The occurrence of catastrophic subsidence phenomena, as with any geological process, is neither random nor extemporaneous. Preliminary analysis of location, morphometry and evolution typologies, and their temporal recurrence, clearly shows that sinkhole occurrence is preferential under certain settings of conditions.

In the Latium region of Italy such preferential areas have long been recognized, and in these landforms evidence of catastrophic subsidence are more than evident.

In consideration of the frequency and wide distribution of sinkhole phenomena in Latium (as compared to Italy overall), there is really an insufficient knowledge of sinkhole triggering issues, the ways they develop and evolve, and the relationships among the different geological factors. In particular, the relationship among geological-structural setting, tectonic activity, groundwater circulation and human impact that are generally accepted as the main triggering issues of such phenomena in the wider international references are completely unknown.

My current interests are in investigations that might lead to propose a conceptual model for sinkhole genesis and development, particularly in thickly mantled karst and groundwater discharge areas, both from a hydrogeological and geotechnical perspective.

Salvati R. and Sasowsky I.D. , Development of collapse sinkhole in areas of groundwater discharge: in Journal of Hydrology Vol. 264, no. 1-4. Amsterdam : Elsevier, Jul., 30, 2002.[View Abstract]

Salvati, Roberto, 2002, Natural hydrogeological laboratories; a new concept in regional hydrogeology studies; a case history from central Italy: Environmental Geology (Berlin) Vol. 41, no. 8. Berlin : Springer International, Apr. 2002.

Capelli G., Colombi A. and Salvati R, 2001, Catastrophic subsidence risk assessment. A conceptual matrix for sinkhole genesis: in Geotechnical and Environmental applications of karst geology and hydrology. Beck B.F. and Gayle Herring J. Eds., Balkema, The Netherlands

Colombi A., Salvati R. and Capelli G., 2001, Sinkhole in Latium Region (Central Italy). Purposes of the Main Project: in Geotechnical and Environmental applications of karst geology and hydrology. Beck B.F. and Gayle Herring J. Eds., Balkema, The Netherlands

Salvati R., Tharp T. and Capelli G. , 2001, Conceptual model for geotechnical evaluation of sinkhole risk in the Latium Region: in Geotechnical and Environmental applications of karst geology and hydrology. Beck B.F. and Gayle Herring J. Eds., Balkema, The Netherlands

Capelli-G.; Salvati-R.; Petitta-M., 2001, Strategic groundwater resources in Northern Latium volcanic complexes (Italy): Identification criteria and purposeful management.: IAHS-AISH-Publication.2001; Vol. 272, p. 411-416. [View Abstract]

Capelli, Giuseppe; Funiciello, Renato; Iorio, Daniela; Salvati, Roberto, 1999, Loss of groundwater resources following major quarrying activity in urban areas; the Galeria-Magliana quarry basin (Rome, Italy) : IAHS-AISH Publication Vol. 259. [View Abstract]

Tuccimei, P, Delitala, M.C., Conforti, M., Salvati, R., and Garello, M., 2002, Excess radon distribution in water samples from sinkholes in groundwater discharge areas (Pontina Plain, central Italy): in GSA Abstracts with programs, v34, no. 6, p. 231, 2002 Annual Meeting, Denver, Colorado. [View Abstract]

Salvati, Roberto; Capelli, Giuseppe; Herring, J. Gayle, editor; Tharp, Thomas M., 2001, Conceptual model for geotechnical evaluation of sinkhole risk in the Latium region: Proceedings - Multidisciplinary Conference on Sinkholes and the Engineering and Environmental Impacts of Karsts Vol. 8. Rotterdam - Boston : A.A. Balkema, 2001

Salvati, Roberto; Capelli, Giuseppe; Colombi, Antonio; Herring, J. Gayle, editor, 2001, Catastrophic subsidence risk assessment; a conceptual matrix for sinkhole genesis: Proceedings - Multidisciplinary Conference on Sinkholes and the Engineering and Environmental Impacts of Karsts Vol. 8. Rotterdam - Boston : A.A. Balkema, 2001

Colombi, Antonio; Capelli, Giuseppe; Di Loreto, Eugenio; Herring, J. Gayle, editor; Nolasco, Francesco; Salvati, Roberto, 2001, The purposes of the main sinkhole project in the Latium region of central Italy: Proceedings - Multidisciplinary Conference on Sinkholes and the Engineering and Environmental Impacts of Karsts Vol. 8. Rotterdam - Boston : A.A. Balkema, 2001

Salvati, R., Sasowsky, I.D., and Capelli, G., 2000, Conceptual model for development of collapse sinkholes in areas of groundwater discharge: in GSA Abstracts with programs, v. 32, no. 7, p. A-355, 2000 Annual Meeting, Reno, Nevada.[View Abstract]

Massoli-Novelli, Raniero; Petitta, Marco; Salvati, Roberto; Stefani, Marco, editor, 1998, La situazione idrogeologica e ambientale delle Gole di Popoli (Abruzzo); primi risultati e prospettive della ricerca: Memorie della Societa Geologica Italiana Vol. 53. Rome : Societa Geologica Italiana, 1998