The caranto paleosol and its role in the early urbanization of Venice

A buried calcic paleosol, known as 'caranto,' has been identified as a crucial substrate for Venice's early urbanization and building foundations. This subsurface layer, formed during the Late Glacial period, exhibits high compressive and shear strength, supporting structures dating back to the Gothic era (12th–15th centuries A.D.). The study provides geochemical, sedimentological, paleoecological, and chronological analyses of the caranto paleosol and related deposits based on recent coring of the Venetian Lagoon. These findings offer a historical framework for understanding modern environmental changes in Venice, particularly as rising sea levels threaten the city.

Donnici, S., Serandrei‐Barbero, R., Bini, C., Bonardi, M., & Lezziero, A. (2011). The caranto paleosol and its role in the early urbanization of Venice. Geoarchaeology, 26(4), 514–543. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/gea.20361