Geosciences (Jul 2020)

A 3D Geological Model as a Base for the Development of a Conceptual Groundwater Scheme in the Area of the Colosseum (Rome, Italy)

  • Cristina Di Salvo,
  • Marco Mancini,
  • Gian Paolo Cavinato,
  • Massimiliano Moscatelli,
  • Maurizio Simionato,
  • Francesco Stigliano,
  • Rossella Rea,
  • Antonio Rodi

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences10070266
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10, no. 7
p. 266

Abstract

Read online

Geological models are very useful tools for developing conceptual schemes owing to their capacity to optimize the management of stratigraphic information. This is particularly true in areas where archaeological heritage is exposed to hydrogeological hazards; 3D models can constitute the first step toward the construction of numerical models created to understand processes and plan mitigation actions to improve visitor safety and preserve archaeological heritage. This paper illustrates the results of a 3D hydrostratigraphic model of the site of the Colosseum in the Central Archaeological Area of Rome. In recent years, this area has experienced numerous floods caused by intense meteorological events. A new borehole survey provided the opportunity to update previous maps and cross sections and build a local scale 3D model. The resulting conceptual model was used to identify primary gaps in existing knowledge about the groundwater system and to optimize the planning of a piezometer monitoring network. Further studies can then focus on the development of groundwater numerical models to verify hypotheses regarding inflow-outflow dynamics and facilitate the optimization of water management.

Keywords