Page 8 - EAI-4_2015_12_19
P. 8
extension between the Egadi and the coast of Trapani, Research & development
DEM observation revealed several compromised areas
and intramatte, especially between 5 and 20 m depth
(Figure 7). Differences of submerged vegetation cover
have been interpreted as morphological evidences of
damage created by boats anchorages berthing inshore
and grubbing up clods of meadows during the recovery.
Further information can be obtained both analyzing
spectral response from in-situ measurements (Figure 8)
and using this data to improve the hyperspectral MIVIS
image classification.
Conclusions
FIGURE 7 Example of Posidonia meadow damaged The “shoals” observed in the south-central part of
I`HUJOVYZVU[OLZLHÅVVYPUMYVU[VM3PKV9H]PUL the island between 20 (top) and 50 m (base) depth
(southern sector of Favignana) are remains of the emerging part of the Mesozoic
limestone-dolomite morphostructure forming the
by visualisation of asymmetric and irregular profiles ridge of Montagna Grande. Some authors [15; 16; 17]
along orthogonal transects, which are highlighted by have referred to basins and structural features formed
slope and lighting (Figure 6). during the Plio-Pleistocene extensional tectonic phase,
which are emphasized by the submarine morphology.
,QWUDPDWWH But what are the “shoals” (I Pali”)? When did they
P. oceanica meadow characterizes the seafloor of form? What were they like during the Last Glacial
the Egadi Islands. It is a priority habitat of the 43/92/ Maxium (LGM)? Is their formation associated to faults,
EU Directive, abundant, well distributed and it is the or are they morphological features related to selective
most important biotic community. Despite the good erosion? Probably “I Pali” have been shaped by waves
preservation of the meadow, and its remarkable which have carved the slopes of these submerged rocks
during the last Holocene sea level rise (and/or LGM sea
level fall), as suggested by a series of erosion cliffs and
FIGURE 8 -YVTSLM[[VYPNO[L_HTWSLZVM[OLPUZP[\ZWLJ[YHSYHKPVTL[Y`VM[OLZHUK`ZLHÅVVYP. oceanicaTLHKV^HUKZHUK`ZLHÅVVY
with P. oceanica. The depth for each curve is recorded in the legend
17EAI Energia, Ambiente e Innovazione 4/2015
