Analysis of floods and storms: concurrent conditions

Abstract

The geomorphological characteristics and the seismic, landslide and erosive dynamism of the Italian territory, meant studies on the hydrogeological risk were necessary. Floods and sea storms, combined with anthropic factors, are causes of instability. Under particular climatic, geographical and geomorphological conditions, these events occur simultaneously, increasing their effects. Reggio Calabria, a metropolitan city in the south of Italy, is located in a particularly complex context. The city is flanked by the Tyrrhenian Sea and by the Ionian Sea. The territory is exposed to the risk of intense sea storms. Moreover, the torrential nature of the rivers and intense rainfall favour the formation of floods. This paper analyse the conditions that favour the concurrence between floods and sea storms in the territory of Reggio Calabria. This analysis can be extended to other areas with characteristics that are similar to those of Reggio Calabria.