Vegetation Cover and Tumuli’s Shape as Affecting Factors of Microclimate and Biodeterioration Risk for the Conservation of Etruscan Tombs (Tarquinia, Italy)

Research reveals that evergreen vegetation significantly stabilizes microclimatic conditions within Etruscan tombs, reducing temperature fluctuations and biodeterioration risks—particularly during critical late-summer periods. The study, conducted over 10 months at the Monterozzi Necropolis in Tarquinia, Italy, compared two tombs with an established Cynodon dactylon turf to control sites. Findings highlight that while vegetation cover mitigates overheating and maintains humidity, tumuli shape (e.g., orientation) and soil depth also play pivotal roles in microclimatic stability. The research underscores the need for tailored plant selection to balance conservation needs with cultural ecosystem services, offering actionable insights for preserving hypogeal paintings and similar heritage sites.

Caneva, G., Langone, S., Bartoli, F., Cecchini, A., & Meneghini, C. (2021). Vegetation Cover and Tumuli’s Shape as Affecting Factors of Microclimate and Biodeterioration Risk for the Conservation of Etruscan Tombs (Tarquinia, Italy). Sustainability, 13(6), 3393. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13063393