A multidisciplinary approach to the study of insular environments: the 1st Summer School on Geomorphology, Ecology, and Marine Biology in the Tremiti Islands (Southern Adriatic Sea, Puglia, Italy)

Abstract

This paper is the outcome of the 1st Summer School on Geomorphology, Ecology, and Marine Biology in insular environments, focused on the advanced and multidisciplinary methods for the scientific investigation of marine coastal areas. It was held at Tremiti Islands, a significant laboratory for geomorphological, biological, and ecological studies because of its dynamic interaction between geodiversity and biodiversity, which makes it an ideal place for scientific research and geotourism. Landscape information was collected during field trips, while practical activities were finalized to sampling sediments and data collection of hard bottom assemblages. The map is the result of a multidisciplinary analysis incorporating geomorphological field observations and advanced methods applicable for ecological and environmental research, supported by scientific diving. This work represents a useful tool for the dissemination of environmental knowledge of the area and for understanding the relationships between landscape and natural heritage through modern and environmentally aware tourism.