Publications
Karst record of Holocene climate and human-induced changes in surface processes in the northern Apennines of Italy
A new study reveals that human land-use changes, particularly the slash-and-burn technique practiced since the Copper Age, significantly increased soil erosion and sediment flux into karst systems in the northern Apennines of Italy. The research, conducted on sediments from Tana della Mussina Cave (TdMC), shows that clastic sedimentation surged after 5500 years BP due to deforestation, leading to higher charcoal and heated soil remnants in the cave's deposits. This finding underscores early human impact on Earth's Critical Zone processes, with implications for understanding long-term environmental changes. The study combines sediment analysis, speleothem records, and archaeological evidence to reconstruct Holocene hydrological and anthropogenic influences on karst dynamics.
Combining the 3D Geological and Geostatistical Modelling of Gypsum Concentration, Using Historical Borehole and Blasthole Information
A novel integration of 3D geological and geostatistical modeling enhances the precision of gypsum concentration estimation at the UNESCO-listed 'Monte Tondo' quarry, Italy. By combining historical borehole data with blasthole information, researchers achieved a more accurate representation of gypsum deposits, reducing geological risk and improving mining efficiency. This approach addresses long-standing challenges in small-scale operations, offering a sustainable solution that aligns with environmental regulations. The study demonstrates the potential of geostatistical techniques beyond large metal mines, paving the way for broader adoption in industrial mineral extraction.
Genetic Diversity and Distribution of Italian Cave Crickets (Dolichopoda): Toward a Better Understanding of Lineage Structure
Research on Italian cave crickets (Dolichopoda) reveals two previously unrecognized lineages within the species D. geniculata, refining our understanding of their genetic diversity and distribution across the Apennines. By sequencing mitochondrial markers (cox1 and 16S) from 18 populations, scientists identified distinct lineages and updated the known ranges for D. geniculata, D. letitiae, and D. schiavazzii in the northern Apennines. These findings contribute to ongoing efforts toward a taxonomic revision of the group, highlighting the importance of cave crickets as key indicators of subterranean biodiversity. The study underscores the need for further exploration to unravel the complex lineage structure of these species.
Geological Map of the Frasassi Gorge (Northern Apennines, Italy)
A new 1:10,000-scale geological map of the Frasassi Gorge (Northern Apennines, Italy) reveals intricate tectono-sedimentary contacts and structural features that refine our understanding of Jurassic paleogeography and post-Jurassic deformation in the region. The study integrates surface and cave surveys to provide a detailed subdivision of the Calcare Massiccio Formation (MAS), improving correlations with adjacent Jurassic units and the Maiolica Formation. Notably, it documents neptunian dykes both at the surface and within caves, suggesting that the Frasassi high was an elongated NW–SE block bounded by conjugate oblique-slip normal faults later reactivated during folding. This updated framework offers valuable insights for future geological research in this UNESCO-listed evaporitic karst system.
A Fifteen Year Geological Journey with the IUCN Natural World Heritage Sites: Geoscience Education and the Conservation of Nature
A fifteen-year review by the IUCN highlights the significant potential of UNESCO World Heritage Sites for geoscience education and nature conservation. The study evaluates 13 nominations from 12 countries, spanning diverse landscapes such as the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka, China Danxia, and the Evaporitic Karst Caves of Northern Apennines. It emphasizes the importance of integrating natural history and geological conservation into geoscience curricula to foster a broader understanding of environmental and social subjects. The research underscores the value of these sites in promoting geo-education and sustainable conservation practices.
Gypsum cave notches and their palaeoenvironmental significance: A combined morphometric study using terrestrial laser scanning, traditional cave mapping, and geomorphological observations
A multidisciplinary study on gypsum cave notches in the northern Apennines reveals a consistent paleocurrent flow direction from ESE to WNW, supporting the ancient resurgence nature of the cave system. Despite inconclusive results from individual methods—such as terrestrial laser scanning and traditional cave mapping—the collective evidence suggests that water flow gently inclined toward the present main entrance, corroborated by sediment imbrication patterns. This research highlights the potential of combining geostatistical analyses with geomorphological observations to unravel paleoenvironmental dynamics in karst systems.
Long-Term Dynamics of a Cave Salamander Population in a Region under Changing Climate
A 27-year study of Strinati's Cave Salamanders (Speleomantes strinatii) in the Northern Apennines reveals that their population dynamics remain stable despite regional climate change. While local temperatures have risen steadily, precipitation has stayed constant, yet no directional trends were detected in salamander abundance, adult sex ratio, recruitment, or growth rates. The population's complex fluctuations suggest interactions between lagged density dependence and external factors, likely buffered by the thermal inertia of their subterranean habitat. This finding highlights the resilience of long-lived cave-dwelling species to aboveground climate signals.
Different patterns of introgression in a three species hybrid zone among European cave salamanders
A previously undocumented three-species hybrid zone among European cave salamanders (Plethodontid) has been identified in the Northern Apennines, involving Speleomantes strinatii, S. ambrosii, and S. italicus. This discovery expands the known distribution of these species by 21 new sites and reveals complex introgression patterns, with asymmetric genetic exchange favoring S. italicus mitogenome in hybrids. The study employed mitochondrial (Cytb, ND2) and nuclear markers (NCX1 SNPs) to uncover strong mitonuclear discordance, where mitochondrial genes show geographic structure while nuclear alleles coexist across species boundaries. This finding suggests that behavioral, genetic, and ecological factors collectively influence hybridization dynamics in this unique system.
Foraging success is differently affected by local climate in two syntopic forest-dwelling salamanders
Two syntopic forest-dwelling salamanders exhibit distinct foraging strategies influenced by local climatic conditions. Salamandrina perspicillata increases foraging success during prolonged rainfall with higher temperatures and larger body sizes, while Speleomantes strinatii shows reduced foraging success with rising temperatures, unaffected by rainfall. These differences likely stem from species-specific adaptations to dehydration resistance and body size. The study analyzed 11 populations across eight sites in the Northern Apennines, Italy, using prey item counts to assess foraging success under varying climatic variables.
Domitius Culsu sp. nov. (Araneae, Nestici-dae), a new troglobiont spider from Italy with notes on Italian nesticids of the genus Domitius Ribera, 2018
A new troglobiont spider species, Domitius culsu sp. nov., has been discovered in the caves of Northern Apennines, Italy. This finding expands the known diversity of the genus Domitius Ribera, 2018, which is characterized by its restricted distribution along the Apennine mountain chain and deep adaptation to cave life. Molecular and morphological analyses confirm the validity of D. culsu sp. nov. and reveal its close relationship with other Italian Domitius species, as well as a notable affinity with species from the Iberian Peninsula. The discovery is significant for conservation due to the spider's potential susceptibility to external disturbance and its extremely limited distribution.
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