Weathering grade in granitoid rocks: The San Giovanni in Fiore area (Calabria, Italy)

Abstract

This paper illustrates the methodology and techniques for the compilation of a thematic (engineering) geological map based on detailed mapping of the weathering grade of crystalline rocks occurring in a portion of the Sila Massif close to the San Giovanni in Fiore Village (Calabria, Italy). The map (1:5000 scale), covering an area of about 20 km², was compiled combining new geological and structural data with the results of a weathering grade field survey. The methodology, used to distinguish and map the weathering grade classes, was performed using qualitative criteria, semi-quantitative tests, and petrographic analysis of weathered rock samples. The Main Map, presented in this paper, aims to provide a useful tool for land-use planning, for geological hazard assessment and engineering perspectives.

Keywords:

• granitoid rocks
• weathering grade mapping
• weathering profile
• Calabria
• Italy

Software

The weathering grade map and related layout (Figures 1, 4, 5, and 7) were carried out using ESRI ArcGIS 10.0. Corel Draw X6 was used for compiling Figures 2, 3, 6, 8, and 9.

Acknowledgements

This work was carried out under the Commessa TA.P05.012 ‘Tipizzazione di eventi naturali e antropici ad elevato impatto sociale ed economico’ of the CNR – Department ‘Scienze del sistema Terra e Tecnologie per l'Ambiente’. The authors thank Dr John Abraham, Dr Massimo Conforti, and Dr Francesco Muto for providing constructive comments, which have contributed to the improvement of the manuscript and map.