Analysis of Deterioration in the Crypt of the Abbey of Montecorona with Integrated Methods

A study of the problem of deterioration in the crypt of the Abbey of Montecorona (Perugia, Northen Umbria-Italy) is proposed, with the aim to achieve a knowledge of the indoor and subsoil conditions. First of all we studied the microbial biodiversity of the crypt, analyzing the presence of microorganisms by microscopic and cultivation methods. Then we investigated the influence of the environment upon colonisation and growth of those micro-organisms, monitoring the microclimate, especially the thermo-hygrometric conditions. Various Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) System surveys were carried out in order to localise archaeological remains and wet buried structures involved in the deterioration process and, by means a velocity analysis, we evaluated the underground water content. Microclimatic, biological and geophysical results were compared, in order to eliminate the ambiguity inherent each method. The results permits us to identify properly the causes of the deterioration in the crypt.