Geomorphology
Our research activities revolve around the understanding of the processes that control of landscape evolution and fluvial geomorphology and the representation of realistic topographies. The evolution of organized river basins and landscapes over geologic time is the result of complex interactions and competition between various processes and the hillslope and stream levels. For years we have been developing what is arguably the most sophisticated set of numerical models anywhere that simulate the evolution of landscapes (CHILD). These models now account for fluvial erosion and deposition, diffusive-type erosion mechanisms, river meandering, and the transport, deposition and sorting of different size sediments throughout a whole basin. The models are able to reproduce realistic landscapes that have all the organizational and physical characteristics of nature. These tools are useful in the creation of virtual realities for many applications that require detailed knowledge of terrain and landscapes; they are useful in planning and management of the environment (i.e. mining, military training); they are useful in management of historical and archeological sites that may be affected by intensive use of the land resources. Dr. Gregory E. Tucker collaborates in this effort. Our efforts focus now on effect of the vegetation, rapid erosion such as landslides, alluvial fan deposition.
Current Projects
Title: Cooperative In Climate Change and Hydrogeological Disasters
Funding Agency: Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche
Duration: April 1996 - March 2007