Urban geomorphological and hydrological transformation in Milan (Italy): flood impacts and mitigation strategies along the Seveso River
Year: 2025
Type: preprint
Abstract: Milan, in the central Po Plain of northern Italy, offers a distinct case in urban geomorphology for its strategic location, complex hydrological systems, and layered infrastructure, including extensive underground networks. This study investigates geomorphological and hydrological changes within Milan, focusing on flood susceptibility and the application of various control strategies along the Seveso River corridor. By integrating cartographic sources from 1884, 1956, and 2020, high-resolution 5 m DEMs, satellite imagery, flood hazard data, and records of measures applied over time (Geoportal of Lombardy), the study examines interactions between urban expansion, landform changes, surface water dynamics, and evolving flood responses in a dense urban setting. The analysis shows that from 1884 to 2020, as fluvial terraces and drainage networks were altered, Milan became a polycentric city with growing land sealing and terrain change. As part of this evolution, the Seveso River was gradually confined to engineered channels and underground systems, leading to increased surface runoff and localized flooding. Standard flood protection approaches, including embankments, weirs, and artificial channels, have been applied to regulate flow and reduce water accumulation. Milan has also adopted Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), including green corridors, permeable pavements, and re-naturalized surfaces, to improve infiltration and reduce runoff. Despite these combined efforts, the city remains highly exposed to flooding due to persistent geomorphological limitations and constrained drainage behavior. Spatial analysis reveals a strong correspondence between high flood hazard areas and sectors where the original topography has undergone substantial anthropogenic modification. Over time, the approaches along the Seveso corridor have evolved in response to increasing urban pressures, with opportunities to further integrate future climate considerations into flood management planning. The recent construction of the Seveso flood retention tank marks a relevant adjustment, emphasizing the urgency of strategies that anticipate future hydrological variability and integrate both urban expansion and climate change considerations into resilient design practices.
Institution: University of Milano-Bicocca
Language: English
Subfield: Global and Planetary Change
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4417048525
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