Gli acquiferi carsici dell’Appennino meridionale: una risorsa d’importanza strategica

Mesozoic carbonate series outcrop on about 45% of the territory in the southern Italy and constitute mountain ranges that can be recognised as the most productive aquifers. The whole groundwater flow can be approximately estimated in about 4100×106 m3/y, with a yield ranging from 0.015 to 0.031 m3/s × km2. The hydrogeological behaviour is knownly controlled by the peculiar porosity derived from tectonic brittle deformation and karst. Carbonate aquifers are typically characterized by a basal groundwater, outflowing in huge basal springs, which circulation is greatly conditioned by the altimetry of the boundary with the juxtaposing lower permeability flysch deposits. In addition, cataclastic bands can act as aquitards determining the fractioning of the groundwater flow into several underground basins. Whereas carbonate aquifers are juxtaposed with permeable Plio-Quaternary epiclastic deposits, a hydraulic exchange can exists. A subordinate perched groundwater flow also occurs in the surficial part of carbonate mountains, whereas the different deepening of epikarst, as well as stratigraphic and tectonic factors, can generate seasonal and ephemeral springs. Given their high chemical quality of groundwater, carbonate aquifers represent strategic resources for the socio-economic development of the Southern Italy.