Diagnostic of the conservation state in the crypt of the Abbey of Montecorona: Biological, microclimatic and geophysical evaluations

The Abbey S Salvatore of Montecorona, an important Benedictine monastary of the eleventh century, is placed at Umbertide, on the Northwest of Perugia (Italy). The site is in the Umbria region, characterized by a well-documented historical and instrumental seismicity, which periodically exposes this area to hazards with widespread damage for the population and the built-up environment. This paper focused on the study of the conservation state of the crypt of the Abbey. A multidisciplinary approach, using biological and physical non-destructive methods, is proposed. First, we investigated the microbial biodiversity of the crypt, analysing the presence of microorganisms by microscopic and cultivation methods. The second step was the study of the influence of the environment on the colonization and growth of these microorganisms, with a continuous monitoring of the microclimate inside the crypt, especially the thermo-hygrometric conditions. Moreover, with the aims of localizing the structures involved in the deterioration process, such as fractures, moisture, etc, ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys, with different methodologies, were carried out in the crypt: reflection mode on the floor and traveltime tomography on the ceiling. From GPR data, a structure of archaeological interest was evidenced and, by means of a frequency signal analysis, the underground water content of the stone was also evaluated, assessing the correlation between the spectral content and moisture degree. The integration of information from these different methods provided some interesting results, also addressing possible interventions for protection and conservation of the crypt. © 2009 Nanjing Institute of Geophysical Prospecting.