Environmental effects of the groundwater rebound in the eastern plain of Naples (Italy)

Since 1990, in the eastern plain of Naples a generalized groundwater rebound phenomenon has occurred, caused by the sharp reduction of the withdrawals which had overexploited the plain aquifer until 1989. The present study aims to investigate, for 1989-2013 period, the groundwater flooding and ground uplift related to the groundwater rebound, by a coupled analysis of multi-temporal hydrogeological and DInSAR data of this area. Results show a generalized rise of groundwater levels from 1990, varying from 6.0 to 16.0 m, whereas localized impacts of groundwater flooding on buildings and agricultural soils have started since 2006. An uplift trend is observed in ground deformations (up to +40 mm), caused by the increase of pore water pressure in the aquifer system, following to groundwater rebound. This result opens new perspectives in assessment, mitigation and management of geohazards not considered by the Italian legislation.