Evaluation of hydrofacies connectivity and hydraulic properties by using facies and sequence stratigraphy analysis: the case of the Palatine Hill, Central Archaeological area of Rome

This study shows the preliminary results of a hydrofacies analysis of the terrains constituting the Palatine Hill (Central Archaeological area of Rome), by means of a geological reconstruction based on facies and sequence stratigraphy analysis coupled with a hydrogeological monitoring. The distribution of sedimentary deposits reflects processes acting within the depositional environment. Understanding the facies distribution and their internal variations as well as their hydraulic properties is essential for characterizing the behavior of aquifer systems. Facies models thus provide some predictability in the distribution of sedimentary terrains and, in turn, hydrofacies. Groundwater level monitoring allowed detecting differences of how facies influence the hydrogeological response.On this basis, a groundwater conceptual model was built, useful to understand the dynamics in an area characterized by a very complex geological setting, having a high historical and archaeological value.