The geology and hydrogeology of the Cassino plain (central Apennines, Italy): redefining the regional groundwater balance

Abstract

Cassino plain is a Quaternary intermontane basin of the central-southern Apennines, Italy. The plain has outstanding groundwater resources (total discharge of 23,000 L/s), thanks to the huge karst basins that surround the area. The area has been involved in many hydrogeological interests since the 1970s due to the economic importance and construction of the Western Campania Aqueduct for the water supply of Naples city and its hinterland. Despite its importance, the area lacks a common accepted hydrogeological conceptual model due to the complex geological setting. Two contrasting conceptual models already exist in the literature, with the first model based on a quantitative hydrogeological approach and the second on fieldwork. Through a literature analysis and further detailed field surveys, a new conceptual model is presented, acknowledging the thrust tectonics of the Apennine chain. The model unveils the most important hydrogeological issues of the area, serving as a useful tool for groundwater management, as well as for considering the changing anthropic and climate scenarios. In particular, the study redefines the hydrostructure extents and the groundwater flowpaths, characterizing the main water resources as Gari and Peccia springs.

Determining recharge distribution in fractured carbonate aquifers in central Italy using environmental isotopes: snowpack cover as an indicator for future availability of groundwater resources

“…3. All the springs are part of well-known hydrogeological systems studied in recent times (Celico 1983;Conese et al 2001;Petitta and Tallini 2002;Nanni and Rusi 2003;Boni and Ruisi 2006;Tarragoni 2006;Adinolfi Falcone et al 2008;Agrillo et al 2008;Petitta 2009;Spadoni et al 2009;Boni et al 2010;Allocca et al 2014;Banzato 2014;Saroli et al 2019). In fact, these groundwater systems and their hydrogeological boundaries are well defined by stratigraphic and tectonic boundaries with aquitards such as the Quaternary clastic continental deposits or the terrigenous deposits.…”