Relief, Intermontane Basins and civilization in the Umbria-Marche Apennines: Origin and Life by Geological Consent

The landscape of the Umbria-Marche Apennines (Central Italy) shows a rhythmic sequence of “whaleback” anticlinal ridges separated by longitudinal synformal valleys. In this topographic arrangement flat-floored tectonic depressions appear which enclose a wide range of landforms, and witness the continuous balance between tectonic forces, Quaternary climatic phases and drainage network adjustment. Fault scarps and triangular facets characterize the bordering slopes where thick talus deposits and landslides highlight the gravitational component. Karstic landforms as dolines and caves and fluvial features testify to the action of water. The resulting landscape is, for a visitor, like an incomparable geological handbook.