Fattori predisponenti, preparatori e innescanti I fenomeni di instabilità nel territorio delle gravine Apulo-Lucane

The territory of gravine (a local term to designate fluvio-karstic valleys in Apulia and Basilicata regions) is highly susceptible to a variety of geological and hydrological processes. These are partly due to intrinsic characters of the local geology, but are also prepared by other factors acting with frequency such as particular types of rainfall (in terms of duration and intensity), seismic shocks, anthropogenic actions, etc. The latter actions include excavation of intensive systems of underground networks inside the walls of the karst valleys, inducing an overall reduction in the physical and mechanical properties of the calcarenites. In this contribution we describe the main types of slope instability, sinkholes, and flooding processes affecting the gravine system, and their effects and impacts on the cultural and historical heritage, and on society as well. The sector at the boundary between Apulia and Basilicata has been historicall affected by a great number of events, some of which are recalled here. On the other hand, it is extremely rich in history and culture, and could represent a wonderful opportunity of valorization, and a source of income for the local economy, if carefully managed, taking into the due account its peculiar geological characteristics.