English Heritage. The responsibility of the project was split such that the University of Liverpool undertook the geological and geomorphological elements of the project whilst OA North undertook the archaeological elements, and the palaeobotanical elements were ...

To reform the present Islamic educational system of the Muslims in the Philippines one has to start from epistemology. The epistemology that a society adheres to shapes the kind of education and the caliber of intellectuals it has. But, until today, Muslim educators and scholars in the Philippines have not attempted yet to go this way. Hence, this paper investigated the state of Islamic education of Muslims in the Philippines, as well as the Islamic epistemology, and its implications for educating them. The researcher used content analysis as a method of study. He gathered the data through library research and interview. The research shows that, based on Islamic epistemology, the Muslims should have a holistic education system to remedy the educational crisis they have. This system should aim for the development of righteous servants of God and His appointed khalifah, and a member of the Muslim ummah as well as the Philippine society. Also, the content of its curriculum should be integrated one as it should include revealed and acquired knowledge. The integration of the two with their various ramifications is an essential element to provide a holistic and integrated system of education which the Muslims in the Philippines are in need for them to efficiently play the role which Islam assigns for them.

Bini M. et al., Geoarchaeological evidences of changes in the coastline progradation rate of the Versilia coastal plain between Camaiore and Viareggio (Tuscany, Italy): possible relationships with Late Holocene high-frequency transgressive-regressive cycles. (IT ISSN 0394-3356, 2009) The Late Holocene progradation of the Versilia coastal-plain, between Camaiore and Viareggio (Tuscany, Italy), was investigated on the basis of geomorphological, stratigraphical, and archaeological data. Five geomorphological units, corresponding to the Camaiore alluvial fan, beach-dune ridges, interdune marshes, a back dune marsh (Giardo and related Massaciuccoli lake area), and the presentday beach, were identified. Archaeological data provide some chronological constraints on the timing of Late Holocene coastal progradation. About 3000 yrs ago, the coastline was located about 2,5 km landward in respect to its present-day position, in the proximity of the Migliarina beach dune, behind which a marsh ar...

Bini M. et al., Geoarchaeological evidences of changes in the coastline progradation rate of the Versilia coastal plain between Camaiore and Viareggio (Tuscany, Italy): possible relationships with Late Holocene high-frequency transgressive-regressive cycles. (IT ISSN 0394-3356, 2009) The Late Holocene progradation of the Versilia coastal-plain, between Camaiore and Viareggio (Tuscany, Italy), was investigated on the basis of geomorphological, stratigraphical, and archaeological data. Five geomorphological units, corresponding to the Camaiore alluvial fan, beach-dune ridges, interdune marshes, a back dune marsh (Giardo and related Massaciuccoli lake area), and the present-day beach, were identified. Archaeological data provide some chronological constraints on the timing of Late Holocene coastal progradation. About 3000 yrs ago, the coastline was located about 2,5 km landward in respect to its present-day position, in the proximity of the Migliarina beach dune, behind which a marsh a...

A geoarchaeological approach integrating geomorphological, stratigraphical and archaeologic data was adopted to reconstruct the palaeogeographic evolution of an area of the Apuo-Versilian plain since the Etruscan age. We produced a geomorphological map, analyzed stratigraphy data from sections/boreholes in the plain, and compiled a dataset of archaeological findings with a particular focus on the Acquarella site which is an outstanding settlement in the area. The plotting of the archaeological findings on the geomorphological map allowed to better constraint the landforms surveyed by field work and remote sensing analyses. The analyzed stratigraphic data suggests a discontinuous trend of coastal progradation. Oscillations in this trend are testified by four small scale transgressive-regressive parasequences that occurred after 4600 yrs cal B.C.. In agreement with the archaeological findings on the surface, the base of the uppermost sequence was dated to ca 500 cal AD, implying that since the Early Middles Ages the progradation trend has been continuous. Furthermore, a pronounced increase in progradation was observed after the 16 th century, probably linked to both climatic influence (Little Ice Age) and human impacts (deforestation). The Acquarella rustic building has developed in this coastal-piedmont context since the Etruscan age. The reason for its longevity (6 th century B.C.-Early Middle Ages) was related to a suite of environmental aspects such as the protection offered by the surrounding hills, water availability, and the elevation above a coastal plain experiencing periodic flooding. Moreover, a crucial element was identified in the position of the site in respect to the main ancient roads connecting Pisa to Luni (Via Aurelia/Aemilia) and the coastal area with the inland. The correlation of the geomorphology with the archeological data from Acquarella, along with the other findings along the coastal-piedmont area allowed to depict the landscape scenarios relative to the Etruscan, Roman, Early Middle ages and Modern ages.

Bini M. et al., Geoarchaeological evidences of changes in the coastline progradation rate of the Versilia coastal plain between Camaiore and Viareggio (Tuscany, Italy): possible relationships with Late Holocene high-frequency transgressive-regressive cycles. (IT ISSN 0394-3356, 2009) The Late Holocene progradation of the Versilia coastal-plain, between Camaiore and Viareggio (Tuscany, Italy), was investigated on the basis of geomorphological, stratigraphical, and archaeological data. Five geomorphological units, corresponding to the Camaiore alluvial fan, beach-dune ridges, interdune marshes, a back dune marsh (Giardo and related Massaciuccoli lake area), and the presentday beach, were identified. Archaeological data provide some chronological constraints on the timing of Late Holocene coastal progradation. About 3000 yrs ago, the coastline was located about 2,5 km landward in respect to its present-day position, in the proximity of the Migliarina beach dune, behind which a marsh ar...

A geoarchaeological approach integrating geomorphological, stratigraphical and archaeologic data was adopted to reconstruct the palaeogeographic evolution of an area of the Apuo-Versilian plain since the Etruscan age. We produced a geomorphological map, analyzed stratigraphy data from sections/boreholes in the plain, and compiled a dataset of archaeological findings with a particular focus on the Acquarella site which is an outstanding settlement in the area. The plotting of the archaeological findings on the geomorphological map allowed to better constraint the landforms surveyed by field work and remote sensing analyses. The analyzed stratigraphic data suggests a discontinuous trend of coastal progradation. Oscillations in this trend are testified by four small scale transgressive-regressive parasequences that occurred after 4600 yrs cal B.C.. In agreement with the archaeological findings on the surface, the base of the uppermost sequence was dated to ca 500 cal AD, implying that since the Early Middles Ages the progradation trend has been continuous. Furthermore, a pronounced increase in progradation was observed after the 16 th century, probably linked to both climatic influence (Little Ice Age) and human impacts (deforestation). The Acquarella rustic building has developed in this coastal-piedmont context since the Etruscan age. The reason for its longevity (6 th century B.C.-Early Middle Ages) was related to a suite of environmental aspects such as the protection offered by the surrounding hills, water availability, and the elevation above a coastal plain experiencing periodic flooding. Moreover, a crucial element was identified in the position of the site in respect to the main ancient roads connecting Pisa to Luni (Via Aurelia/Aemilia) and the coastal area with the inland. The correlation of the geomorphology with the archeological data from Acquarella, along with the other findings along the coastal-piedmont area allowed to depict the landscape scenarios relative to the Etruscan, Roman, Early Middle ages and Modern ages.

The Roman city of Luna founded in 177 BC (2127 BP) and located in NW Italy was famed for its port, from which the prized "marble of Carrara" was shipped. Despite decades of archaeological surveys, the exact location of this harbour is unknown to date. Progress in the palaeogeographic reconstruction of the Magra Valley coastal plain surrounding the ruins of Luna has been possible thanks to the collection and analysis of six cores, supported by radiocarbon dates and microfauna analyses. The late Holocene evolution of the Luna surroundings was reconstructed starting from the maximum Holocene transgression. The latter was identified from lagoonal sediments which are chronologically connected with the most landward position attained by the shoreline after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Lagoon sediments are topped by swamp and floodplain deposits. A climate fluctuation was identified in the stratigraphic record, which correlates with the first Neoglacial cooling episode. The coastal plain underwent major landscape changes over the last three millennia. A few centuries before the colony was founded, the territory was characterized by a complex delta architecture, made of swamps and marshes limited by dune ridges and fluvial sand bars. The positions of these morphological features were not fixed; they shifted, depending on the spatial interaction between the coastline and the drainage network of the plain. In this paper, we present new data to improve our understanding of the environmental constraints determining the position and setting of the ancient harbour of Luna. We suggest that its location could be searched for in the water basin once present west of the city, at a distance of more than 0.25 km.

The Luni Plain, which faces the northern Tyrrhenian Sea, underwent major landscape changes over the last 3000 years. The coastline shifted south and west, separating the ruins of the ancient Roman colony of Luni (founded in 177 BC) from the sea by means of a new coastal plain. The precise location of the coastline during the main settlement phase as well as during the city's decline has never been established, although partial and qualitative scenarios have been suggested by various authors. According to these authors, an indentation of the coastline west of the city formed a major water basin, along the shores of which traces of pre-Roman settlements exist; near the city, two minor basins were present, suitable for hosting harbour structures. The city of Luni was famed for its harbour (Portus Lunae), from which the marbles quarried in the Apuan Alps, used to build many of the monuments in Rome, were delivered. The traces of its port, however, are scattered and uncertain. Newly available subsurface data are presented, associated with a revision of unpublished archaeological evidence of the ancient city topography. Progress in palaeoenvironmental reconstructions at Luni has been possible thanks to the collection and analysis of ancient and recent cores, supported by radiocarbon dates, as well as the interpretation of archaeological findings suitable as markers for sea-level recognition. The main environmental changes in the area have been refined: since a few centuries before the colony was founded, the Luni plain had been characterized by a complex architecture of swamps and marshes limited by dune ridges and fluvial sand bars. The positions of these landforms were not fixed, but shifted, mainly depending on the spatial relationship between the coastline and the river mouths. Determining the precise position of the Roman coastline is useful to constrain the area in which archaeological surveys should be concentrated in order to identify the harbour location. Moreover, some of these results have been used to infer altitude constraints on the sea-level position in Roman times: preliminary data are shown for constructing a Late Holocene local sea-level curve in the area.

A geoarchaeological approach integrating geomorphological, stratigraphical and archaeologic data was adopted to reconstruct the palaeogeographic evolution of an area of the Apuo-Versilian plain since the Etruscan age. We produced a geomorphological map, analyzed stratigraphy data from sections/boreholes in the plain, and compiled a dataset of archaeological findings with a particular focus on the Acquarella site which is an outstanding settlement in the area. The plotting of the archaeological findings on the geomorphological map allowed to better constraint the landforms surveyed by field work and remote sensing analyses. The analyzed stratigraphic data suggests a discontinuous trend of coastal progradation. Oscillations in this trend are testified by four small scale transgressive-regressive parasequences that occurred after 4600 yrs cal B.C.. In agreement with the archaeological findings on the surface, the base of the uppermost sequence was dated to ca 500 cal AD, implying that since the Early Middles Ages the progradation trend has been continuous. Furthermore, a pronounced increase in progradation was observed after the 16 th century, probably linked to both climatic influence (Little Ice Age) and human impacts (deforestation). The Acquarella rustic building has developed in this coastal-piedmont context since the Etruscan age. The reason for its longevity (6 th century B.C.-Early Middle Ages) was related to a suite of environmental aspects such as the protection offered by the surrounding hills, water availability, and the elevation above a coastal plain experiencing periodic flooding. Moreover, a crucial element was identified in the position of the site in respect to the main ancient roads connecting Pisa to Luni (Via Aurelia/Aemilia) and the coastal area with the inland. The correlation of the geomorphology with the archeological data from Acquarella, along with the other findings along the coastal-piedmont area allowed to depict the landscape scenarios relative to the Etruscan, Roman, Early Middle ages and Modern ages.

Authors: B. Bechor, D. Sivan, S. Miko, O. Hasan, M. Grisonic, I. Radić Rossi, B. Lorentzen, G. Artioli, G. Ricci, T. Ivelja, G. Spada, A. Brook.

Reconstruction of paleo relative sea level (RSL) is based on multi-proxy disciplines including archaeology. Saltpans, like fish tanks which are considered a reliable method for acquiring RSL index points, are also anthropogenic intertidal facilities, used continuously in the Mediterranean from early antiquity. The Dalmatian shore contains a large number of preserved and historically dated ancient saltpans, now flooded by the rising sea, providing great potential for past RSL indication. The primary objective of this study is to develop a new holistic approach for producing high quality elevation measurements of the saltpan structures and estimating paleo RSL during the last 2 ka. The study combined aerial photogrammetry of the site, bathymetry acoustics scanning, and underwater archaeological survey of the manmade structures, as well as sampling wood and mortar in situ where available. Evaluation of each site’s RSL and the functional height is based on the same assumptions and interpretations made for fish tanks, using elevation measurements on the top of the separation walls and the bottom of the sluice gates. In all the sites analyzed here, we achieved reliable digital surface models with continuous high resolution data on the indicative structures with single centimeters level of accuracy.
The study finds that during the 5th - 6th centuries, RSL was -92 ± 25 cm, increased to -62 ± 21 cm during the 7th - 11th centuries, and decreased to -104 ± 20 cm in the 14th century. Medieval RSL can be explained either by strong tectonic subsidence post 1300 AD or by fluctuations as observed in the East Mediterranean, which requires validation by further Medieval indicators.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0277379120306429

The medieval port town of Julfār is associated with the archaeological sites of Kush, al-MaΓāf, and al-Nudūd. Although these sites have been excavated separately, they most likely functioned as successive administrative centres serving the port, as the town and the landscape in which it was situated evolved through time. We know that a significant lagoon once existed in this area which was navigable, probably via a series of deeper channels. It is possible that these waterways extended as far inland as the site of Kush, some 3 km from the present-day coast. Changes in the coastal geomorphology, driven primarily by fluctuations in relative sea level (RSL) and sediment supply, caused the lagoon to gradually silt up, and it is speculated that this was the mechanism which triggered the migration of the administrative hub of Julfār from Kush out to the coast. In order to test these ideas, geoarchaeological work was carried out to ascertain the nature and depth of sediments immediately ad...

The Apuan Alps represent an extraordinary area for investigating the natural and cultural heritage of a park of relevant scientific interest in the Mediterranean basin, being a key site for reconstructing palaeoclimate and defining the anthropogenic impact on the environment. Through dedicated field survey complemented by remote sensing analyses, we planned a geomorphological map of the Apuan Alps area with the aim to provide a useful tool in the management of the Apuan Alps Geopark (inserted in the European Geopark Network since 2011). Here we present two examples of selected areas depicting different aspects of the geomorphological and cultural heritage of the Apuan Alps, sculpted by deeply different morphogenetic agents: the Late Pleistocene glacial activity and the antropogenic contribution.

The Luni Plain, which faces the northern Tyrrhenian Sea, underwent major landscape changes over the last 3000 years. The coastline shifted south and west, separating the ruins of the ancient Roman colony of Luni (founded in 177 BC) from the sea by means of a new coastal plain. The precise location of the coastline during the main settlement phase as well as during the city's decline has never been established, although partial and qualitative scenarios have been suggested by various authors. According to these authors, an indentation of the coastline west of the city formed a major water basin, along the shores of which traces of pre-Roman settlements exist; near the city, two minor basins were present, suitable for hosting harbour structures. The city of Luni was famed for its harbour (Portus Lunae), from which the marbles quarried in the Apuan Alps, used to build many of the monuments in Rome, were delivered. The traces of its port, however, are scattered and uncertain. Newly available subsurface data are presented, associated with a revision of unpublished archaeological evidence of the ancient city topography. Progress in palaeoenvironmental reconstructions at Luni has been possible thanks to the collection and analysis of ancient and recent cores, supported by radiocarbon dates, as well as the interpretation of archaeological findings suitable as markers for sea-level recognition. The main environmental changes in the area have been refined: since a few centuries before the colony was founded, the Luni plain had been characterized by a complex architecture of swamps and marshes limited by dune ridges and fluvial sand bars. The positions of these landforms were not fixed, but shifted, mainly depending on the spatial relationship between the coastline and the river mouths. Determining the precise position of the Roman coastline is useful to constrain the area in which archaeological surveys should be concentrated in order to identify the harbour location. Moreover, some of these results have been used to infer altitude constraints on the sea-level position in Roman times: preliminary data are shown for constructing a Late Holocene local sea-level curve in the area.

The Roman city of Luna founded in 177 BC (2127 BP) and located in NW Italy was famed for its port, from which the prized "marble of Carrara" was shipped. Despite decades of archaeological surveys, the exact location of this harbour is unknown to date. Progress in the palaeogeographic reconstruction of the Magra Valley coastal plain surrounding the ruins of Luna has been possible thanks to the collection and analysis of six cores, supported by radiocarbon dates and microfauna analyses. The late Holocene evolution of the Luna surroundings was reconstructed starting from the maximum Holocene transgression. The latter was identified from lagoonal sediments which are chronologically connected with the most landward position attained by the shoreline after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Lagoon sediments are topped by swamp and floodplain deposits. A climate fluctuation was identified in the stratigraphic record, which correlates with the first Neoglacial cooling episode. The coastal plain underwent major landscape changes over the last three millennia. A few centuries before the colony was founded, the territory was characterized by a complex delta architecture, made of swamps and marshes limited by dune ridges and fluvial sand bars. The positions of these morphological features were not fixed; they shifted, depending on the spatial interaction between the coastline and the drainage network of the plain. In this paper, we present new data to improve our understanding of the environmental constraints determining the position and setting of the ancient harbour of Luna. We suggest that its location could be searched for in the water basin once present west of the city, at a distance of more than 0.25 km.

The Luni Plain, which faces the northern Tyrrhenian Sea, underwent major landscape changes over the last 3000 years. The coastline shifted south and west, separating the ruins of the ancient Roman colony of Luni (founded in 177 BC) from the sea by means of a new coastal plain. The precise location of the coastline during the main settlement phase as well as during the city's decline has never been established, although partial and qualitative scenarios have been suggested by various authors. According to these authors, an indentation of the coastline west of the city formed a major water basin, along the shores of which traces of pre-Roman settlements exist; near the city, two minor basins were present, suitable for hosting harbour structures. The city of Luni was famed for its harbour (Portus Lunae), from which the marbles quarried in the Apuan Alps, used to build many of the monuments in Rome, were delivered. The traces of its port, however, are scattered and uncertain. Newly available subsurface data are presented, associated with a revision of unpublished archaeological evidence of the ancient city topography. Progress in palaeoenvironmental reconstructions at Luni has been possible thanks to the collection and analysis of ancient and recent cores, supported by radiocarbon dates, as well as the interpretation of archaeological findings suitable as markers for sea-level recognition. The main environmental changes in the area have been refined: since a few centuries before the colony was founded, the Luni plain had been characterized by a complex architecture of swamps and marshes limited by dune ridges and fluvial sand bars. The positions of these landforms were not fixed, but shifted, mainly depending on the spatial relationship between the coastline and the river mouths. Determining the precise position of the Roman coastline is useful to constrain the area in which archaeological surveys should be concentrated in order to identify the harbour location. Moreover, some of these results have been used to infer altitude constraints on the sea-level position in Roman times: preliminary data are shown for constructing a Late Holocene local sea-level curve in the area.

This study investigates the late Holocene landscape development and settlement history of the central Bakırçay valley (the ancient Kaikos valley) in western Anatolia. It exemplifies a buried archaeological site approximately 16 km from the Aegean coast and 12 km southwest of the ruins of ancient Pergamon. A geoarchaeological approach was applied by coupling an archaeological survey, geophysical exploration, geomorphological mapping and sedimentological analysis of drilling cores and pre-existing outcrops. The geomorphological and lithostratigraphical results imply that in the early and middle Holocene the site was situated on a depositional piedmont plain that was protected from the annual Bakırçay floods. Over the past two millennia, the Bakırçay flood plain was gradually aggraded and the site became prone to flooding. Despite the limitations of non-intrusive archaeological investigations, three scenarios were developed on the function and age of the buried site. Hence, the site wa...

Bini M. et al., Geoarchaeological evidences of changes in the coastline progradation rate of the Versilia coastal plain between Camaiore and Viareggio (Tuscany, Italy): possible relationships with Late Holocene high-frequency transgressive-regressive cycles. (IT ISSN 0394-3356, 2009) The Late Holocene progradation of the Versilia coastal-plain, between Camaiore and Viareggio (Tuscany, Italy), was investigated on the basis of geomorphological, stratigraphical, and archaeological data. Five geomorphological units, corresponding to the Camaiore alluvial fan, beach-dune ridges, interdune marshes, a back dune marsh (Giardo and related Massaciuccoli lake area), and the presentday beach, were identified. Archaeological data provide some chronological constraints on the timing of Late Holocene coastal progradation. About 3000 yrs ago, the coastline was located about 2,5 km landward in respect to its present-day position, in the proximity of the Migliarina beach dune, behind which a marsh area developed. This marsh extended from the Giardo to the present-day Massaciuccoli Lake. The connection between Giardo and Massaciuccoli area allows us to reconsider the role of Acquarella site in becoming an important centre in commercial communication among sea, coast, and inland areas. Around the 12 th century the coastline was located in proximity of the dune alignments where Motrone Fort and the Castello Vecchio di Viareggio were built testifying a progradation of about 1,3 km. During the next four centuries the coastline continued its seaward shifting for 500 m more and was located in proximity of the Matilde Tower. From the 16 th to the present time the progradation of the coastline has been proceeded by of about 0,7 km. These data indicate changes in the progradation rate during that the time and in particular an increase since the 16 th century. An irregular progradation rate agrees with stratigraphic and facies analysis based on surface and subsurface data (wells and excavations) that allowed us to define a preliminary framework of the last phases of coastline progradation. The identification of four high-frequency small-scale transgressiveregressive cycles (parasequences) within the succession recording the Late Holocene phase of progradation points to evidence that the progradation rate of the coastline was subject to cyclic fluctuations.

The medieval port town of Julfār is associated with the archaeological sites of Kush, al-MaΓāf, and al-Nudūd. Although these sites have been excavated separately, they most likely functioned as successive administrative centres serving the port, as the town and the landscape in which it was situated evolved through time. We know that a significant lagoon once existed in this area which was navigable, probably via a series of deeper channels. It is possible that these waterways extended as far inland as the site of Kush, some 3 km from the present-day coast. Changes in the coastal geomorphology, driven primarily by fluctuations in relative sea level (RSL) and sediment supply, caused the lagoon to gradually silt up, and it is speculated that this was the mechanism which triggered the migration of the administrative hub of Julfār from Kush out to the coast.

The medieval port town of Julfār is associated with the archaeological sites of Kush, al-MaΓāf, and al-Nudūd. Although these sites have been excavated separately, they most likely functioned as successive administrative centres serving the port, as the town and the landscape in which it was situated evolved through time. We know that a significant lagoon once existed in this area which was navigable, probably via a series of deeper channels. It is possible that these waterways extended as far inland as the site of Kush, some 3 km from the present-day coast. Changes in the coastal geomorphology, driven primarily by fluctuations in relative sea level (RSL) and sediment supply, caused the lagoon to gradually silt up, and it is speculated that this was the mechanism which triggered the migration of the administrative hub of Julfār from Kush out to the coast.
In order to test these ideas, geoarchaeological work was carried out to ascertain the nature and depth of sediments immediately adjacent to al-Nudūd and al-MaΓāf, as part of new archaeological investigations being carried out by Oxford Brookes University. The results are presented here, and show that a lagoon and channel system did exist in this area for over three millennia, and these sediments exhibit important relationships with terrestrial (dune) sands and archaeological deposits. This preliminary work forms the pilot study for a much larger survey which would aim to delineate the full extent of the lagoon and resolve the connection with Kush.

The Luni Plain, which faces the northern Tyrrhenian Sea, underwent major landscape changes over the last 3000 years. The coastline shifted south and west, separating the ruins of the ancient Roman colony of Luni (founded in 177 BC) from the sea by means of a new coastal plain. The precise location of the coastline during the main settlement phase as well as during the city's decline has never been established, although partial and qualitative scenarios have been suggested by various authors. According to these authors, an indentation of the coastline west of the city formed a major water basin, along the shores of which traces of pre-Roman settlements exist; near the city, two minor basins were present, suitable for hosting harbour structures. The city of Luni was famed for its harbour (Portus Lunae), from which the marbles quarried in the Apuan Alps, used to build many of the monuments in Rome, were delivered. The traces of its port, however, are scattered and uncertain. Newly available subsurface data are presented, associated with a revision of unpublished archaeological evidence of the ancient city topography. Progress in palaeoenvironmental reconstructions at Luni has been possible thanks to the collection and analysis of ancient and recent cores, supported by radiocarbon dates, as well as the interpretation of archaeological findings suitable as markers for sea-level recognition. The main environmental changes in the area have been refined: since a few centuries before the colony was founded, the Luni plain had been characterized by a complex architecture of swamps and marshes limited by dune ridges and fluvial sand bars. The positions of these landforms were not fixed, but shifted, mainly depending on the spatial relationship between the coastline and the river mouths. Determining the precise position of the Roman coastline is useful to constrain the area in which archaeological surveys should be concentrated in order to identify the harbour location. Moreover, some of these results have been used to infer altitude constraints on the sea-level position in Roman times: preliminary data are shown for constructing a Late Holocene local sea-level curve in the area.