GEOLOGICAL AND GEOMORPHOLOGICAL CONTROLS ON FLOOD PHENOMENA IN THE PUTIGNANO TOWN (BA), SOUTHERN ITALY

The geological/geomorphological map of Putignano town (Bari Southern Italy) is extremely useful to recognize and describe landforms and correlative deposits in both urbanized and industrial areas. Such a documentation also contributes for a better understanding of flooding during high-magnitude pluviometric events, in significant portions of this territory. As expected, the analyzed flooded areas correspond to very specific surfaces karst landforms with different shapes and sizes. The detailed geological/geomorphological study shows that most of the industrial area of Putignano was built on Cretaceous calcareous units in a depressed area, which corresponds to an extensive endorheic basin (locally called "il Basso"). Furthermore, part of the local urban expansion, built from 1950 to present day, also occupies the most depressed areas of numerous karst valleys that, despite this urbanization, still preserve their hydraulic function. Usually these geological and geomorphological aspects are not yet completely identified and therefore, unfortunately, not taken in consideration in the planning stages of the urban expansion, as well as during the industrial settlement planning phases.