Metal Corrosivity in the Mediterranean Climate: Early Results from Field Studies

This study proposes an innovative methodology for extending atmospheric corrosion mapping to the regional scale, overcoming the fragmentation of local datasets through the current enhancement of satellite missions. The research is framed within the MEDUSA Project, promoted by the University of Salerno in collaboration with the ReSLEHM Center and funded by the Italian Space Agency (ASI). The approach integrates point‐based corrosion rate measurements on carbon steel specimens (exposed according to ISO 8565 and ISO 9226) with environmental parameters derived from satellite imagery. Unlike traditional monitoring, meteorological data and atmospheric pollutant levels (ISO 9223 and 9224) are extracted from satellite sources to ensure continuous spatial coverage. Model validation was achieved by comparing in‐situ measurements with ERA5 (fifth‐generation ECMWF Reanalysis) and MERRA‐2 (Modern‐Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, Version 2) products. Initial results confirm the effectiveness of satellite integration in generating atmospheric corrosivity maps for the entire Campania Region. The resulting model represents an advanced tool for predictive material durability assessment, laying the foundation for optimized protection and maintenance strategies for infrastructure.