Rocky Cliffs Joining Velvet Beaches: The Northern Marche Coast

Abstract

The northern Marche coastal area epitomizes many of the elements forming the rich natural, historical and cultural tissue of the Adriatic seaside of central Italy. The natural heritage, partly protected in natural reserves, also amalgamates with tourist facilities that exploit several renowned beach resorts. The northern Marche coastal area, consisting of a coastal plain interposed between two rocky shore sectors, forms a peculiar blend of different geomorphological units with distinctive landforms. The coastal plain joins landwards fossil cliffs and includes the major river mouths. The rapidly recessing rocky shores develop structural landforms, sea-stacks and benches. Both active and relict cliff retreat induces extensive landsliding in the whole sea-facing hillslopes.