The Po Delta Region: Depositional Evolution, Climate Change and Human Intervention Through the Last 5000 Years.

The Holocene depositional evolution and landform development of the Po River delta area are hereafter illustrated. Eustasy, climate and a growing degree of human intervention largely influenced the delta history. During late phases of the post-glacial transgression, two large estuarine bays developed. About 3000 years ago, the growth of a rectilinear coastline, under high energy meteo-marine conditions, closed the bays. Several generations of wave-dominated delta lobes then prograded into the sea. The modern delta was induced 400 years ago by the digging of an artificial canal and records very fast environmental modification. The present-day framework is largely artificial in nature and subject to agrowing degree of environmental dangers, such as river and sea water flooding. Significant landscape values are nevertheless surviving in the region.