Erosion

River Erosion

The ancient eruption of Campi Flegri (around 39,000 years ago) covered the entire plain of Sorrento (all the way to Meta) in ash. These volcanic deposits were then eroded away and shaped by the Casarlano and Sant'Antonino streams. These streams created the Valley of the Mills (Vallone dei Mulini) and powered the mill when it was still up and running. 

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Periods of flooding have contributed to the transport of sediment and the formation of valleys and gorges on the Sorrentine peninsula. 

Coastal Erosion

Coastal erosion is the main form of erosion in the Sorrentine Peninsula. The cliffs and coastlines are mostly shaped by wave action and coastal currents.

Marine and coastal erosion can also cause shoreline retreat and impact human development close to the sea. 

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Man-made structures built to combat this erosion are artificial rocky coastlines. These structures jut out from the shore and run parallel to the coastline. They help prevent marine erosion and are also used as harbors for boats. 

Landslides and Floods

​​​The presence of pyroclastic deposits over calcareous limestone in the region makes the slopes and cliffs of Sorrento prone to failure, especially during rainfall. 

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Landslides include debris slides and rock falls. ​​​Landslides along steep slopes (especially ones covered in pyroclastic deposits) often escalate into rapid flows. ​

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Large volumes of sediments and debris delivered to the sea by flooding events can form fan deltas, which result in the growth of the shoreline several tens of meters into the sea.

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In November 2017, there was severe flooding in the Sorrentine Peninsula. This flooding resulted in rivers of mud, road closures, the devastation of Marine Grande, school closures and train delays.