An integral approach using InSAR and data assimilation to disentangle and quantify multi-depth driven subsidence causes
in the Ravenna coastland, Northern Italy
M. Verbene, K. Koster, P. Fokker
TNO – Geological Survey of the Netherlands, Utrecht, the Netherlands
P. Teatini, C. Zoccarato
Dept. of Civile, Environmental and Architectural Engineering,
University of Padova, Padova, Italy
ABSTRACT
Land subsidence in the Ravenna area (Italy) was a hydrogeological hazard until the end of last century. Although
subsidence reduced during the last decades, the area is still experiencing vertical displacements. Understanding
their drivers is challenging. Land subsidence magnitude and distribution must be interpreted with a combination
of geological factors and human activities. This study integrates various datasets, subsidence observations, and
subsidence models to evaluate the contributions of three main causes: building related, shallow subsurface
processes and deep subsurface processes. The model result was optimized using Interferometric Synthetic
Aperture Radar. The highest subsidence rates, of over 10 mm/year, were found at locations where multiple
causes have an effect. The results of building-related subsidence indicate that subsidence rates associated with
industrial buildings are twice as high as for residential buildings. This difference is even more pronounced in
lagoonal and reclaimed areas. Shallow causes, associated with overburden weight on tidal deposits and drainage
of reclaimed land, cause significant subsidence along the coast. Deep causes, by offshore gas extraction,
contribute to subsidence along parts of the coast, with a decreasing trend over time. Other factors, such as
low-lying farmland drainage, (historical) groundwater extraction and compaction of Quaternary deposits are not
specifically addressed because of their small contribution to the total subsidence during the time period
considered. This study underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach that considers the interplay
between geomorphology and geology, industrialization, urbanization, and fluid extraction. Geotechnical
assessments and improved subsidence models, incorporating localized data on buildings and subsurface fluid
withdrawals, are crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies
