The physical aspects of the Genoese coast

Giuliano Fierro

University of Genova (I)

Abstract

The geological and morphological evolution of the coastal area of the city of Genoa are examined, focusing on the different natural and anthropic processes which governed the changes. The main changes occurred during last century due to the big expansion of the urban area and of the port structures, the main are the expansion of Genoa port at the beginning of this century and that of Voltri port which started in the '80 and is still going on. Besides these major changes the urban coastal area is interested by other types of changes such as some beach nourishments carried out since the sixties, coastal protection structures and all the minor structures as promenades, sewage plants and similar.