Multidimensional analysis of data from Bari Harbour: a GIS based tool for the characterization and management of bottom sediments

Mediterranean harbours are today experiencing criticalities on the management of bottom sediment. Bari harbour among them is one of the most important in southern Italy, in terms of both commercial and touristic activities. Surveys dealing with the geophysical and sedimentological characterization of harbour sediments were performed during the period 2009-2011. The aim was: 1) a volume estimation of the sediments; 2) a granulometric characterization for the classification of sediment quality. The bathymetric and geophysical survey allowed a detailed estimation of the total sediment volume. The grain–size characterization consisted in the analysis of sediment samples collected at different depths in the harbour area. A combined elaboration of results lead to a multidimensional representation of the physical characteristic of sediments by means of a GIS platform.