Environmental aspects related to the physical evolution of some wetlands along the Adriatic coast of Apulia (Southern Italy): A review

During the Holocene a number of lacustrine basins and lagoons have been in existence along the Apulian Adriatic coast (Italy) between the Gargano Promontory and the Salento Peninsula. Some of these are now extinct. In addition to morphological evidence and sedimentary sequences, there are ancient reports and maps that document the past extent of these lakes and wetlands. We have examined the history of Lesina, Varano and Battaglia lakes on the Gargano coast and the Salpi and Salso lakes on the Tavoliere coast. In addition, were investigated the evolution of the Ariscianne marsh on the Murgian coast, the development of the Cesine Wetland and the history of the Alimini Lakes on the Salento coast. For each site we have briefly reconstructed the origin, evolution and the eventual extinction using documentary, archaeological and geological evidence. It is proposed that the great part of these lagoons, coastal lakes and wetlands were set up because of the Holocene sea level rise and were at their maximum between the Neolithic and the Bronze Age. This was a period of relative stability, when eustatic rise had slowed and local sea level stood very close to the present level. The evolution and, in some cases, the extinction of these basins is attributed to changes in the local coastal environment, the regional climatic situation and anthropogenic activity.