Bioclastesys induced fractures and rockfall on the east flank of the Ravine of Matera: preliminary investigations

Abstract

Ravines are typical morphological elements of the landscape of central Apulia and south-east Basilicata, in south Italy. These are deep narrow valleys located at the south-west bound of the Apulian foreland, namely Murgia. Ravines mainly carve the poorly cemented Plio-Pleistocenic sandy levels, belonging to the unit of the Gravina Calcarenites and the underlying cretaceous limestone of Murgia platform. In particular, the upper levels of ravine flanks show collapses and fractures, which alter the landscape of ravines. This work focuses on the geometric reconstruction of the fractures and collapses on the calcarenitic levels of the east flank of the ravine of Matera. This shows a number of fractures, some of them are very recent, which are modifying the flanks, damaging the archeological heritage and precluding the access to the ravine. Therefore, identifying the open fractures and their potential triggers is important for planning a strategy of preservation of this peculiar landscape.