Hydrogeological mapping of the highly anthropogenically influenced Peligna Valley intramontane basin (Central Italy)

This paper presents hydrogeological mapping of the Peligna Valley (Central Italy) intramontane basin. The basin is hydrogeologically complex due to the significant surface and underground water resources which are extensively used for potable, industrial, agricultural and healing purposes. The basin history is characterised by significant fluvio-lacustrine deposition whose thickness can reach as much as 500 m. The depositional environment is completely surrounded by calcareous mountains. These represent extensive aquifers which feed large regional point and linear springs with total discharges of 16 m3/s. The highly complex hydrogeology of the study area and the varied use of water resources required extensive data collation and geological and hydrogeological assessments. Two years worth of hydrodynamic and hydrochemical monitoring of wells, springs, rivers and particularly artificial channels that convey water for industrial, hydroelectric and irrigational purposes were also undertaken. The construction of an accurate spatial-temporal database allowed the assessment and mapping of complex relationships between superficial water and groundwater. These relationships are shown in the 1:25,000 scale map. The map has been compiled using a detailed descriptive legend, various hydrogeological sections, schematics of anthropogenic activities, diagrams and tables and, finally, four schematics at 1:150,000 scale showing risk of contamination. It is hoped that this layout will assist in reading the map independently from any other supporting material.