Analysis of the factors involved in sinkhole development and evolution in the coastal environment of Apulia

Coastal karst of Apulia shows a high fragility, related to its hydrogeological peculiar characteristics, the direct link between the surface and the underground, and the facility in contaminating the groundwater and in favoring the development of sinkhole processes. At this latter regard, the presence of karst voids poses the need to investigate the instability processes, and their effects at the surface. Within caves, the rock materials are strongly susceptible to water-induced weathering processes, which are responsible, first, of local failures, and, through progressive stoping, may later reach the ground surface in the form of different types of sinkholes. This contribution illustrates the main predisposing, preparatory and triggering factors controlling the formation, development and evolution of sinkholes along the coastlines of Salento, the southernmost portion of Apulia. It lists the main categories of elements and factors intervening in the proneness to sinkholes of coastal areas. Given the relevant role of seastorms in the triggering of cliff failures and coastal sinkholes, this aspect, too, is taken into account for a full understanding of the driving forces acting on the Salento coasts.