Articles by Elda Russo Ermolli

This study aims to reconstruct the long-term interactions between humans and the environment in the northern sector of Gricignano d’Aversa (CE), using historical data integrated into a Geographic Information System (GIS). Legacy data from the Archaeological Museum of Naples were digitized as part of a project involving the National Geoportal and the development of a Territorial Information System (TIS). The latter is primarily based on the elevations of stratigraphic units, georeferenced in QGIS. The soil elevation data were obtained from both archaeological and geological surveys. These data sets allowed the development of a geoarchaeological section, created with AutoCAD, as well as Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) generated with QGIS. The results show that the site’s geomorphology was mainly shaped by volcanic events, first the Campanian Ignimbrite eruption (39,000 years ago), which had a strong impact on settlement patterns. Topographical variations resulting from these events played a key role in settlement choices. Moreover, the proximity to the Clanio River influenced settlement choices, with communities preferring areas far from the river to avoid flooding. This trend changed by the Roman period, when drainage techniques, evidenced by canalizations, allowed settlement closer to the river.

ASH investigates the role of Andosols, i.e. volcanic-ash soils, in four case studies in central and southern Italy (Southern Etruria/Northern Latium, the Campanian Plain, the Poro highplain in Calabria, and the Ionian–Etnean area of Sicily). It studies how the distribution and properties of these soils shaped agricultural productivity, settlement systems, and longterm landscape use from Late Prehistory to Antiquity. The research combines archaeological records (new fieldwork and legacy data) with pedological and archaeobotanical studies and multi-temporal remote sensing (historical satellite images, multispectral imagery, spectral indices mapping, sampling, integrated machine-learning and deep-learning analyses). A standards-based GIS supports cross-domain integration and spatial modelling. The project advances knowledge of human-environment relations, highlighting the strategic importance – and vulnerability – of volcanic-ash soils as a crucial subsistence resource. It also establishes a basis for transdisciplinary work linking archaeology, remote sensing, pedology, and environmental research, and provides evidence to inform responsible management of soil and landscape heritage today. Newly collected datasets and GIS mapping enable reproducible analyses and open deposition to benefit future research and heritage governance.