Natural hazards in the Abruzzi Apennines (Italy) and the risk to archaeological sites

Regulations and advice from different institutions and associations indicate the necessity for preventive measures to avoid future damage to our cultural heritage. To do so, the appropriate knowledge of the various historic catastrophic events (natural or anthropic) that have struck the monuments has to be gained. This knowledge of our archaeological heritage needs: (i) estimation of the risks related to the natural environment, through local geological geomorphological investigations; and (ii) definition of the natural events that have affected the site of interest, through geoarchaeological and historical investigations. These issues imply for example, that a typical aspect of the use of our cultural heritage (i. e. the creation of in-situ museums) also needs to be planned within the framework of the natural/environmental dynamics. Following these guidelines, four Roman archaeological sites in the Abruzzi Apennines (central Italy) have been investigated. These sites are characterised by a natural criticality that is evident in the archaeological stratigraphy and which is detectable in the local geomorphological framework. We have analysed the effects of: (i) strong earthquakes in the archaeological area of Alba Fucens; (ii) the sliding of limestone blocks at Luco dei Marsi (Angitia); and (iii) colluvial events at San Benedetto dei Marsi (Marruvium) and Castel di Ieri. These processes continue to contribute to the local natural hazard and exhibit problems for actions related to the preservation of these archaeological sites. Therefore, it is evident that their characterization is necessary for mitigation of risk and continued preservation and use of heritage sites.