Geoenvironmental and geoArchaeological studies for the characterization, enhancement and protection of the natural and anthropic Heritage in the Adriatic basin (GeoArcHer)

Geoarchaeology is a growing and evolving discipline at the intersection between geomorphology, environmental history and archaeology. The analysis of past cultures and their adaption strategies to environmental changes (as recommended within the H-2020’s “Societal Challenges” section), provides important insights for the development of effective approaches to design scenarios of human reactions on expected climatic changes. This project, through a multidisciplinary approach (geomorphological, geophysical, archaeological, historical, architectural, chemical, sociological) and the use of the most modern techniques for the study of the natural and anthropic heritage at specific sites of the Adriatic basin, aims to: (i) provide a complete framework of the natural and social environment in which some of the most important prehistoric and historic cultures of the Mediterranean Europe developed; (ii) establish an integrated methodology for the study of the sites of interest, including new technologies and investigative tools (high resolution geophysical prospecting, drones, laboratory analyses etc.); (iii) develop new tools of dissemination of knowledge especially for tourism purposes. The outcomes deriving from this study will also provide fundamental insights to develop policies and regulations for natural and cultural heritage valorization and preservation. Moreover, the concurrent assessment of different landscapes’ resilience processes to human impact and natural phenomena, will give significant insights to solve present and future environmental problems.