coprimento

Coprimento is an Italian noun derived from the verb coprire, meaning to cover. It denotes the act of covering or the thing that covers. In everyday language it can refer to any covering material, but in technical or scientific contexts it often designates a covering layer or surface that lies over something else.

In geology and geography, coprimento refers to the upper layer that lies atop bedrock or older formations, such as soils, sediments, or volcanic deposits. It is the overlying material and is distinguished from the substrato, the underlying substrate. The term appears in discussions of stratigraphy, sedimentology, and geomorphology to describe how landscapes are built up over time.

In ecology and soil science, coprimento is used to describe ground cover, i.e., the proportion of soil surface occupied by vegetation, litter, or other organic matter. This measure helps assess erosion risk, microhabitat structure, and land-management practices.

In materials science, construction, and architecture, coprimento can refer to coatings or protective layers applied to surfaces to provide durability, corrosion resistance, or aesthetic finish. The choice of covering material depends on environmental exposure, durability, and compatibility with the substrate.

See also: copertura, substrato.