The coastal karst of Sardinia: a scientific and touristic resource

The coastal karst areas of Sardinia represent extremely interesting territories both for scientific research as for what concerns their natural resources and landscapes. Especially the marine caves constitute a considerable resource for scientific multi­ disciplinary research: e.g. the geomorphologic aspects, the evidence of Holocene Sea level and climate changes, the many different cave deposits with their paleontological a nd archaeological remains, the cave dwelling and marine ecosystems etc. Especially in Sardinia, that represents an ideal site because of its centrality in the Mediterranean and its geological stability during late Quaternary, the reconstruction of paleoclimate and Holocene Sea level changes based on the analysis of coastal cave sediments and concretions can provide very useful information. Furthermore, these areas generally represent under exploited but very important aquifers, showing many submarine resurgences sometimes with considerable flow rates. Thanks to the spectacular superficial karstic forms and the large number of caves, these areas also form an important attraction for tourists. The study of these scientific features of the coastal karst areas of the Island has been performed in different periods by several mostly Italian research groups, and in this work, besides the most recent discoveries and analysis, the Authors summarise the state of the art in Sardinia and the state of conservation of these karstic coastal landscapes. On a map of Sardinia are represented the different coastal karst areas (Capo Caccia-Punta Giglio, Balai, Capo Figari , Island of Tavolara, Gulf of Orosei, Capo Sant'Elia, Capo Teulada, Monte Sarri-Porto Pino, Maladroxia-Island of Sant'Antioco, Coast of Nebida-Buggerru, S'Archittu-Sinis) and the most important coastal karst forms, such as submarine springs, the caves, the rock arches etc. For each area has been compiled a short chart containing a general description and an up to date situation of the geological, cultural and environmental resources. Recently a study has been started in order to enhance our knowledge and to give our contribution for their integrated and sustainable development