Geomorphology and cultural heritage in coastal environments

Abstract

Cultural Geomorphology is the discipline that studies the geomorphological component of a territory, which embodies both a cultural feature of the landscape and its interactions with cultural heritage (archaeological, historical, architectonic etc.). The relationships between Geomorphology and the cultural elements can be considered schematically according to two reciprocally-integrated viewpoints: 1. Geomorphology meant as a component of a territory’s cultural heritage (geomorphosites); 2. the relationships between some cultural components (in a strict sense) of a territory (archaeological, historical, architectonic assets etc.) and the geomorphological context in which they are inserted. These viewpoints are illustrated by selected examples in coastal regions. These concepts can be extended to all the fields of Earth Sciences (Cultural Geology), based on Geodiversity and Geohistory. In conclusion, an effort should be made to give an answer to the ever-felt need for «neo-humanistic» culture, that is for the integration of various fields of culture.