The southern part of the region (the Salento peninsula) had hosted in the last twenty years at least fifteen events of sinkholes, the greatest part of which occurred inside "soft" carbonate rocks (calcarenites). The man - made and/or natural cavities are sometime assets of historical and archaeological significance. This paper provide a methodological approach related to the evaluation of sinkhole hazard in "soft" carbonate rocks combing seismic and mine engineering complementary methods. A case study is exposed which concern natural cavity named "Grotta delle Veneri". In this case the approach was: i) 2D and 3D seismic method in order to study the physical-mechanical characteristic of rock mass that constitute the roof of the cave; ii) the scaled span empirical analysis in order to evaluate the instability of the crown pillar's caves.

Extensive urbanization may cover important archaeological structures that are still buried in urban areas, andGround Penetrating Radar is one of the most reliable geophysical technique for resolving buried archaeologicalstructures in urban territories. In this paper a case study that involves a geophysical surveyemploying the surfacethree-dimensional (3D) GPR techniques, to characterize the investigated areas from the archaeological point ofview, is illustrated. GPR measurements, integrated with archaeological and topographical information aimed atthe production of a digital archaeological map integrated in a webGIS platform, were carried out in some areasat the historical centre of Lecce (Apulia, Italy). The investigated areas are related to somesectors of theMessapiannecropolises (dated mainly in 4th-3rd century BCE), characterized by different types of graves (pits dug in thebedrock or built with slabs, sarcophagi and hypogea) that lying also inside the settlement surrounded by citywalls. The survey was carried out using the IDS Hi Mod georadar system, incorporating a dual band 200-600 MHz centre frequency antennae. The GPR time slices were constructed from closely spaced parallel profiles.The time slices, computed from averaging radar reflections over vertical time windows several nanosecondsthick, are used to map subsoil features associatedwith its structure. The time sliceswere georeferenced in the archaeologicalmap of Lecce in order to acquire new data on the distribution and the ancient topography of the funeraryareas inside the settlements. Moreover, to facilitate the interpretation of the results, a three-dimensionalimage was constructed using closely spaced parallel profiles, which are interpolated.

The archaeological site of Sagalassos is avery important settlement located in a magnificentmountain landscape, 7 km north from a little villagenamed A?lasun (province of Burdur, SW Turkey).Since 1990 the University of Leuven (Belgium) carryout an interdisciplinary archaeological researchprogramme that study the uninterrupted occupationof more than 1000 years in all its aspects from dailylife to architecture, from trade and its mechanisms toenvironmental conditions of the past. The ancientroman city is a site covered under erosion layers andpreserved many secrets that need to be revealed. Ageophysical campaign was planned along the southfacing terraces of the mountain slopes, in order to fhighlighting the structure of the city still covered. Siteconditions (high slope, high grass, several obstacles)and the need to investigate high depths led to thechoice of the most suitable geophysical methods.Particularly a 3D distribution in the subsoil ofresistivity tensor probability was esteemed.

In this work, the dielectric permittivity of pietra gentile and pietra leccese (two kinds of stone typically found in Cultural Heritage structures of Southern Italy), for different levels of moisture content, was characterized. Measurements were carried out by comparatively using three different probes as sensor (i.e., a patch resonator; an open-ended coaxial probe; and a standard WR90 waveguide) for increasing values of water content. Measurements were performed using a vector network analyzer and a time-domain reflectometer. The obtained laboratory results can be used to derive moisture content/relative dielectric permittivity calibration curves that could be employed, in practice, for noninvasive on-the-field moisture monitoring of pietra gentile- and pietra leccese-made Cultural Heritage structures.

In spite of preliminary prospections, it oftenoccurs that new underground archaeological sites canbe unexpectedly discovered while, for example, constructingbuildings or subways, or during archaeologicalexcavations, etc. In such cases, it is common practiceto re-bury the discovered site, while waiting for theAgencies and/or Bodies in charge to decide about thecontinuation. In such a scenario, it is important to beable to monitor the site, so as to prevent possible landslipand consequent catastrophic events. To this purpose,the present work proposes the use of a wire-like,passive sensing element that can be buried in the soilcovering the archeological site and that can be used inconjunction with time domain reflectometry (TDR), tomonitor the soil and to provide a prompt alert of incipientsigns of landslip.

Nello studio di problematiche ambientali, legate ad esempio a situazioni di siti inquinati da idrocarburi, spesso si richiede il monitoraggio della distribuzione spaziale dell'inquinante e l'individuazione di vie preferenziali di deflusso dello stesso nel sottosuolo. Le proprietà fisiche dei materiali costituenti il sottosuolo sono significativamente influenzate dalla presenza dell'inquinante nei pori e nelle fessure e dalle proprietà chimiche dell'inquinante stesso.Di fatto le correlazioni esistenti tra parametri idrogeologici, quali la porosità e le proprietà fisiche di un mezzo poroso costituiscono uno strumento efficace per studiare, attraverso l'utilizzo di indagini geofisiche non invasive, la distribuzione spaziale dell'inquinante nei suoli. L'obiettivo di questo lavoro è stato quello di determinare la presenza di inquinanti, la distribuzione spaziale, la quantità e quale potrebbe essere la sua migrazione in funzione del tempo. In questo lavoro viene presa in considerazione la possibilità offerta dalla metodologia geofisica denominata ERT (Electrical Resistivity Tomography) nell'individuare e mappare la presenza di idrocarburi nel sottosuolo. A questo scopo viene presentata un applicazione di tale metodologia nei pressi di un distributore (dismesso) di carburante.

Assessment of the risk arising from near-surface natural hazard is a crucial step in safeguarding the security of the roads in karst areas. It helps authorities and other related parties to apply suitable procedures for ground treatment, mitigate potential natural hazards and minimize human and economic losses. Karstic terrains in the Salento Peninsula (Apulia region-South Italy) is a major challenge to engineering constructions and roads due to extensive occurrence of cavities and/or sinkholes that cause ground subsidence and both roads and building collapse. Cavities are air/sediment-filled underground voids, commonly developed in calcarenite sedimentary rocks by the infiltration of rainwater into the ground, opening up, over a long period of time, holes and tunnels. Mitigation of natural hazards can best be achieved through careful geoscientific studies. Traditionally, engineers use destructive probing techniques for the detection of cavities across regular grids or random distances. Such probing is insufficient on its own to provide confidence that cavities will not be encountered. Frequency of probing and depth of investigation may become more expensive. Besides, probing is intrusive, non-continuous, slow, expensive and cannot provide a complete lateral picture of the subsurface geology. Near-surface cavities usually can be easily detected by surface geophysical methods. Traditional and recently developed measuring techniques in seismic, geoelectrics and georadar are suitable for economical investigation of hazardous, potentially collapsing cavities. The presented research focused on an integrated geophysical survey that was carried out in a near-coast road located at Porto Cesareo, a small village a few kilometers south west of Lecce (south Italy). The roads in this area are intensively affected by dangerous surface cracks that cause structural instability. The survey aimed to image the shallow subsurface structures, including karstic features, and evaluate their extent, as they may cause rock instability and lead to cracking of the road. Seismic refraction tomography and ground-penetrating radar surveys were carried out along several parallel traverses extending about 100 m on the cracked road. The acquired data were processed and interpreted integrally to elucidate the shallow structural setting of the site. Integrated interpretation led to the delineation of hazard zones rich with karstic features in the area. Most of these karstic features are associated with vertical and subvertical linear features and cavities. These features are the main reason of the rock instability that resulted in potentially dangerous cracking of road. © 2014 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.

Most monuments and historical buildings in the Maltese Islands are made of the local Globigerina Limestone (GL). This type of stone, however, is very delicate and prone to degradation caused by the environmental conditions of the islands. Hence, for the preservation of the Cultural Heritage monuments, it is necessary to promptly assess the health status of these structures and, in particular, their water content (which represents one of the major causes of degradation).

Leakage localization is crucial in the water distribution sector, where the percentage of water lost due to leaks often exceeds 30-40 %. In this regard, the authors have recently developed a time-domain reflectometry (TDR)-based system which, being based on an electromagnetic technique, overcomes the well-known downsides (such as sensitivity to environmental noise, to pipe material and geometry, etc) of traditional, electro-acoustic leak-localization techniques.Starting from the positive results obtained so far, in this work, the authors investigate the possibility of implementing an integrated TDR/GPR approach: the TDR would allow the preliminary leak localization, while the GPR technique would be used to have a countercheck for possible false positives. Also, GPR would allow to assess the entity of the leak (thus scheduling a priority order for repair) and to obtain a three-dimensional view of the subsurface soil around the pipes, so as to assess their health status. In this work, the combined TDR/GPR approach is tested on a pipe section in presence of two leaks.In addition to this, in this paper, also a different configuration of the TDR sensing element (SE) is experimented. As described in the following, this new SE configuration is expected to expedite considerably the implementation and the use of the TDR-based leak detection system.

With the dual purpose of extending knowledge about the archaeological site of San Rossore and of assisting archaeologists in the recovery process of the ships, geophysical surveys integrated with remote sensing analyses were performed. The surveys were conducted at selected locations, placed on the plan of excavation (approximately 5 m above the ancient surface) and near the archaeological excavation area. Passive (Self Potentials) and active (Induced Polarization) electrical methods were used. The choice of geophysical methods was due to the peculiarity of the geological characteristics of the site. In fact, the sediments embodying the archaeological remains are mainly silts and silty sands, which are moderately conductive. Furthermore, a shallow groundwater hosted in the alluvial deposits (at approximately 2 m below the surface plane) is present in the site.Induced Polarization results inside the excavation area allowed identifying some anomalies related to the ship boundaries, as well as other anomalies probably attributable to archaeological features. Additionally, the Self Potentials measurements carried out in the area near the archaeological excavation evidenced the presence of other archaeological features such as two ships, a pier and other structures. Furthermore, the multitemporal remote sensing data allow the identification of many traces related to filling of channels and ditches. Finally, the integration of the data contributed to a better interpretation of the archaeological site.

Within the project for the restoration of thenorthern section of the sixteenth-century city walls ofLecce, a team of researchers of CNR-IBAM carriedout in 2014 and 2015 geophysical surveys aimed at thestudy and the reconstruction of the moat outside thefortifications. The use of GPR method allowed todetect anomalies related to the main ditch outside thecity walls and to characterize the rocky bank in whichit was excavated; at the time of the surveys, this ditchwas still buried and the results of the geophysicalmeasurements directed the works for its excavation.As well as investigations have allowed to identify alsoother possible ditches or quarries and more ancientstructures, which subsequent archaeologicalexcavations have dated at the Medieval and Romanperiods. Moreover, geophysical surveys highlightedthe presence of modern walls, corresponding with thefoundations of the stadium built in the 1920s close tothe city walls.

In this paper, we show the results of three case histories where GPR prospecting has beeninterpreted also with the aid of a specific archive research on documents of the XVI and XVIIcentury. The case histories are related to three churches of the renaissance and baroqueperiod in Lecce, Lecce, Southern Italy. The aim is to deliver the usefulness of GPRprospecting in these kind of monuments and to show how the likelihood of the interpretationcan be increased when historical information is available.

The Aragonese Castle is located in the southwesternmost part of the inland corresponding to the acropoli of Taranto during the Magna Grecia period. It is at the top of a calcarenitic body ascribed to the Last Interglacial time (MIS 5). Its building was completed in 1492 but there aren't indications about an official beginning; some architectonic particulars, including the structure of the church inside, seem indicate that the building started during the X/XII century. Calcarenitc ashlars present in the wall have size characteristic of the Magna Grecia/roman time; therefore, it is possible that parts of present fortification were build up the Magna Grecia/roman one or, at least, reworking their parts. The present structure of the castle is result of different phases, not yet well documented, of improving and reutilization occurred during their five century of live.The channel that separate the past acropolis from the centre of Taranto was cut at the end of XIX century, in occasion of the realisation in this city of the biggest base of Italian fleet; however, old documents indicate that in this area a small valley could limited the acropolis from the outside. Goals of present work are: I - to individuate the original topography of the natural environment; II - to individuate past structures at present covered by new ones or by sediments. The preliminary results are encouraging and pointed out the presence of different structures that could be of archaeological interest.

In Apulia Region there is a dense historical-architectural and archaeological heritage built with soft calcarenitic stones. These materials present significant problems of conservation related to their low durability and therefore know the intrinsic characteristics is crucial to evaluate the performance properties and their susceptibility to degradation. To evaluate the physical-mechanical characteristics of the stone materials is very useful to use non-destructive and non-invasive technologies such as ultrasonic, applicable both in situ and in the laboratory.The factors influencing the propagation of elastic waves in the rocks are the structure, density, size and shape of the granules, porosity, anisotropy, the water content, stress and temperature. In this paper the effects of saturation on the elastic wave velocity and the relationship between density and elastic wave velocity were studied on some Apulia's porous calcarenites such as Leccese stone, the Ostuni stone and the calcareous "Tufo delle Murge". The ultrasonic P and S wave velocity measurements were performed on cubic samples, under natural condictions (e.g. without applying external pressure on the samples), using the transmission method. Variations of P and S wave velocity were related to density and percentages of water content. Furthermore in order to study the frequency influence on seismic velocities.

Il Progetto Innovazione Sociale "IN-CUL.TU.RE. INnovazione nella CULtura nel TUrismo e nel REstauro", ha avuto lo scopo di salvaguardare e conservare l'inestimabile patrimonio industriale legato alla cultura rurale salentina. In particolare si vogliono evidenziare in questo contributo i risultati delle indagini micro-geofisiche realizzate all'interno della struttura denominata Molino Coratelli. La campagna di indagini è stata finalizzata sia all'individuazione delle armature ed eventuali forme di dissesto (vuoti e/o fratture) eventualmente presenti all'interno della soletta in cemento armato che al loro stato di conservazione

This study concerns the main results of theresearch activity aimed at a new integrated knowledgeof Casalrotto, a Medieval cave village (12th-13thcentury) near Mottola (TA). The research was basedon archaeological and geophysical surveys performedin 2015 by researchers of the Laboratory ofGeophysics applied to the Archaeological andMonumental Heritage and the Laboratory of AncientTopography, Archaeology and Remote Sensing ofCNR-IBAM in Lecce. In particular, archaeologicalinvestigations have allowed the upgrading the existingplan of the village through DGPS topographicalsurveys, while geophysical measurements, usingground-penetrating radar (GPR) have allowed abetter delimitation of the necropolis and the detectionof buried structures, both in masonry and carved inthe bedrock.

The paper deals with the results of an archaeo-geophysical approach adopted for the study and the reconstruction of the architectural plan of the medieval monastery of San Pietro a Cellaria in Calvello (Basilicata, Southern Italy). The monastery is a remarkable witness to Benedectine architecture of the 12-13th century in Basilicata, built by monks of the Congregation of S. Maria di Pulsano, who were active mainly in southern Italy. The historical data and the diachronic architectural study, based on the analysis of building techniques, provide evidence for a long and intense history, during which the monastery underwent several architectural changes, including the demolition of buildings and the superposition of other constructional elements. The only preserved medieval remains are a church with a nave; the adjacent structures are more recent. This preliminary data prompted a research project to shed new light on the as yet unknown history of the medieval monastery. Specifically, a remote sensing approach around the monastery including aerial survey by unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and geomagnetic survey in gradiometric configuration (MAG), was adopted in order to verify the possible existence of buried masonry structures and other possible features of archaeological interest, including channels and aqueducts. The GPR time slices were constructed from closely spaced parallel profiles. The time slices, computed by averaging radar reflections over vertical time windows several nanoseconds thick, are used to map subsoil features associated with the structures, probably of anthropogenic origin. To facilitate the interpretation of the results, a threedimensional image was constructed using closely spaced parallel profiles, which are linearly interpolated. The MAG survey was carried in gradiometer configuration, in order to study magnetic properties of the shallow subsoil. Ground-penetrating radar gives details about archaeological structures in a limited area where survey was possible, while gradiometer survey confirms GPR results and improves archaeological knowledge in the areas where GPR survey was impossible. This multi-sensor remote sensing program revealed a wide variety of archaeological features of interest, which may be targeted accurately with excavations in the future.

Non-destructive testing by mean of ground penetrating radar were performed on the wooden elements constituting the roofing of the Cathedral of Foggia. These measurements were related to the restoration work of the roof. Measurements campaign aimed at the assessment of the conservation status of the wooden elements of the all major and secondary elements of the truss of the nave, as well as on those main of the dome and the apse. Results show various abnormalities which correspond to nodes and/or slots. The presence of the nodes allow a rapid and accurate analysis of the electromagnetic waves velocity and the volumetric water content.

Within the project for the restoration of the northern section of the sixteenth-century city wall of Lecce, CNR-IBAM carried out geophysical surveys aimed at the study and the reconstruction of the fortifications system. In particular, the investigations focused on a wide band of land outside the two bastions at the northern far end of the fortifications. The integrated use of GPR and ERT systems has allowed to detect anomalies related to the main ditch outside the city wall and to characterize the rocky bench in which it was excavated; at the time of the surveys, this ditch was still buried, and the results of the measurements have guided its excavations. Moreover, the investigations have allowed to identify also other possible ditches or quarries and more ancient structures, which subsequent archaeological excavations have dated at the Roman period. Moreover, geophysical surveys highlighted the presence of modern walls, corresponding with the foundations of the stadium constructed in the first half of the 1900s close to the fortifications. So, geophysical investigations were very important since they allowed not only to direct the archaeological excavations, but also because they allowed to formulate some hypotheses on the ancient topography of the not excavated area

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Snows in Copertino was built in 1088 by the will of the Norman Count Goffredo of Conversano and was originally entitled to the Virgin. In 1255 Manfredi, Prince of Taranto and Count of Copertino elevated it to basilica entitling it to the Virgin of the Snows. It is the mother church of Copertino, already directed basilica and in 2011 elevated to the rank of minor basilica. GPR survey was undertaken inside the churches at Copertino village, located a few kilometres southwest of Lecce (Italy). The purpose of the survey was to obtain information about the existence of ancient structures beneath the churches. No document or writing exists to confirm the presence of structures under the church. However, there are several oral testimonies handed down over the centuries that suggest the presence of these ancient structures.Survey was carried out using a IDS Hi Mod georadar system, incorporating the dual band 200-600 MHz centre frequency antennae. The GPR time slices were constructed from closely spaced parallel profiles. The time slices, computed from averaging radar reflections over vertical time windows several nanoseconds thick, are used to map subsoil features associated with the structures, probably of anthropogenic origin. To facilitate the interpretation of the results, a three-dimensional image was constructed using closely spaced parallel profiles, which are linearly interpolated.

The Aragonese Castle is located in the southwesternmost part of the inland corresponding to the acropoli of Taranto during the Magna Grecia period. It is at the top of a calcarenitic body ascribed to the Last Interglacial time (MIS 5). Its building was completed in 1492 but there aren't indications about an official beginning; some architectonic particulars, including the structure of the church inside, seem indicate that the building started during the X/XII century. Calcarenitc ashlars present in the wall have size characteristic of the Magna Grecia/roman time; therefore, it is possible that parts of present fortification were build up the Magna Grecia/roman one or, at least, reworking their parts. The present structure of the castle is result of different phases, not yet well documented, of improving and reutilization occurred during their five century of live.The channel that separate the past acropolis from the centre of Taranto was cut at the end of XIX century, in occasion of the realisation in this city of the biggest base of Italian fleet; however, old documents indicate that in this area a small valley could limited the acropolis from the outside. Goals of present work are: I - to individuate the original topography of the natural environment; II - to individuate past structures at present covered by new ones or by sediments. The preliminary results are encouraging and pointed out the presence of different structures that could be of archaeological interest.

The topographic and geo-morphological characteristics of the Salento peninsula(Puglia, south-eastern Italy) mean that movements of mass are extremely rare. Thesephenomena particularly affect certain coastal zones characterized by cliffs in rapid retreatand some unusual points in the hinterland in which collapses, generally linked to thedevelopment of karstic cavities, are common. These phenomena demonstrate the brittlenessof some areas of the Salento, and they constitute a restraint on the use of the territoryitself. The town of Mesagne is one of the sites at greatest geological risk in the northSalento peninsula. In the last few decades, the historical centre of Mesagne has beenaffected by a series of subsidence events, which have, in some cases, resulted in the partialcollapse of buildings and road surfaces. The last event was in the January 2014. It causedsubsidence phenomenon in a wide area, and many families have been forced from theirhomes. These events have had both social repercussions, causing alarm and emergencysituations, and economic repercussions in terms of the expense of restoration. In order todetermine the causes of the ground subsidence events, integrated geophysical surveys wereundertaken in the historical centre of Mesagne. In addition, the analysis of several wellsallowed the 3D model reconstruction related both to the geology and to the groundwaterdepth in the surveyed areas. With the purpose of estimating the dimensions of the phenomenonand its possible relationship with both specific environmental conditions (forinstance groundwater depth variation) and anthropic conditions (for instance the losses inwater supply and sanitation), some geophysical measurements were repeated in the time.The study led to the production of a detailed description of the subsidence causes thatallows a quick action to restore security conditions in the area.

The roman amphitheatre of Catania stands in a very complex and interesting area where settlement dynamics and transformations have profoundly marked its urban landscape. Over the centuries, the urban and architectural histories together with the formation of the archaeological deposits have led to the complete obliteration of the monument and restricted knowledge of its plan and architectural development. Therefore, it constitutes an interesting context in which to experiment methods and techniques for architectural representation and the three-dimensional reconstruction of the monument.

Ongoing and extensive urbanization may threaten important archaeological structures that are still buried in the urban areas. Ground Penetrating Radar method is the most promising alternative for resolving buried archaeological structures in urban territories. In this paper a case study that involves a geophysical survey employing the surface three-dimensional (3D) GPR techniques, in order to archaeologically characterize the investigated areas. The last ones are located in the south-western sector of the historical center of Lecce (Apulia, Italy), where the modern city overlaps the main public monuments of the Roman municipium of Lupiae, only partially preserved or excavated: the amphitheatre, the theatre, the baths and maybe also the Forum. GPR measurements, integrated with the results of archaeological excavations and the topographical surveys of the preserved remains, were carried out in several areas regarding sectors of the ancient roman city. The GPR data were collected along a dense network of parallel profiles. The GPR sections were processed applying specific filters to the data in order to enhance their information content. The GPR images significantly contributed in reconstructing the complex subsurface properties in these modern urban areas. Strong GPR reflections anomalies were correlated with possible ancient structures and they were integrated in the digital archaeological map of the city.

Among geophysical techniques applied toarchaeological sites , the multi-frequency EMI methodis capable of identifying shallow subsurface relics bysimultaneously measuring the apparent electricalconductivity (ECa) and apparent magneticsusceptibility (MSa).In this study, multi-frequencyEMI technologies were performed in two heritagesites with different geological conditions. In the site ofHan Hangu Pass, high ECa values were measured dueto the cinnamon soil. Variations of ECa from thesurface to shallow subsurface with different depthsindicate a correlation with archaeological excavations.Whereas, electromagnetic anomalies related to anancient road and five kiln caves were identified. In theXishan Yang, sandy loams result into lower ECavalues. An ancient tomb, indicating extremely lowECa and high MSa, was discovered. Itselectromagnetic properties is attributed to the cavityand ferroferric oxides. Afterwards, the depths ofinvestigation (DOI) in conjunction with theperformance of signal frequencies were assessed andanalyzed.

This study presents the potential of multi-frequency electromagnetic induction (EMI) in archaeology. EMI is currently less employed for archaeological prospection respect to other geophysical techniques. It is capable of identifying shallow subsurface relics by simultaneously measuring the apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) and apparent magnetic susceptibility (MSa). Moreover, frequency sounding is able to quantify the depths and vertical shapes of buried structures. In this study, EMI surveys with five frequencies were performed in two heritage sites with different geological conditions: Han Hangu Pass characterized cinnamon soil, and Xishan Yang by sandy loams. In the first site high ECa values were observed with variations in depth correlated to archaeological remains. Moreover, electromagnetic anomalies related to an ancient road and five kiln caves were identified. In the second site an ancient tomb, indicating extremely low ECa and high MSa, was discovered. Its electromagnetic properties is attributed to the cavity and ferroferric oxides

In this work, the dielectric characterizationof pietra gentile (a kind of stone typically found in CulturalHeritage structures in Southern Italy) was carriedout. Measurements were performed for increasing levelof water content of the pietra; thus identifying, empirically,the relation between moisture content and dielectricpermittivity. The obtained laboratory results canbe used to derive moisture content/dielectric permittivitycalibration curves that could be used, in practice, fornoninvasive on-the-field moisture monitoring of pietragentile-made Cultural Heritage structures. For example,it would be possible to use the obtained calibrationcurves with non-invasive measurement systems, such astime domain reflectometry in conjunction with antennas,coaxial probes, or waveguides apertures.

The researches carried out by the IBAM-CNR in the area of the Necropolis of Porta Nocera at Pompeii have led to create an innovative system for the documentation, representation and preservation of archaeological contexts. The scientific rigour and precision of the traditional instrumental mapping together with the use of new technologies and geophysical methods have produced high-definition 3D models of the funerary monuments and necropolis as tools to store and manage scientific information.

Vengono riportati i risultati di un indagine geofisica effettuata in un'area interessata dalla presenza di una ex discarica comunale (non si indica l'area in quanto attualmente sotto inchiesta). La presenza nell'area dell'ex discarica comunale crea uno scenario dal potenziale impatto sull'ambiente assai rilevante. L'eventuale mancanza di barriere laterali e di fondo impermeabilizzate, permette al percolato di discarica di introdursi nel sottosuolo, con elevata probabilità di inquinamento della falda principale della zona. Gli effetti di tale fenomeno sono osservabili per decenni, quindi risulta evidente quale possa essere il rischio di carattere igienico-sanitario a cui sono state (ma lo sono tutt'ora) sottoposte le popolazioni residenti nei pressi della discarica. A tal proposito, basti pensare che per conformazione la zona è idonea per lo sviluppo dell'attività agricola, con conseguente utilizzo di acqua potenzialmente contaminata da sostanze potenzialmente tossiche.Lo scenario che si può osservare lungo le strade limitrofe alla zona non è dei più incoraggianti: interi cumuli di rifiuti abbandonati fanno da cornice al paesaggio su descritto; si va dai copertoni alle batterie per auto, dai beni durevoli di varia tipologia agli scarti di lavorazione. Purtroppo si parla di aree periferiche del territorio, facilmente accessibili e scarsamente illuminate, quindi sede ideale di discariche abusive incontrollate.

The paper is focused on low enthalpy geothermal exploration performed in south Italy and provides an integrated presentation of geological, hydrogeological, and geophysical surveys carried out in the area of municipality of Lecce. Geological and hydrogeological models were performed using the stratigraphical data from 51 wells. A ground-water flow (direction and velocity) model was obtained. Using the same wells data, the ground-water annual temperature was modeled. Furthermore, the ground surface temperature records from ten meteorological stations were studied. This allowed us to obtain a model related to the variations of the temperature at different depths in the subsoil. Integrated geophysical surveys were carried out in order to explore the low-enthalpy geothermal fluids and to evaluate the results of the model. Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and self-potential (SP) methods were used.,The results obtained upon integrating the geophysical data with the models show a low-enthalpy geothermal resource constituted by a shallow ground-water system.

The researches carried out by the IBAM-CNR in the area of Roman Bath at the archaeological site of Sagalassos (A?lasun -Turkey) have led to create an innovative system for the documentation, representation and preservation of archaeological contexts. The scientific rigour and precision of the traditional instrumental mapping together with the use of new technologies and geophysical methods have produced high- definition 3D models of the monument as tools to store and manage scientific information. For geophysical survey two physical parameters were measured, the electrical resistivity and self potential in order to obtain their distribution in a three-dimensional volume. The aim of geophysical survey was to obtain information about the roman bath structure stability.

Most monuments and historical buildingsin the Maltese Islands are made of the local GlobigerinaLimestone (GL). This type of stone, however, isvery delicate and prone to degradation caused by theenvironmental conditions of the islands. Hence, forthe preservation of the Cultural Heritage monuments,it is necessary to promptly assess the health status ofthese structures and, in particular, their water content(which represents one of the major causes of degradation).Starting from these considerations, in this work, a timedomain reflectometry (TDR)-based method for estimatingwater content of GL is presented. More specifically,the proposed method relies on estimating thewater content value of the GL structure from TDRbaseddielectric permittivity measurements. To verifythe suitability of this system, experimental tests werecarried out on a GL sample. The results anticipate thestrong potential of the proposed method for practicalapplications in the Cultural Heritage diagnostics.

The archaeological site of Sagalassos is a very important settlement located in a magnificent mountainlandscape, 7 km north from a village named Aglasun (province of Burdur, south-west Turkey). Since 1990, theUniversity of Leuven (Belgium) has carried out an interdisciplinary archaeological research program that studies>1000 years of uninterrupted human occupation in Sagalassos, concerning all historical aspects of daily life fromarchitecture, to trade and its mechanisms and environmental conditions. The ancient Roman city is covered by layers oferoded soil that has preserved many secrets waiting to be revealed. A geophysical campaign was planned along the southfacing terraces of the mountain slopes to highlight the structure of the city that remains covered in soil. Site conditions(high slope, high grass, several obstacles) and the need to investigate to depths greater than 20m influenced the choiceof geophysical methods; we chose to use both passive and active electrical resistivity tomography. Three different areas,labelled Area 1, Area 2 and Area 3, were investigated, with results revealing information about the location, depth, sizeand extent of buried archaeological features. Of particular interest is the presence of: (i) a deep depression in Area 1, thoughtto be a clay quarry; (ii) a number of tombs related to the Byzantine period in Area 2; and (iii) defensive walls in Area 3.

Extensive urbanization cover important archaeological structures that are still buried in the urban areas. Ground Penetrating Radar method is the most promising alternative for resolving buried archaeological structures in urban territories. In this paper a case study that involves a geophysical survey employing the surface three-dimensional (3D) GPR techniques, in order to archaeologically characterize the investigated areas. GPR measurements, integrated with archaeological and topographical research aimed at the production of a digital archaeological map integrated in a webGIS platform, were carried out in some areas in the historical centre of Lecce (Apulia, Italy). The investigate areas are related to some sectors of the Messapian necropolises (dated mainly in 4th-3rd century BC), characterized by different types of graves (pits dug in the bedrock or built with slabs, sarcophagi and hypogea) that lied also inside the settlement surrounded by city walls. Geophysical survey was carried out using the IDS Hi Mod georadar system, incorporating the dual band 200-600 MHz centre frequency antennae. The GPR time slices were constructed from closely spaced parallel profiles. The time slices, computed from averaging radar reflections over vertical time windows several nanoseconds thick, are used to map subsoil features associated with the structures, probably of anthropogenic origin. The time slices were georeferenced in the archaeological map of Lecce in order to acquire new data on the distribution and the ancient topography of the funerary areas inside the settlements. Moreover, to facilitate the interpretation of the results, a three-dimensional image was constructed using closely spaced parallel profiles, which are interpolated.

In Apulia Region there is a dense historical-architectural and archaeological heritage built with soft calcarenitic stones. These materials present significant problems of conservation related to their low durability and therefore know the intrinsic characteristics is crucial to evaluate the performance properties and their susceptibility to degradation. To evaluate the physical-mechanical characteristics of the stone materials is very useful to use non-destructive and non-invasive technologies such as ultrasonic, applicable both in situ and in the laboratory.The factors influencing the propagation of elastic waves in the rocks are the structure, density, size and shape of the granules, porosity, anisotropy, the water content, stress and temperature. In this paper the effects of saturation on the elastic wave velocity and the relationship between density and elastic wave velocity were studied on Leccese stone. The ultrasonic P and S wave velocity measurements were performed on cubic samples, under natural condictions (e.g. without applying external pressure on the samples), using the transmission method. The variations of the P and S wave velocity were related to both the density and to the percentages of water content.

This study concerns the main results of the research activity aimed at a new integrated knowledge of Casalrotto,a Medieval cave village (12th-13th century) near Mottola (Province of Taranto southern Italy). The research wasbased on archaeological and geophysical surveys performed in 2015. In particular, archaeological investigationshave allowed the upgrading of the existing plan of the village through Differential Global Position System(DGPS) topographical surveys, while geophysical measurements, using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) andmagnetometry in gradiometry configuration, have allowed a better delimitation of the necropolis and the detectionof buried structures.

Ongoing and extensive urbanisation may threaten important archaeological structures that are still buried inurban areas. The ground penetrating radar (GPR) method is the most promising alternative for resolving buried archaeologicalstructures in urban territories. This paper presents a case study that involves a geophysical survey employing the surfacethree-dimensional (3D) GPR techniques, in order to archaeologically characterise the investigated areas. The site is locatedin the south-western sector of the historical centre of Lecce (Apulia, Italy), where the modern city overlaps the main publicmonuments of the Roman municipium of Lupiae, only partially preserved or excavated: the amphitheatre, the theatre, thebaths and maybe also the Forum. GPR measurements, integrated with the results of archaeological excavations and thetopographical surveys of the preserved remains, were carried out in several areas regarding sectors of the ancient romancity. The GPR data were collected along a dense network of parallel profiles. The GPR sections were processed applyingspecific filters to the data in order to enhance their information content. The GPR images significantly contributed inreconstructing the complex subsurface properties in these modern urban areas. Strong GPR reflections features werecorrelated with possible ancient structures and they were integrated in the digital archaeological map of the city

In the last two decades the village of Casalabate was affected by a number of sinkhole events, the last episode occurring on 7 January 2012. Due to some geological and geotechnical uncertainties, Casalabate became an intriguing case study of sinkhole hazard in urban areas and three geological-geophysical models were recently proposed by three different studies. In this paper new geophysical data and some epistemological consideration were done. The results are a contribution to an efficient predictive model that could be well define both the geological setting and sinkhole hazard.