Dinamica fluviale nella media valle del Fiume Potenza (Italia Centrale)

Holocene fluvial dynamics in the middle valley of the Potenza River (Central Italy)

Abstract

This paper reports on the geomorphlogical and stratigraphical evolution of the middle Potenza river valley since the last Pleniglacial up to modern times. The modelling process, developed through five main phases, begun during the last Pleniglacial with the deposition of a thick layer of gravels. During the second phase, likely lasted from the Late Glacial up to before 7210±90 yr B.P., the coarse sediments previously Iaid down were deeply cut (down to 20 m). Then, since before 7210±90 yr B.P.  and at least up to 4680±100 yr B.P., an alluvial cover, mostly consisting of sandy-clayey sediments and averaging 13 m in thickness was deposited, likely at the time of the maximum postglacial sealevel highstand. A forth phase, subsequent to 4680±100 yr B.P., produced a progressive deepening of the river bed possibly because of a significant change of the climatic conditions. Finally, during the last phase, which developed during historical times (mostly following the Renaissance), the incisions resulting from the erosion during the previous phases were filled up by gravels.