Dati e considerazioni sull’evoluzione recente e sui caratteri idrogeologici della piana costiera metapontina compresa tra il F. Bradano e il F. Basento

Data and considerations on the recent development and on the hydrogeological features of the coastal plain near Metaponto between the Bradan and the Basento rivers (Basilicata)

Abstract

The analysis of historical, geomorphological and hydrogeological data and examination of some stratigraphic sections of the archeological excavations, as well as the results of a few drillings have made it possible to develop the knowledge on the recent history of Metaponto coastal plain. The most interesting of the natural phenomena that are worth noting are: the uplifting of the ground water level which occurred between the 4^th and the 3^th century b.C. which had considerable consequences on Metaponto in ancient times, and the gradual shifting in a SSW direction of the above-mentioned rivers over the last few thousand years. It can be conjectured that the uplifting ground water level was due to climatic factors, in particular to the increase in rainfall; the shifting of the two waterways must be attributed to tectonic factors, although an anthropic influence cannot be excluded.