This paper presents the outcomes of a geomorphological investigation carried out along the coasts of the island of Malta and provides a detailed classification of the Maltese coastline based on the identification and definition of specific coastal geomorphotypes. The results of field surveys, supported by air-photo interpretation, have led to the production of a coastal geomorphological map at 1:30,000 scale which outlines the processes and related deposits and landforms. The latter are the result of the complex interplay of structural, gravitational, coastal and karst processes. Moreover, radiocarbon dates of marine organisms encrusted on boulders mapped along the NE coast are presented.\ud The paper is accompanied by the above mentioned geomorphological map

In the framework of geosite management, specific targeted symbols for geomorphological legends are still lacking. Concerning geosites of geomorphological interest, geomorphological mapping requires targeted symbols in relation to goals and applications, either concerning geomorphic hazards and risk detection or the enhancement of resources, in particular those related to cultural heritage and, hence, geoheritage. A new methodology for mapping geo(morpho)heritage on geomorphological maps is presented in this paper. Nine iconic examples from the Italian landscape, selected in different morphogenetic and morphoclimatic contexts, are proposed to test the methodology in relation to point, polyline and polygon features. Moreover, guidelines for mapping are suggested according to the importance of the site and to the complexity of processes characterizing each case study.

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This paper traces the various stages of geomorphological evolution of the plain area around Modena from the VIth millennium B.C.E. (Neolithic) to the Present, through a reconstruction of the ancient landscape and human settlements.By means of a GIS platform, geomorphological investigations led to the implementation of a Microrelief Map, a Digital Elevation Model (DEM), a Map of Surface Deposits and a Geomorphological Map.The most striking altimetric features in the study area are the morphological changes of the Rivers Secchia and Panaro: south of Modena they run deep in the alluvial plain whereas north of the town they flow elevated over the plain. The surface lithology consists mainly of silt, with bands of sand and clay; mainly gravel deposits crop out only near southern tracks of the main Apennine watercourses. The geomorphological landscape is mainly characterised by alluvial fans, fluvial ridges paleo-riverbeds fluvial scarps, natural springs and some depressed areas; worth of note are also forms connected with human activity.There have been several attempts to cross–date geological and geomorphological evidence with archaeological data, on both detailed and wide territorial scales. A further advancement can now be attempted by comparing data obtained from systematic research on fluvial forms with data contained in the archives.In the area studied, some 800 archaeological sites were identified and catalogued. Such a high number of archaeological sites can give a great deal more information than is found in any other place in northern Italy.The research took into account the overlapping of archaeological and geomorphological data, with the implementation into a GIS (ArcGis 8.3) of geoarchaeological maps divided in main periods and here represented from the Neolithic to the to Iron Age and from Roman period to the Early Middle Ages. The dating thus obtained for fluvial forms was mainly based on the relationship between these forms and archaeological evidence.The upper layers of stratigraphical deposits of the urban center of Modena are quite well-known. These layers can be divided macroscopically into two large stratigraphic sequences, one belonging to the ancient Roman town of Mutina and the other to the medieval and modern town, separated by a substantial alluvial layer up to 2 meters thick in places. The archaeological strata of Modena go down to about 7-8 meters below the present surface level, reaching a depth of 11 meters in places. In this work, a three-dimensional model indicates the thicknesses of the large stratigraphic levels of the Roman Age, the alluvial deposits and the Medieval/Modern Age.The comparison of geomorphological and archaeological data allowed many fluvial forms to be dated. In particular, the formation of some alluvial fans and ridges south and south-west of Modena took place before or during the period dating from the Neolithic to the Iron Age. The investigations have confirmed more in detail the shift to the east of the R. Secchia and to the west of the R. Panaro in the area downs...

A micro-relief map (1:90,000 scale) and a geomorphological map (1:25,000 scale) of the central sector of the Po Plain (northern Italy) are presented. The geomorphological map represents fluvial and anthropogenic landforms as well as the distribution of the textures of superficial alluvial deposits. It resulted from the integration of different study methods, including remote sensing data analysis, field surveys and grain size analysis of superficial deposits. The micro-relief map was a fundamental tool for identifying many inconspicuous landforms. The geomorphological map can provide local authorities with useful information for correct territorial management and planning, in particular for seismic and flood hazard assessment.