/library/oar/handle/123456789/15714 Tue, 23 Jun 2026 06:55:48 GMT 2026-06-23T06:55:48Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/147235 Title: A fortified historic port : exploring the intersection between urban geomorphology, street morphology and touristic land use of Valletta, Senglea and Vittoriosa in the Grand Harbour of Malta Authors: Gauci, Ritienne; Bajada, Therese; Schembri, John A.; Bounan, Camille; Desponds, Charlotte; Behloul, Laurie Abstract: This chapter explores the link between urban geomorphology, street network and tourism-oriented land use in the Grand Harbour of Malta, focusing on the walled historic conurbations of Valletta, Vittoriosa and Senglea. The Grand Harbour, a natural deep port formed by a submerged ria valley, has a long history of port activities and is flanked by these three walled cities each situated on prominent peninsulas, and interconnected through military and maritime history. Over the years, land transport in this area and beyond changed in relation to the activities and needs in Malta. Demographic trends also fluctuated according to the economic activities that dominated the harbour area, leading to different population densities. In this study, a range of primary data – field data collection and secondary data (GIS data from government entities) – were modelled on ArcGIS Pro V.3.3, with initial results showing correlations between geomorphological features and infrastructure variables such as staircase streets and stepped pavements, accommodating street gradients which exceed 10%. Digital Terrain Models were used to further illustrate the connection between geomorphology and the human element. This work highlights the significance of physical geography in shaping the urban form of walled port towns through street infrastructure and land use. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/147235 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/142471 Title: Place attachment and coastal flood risk perceptions among Maltese business communities Authors: Spiteri, Daniel; Gauci, Ritienne Abstract: This study examines the influence of place attachment on the willingness of coastal business owners in the Maltese Islands to adapt to climate change. Climate change poses a significant threat to coastal communities through rising sea levels and storm surge inundation. The success of future climate adaptation strategies hinges on the cooperation of these communities. Using a mixed-methods approach, elevational data of coastal businesses across five selected localities was gathered to assess their physical vulnerability. This was followed by surveys with business owners and government representatives to understand behavioral factors. The findings reveal that business owners’ strong attachment to the coast is heavily influenced by key socioeconomic factors, including their location’s tourism value, high customer demand, and family inheritance. Despite their awareness of climate-related risks, coastal business owners showed a comparatively lower perception of the threat and no tangible intention to implement long-term protective measures. These results suggest that cultural and economic ties often outweigh rational risk assessments, reinforcing a resistance to relocation. Given the urgent need for a nationwide climate strategy, further research and collaboration among various coastal user groups are essential to better understand stakeholder behavior and develop effective, location-based solutions. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/142471 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/135669 Title: Coastal boulder deposits in the Mediterranean : a comprehensive review of research and findings Authors: Causon Deguara, Joanna; Gauci, Ritienne; Inkpen, Robert Abstract: Coastal boulder deposits (CBD) found on rocky coasts are considered as the result of erosional and depositional processes by waves. These features are often attributed to extreme wave events such as major storms or tsunamis. Interest in their origin has increased considerably in the past 2 decades, especially after the 2004 and 2011 tsunamigenic events. This study attempts to review the literature available on this topic so far within the context of the Mediterranean region. This study shows how the main aims of research evolved from early descriptive works that tried to identify the causative source or event of boulder transport: storm or tsunami, to more specific evaluation of storm-induced transportation events and testing numerical models. Different methodologies used, as well as technological advances that facilitated data collection and observations, are also discussed. Finally, the study proposes future research directions to address gaps in knowledge relative to coastal erosion and identification of coastal hazards from flooding and inundation. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/135669 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/135665 Title: Hunter-gatherer sea voyages extended to remotest Mediterranean islands Authors: Scerri, Eleanor M. L.; Blinkhorn, James; Groucutt, Huw S.; Stewart, Mathew; Candy, Ian; Allué, Ethel; Burguet-Coca, Aitor; Currás, Andrés; Carleton, W. Christopher; Lindauer, Susanne; Spengler, Robert; Boxleitner, Kseniia; Asciak, Gillian; Colucci, Margherita; Gauci, Ritienne; Hatton, Amy; Kutowsky, Johanna; Maier, Andreas; Mata-González, Mario; Mifsud, Nicolette; Niang, Khady; Roberts, Patrick; De Giorgio, Joshua; Xerri, Rochelle; Vella, Nicholas C. Abstract: The Maltese archipelago is a small island chain that is among the most remote in the Mediterranean. Humans were not thought to have reached and inhabited such small and isolated islands until the regional shift to Neolithic lifeways, around 7.5 thousand years ago (ka)1. In the standard view, the limited resources and ecological vulnerabilities of small islands, coupled with the technological challenges of long-distance seafaring, meant that hunter-gatherers were either unable or unwilling to make these journeys2–4. Here we describe chronological, archaeological, faunal and botanical data that support the presence of Holocene hunter-gatherers on the Maltese islands. At this time, Malta’s geographical configuration and sea levels approximated those of the present day, necessitating seafaring distances of around 100 km from Sicily, the closest landmass. Occupations began at around 8.5 ka and are likely to have lasted until around 7.5 ka. These hunter-gatherers exploited land animals, but were also able to take advantage of marine resources and avifauna, helping to sustain these groups on a small island. Our discoveries document the longest yet-known hunter-gatherer sea crossings in the Mediterranean, raising the possibility of unknown, precocious connections across the wider region. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/135665 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z