Landscape analysis in Torre Guaceto area (Brindisi) aimed at the reconstruction of the late Holocene sea level curve

Proceedings of the International Conference “GEOSUB 2016″, Ustica, Italy 13 – 16 September, 2016 (Furlani S., Antonioli A., Scicchitano G. & Busetti M. Guest Editors)

Abstract

This paper focuses on four different cores drilled in the Area Marina Protetta e Riserva dello Stato di Torre Guaceto (Carovigno, Brindisi). The stratigraphic, sedimentological and paleontological characteristics were related to the geomorphologic features of the whole area and to the radiometric dating of the peaty levels identified in the stratigraphic sequence; the results have been compared with the available geo-archaeological data. The complete data-set allowed to reconstruct the succession of sedimentary environments over time and to place these across the last 2200 years, thanks to radiometric dating. In the stratigraphic sequence, it was possible to highlight layers that indicate coastal areas marked by the presence of inlets in connection with the sea, areas submerged during tides and brackish or continental areas. In particular, the research demonstrated, with good approximation, that the sea level had to be stationed at about -1.1 ± 0.1 m approximately 2200 years BP; then it went to about -0.65 ± 0.1 m about 1900 years BP and continued its rise to the current position. Finally, the comparison of the stratigraphic data with the geophysical predicted sea level curve for the late Holocene indicates that vertical movements in this span of time did not affect this area. This confirms what has recently been established for this area as regards the stability of the Adriatic side of the Apulian foreland.