Abstract Volume

S-AIGEO cop. abstract:Layout 1 31-08-2009 18:02 Pagina 1

III Convegno Nazionale AIGeo / III National AIGeo Conference“Il ruolo della geomorfologia nella gestione del territorio”

“The role of geomorphology in land management”Modena &Alta Val Badia, 13-18 Settembre 2009

Comitato Scientifico / Scientific Committee

Valerio AgnesiTheo van AschCarlo BartoliniBerthold BauerFederico BoenziLudovico BrancaccioDenys BrunsdenAlberto CartonDoriano CastaldiniGiovanni Battista CastiglioniAntonio CendreroMauro CremaschiMichael J. CrozierAntonio De Brum Ferreira

Tommaso De PippoFrancesco DramisPaolo Roberto FedericiJean-Claude FlageolletPaola FrediMateo Gutiérrez ElorzaElvidio Lupia PalmieriFranco MantovaniGiovanni Battista PellegriniAlbert PissartGiuliano RodolfiLeszek StarkelJan SzuprycinskiHerman Verstappen

Comitato Organizzatore / Organizing Committee

Viola Maria Bruschi, Stefano Devoto, Paola Coratza,Mauro Marchetti, Daniela Piacentini, Mauro Soldati

www.aigeomodena.unimore.it

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Al Prof. Mario Panizza,

con l’augurio che il suo lungo e prezioso operatoin seno alla nostra comunità scientifica

si protragga ancora nel tempo

L’Associazione Italiana diGeografia Fisica e Geomomorfologia


© Dipartimento di Scienze della TerraUniversità degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia

Largo S. Eufemia, 19 - 41100 Modena, Italia

Editing

SAP Società Archeologica s.r.l.www.archeologica.it

ISBN 978-88-900094-7-1

On the cover: Lake Pisciadù over the Sella Group (photo by Mauro Marchetti)


III National AIGeo Conferencein honour of Professor Mario Panizza

The role of geomorphologyin land management

Modena - Alta Val Badia 13-18 Settembre 2009

ABSTRACT VOLUME

Edited by Mauro Marchetti & Mauro Soldati

Dipartimento di Scienze della TerraUniversità degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia

2009


LECTIO MAGISTRALIS

M. Panizza Dolomites, the UNESCO World natural Heritagesite: the contribution of Geomorphology

INVITED LECTURES

A. Cendrero Is there an acceleration of geomorphic processescoupled to economic activity?

M.J. Crozier Landslide occurrence, climate and global environ-mental change

G. Orombelli Holocene glacier fluctuations: a global overview

L. Starkel Shifting of climatic-vegetation belts in EurasianMountains and its expression in slope evolution

Th.W.J. Van Asch The role of hydrology in the triggering and propaga-tion of landslides

H.Th. Verstappen Natural disaster reduction and environmental man-agement: a geomorphologist’s view

POSTERSF. Acquaotta & S. Fratianni

Agnesi & C. Di Maggio

S. Angelini, P. Farabollini,R.M. Menotti, F. Millesimi &M. Petitta

S. Angileri, C. Conoscenti, V.Ilardi & E. Rotigliano

P.P.C. Aucelli, V. Amato, S.Baranello, L. Brancaccio, F.Filocamo, C. Maglieri, R.Monaco & C.M. Rosskopf

Long precipitation and temperature time series relatedclimate indices for Piedmont (Italy)

Geomorphological map of the Madonie Park(Northern Central Sicily)

From the land survey to the computerised cartogra-phy an instrument for territorial management. Geo-morphological map of the gorges of the VelinoRiver (Central Apennines, Rieti - Italy)

Application of RUSLE model for the assessment ofsoil erosion in the western sector of Palermo Moun-tains (north-western Sicily)

The geosite census in the Molise region: first results

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CONTENTS

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I. Bollati, M. Pelfini & L.Pellegrini

A. Bove, N. Fonte, L.Masciocco & M. Nicolino

P. Brandolini, F. Bulgarelli, F.Faccini & A. Robbiano

F. Brardinoni & M.A. Hassan

V.M. Bruschi, P. Coratza, D.Piacentini, D. Saliba & M.Soldati

M. Buccolini, B. Gentili, M.Materazzi & T. Piacentini

D. Capolongo, E. Giachetta &A. Refice

C. Cappadonia, C. Conoscenti& E. Rotigliano

E. Cartojan & A. Valente

A. Carton, M. Meneghel & R.Seppi

D. Castaldini, P. Coratza &M. Panizza

D. Castaldini, P. Coratza, D.Dallai, C. Del Prete, R.Dobre, M. Panizza, D.Piacentini, L. Sala, E. Zucchi& L. Bartoli

D. Castaldini, P. Coratza, P.Farabollini & E. Miccadei

E. Castelli, S. Devoto, M.Camin, F. Podda & D.Piacentini

A. Cavallin & S. Sterlacchini

The didactic valence of a complex fluvial geomor-phosite: dendrochronology, vegetation, petrographyand history as tools for an integrated landscapereading

Flood risk and land planning in Belbo valley(Southern Piedmont)

Cultural geomorphology features of the Ponci Val-ley (Finalese karstic area, Ligurian Alps)

Landslide sediment transfer in formerly glaciated,mountain drainage basins

An application for geo-tourism in the north-westcoast of Malta: the case study of Il-Majjistral Na-ture and History Park

Small catchments evolution in a clayey landscapeof the peri-Adriatic belt (central Italy) since theLast Glacial Maximum

Mountain front landscape evolution: insights fromnumerical modeling

Geomorphological study of “calanchi” slopes of theScillato Basin, northern Sicily

Relationships between linear and areal erosion: anexample in Sannio area (Campanian Apennines,Southern Italy)

From glacial to paraglacial environment in theDolomites: the Ghiacciaio dell’Uomo case study

The new geomorphological map of the area of Mt.Cimone (Northern Apennines, Italy)

The Tourist-Environmental map of Mt. Cimone(Northern Apennines, Italy)

Geodiversity and geotourism as a challengebetween scientific culture of geological landscapeand new opportunity of works

Geomorphological surveys to assess propagation ofrock falls in the village of Cimolais (western FriuliVenezia Giulia, Italy)

GIS Techniques and Decision Support Systems toreduce Landslide Risk: the case study of Corvara inBadia

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J. Clague & M. Giardino

S. Cola, N. Calabrò, G.Marcato, A. Pasuto, S.Silvano & P. Simonini

C. Compostella, L. Trombino& M. Caccianiga

C. Conoscenti, F. Quagliana,A. Rizzitello & E. Rotigliano

P. Coratza, J. De Waele & V.Panizza

M. Cremaschi, A. Zerboni, A.Perego & C. Pizzi

F. Cucchi, L. Zini, F.Finocchiaro, G.B. Carulli, B.Figus, C. Venturini, C. Piano,A. Mereu, B. Grillo, S.Gerdol, G. Muscio, R.Marocco, G. Tunis, N.Pugliese, M. Ponton & A.Fontana

V. Culotta, G. Madonia & M.Vattano

L. D’Alessandro, E. Miccadei& T. Piacentini

P. D’Aquila & M. Pecci

J. De Waele

M. Della Seta, M. Del Monte,P. Fredi, E. Lupia Palmieri &F. Vergari

M. Della Seta, P. Fredi, O.Nesci, D. Savelli & F. Troiani

S. Del Piano Pastore & M.A.Pastore

A. Di Lisio, S. Lo Curzio, F.Russo & M. Sisto

Geoheritage and Geohazards of the Vancouver 2010Olympic Area

New evolutionary scenarios on the Tessina land-slide (north-eastern Alps) and possible mitigationmeasures

Holocene environmental change in Northern Apen-nines: the Mt. Cusna paleosurface

Susceptibility assessment for flows landslide in theupper Salso river basin (Sicily)

Thematic itinerary among the geomorphosites ofSupramonte (central-east Sardinia, Italy)

Geomorphological processes in the central Saharaduring the Holocene. Response of fluvial landformsand human adaptation to climate change: the case ofthe wadi Tanezzuft.

Friuli Venezia Giulia geosite database

Morphometric analysis of dolines in the CarbonaraMassif (Madonie Mountains - Northern CentralSicily)

Morphotectonic analysis of the fluvial landscape ofAbruzzi piedmont area (Central Italy)

Caratteristiche geomorfologiche del Gran Sassod’Italia nell’area compresa tra il Corno Grande eCorno Piccolo-Pizzo Intermesoli

On the age of cave systems in Sardinia

A contribute to the unbiased evaluation of geomor-phological hazard

New evidence of Late Quaternary differential upliftin the Northern Marche Apennines (Central Italy)

Preliminary study of the Specchie phenomenon inthe Murgia of Taranto

Gli indici climatici per la caratterizzazione geoambien-tale del paesaggio dell’Appennino Sannita (Campania)

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A. Di Lisio, F. Russo & M.Sisto

F. Di Trapani, C. Di Maggio& P. Madonia

G. Diolaiuti & C. Smiraglia

R. Duncan, S. Ginesu, F.Secchi & S. Sias

F. Faccini & A. Robbiano

F. Faccini, A. Lucchetti, A.Robbiano & A. Roccati

F. Faccini, M. Piccazzo & A.Roccati

M. Fazzini

M. Fort

F. Gerardi, A. Marsico, C.Pignatelli, A. Piscitelli, C.Pirrotta, M.S. Barbano & G.Mastronuzzi

L. Ghiraldi, P. Coratza, M.Marchetti, M. Giardino, L.Perotti & E. Debiaggi

C. Giusti

A. Gómez Gutiérrez, S.Schnabel & F. LavadoContador

Geomorphometry and Geographic Information Sys-tem for the quantification of the erosive effects inMiscano River basin (Southern Italy)

Il ruolo dei fenomeni vulcanici e dell’attività del-l’uomo nel controllo di processi erosivi nell’isola diVulcano

Changing glaciers in a changing climate: how van-ishing geomorphosites have been driving deepchanges in morphology and ecology of high moun-tain landscape

The “megakarren” of the Logudoro landscape(northern Sardinia, Italy): age, significance and evo-lution

Engineering geomorphological map of the Entellastream floodplain

Large-scale geomorphological mapping and high-way engineering design: the case of the Rapallo-Fontanabuona Valley tunnel (Eastern Liguria, Italy)

Applied geomorphological map of the Magnascoand Cerisola areas between the Mt. Aiona andGramizza stream (Aveto natural Park, LigurianApennine)

Relationship between climatic parameters and mor-phology and duration of snow cover at microscale:preliminary study in two major ski areas of the ter-ritory of Trentino (Italian Eastern Alps)

Interactions between geomorphological processesand land management in a developing country – ex-amples from the Nepal Himalayas

Terrestrial laser scanner technique: 3D reconstruc-tion of Vendicari and San Lorenzo boulders (south-ern-eastern Sicily, southern Italy)

Study on the Geoheritage of the South-East sectorof the Cuneo Plain

Cultural Geomorphology: the Alps through DeMartonne’s sketchbooks

The role of geomatics and data mining techniques ingeomorphology: an applied example to gully ero-sion

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N. Grassi, M. Sirna & D.Sanseverino

F. Grecu

L. Gregori

D. Guida, T. De Pippo, A.Cestari, V. Siervo & A.Valente

D.C. Ilieş, L. Blaga, A. Ilieş,I. Rus & N. Josan

L. Laureti

G. Leonelli, M. Pelfini & U.Morra Di Cella

S. Lo Curzio & F. Russo

F. Luino, M. Soldati & G.Esposito

V. Maggi, B. Delmonte, F.Marino, S. Albani & C.Mazzola

P. Magliulo, A. Valente & E.Cartojan

S.A. Mahmood, F. Shahzad, R.Gloaguen & S. Siddiqui

F. Mantovani, M. Fazzini, G.Tecilla & P. Billi

R.T. Melis & G. Cucca

P. Mozzi, F. Ferrarese, A.Fontana, A. Ninfo, S. Piovan,S. Rossato & F. Veronese

H. Ozdemir

Analisi geomorfica quantitativa del bacino idro-grafico del F. Volturno nel tratto compreso tra la sor-gente e la confluenza con il F. Cavaliere

Current issues of mapping the relief microformswithin the fluvial-lake plains (the Romanian Plain)

Metodi “non tradizionali” nella comunicazionescientifica e didattica delle Scienze della Terra

Applications of the multiscalar hierarchic GISbased geomorphological mapping system

Geosites-geomorphosites values in Metaliferimountains, Apuseni sector (Romania)

Typical geomorphosites of the Italian natural land-scape: rivers with entrenched meanders

Treeline altitude in the European Alps: where to ex-pect stronger responses to climate change

Multitemporal soil erosion mapping from remotesensing and geomorphological data: the case-studyof Saccione River basin area

Multidisciplinary approach aiming at defining landcritically of an alpine alluvial fan: a case study fromFusine (Valtellina, central Alps, Italy)

Late Quaternary atmospheric dust evolution fromthree antartic ice cores

Channel adjustment in a semi-natural vs an an-thropized stretch of the Calore River (Campania)

Monitoring surface deformation by non-linearanalysis of drainage network in Hindukush-PamirRegion

Avalanche map evolution as a tool for land planning

Geomorphology and Bronze Age Settlement inCentral Sardinia: the Ruinas Nuraghe site (Arzana,OG)

High resolution DTM for the analysis of fluvial andanthropogenic landforms in the alluvial plain ofPadua (Italy)

The importance of basin morphometry on flood oc-currence: a case study of Havran River basin(Turkey)

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M. Panizza, L. Borgatti, P.Coratza, A. Corsini, A. Ghinoi,L. Keim, M. Marchetti, A.Pasuto, D. Piacentini, S.Silvano & M. Soldati

G.B. Pellegrini & L. Caneve

I. Quaresma & J.L. Zêzere

E. Reynard, J.B. Bosson & S.Martin

M.L. Rodrigues

M.C. Salvatore, C. Baroni &A. Carton

M. Seppälä

R. Seppi, A. Carton, C.Baroni & M. Degasperi

S. Siddiqui & S.A. Mahmood

M. Soldati, J. Bonachea, V.M.Bruschi, P. Coratza, S.Devoto, A. González-Díez, O.Magri, M. Mantovani, A.Pasuto, D. Piacentini, J.Remondo & J.A. Schembri

M. Soldati & L. Borgatti

J. Soriano García & A.M.Camarasa Belmonte

N. Surian, M. Rinaldi & L.Pellegrini

H.Th. Verstappen

E. Zavagno, I. Burla., S.Devoto & A. Fontana

J. Zawiejska

Geomorphological map of the surroundings of Cor-vara in Badia (Dolomites, Italy)

Carta geomorfologica delle Masiere di Vedana nelVallone Bellunese

Extent and impact of hydro-geomorphologic disas-ters in Portugal

Vineyards of the Upper Rhone valley (Valais,Switzerland) and geomorphology

Historical and present-day rockfalls and deep-seatedmovements in the Estremadura Limestone Massif,Portugal

The glaciers of the Adamello Presanella Group andrecent climatic variations

Geomorphic map of the Tasman Glacier region,New Zealand

Surface displacement of two active rock glaciers inthe Adamello-Presanella Group (Central ItalianAlps): a 7-year monitoring series

Remote sensing analysis of neotectonic develop-ment of drainage network in the Northern Apen-nines (Italy): preliminary results

Multidisciplinary research in the open-air laborato-ry of the island of Malta: an international networkfor landslide hazard assessment in coastal areas

Landslide occurrence as a proxy of climate change:evidence from the Italian Dolomites

Hydro-geomorphology applied to flood hazard estima-tion in Mediterranean ephemeral streams (Ramblas)

Channel adjustments of alluvial channels and impli-cations for river management and restoration

On plate tectonics, landforms and environment ofIndonesia in the context of disaster reduction andland management

Multi-disciplinary surveys for the new geologicalmaps of the low Friuli plain (Italy)

Human impacts on the Czarny Dunajec River (south-ern Poland) and issues related to its restoration

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LECTIO MAGISTRALIS


III National AIGeo Conference - Abstract Volume 15

DOLOMITES, THE UNESCOWORLD NATURALHERITAGESITE: THE CONTRIBUTION OF GEOMORPHOLOGY

Mario Panizza

Dip. Scienze della Terra, Università di Modena e Reggio Emiliae-mail: [email protected]

The Dolomites are a set of various mountain systems which, although in someplaces discontinuous, show an extraordinary geomorphological unity. They are ofinternational significance for geomorphology as the exemplary site for the develop-ment of mountains in dolomitic rocks. The area presents a wide range of landformsrelated to their complex geological structure and to past and present climatic condi-tions.An original and modern key of interpretation of these mountains, followed for theirnomination as World natural Heritage site UNESCO, is based on their morphologi-cal “geodiversity”.First of all they have specific geomorphological and landscape characteristics whichdistinguish them from all other mountains in the world: i.e., they have greatly ac-centuated extrinsic geomorphodiversity on a global scale. On a regional scale and inrelation to morphostructural landforms, the Dolomites have a high degree of extrin-sic geomorphodiversity compared with other alpine mountains in relation to mor-photectodynamics, morphotectostatics and morpholithology.They also have greatly accentuated intrinsic geomorphodiversity on a regional scalefrom the morphoclimatic viewpoint, considering their polygenesis linked to pre- orinter-glacial, glacial, periglacial, fluvial, relict, dormant or active landforms.Nevertheless, when some geomorphological features, chosen with a subjective cri-terion, are examined in detail on a regional scale (for example talus cones or screeslopes), they show a limited intrinsic geomorphodiversity; whereas in other cases(as for landslides) they have a great intrinsic geomorphodiversity. Another exampleis offered by karst areas: they display in detail a vast array of landforms, that showsconsiderable intrinsic geomorphodiversity on a local scale.In conclusion, the Dolomites make up an important geoheritage that can be consid-ered as a high-altitude field laboratory for research and development of geomorpho-logical theories and understanding.


INVITED LECTURES


IS THERE AN ACCELERATION OF GEOMORPHIC PROCESSESCOUPLED TO ECONOMIC ACTIVITY?

Antonio Cendrero

DCITIMAC, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spaine-mail: [email protected]

This contribution addresses the possible existence of a worldwide acceleration ofgeomorphic processes that could be due to human influence and represent a “glob-al geomorphic change” not related to but concomitant with climate change. A modelfor interpreting possible relationships between human activity and intensification ofgeomorphic processes is presented. The model assumes that GDP growth is the driv-ing force that determines a variety of pressures on land surface. These pressures pro-duce impacts which trigger the response of geomorphic systems.The final expression of geomorphic processes is sediment generation and deposi-tion. Therefore, sediment-accumulation rates offer the possibility to test the modeldescribed. Sedimentation rates for the last century have been determined, by meansof Pb-210 and Cs-137 dating of sediment cores, in a number of study areas in north-ern Spain and in the Rio de la Plata basin, in South America. The study areas includedensely and thinly populated ones; some with great demographic and economicgrowth and others with practically no human presence; coastal and mountain regionswith climate from semi-arid to subtropical-humid.Data on sedimentation rates have been compared with natural (rainfall) and human(population, GDP, energy and cement consumption etc.) drivers, as well as withother indicators of geomorphic response, such as temporal occurrence of landslidesand erosion landforms, or river discharge.Results so far obtained are not conclusive but show that, during the period analyzed,sedimentation rates have increased roughly five- to tenfold in most areas. Someareas with even sharper increases have been found, and they correspond to regionswhere human presence and activity have experienced a marked growth in recentdecades. In study areas where no significant change in human activity has takenplace, sedimentation rates tend to remain constant or vary slightly.There is less information on other geomorphic indicators, such as landslide and ero-sion landforms occurrence or river discharge, but they also show trends that suggesthuman influence could be the main controlling factor of the changes observed.In general, rainfall patterns during the period analyzed do not seem to explain theintensification of sedimentation rates. Certain indicators of human influence, partic-ularly GDP, energy or cement consumption which are closely related to the extentand intensity of land surface modification by people, show trends and magnitudesof change that could explain the increase observed in the rates of sedimentation andgeomorphic processes.



Data and literature concerning these processes in other regions of the world indicatethat similar relationships exist in many other areas. As data obtained come from farapart and widely different parts of the World, the results described suggest that thetrends observed might have a global significance and reflect a generally overlookedgeomorphic dimension of global change, not determined by climate. This geomor-phic change seems to imply a reduction of the resilience of land surface to the ac-tion of both natural and human triggers. If this is proven to be so, hazards linked tohydrogeomorphic processes should be expected to increase too, and hazard and riskassessments (based on the expected future frequency and intensity of processes)might have to be reassessed.

III National AIGeo Conference - Abstract Volume20


LANDSLIDE OCCURRENCE, CLIMATE ANDGLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE

Michael J. Crozier

School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences, Victoria University,Wellington, New Zealand, e-mail: [email protected]

Increased landslide activity is commonly listed as an expected impact of human-in-duced climate change. This paper examines the theoretical and empirical basis forthis assertion. It identifies the mechanisms by which climate can induce landslidingand examines the extent to which these may be enhanced under predicted future cli-mate regimes. It is argued that inherent limiting stability factors, which vary for dif-ferent terrain conditions and landslide types, ultimately govern the nature of re-sponse to changing climatic parameters. The literature on the subject is reviewed inorder to assess how accurately it has addressed the critical issues. Secondary envi-ronmental changes such as enhanced runoff and sea level rise can also indirectly af-fect slope stability.In global terms, the rate of population growth, increasing demand for resources andaccelerating economic activity have clearly been a factor in increasing risk and,demonstrably, the rate of loss from many hazards, including landslides. The extentto which these changes have also affected physical susceptibility and exposure tolandslide hazard is discussed. Changes resulting from human activity are seen as afactor of equal, if not greater, importance than climate change in affecting the tem-poral and spatial occurrence of landslides. Examples from New Zealand are offeredto illustrate the comparative influence of human activity and predicted climatechange on landslide occurrence.



HOLOCENE GLACIER FLUCTUATIONS: A GLOBALOVERVIEW

Giuseppe Orombelli

DISAT – Dip. Scienze dell’Ambiente e del Territorio, Università di Milano-Bicoccae-mail: [email protected]

The ongoing global trend of glacier retreat is considered an unequivocal evidence ofclimate warming. Glaciers respond to climate changes with different modes andtimes, depending on their location, size, thermal and dynamic conditions. The mostsensitive are the mountain glaciers; although they contain less than 1% of the totalice volume on Earth, their contribution to the eustatic component of the present sealevel rise is about two times that of polar glaciers. Also, some marginal portions ofpolar glaciers show a fast response to climate change.Aquestion often raised by the general public is if the present climatic conditions are entire-ly new or if they were already experienced in the recent past, in particular during theHolocene, which is the current interglacial. One way to answer to this question is to com-pare the present extent of glaciers and their rate of retreat with those they had in the past.Research on glacier fluctuations during the Holocene has a long tradition: in many moun-tain areas discontinuous records of glacial variations have been assembled, mainly con-cerning phases of glacier advance and maximum glacier extent. Only recently informationon past minimum extent of glaciers have been locally obtained. The dating of glaciers fluc-tuations has generally a low resolution if compared to the climate variability; therefore, thecorrelation between different glacial records and other climate records is difficult.Recently, efforts were made to compile a global overview of Holocene glacier vari-ations in both hemispheres, from the tropics to high latitudes. A high number of sec-ular/decadal cycles have been observed in the different areas. In general mountainglaciers in the Southern Hemisphere reached their maximum extent in the first halfof the Holocene, while in the Northern Hemisphere the opposite is true, accordingto the summer insolation precessional modulation.In many Northern Hemisphere mountain groups the glacier extent was reduced orminimal between 11 and 5 ka: evidence of glacier extent lower than present-day arecommon in the Alps. Several phases of neoglacial advance were reported from NewZealand to Arctic Islands. The best-documented glacial record, spanning the last3500 years, is that of the Great Aletsch Glacier in Switzerland, showing three in-creasing glacial advance phases, culminating with the Little Ice Age.Glacier variations appear at times in phase, at times out of phase in the oppositehemispheres, implying that global and regional causes were operating. The Little IceAge (XIV-XIX cent.) was a global event of glacier expansion, although the precisetiming of advance and retreat sub phases differs in the various mountain groups.The present extent of mountain glaciers is still larger than the minimum achieved in thepast, but glaciers are still not in equilibrium (except for the smaller ones) with the pres-ent climate conditions and a further loss of some 30% of their volume is expected for theend of the century, in the absence of a further warming. The rate of glacier retreat accel-erated in the past decades, reaching the maximum values experienced in the Holocene.



SHIFTING OF CLIMATIC-VEGETATION BELTS IN EURASIANMOUNTAINS AND ITS EXPRESSION IN SLOPE EVOLUTION

Leszek Starkel

Dept. of Geomorphology and Hydrology, Institute of Geography, Polish Academy ofScience, Krakow, e-mail: [email protected]

Quaternary fluctuations in temperature are expressed in latitudinal displacement ofclimatic vegetation zones, and fluctuations either towards oceanisation or continen-tality are reflected in their longitudinal shift. Parallel to this, in the mountains theoscillation of vertical climatic-vegetation belts follows, controlled mainly bychanges in temperature. Among the most effective in terms of geomorphologicaldynamics are cryonival, glacial, and gravitational processes, limited in vertical zon-ality by the snowline, the lower limit of permafrost, the upper forest line, and final-ly the lower forest line, which is connected with reduced humidity.In the mountains of Eurasia there exist two main types of vertical zonality; oceanicand continental (arid). The extreme variant of the second type is connected with per-mafrost zones. The topoclimatic differentiation (exposure to insolation and precipita-tion, as well as inversions in temperature and rainfalls) create further modifications.During cold stages a lowering of the main limits and belts by as much as 800-1000m occurs, combined with a shift towards aridity. In the present relief we observe ei-ther the inherited forms connected with former belts, or the transforming role of ac-tual zonal processes prevails. Among these forms we may distinguish various se-quences of slope elements, depending on relief energy and evolution.The most simple shift of morphodynamic belts is observed in the foothills and inlow mountain relief, which contains now, as well as it contained during cold stages,one climatic belt. At present it is mainly the forest belt, and earlier it was the cryoni-val or subalpine vertical belt. These convex-concave slopes have developed collu-vial glacis or cryopediments, which later in the Holocene underwent leaching of soilprofiles and frequently also various types of dismembering by linear erosion andmass movements.Slopes of mid-sized mountains with a higher span in elevation did (and mainly stilldo) contain two morphodynamic belts. Their upper parts, with cryoplanation ter-races and block fields, have been stabilized during the Holocene. In the cold conti-nental climatic zone we observe a reversal of slope asymmetry between cold andwarm stages, connected with the distribution of permafrost.Slopes in high mountains with relief energy above 1000-1500 m have their upperparts still under cryogenic belts, and are even rising above the snowline. Thereforethe active parts (upper) deliver most of the debris, which is transported as avalanch-es or debris flows, displacing the upper treeline downslope.We observe a different evolution in U-shaped valleys which were glaciated former-



ly or at present. The glaciers descend far down below the snowline and even reachthe forest belt. Glacial erosion works during advancing phases but during deglacia-tion, the retreat is followed by the formation of steep rock walls with an expandingtalus belt. These processes depend less on the sequence of vegetation zones andmore on lithology and relief (steep crests or planations).Especially active are the slopes in valley sections left by ice not long ago, and ex-posed to weathering during several advances and retreats in the Holocene.Considering the role of the shifting of climatic-vegetation belts in the Eurasianmountains we confirm a dominant role of the relief inherited from the Pleistocene,now preserved under forests. Deforestation and soil cultivation in lower altitudeshave intensified the areal denudation, frequently continuing the evolutionary trendfrom cold stages. When discussing the role of Quaternary climatic changes in moun-tain slope evolution, we should also take into account the duration and sequence intime of various climatic phases.



THE ROLE OF HYDROLOGY IN THE TRIGGERINGAND PROPAGATION OF LANDSLIDES

Theodore W.J. Van Asch

Utrecht University & Technical University Delft, The Netherlandse-mail: [email protected]

Hydrology and especially pore water pressure play an important role in the trigger-ing and propagation of landslides. Threshold values for the triggering of landslidesare very variable and depends on the type and size of landslides, and the geomor-phological and lithological configuration. A variety of landslide types within a cer-tain area may respond in a different way to the meteorological input and thereforeone cannot speak of a single meteorological triggering threshold for that area. Cou-pled hydrological slope stability modeling learns already that for the assessment ofmeteorological thresholds, shallow landslides (1-2 m) require different meteorolog-ical information than deeper landslides. For deeper landslides a larger window of an-tecedent precipitation of weeks or months, including any losses to evapo-transpira-tion, will determine the threshold for failure. For shallow landslides one has to con-sider only a few rain events or even one, with known intensity and duration, to fore-cast failure.Different hydrological sub-systems are linked to the triggering of different landslidetypes. A straightforward hydrological triggering model, generating debris flows, isa run off model, which describes Hortonian and saturation overland flow caused byheavy rainfall events. The run off water may cause severe channel and or sheet ero-sion in the source area and the eroded and transported material can transform into adebris flow. Another mechanism is the infiltration of the surface run-off water intoaccumulated debris in the source area. The rise in pore pressure will destabilize thedebris material and additional infill of run off water may transform the debris into afluid mass with high run-out potentialsAnother triggering system is the infiltration process of rain water in the unsaturatedtopsoil. Especially, on steep slopes in shallow soils landslips can be triggered, notby the generation of groundwater and positive pore pressure, but by a rapid drop inthe cohesion caused by a decrease in matrix suction (negative pressure head) of adescending wetting front in the soil. This will lead to the development of a slip planeat a critical depth which depends on the intrinsic cohesion of the soil and the slopeangle.In most cases landslides are triggered by a of groundwater table, which rises to acritical height, generating triggering pore pressure conditions. In shallow landslidesperched groundwater tables are created during high intensity rain storms. The dom-inant factors in this hydrological system are the intensity of the individual rain



storms and the infiltration capacity and drainage capacity of the soil. For deeperlandslides the hydrological system, which has to be considered to forecast trigger-ing conditions is more complex and the antecedent precipitation window which hasto be analyzed can span weeks to months. Rain intensity is less important than totalamounts of rain. Evapotranspiration and hence land cover can play a dominant rolein the water balance of the unsaturated zone and the recharge of the groundwateruntil a critical level. Therefore land use change and climate change will have greataffect on this type of hydrological triggering systems changing the temporal andspatial landslide frequency.An important topic is the role of preferential flow in the hydrological triggering sys-tem of landslides which are characterized by a dynamic development of fissures.The presence of fissure systems may have a great influence on the water householdin landslide complexes. The challenge is to describe, experimentally and mathemat-ically, the hydraulic behavior of water in these fissures and the interaction with thesoil matrix. Yet, it remains extremely difficult to quantify the influence of preferen-tial flow on soil stability, especially because the architecture of the fissures and theflow processes in the fissures are difficult to detect.Water and pore pressure development play also an important role in the propagationof mass after failure. The transporting system is governed by hydro mechanicalprocesses in which changes in stress, strain and pore pressure are interacting. Theseinteracting processes are determinant for rapid critical surges in slow moving land-slides, the transition by liquefaction of sliding material into (debris) flowingprocesses, the rheological (mobility) behavior of debris flows and acceleration ofrun-out material by undrained loading of the underground.Land management can play an important role in the prevention of landslides. A sus-tainable land cover planning will influence the hydrological system in preventingrun-off water to concentrate on potential unstable spots and in extracting water fromthe soil by interception and evapo-transpiration. The root- and stem system of an ap-propriate vegetation cover may physically protect the slope against sliding and theimpact of rapid gravitational mass propagation.



NATURAL DISASTER REDUCTION ANDENVIRONMENTALMANAGEMENT:A GEOMORPHOLOGIST’S VIEW

Herman Th. Verstappen

ITC, Enschede, the Netherlands, e-mail: [email protected]

NATURAL HAZARDS, threatening many parts of the world, are often ignored inthe context of regional planning and environmental management, although this isnecessary for avoiding, or at least substantially reducing the recurrence interval andmagnitude of the related “natural” disasters. This is particularly the case for “creep-ing” disasters, related to environmental degradation caused by slow and in manycases almost imperceptible processes, including desertification, salinization, certainforms of soil erosion, pollution, etc. The more spectacular instantaneous disasters,resulting from high-intensity and low-frequency natural events of endogenous or ex-ogenous origin, are nowadays reported about by the media world-wide. They are,however, soon out of focus again and adequate measures to prevent similar disastersin the future do not always remain a high priority of the responsible authorities.DISASTER REDUCTION is a complex management subject that requires interdis-ciplinary applied research related to the natural environment as well as to socio-eco-nomic situation of the endangered societies. For the implementation of adequateprotection measures - ranging from “hard” engineering structures to “soft” manage-ment improvements – optimal cooperation between the various sectors of the com-munities concerned is essential. This should lead up to a master-plan for long termregional management and a disaster scenario specifying tasks and responsibilities oforganizations and individuals in case of an emergency situation. Apart from naturaldisasters, technical/industrial disasters and also the, often neglected, ecological dis-asters should be considered. Humanitarian disasters are outside the field of science.The UN-IDNDR program of the 19nineties concentrated on natural disasters only.Its follow-up, the UN-ISDR, also includes technological/industrial disasters.The fact that natural disasters are increasing is explained first and foremost by thegrowing population in endangered areas and particularly by its concentration as a re-sult of rapid urbanization. However, the changes of geomorphologic processes andthe degradation of the natural environment at large, brought about by human activ-ities, such as unsustainable agricultural practices and inadequate engineering struc-tures are another important factor too, notably where disasters of exogenous originare concerned. Landslide disasters and river floods are examples and sea level risecaused by global warming is more recent element. Where disasters of endogenousorigin are concerned, planners will have to develop coping strategies in which siteanalysis, hazard zoning and early warning play an important part.RESEARCH FOR DISASTER REDUCTION is evidently an important source of



information for planners and a tool for convincing municipalities, national authori-ties and other decision makers of the urgency of taking appropriate action. Geomor-phologic mapping is a solid basis for the exact delineation of the existing landformunits and for assessing the exogenous processes affecting each of them. It thusserves as a focal point for hazard zoning and for locating the optimal sites for mon-itoring tools and early warning systems. Aerial photographs and high-resolutionsatellite images are indispensable in this context. Sequential satellite data are an in-dispensable tool for monitoring that, in combination with other means of observa-tion, lead up to reliable early warning systems. Monitoring using high frequencylow-resolution satellite data form an integral part of studies about the global envi-ronment, and particularly of research on global terrestrial, oceanic and atmosphericchanges. Much emphasis nowadays is also put on the reduction of creeping disas-ters, such as land degradation, pollution of land, water and air, and the shortage offood, water, energy, etc. These endanger the sustainability of human activities at aglobal scale and research in this field thus deserves high priority.EXAMPLES are given of research on volcanic hazards and disasters implementedby the author in Indonesia and Colombia. Investigations on gas emanations thatcaused numerous casualties on the volcanic Dieng plateau, Central Java, are men-tioned first. Thereafter an overview is given of the pyroclastic flows and volcanicmudflows that frequently occur on the densely populated SW-slope of the Merapivolcano, situated somewhat farther to the East. The hazard zoning and monitoringsystems are discussed and evaluated. The effects of the ill-famed eruption of theNevado de Ruiz volcano, Colombia, that occurred in 1985 are shown as a prepara-tory to research on disaster mitigation of the municipality of Pereira, situated down-stream of the nearby Nevado de St. Isabel volcano. Drought and desertification stud-ies executed in northern Chad and in Botswana are discussed thereafter and are anintroduction to an assessment of global sustainability problems.



POSTERS


31III National AIGeo Conference - Abstract Volume

LONG PRECIPITATION AND TEMPERATURETIME SERIES - RELATED CLIMATE INDICES

FOR PIEDMONT (NW ITALY)

F. Acquaotta & S. Fratianni

Dip. Scienze della Terra, Università di TorinoCorresponding author: Simona Fratianni, e-mail: [email protected]

The study of the temperature and precipitation deserves great attention becausebeing part of a recent past, they allow us to analyse in detail the variations whichhave occurred and their causes. In order to correctly study these variations we musthave at our disposal some homogeneous series. Unfortunately, most of the seriesdon’t present climatic factors that may hide the real changes. The discontinuity canbe due to a change in the location of the station, to a replacement of the instrumentsor to a variation in the surrounding environment.In this report, we have studied the daily thermo-pluviometric series of 15 meteoro-logical stations in Piedmont that have measured continuously for 95 years, from1914 to 2008.As a first step, we have done a historical research (concerning each station) whichhas allowed us to determine the variations due either to the location or to the re-placement of the equipment. Subsequently we have reconstructed some monthlyamounts for creating a complete series (no missing data). We have chosen four dif-ferent methods of spatial interpolation. These are defined as the 1) normal ratiomethod (NR), 2) simple inverse distance weighting (IDW), 3) multiple regression(MR) and 4) median of the previous three methods (MED). Then we have appliedan implementation of well-known Standard Normal Homogeneity Test (SNHT) tothe monthly series. This method, realised by the Climate Change Research Group(URV, Tarragona, Spain), allows to estimate and individuate the gradual or suddenchange of the average value of a particular series comparing it to the reference se-ries which has been obtained by evaluating the result of the adjacent series andwhich is considered homogeneous. In this way we have obtained the homogeneousseries on which trends have been computed and the non-parametric Mann-Kendalltest has been used to understand the statistical meaning of the trend.Finally, to illustrate the trend of temperature and precipitation average and extremevalues, the indices proposed by “CCL/CLIVAR Working Group on Climate ChangeDetection” have been calculated over WMO 30-year periods (1951-80, 1961-90,1971-2000). In order to better understand the consequences of climate variations onour environment and society, we have calculated the climate indices (number offrost days, days with no thaw, tropical days, dry and wet days, rainy days, densityof precipitation) over the time and also the use of thermograms, pluviometricregimes and ombrothermal diagrams underline differences among the three 30-yearperiods.The values of temperature and precipitation have also allowed to begin the climaticanalysis aiming at defining the principle local climates in Piedmont.



GEOMORPHOLOGICALMAPOF THE MADONIE PARK(NORTHERN CENTRAL SICILY)

V. Agnesi & C. Di Maggio

Dip. Geologia e Geodesia, Università di PalermoCorresponding author: Cipriano Di Maggio, e-mail: [email protected]

The 1:50,000 geomorphological map of the Madonie Park is presented. TheMadonie Park area is located in the northern central sector of Sicily (Italy) and it in-cludes the highest mountain of the Sicilian Maghrebian Apennine Chain (Pizzo An-tenna or Pizzo della Principessa, 1977 m a.s.l.). The mapped area is approximate 750km2 wide. The basic source of data for the achievement of the map has been derivedfrom field survey and photo-geological interpretation. The map-legend includes 48conventional symbols representing landforms that have been classed into eight maingroups. Each group consists of symbols of landforms due to a specified process andpictured with an exclusive colour. Particularly, forms due to structure (selective ero-sion and/or tectonics), gravity (surface movement), deep-seated gravitational slopedeformation (DSGSD), surface running water, karst phenomenon, marine process,planation and man activity have been mapped. Abandoned, dormant and active orerosion and accumulation forms have been distinguished too. 1:200,000 geologicaland morphotectonic sketches enclosed in the map, provide a further contribute to re-alize the geomorphology of the investigated area.The Madonie mountains constitute a massif made up of large carbonate reliefsbounded by mainly clayey hills and valleys sloping towards a sub-planar coastalarea. Their climate can be defined as “mediterranean”. The annual rainfall is inho-mogeneous, registering mean values of about 1000 mm (northern inner zones), 800mm (southern mountain zones) and 700 mm (western and northern coastal zones)that usually occur between September and May. The air temperature at 930 m a.s.l.is +17,5°C (warmest month), +13,6°C (annual mean) and +9,8°C (coldest month).The main winds are the humid Mistral and the drier Scirocco and Libeccio.From a geological point of view, the studied area comprises: 1) Mesozoic platformlimestones of the Panormide Units, outcrop in Pizzo Carbonara and Pizzo Dipiloareas; 2) Mesozoic slope dolostones of the Imerese Units, outcrop in Monte Quacel-la and Isnello areas; 3) alternations of Mesozoic basin calcilutites, marls, clays, ra-diolarites and carbonate breccias of Imerese Units, lie in Monte dei Cervi and Roccadi Sciara areas; 4) from Mesozoic to Cainozoic conglomerates, arenites, sands, claysand marls of several units, site in broad hill and piedmont areas. Tectonic (over-thrusts or high angle faults) or stratigraphic boundaries characterise the contactsamong the units.Because of the geological setting, four large areas with a well-defined landform setand a typical geomorphological setting are here drawn: 1) Pizzo Carbonara andPizzo Dipilo areas are marked by patches of planation surfaces, abandoned valleys,canyons, karst depressions and fault-line and/or fault scarps/slopes; 2) Monte Qua-cella and Isnello areas show downcutting rivers, deep channels with discharges of


debris and wide talus cones or slopes; 3) Monte dei Cervi and Rocca di Sciara areasare characterised by structural forms and fluviokarst canyons; 4) hill and piedmontareas involve erosion glacis on soft rocks and forms due to surface gravitationalmovements, sheet/rill/gully erosion or river processes. Also: where “brittle” rocksare superposed on “ductile” rocks, forms due to phenomena of DSGSD are; alongcoastal areas, active forms due to marine processes and a number of marine terracesoccur.The variety of the identified forms reveals a control on the old and current geomor-phological processes produced by four causes: erosion base-level, climate, tectonicsand relative altitude. Particularly: a) planation surfaces, wave-cut platforms and sur-faces of fluvial terraces are produced during standstill phases of erosion base-level;b) deep fluvial incisions, fluviokarst canyons and fluvial/marine terraces or plana-tion surfaces relatable to more cycles are consequent to erosion base-level lowering;c) alluvial plains are mainly due to last sea-level rise; d) forms due to physicalweathering or mechanical erosion have been mainly favoured by cold climate phas-es; e) karst forms have been mainly developed during warm humid climate phases;f) fault scarps/slopes are produced by tectonic movements; g) forms related both toselective erosion and surface or deep-seated gravitational processes are due to therelative altitude rise.Finally, it should be noted that the variations of the erosion base-level were influ-enced by eustatic oscillations due to climate changes and tectonic uplifting.



FROMTHE LAND SURVEYTO THE COMPUTERISEDCARTOGRAPHY:AN INSTRUMENT FOR TERRITORIAL

MANAGEMENT - GEOMORPHOLOGICALMAPOFTHE GORGESOFTHE VELINO RIVER (CENTRALAPENNINES, RIETI - ITALY)

S. Angelini1, P. Farabollini2, R.M. Menotti3, F. Millesimi4 & M. Petitta5

1 LAC - Litografia Artistica Cartografica S.r.l., Firenze2 Dip. Scienze della Terra, Università di Camerino3 I.F.A.C. – C.N.R., Istit. Fisica Applicata “Nello Carrara”, Sesto Fiorentino (Fi)4 Agenzia Regionale per la Protezione dell’Ambiente Lazio, Rieti5 Dip. Scienze della Terra, Università di Roma “La Sapienza”Corresponding author: Riccardo Massimiliano Menotti, e-mail: [email protected]

The elaboration of the geomorphological cartography contained in this work is theresult of a process of synthesis resulting from detailed technical-geological and ge-omorphological studies and from numerous land surveys carried out during the pastten years.The choice of the study area can be explained by the presence of important and com-plex phenomena involving the upper course of the Velino river, such as palaeo-land-slides, mass-movements and debris flows, subsidence phenomena etc. In particular,these phenomena involve several towns (Posta, Micigliano, Sigillo, Villa Cam-poneschi), as well as a fundamental route (State Road 4), following the ancient con-sular road, named Salaria, roman in age.The information deriving from land surveys has been integrated and controlled byphoto-interpretation (related at 1982 and 2000 aero-photographs). The result hasbeen implemented by the 2006 cartography, which was obtained from the ortho-rec-tified images, subject to a “spreading” over the digital model of the terrain that wasobtained from the regional topographic cartography at a scale of 1:10,000, promot-ed by the Lazio Region. Even if they have well-known limits of representation thatderive from the approximate restoration of the basic regional maps that were re-alised in the 1980s, the latter represent a very up-to-date control instrument, depend-ing on a critical analysis of the information.All the data have been computerised by exploiting the tools made available by theESRI platform, through the development of an innovative logical pattern for the ge-omorphology, since the aforesaid data were treated by considering forms, processesand deposits on the basis of the prevailing morphogenetic agent. In this way, theproblems deriving from the contiguity and superimposition of several polygonalforms in logical contrast and topological conflict have been overcome.GIS software was developed to create information rather than graphic features: theirrasterizing processes still have several technical limitations and the user is forced toaccept a low level of graphic quality. In spite of all database information are valid,but their actual representation is unsatisfactory.Several graphic improvements typical of the Italian publishing language and carto-graphic tradition will be the topic of the subsequent phase.



Despite Italian tradition imposes extreme attention on the graphic aspect, it is veryimportant to note that the territorial computer-related systems facilitate an analysisof the coverings, depending on the substrate on which they are imposed, and makeit possible to define a model according to which the forms, processes and depositsevolve over time.



APPLICATION OF RUSLE MODEL FOR THE ASSESSMENT OFSOIL EROSION IN THE WESTERN SECTOR OF PALERMO

MOUNTAINS (NORTH-WESTERN SICILY)

S. Angileri1, C. Conoscenti1, V. Ilardi2 & E. Rotigliano1

1 Dip. Geologia e Geodesia, Università di Palermo2 Dip. Scienze Botaniche, Università di PalermoCorresponding author: Silvia Angileri, e-mail: [email protected]

The aim of this work is to study the impact of vegetation cover on water erosionphenomena by exploiting an integrated approach to the assessment of soil loss rates.The investigated area is located in the western portion of the mountainous groupnamed “Monti di Palermo” and occupies an area of approximately 475 km2; thisarea, which extends from sea level up to about 1300 m a.s.l., is mainly characterizedby the presence of lithosols and luvisols laying above carbonate and terrigenous sub-strates.The assessment of erosion intensity was indirectly obtained by applying the RUSLEmodel, that allowed to estimate soil loss produced by rill-interrill erosion phenome-na. Starting from topographical and thematic maps, pluviometric data and field sur-veys, a GIS grid layer, for each of the erosion control factors, was defined; by ex-ploiting ArcView GIS 3.2 spatial analysis tools, all the factors’ grids were overlayedand multiplied to produce a grid map, made up of 89,001 square cells, showing thespatial variability of predicted erosion rates.The RUSLE application, here presented, distinguishes for the approach used to de-fine the C factor (cover-management factor), which was calculated using a landscapeand plant biodiversity map, rather than a land use one; this map was constructed byidentifying and detecting plant communities with a phytosociological approach. Themean annual soil loss, which average value for the entire area is equal to 9.16 t ha-1

year-1, shows a spatial variability that is mainly controlled by the geographical distri-bution of topographic and cover-management factors. Sever soil erosion rates (>40 tha-1 year-1), in effect, fall on abandoned fields, grasslands and garrigues areas, char-acterized by high altitude values and steep slopes, often affected by fire.In order to detail the spatial variability of the C factor, the analysis was focused onthe “Vallone San Vincenzo” river basin, that extends for 33 km2 in the NW sector ofthe “Monti di Palermo” region. In this area, analysis of high-resolution orthophotosand field surveys of the phytosociological associations allowed to discriminate,within vegetation categories, some sub-categories related to percentage of area cov-ered by canopy of trees and undergrowth, type and height of vegetation; these sub-factors permitted to define a more detailed and reliable cover-management factorlayer. By intersecting the latter with the others erosion factors layers, a mean annu-al soil loss map of “San Vincenzo” river basin was produced.The two differents approaches of evaluating the C factor result in different averagevalues of mean annual soil loss rate in the “San Vincenzo” river basin; the second



method provides an average value of soil loss equal to 9.3 t ha-1 year-1, which isabout 10% lower than the correspondent one (10,6 t ha-1 year-1), obtained by apply-ing the first method.This work reveals the possibility to define the C factor by exploiting phytosociolog-ical surveys; the latter permitted to comprise the effect of vegetation canopy andground covers in reducing soil loss, providing a more comprehensive and multidis-ciplinary approach in evaluating water erosion.



THE GEOSITE CENSUS IN THEMOLISE REGION: FIRST RESULTS

P.P.C. Aucelli1, V. Amato2, S. Baranello3, L. Brancaccio4, F. Filocamo2,C. Maglieri2, R. Monaco3 & C.M. Rosskopf2

1 Dip. Scienze per l’Ambiente, Università di Napoli “Parthenope”, Napoli2 Dip. Scienze e Tecnologie per l’Ambiente e il Territorio, Università del Molise, Pesche (IS)3 Servizio Geologico - Regione Molise, Campobasso4 Università del Molise, CampobassoCorresponding author: Carmen M. Rosskopf, e-mail: [email protected]

The present works aims to illustrate the first results concerning the geosite census inthe Molise region, currently in progress. Main purposes of this census are to con-tribute to the preservation and valorization of the regional geological heritage and tothe implementation of the Geosites Italian Inventory (ISPRA).Thanks to its geological-structural, altitudinal and climatic features, the Molise re-gion is characterized by a high geo-diversity, referring to high mountain, hilly andcoastal sectors, respectively. Several protected areas (national, regional and naturalparks, ZPS – “special protection zone”, SIC – “site of community interest”), main-ly purposed to the preservation of the biotic heritage, are present and cover about23,43% of the regional territory.On the basis of pre-existing data, cartographic analysis and first surveys, a list of po-tential geosites was implemented. To provide the description and evaluation of po-tential geosites two types of forms were defined, related to the survey and to thecharacterization of each single geosite (Geosite Information Form), respectively.All identified potential geosites have been georeferenced within a Geographical In-formation System (software Arcview Gis 3.1) using as basis the topographic sheetsin scale 1:25,000, edited by I.G.M. The implemented GIS project allows to consultthe information recorded for each geosite and in particular to view the Geosite In-formation Form and to query the linked database which gives information on the ter-ritorial context (geographic location, administrative context, territorial constraints,etc.). The GIS project permits furthermore to link the geosite to thematic maps andto illustrate its relationship to various territorial aspects (i.e. altitude, geology, cli-mate, land cover, archaeological sites, road network, life lines etc.).During this first phase of our research, attention was focused on the Matese area whichrepresents one of the most representative sectors of Molise region as to its geo-diversity.The Matese massif is located along the boundary between the Molise and Campa-nia regions and is essentially made of carbonate rocks of Mesozoic to Tertiary agereferring from shelf to slope domain. Its actual geologic-geomorphologic setting isthe result of the complex interaction between tectonics, litho-stratigraphic frame-work and climate. The Molise sector of the Matese area interests both the provincesof Campobasso and Isernia. It is totally included in protected areas (ZPS, SIC andWWF oasis), and can be subdivided into two main sectors: the high mountain areawhich hosts the highest peaks of the massif together with various structural depres-sions; the northern structural slope that connects the first sector to the alluvial plains(Boiano-Sepino-Morcone basins) located north to the Matese massif.



The census we carried out in the Matese area has allowed to individuate a signifi-cant number of geological and geomorphologic evidence, most of which are charac-terized by a high scientific and didactic value. In particular, thanks to its geologic-structural setting, a large number of geomorphosites was identified. The latter givesevidence about the diversity of environments and local climatic/paleoclimatic con-texts that allowed the formation of landforms and deposits of glacial to fluvial ori-gin. Among them, the glacial landforms that characterize the high mountain envi-ronment (i.e. the M. Miletto glacial cirque, the moraine deposits of Campitelloplain), landforms due to gravity in periglacial environment (i.e. the well developedscree slope that characterizes the northern flank of the Civita di Boiano ridge), andspectacular fluvial landforms (i.e. the Quirino river gorge and the Campochiaro al-luvial fan). In the high mountain sector are furthermore well represented exokarstand endokarst landforms (i.e. the doline field of Serra Le Tre Finestre and the Pozzodella Neve and Cul di Bove caves). Finally, a number of important structural fea-tures (related alternatively to active or passive structural control or influence) as forexample the Coste della Defenza fault scarp and the hanging Pleistocene lacustrinesuccession of S. Massimo, are present. At the same time, various paleontologicaland stratigraphic geosites have been detected. Important paleontological evidence isrepresented by the outcropping Mesozoic limestone units as the Rudist-bearing Cre-taceous successions (i.e. San Polo outcrop) which testify various facies within thecarbonate shelf domain.



THE DIDACTIC VALENCE OFA COMPLEX FLUVIALGEOMORPHOSITE: DENDROCHRONOLOGY, VEGETATION,

PETROGRAPHYAND HISTORYAS TOOLS FOR ANINTEGRATED LANDSCAPE READING

I. Bollati1, M. Pelfini1 & L. Pellegrini2

1 Dip. Scienze della Terra “A. Desio”, Università di Milano2 Dip. Scienze della Terra, Università di PaviaCorresponding author: Manuela Pelfini, e-mail: [email protected]

A complex river may represent a precious occasion to understand the dynamicity ofa multi disciplinary geomorphosite. The Trebbia River, located in the NorthernApennines, is one of the Po tributary flowing towards NE, through Liguria andEmilia Romagna regions. It is well differentiated along its course, so that several ge-ological topics can be analysed in depth through an integrated landscape analysis,conferring the river with a high didactic value. The institution of three SICs (Com-munity Important Sites) along this river represents a starting point that witnesses itsimportance from a naturalistic point of view as the different morphologies generat-ed by different lithotypes, exemplary of those natural processes that modelled theEarth surface through geological times. The good accessibility to the different sci-entific and cultural emergences represents in addition an indispensable feature, es-pecially for scholar’s didactic purposes. Imaging to create an itinerary, particularlyaddressed to young students, some stops have been chosen to explain the geologicaland geomorphological setting, vegetation and anthropic settlements characteristicsof this fluvial environment. Through the different tools at disposal (dendrochronol-ogy, petrography and vegetation) it is possible to configure some exercises to touchby hand the elements constituting the landscape. At last but not the least, the scenicimpact of some elements and locations are definitely indisputable and probablymeans the easiest way to grow curiosity in the public, scholars and not, involved inany didactic or geotourist experience. The upper part of the valley is characterizedby two SICs, both instituted in 1995: the San Salvatore Meanders (IT4010006) andthe Bobbio-Perino area (IT4010011). This river portion develops across the Bobbiotectonic window and it is characterized by some spectacular scenic valued meandersset on the alternation of the miocenic “Arenarie di San Salvatore” and “Argilliti diBrugnello” belonging to the Toscana Nappe. The Trebbia passage through the Bob-bio tectonic window, a morphology generated by the concomitant action of the flu-vial erosion and tectonic uplifting processes, represents a scientific valence for itsgeohistorical importance as central tool for the investigation regarding the NorthernApennines thrust belt structure. At the same time it can become a meaningful occa-sion especially for scholars to approach one of the more complex tectonic conceptsin a simplified way. At the NE edge of this structure the Barberino Gorges allow theobservation of the Ligurian Succession ophiolites relieves. They highlight the link-ing between geodiversity and biodiversity. The differences in the vegetation that



grows on different lithology, as in the specific case on the ophiolites (serpentinofite:Euphorbia spinosa ssp. Ligustica, Sempervivum tectorum), is an evidence of the re-lation existing between geological substratum and biological diversities, coveringthe site of an ecological value. The lower valley, from Perino as far as the conflu-ence with the Po River, is characterized by a wider braided riverbed, recognized asa SIC (IT4010016) in 2002. It is a site well predisposed to the examination of therecent evolution of the fluvial terraces and bars through dating of the different geo-morphologic surfaces by dendrochronology. Here dendrochronological analysis car-ried out on trees growing on bars and at the terrace edges allow to reconstruct therecent river evolution. Some dendrochronological exercises predisposed for thescholars permit them to experiment the scientific methods using the results as a con-trol-instrument. The linkage between geomorphology and human settlements is ev-ident in the case of both the selected cultural emergences located in Bobbio and Ri-valta. They allow some reflections on the particular strategies adopted in the settle-ments choices during medieval and roman times. The scientific attribute, with its ge-omorphological model, geohistorical, ecological and didactic valences, togetherwith the cultural and scenic attributes, reveal the sites along the Trebbia River to beideal in order to propose an integrated reading of a river landscape, addressed to dif-ferent kinds of public.



FLOOD RISK AND LAND PLANNING IN BELBO VALLEY(SOUTHERN PIEDMONT)

A. Bove, N. Fonte, L. Masciocco & M. Nicolino

Dip. Scienze della Terra, Università di TorinoCorresponding author: Luciano Masciocco, e-mail: [email protected]

It’s been over ten years since the Piedmont Region was heavily affected by the ex-treme flood of November 1994. From that time, many studies have been performedfor modeling hydrologic phenomena and decreasing the vulnerability of fluvial re-gion by means of river barrages and embankments. The heavy economic and socialdamage has put the government in the need to address, in a balanced and aware way,the complexity of environmental issues involved in the development of an urbancenter. The national and regional legislation recently approved requires that, in theplanning of the territory, no longer the natural risk is put into the background. Thestudy aims to critically examine how the present urban land planning in the fluvialregion has conformed to the new regulatory framework. The Belbo basin (SouthernPiedmont) severely affected by the Piedmont flood of November 1994 has been con-sidered. The watershed, laying in the hilly area between the Tanaro and BormidaRivers (Langhe and Alto Monferrato Hills), is geologically related to the TertiaryPiedmont Basin, an Oligo-Miocene marine sedimentary basin, whose formations arerepresented principally by marls and sandstones with subordinate conglomerates.Despite to an average annual rainfall ranging between 650 and 950 mm, high inten-sity rainfalls may represent a geomorphological hazard in the study area. Significantwere the 24 hours rainfall of 250 mm recorded in Treiso pluviometrical station onNovember 1994.The survey places emphasis on the major urban centers affected by past flooding(Rocchetta Belbo, Cossano Belbo, Santo Stefano Belbo, Canelli, Nizza Monferratoand Incisa Scapaccino). The examined urban plans and the field surveys had shownhow the verification of natural hazards framework, promoted by the national and re-gional rules, has been widely and responsibly implemented.The usual approach for the flooding risk mitigation it focused on man-made struc-tures (e.g. embankments), rather than the relocation of buildings.Some cases suggest, however, that the concepts of hazard, vulnerability, potentialdamage and risk haven’t been correctly utilized in the local land-use planning.For instance, inside Rocchetta Belbo and Santo Stefano Belbo municipalities, theimplementation of fluvial longitudinal and transversal structures by the Belbo Creeknetwork seems to justify the urbanization of river banks, with little consideration forflood hazard. Rocchetta Belbo (282 m a.s.l.) is situated on the alluvial fan of the An-nunziata Stream, left tributary of the Belbo Creek. Historical documents (maps andphotographs) show how the urban centre was affected by several phenomena offlooding coarse sediment transport (years 1926, 1948, 1951, 1968 and 1994); alongthe Annunziata Stream transversal and canal structures has been built. Insufficientspecific studies of the geomorphological hazard confinement and the complex bu-



reaucratic process for the passage of urban land planning seem to be in contrast withthe recent urban development.Santo Stefano Belbo (175 m a.s.l.) is located in the middle Belbo valley. The geo-morphological hazard of this area is connected with both the Belbo Creek and theTinella Creek, his main tributary. Historical data show how in the past the town hadbeen affected by several floods (years 1926, 1948, 1951 and 1968) and how theevent of November 1994 caused considerable damage because of the recent urban-ization of all valley floors. By the survey of Santo Stefano Belbo urban land plan-ning seems emerge that fluvial areas, affected by the natural disaster, are actually ad-dressed to the urban expansion, through the strengthening of the longitudinal struc-tures.The present land planning laws show some limitations regarding the hydraulic man-agement of the watercourses and the urbanization of future expansion areas. The in-troduction of compulsory insurance and a greater share of the choices of urban plan-ning between local authorities and the population could improve land managementin areas affected by natural disasters.



CULTURALGEOMORPHOLOGY FEATURES OF THE PONCIVALLEY (FINALESE KARSTIC AREA, LIGURIAN ALPS)

P. Brandolini1, F. Bulgarelli2, F. Faccini1 & A. Robbiano3

1 DISAM - Dip. Scienze dell’antichità, del medioevo e geografico-ambientali,Università di Genova

2 Soprintendenza per i Beni Archeologici della Liguria, Genova3 Consultant geologist , GenovaCorresponding author: Pierluigi Brandolini, e-mail: [email protected]

The Finalese is an area of great geomorphological and cultural value, with major sci-entific, landscape, socio-economic and historical features that offer opportunities forinvestigating the relationships between issues concerning geodiversity and land use.This paper presents the geomorphological and environmental profile of the PonciValley – which is located in the Finale Ligure (Savona) hinterland – and its relation-ship with the presence of some artefacts of Roman age (13-12 B.C.).The Ponci Valley – which is mainly composed of bioclastic limestones and second-arily of underlying dolomite limestones – is included in the more extensive Finalesekarstic area where the presence of various plateau is evident (i.e. Manie, Campori-undu and Bric dei Frati). They represent the relict remnants of a single karsticplateau that was the consequence of the uprising, erosion and following dry-up of amore extensive post-Miocenic erosion surface with weak inclination to South. Itsexistence is suggested by the correlation of present peaks surfaces. The plateau haslater been incised by allogenic fluvial valleys, and the Ponci Valley is a clear exam-ple of this incision. Such an origin explains the existence of an extensive valley floorin the Ponci Valley that is not consistent with the current basin landform and size(5.9 km2); the basin has been filled with alluvial deposits that have formed during astasis stage of the relative uprising. The resumption of the relative uprising led to thecurrent situation of hanging valley through a remounting erosion that has caused theregion rejuvenation.Thus the Ponci Valley represents the relict of a palaeovalley that was more exten-sive than the current surface and that was spread to north past the Sella di San Gia-como and was later captured by the Sciusa and Corealto adjacent streams.The lithological features, geomorphological evolution and morpho-structural rela-tionships between the outcropping lithotypes – through a marked infiltration of rain-fall and an underground flow – caused the formation of karstic epigeous and hy-pogeal phenomena whose evidence is provided by the presence of cockpits, dolinesand uvalas and several shallow-holes, springs and caves; the latter are mainly locat-ed along the contact between the dolomite and bioclastic limestones.Along the Ponci Valley five Roman bridges can be observed – three of them are stillwell-preserved – embankment protection structures and some remains of road parts:they represent one of the best evidences of the Via Iulia Augusta, a peculiar exam-ple of the ancient Roman roads system that can still be observed in western Liguria.



These artefacts were built with stones mainly in huge blocks – whose size is some-times in meters range – and the remnants of the ancient quarries – both on the sur-face and underground – where they have been mined can still be observed.Favourable climatic conditions all over the year, together with the valuable land-scape and environmental aspects, led to a growing interest in terms of tourism andsport and the consequent creation of excursion and mountain bike trails, in additionto the well-known practice of speleology and climbing.This site has a geomorphological, environmental and archaeological value and in allit can be acknowledged as a geosite of Mediterranean importance. Thereby it repre-sents an asset of high cultural and landscape value for which protection and en-hancement measures must be undertaken so as to preserve it and, at the same time,to promote a sustainable tourism.



LANDSLIDE SEDIMENT TRANSFER IN FORMERLYGLACIATED, MOUNTAIN DRAINAGE BASINS

F. Brardinoni1 & M.A. Hassan2

1 Dip. Scienze Geologiche e Geotecnologie, Università di Milano Bicocca – Dept. ofGeography and Environmental Studies, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

2 Dept. of Geography, University of British Columbia, CanadaCorresponding author: Francesco Brardinoni, e-mail: [email protected]

We examine basin-wide colluvial sediment dynamics in the Tsitika and Eve Rivers(about 600 km2), coastal British Columbia, Canada. The colluvial sediment cascadeis documented by classifying landslide types, characterizing the dominant sedimentsources, and identifying preferential sites of colluvial delivery across the landscape.The study is based on the compilation and analysis of a 70-year landslide invento-ry. This analysis reveals that open-slope landslides delivering material to seasonal orperennial channels and fluvial terraces are the dominant source-to-sink pathways.This finding indicates high instability of the headwaters drainage network and itsongoing adjustment after generalized sediment recharge occurred in the Last GlacialMaximum (LGM). To quantify interactions between colluvial and fluvial processesthe landscape has been subdivided into geomorphic domains, which include planarslopes, unchannelled valleys, erosional (source) and depositional (sink) colluvialchannels, as well as fluvial channels. In the study period, landslide activity acrosslandscape components has generated net sediment degradation on planar slopes andsource colluvial channels, whereas unchannelled valleys, sink colluvial channelsand fluvially-dominated channels have been accumulating material. The newly-de-veloped scaling relation of the landslide sediment yield appears to be controlled bythe spatial organization of relict glacial structures. It follows that landslide yield ishighest in unchannelled topography, decreases at the scale of channel initiation(drainage area (Ad) about 0.002 km2), and remains constant for scales where sourcecolluvial and hanging fluvial domains overlap (0.002 < Ad < 0.06). Landslide sedi-ment injections start declining consistently beyond areas larger than 0.6 km2 (thescale of relict trough initiation), where fluvial environments are still partially con-nected to adjacent hillslopes. Cumulative daily yield indicates that landslide sedi-ment redistribution across the landscape is limited to relatively small drainage areas;specifically, 90% of the colluvial load is released at scales smaller than about 0.6km2. Evaluation of the studied landslide yield trend in conjunction with British Co-lumbia fluvial sediment yield allows us to identify landscape scales of sedimentaggradation and degradation, hence to infer preferential scales of contemporary sed-iment storage.



AN APPLICATION FOR GEO-TOURISM IN THENORTH-WEST COAST OFMALTA: THE CASE STUDY OF

IL-MAJJISTRAL NATURE AND HISTORY PARK

V.M. Bruschi1, P. Coratza2, D. Piacentini2, D. Saliba3 & M. Soldati2

1 Dpto. Ciencias de la Tierra y Física de la Materia Condensada, Universidad deCantabria, Spain

2 Dip. Scienze della Terra, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia3 The Heritage Parks Federation, Valletta, MaltaCorresponding author: Viola Maria Bruschi, e-mail: [email protected]

The Island of Malta, which is situated in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea, is ahigh tourist vacational area especially sought after for its cultural heritage and out-door activities such as hiking and trekking. Moreover, although the Island is inten-sively built up, it still conserves remarkable geomorphological features. These aremostly found along the coastal areas, which maintain high aesthetic qualities of thenatural landscape.In the north-west coast, Il-Majjistral Nature and History Park represents a protectedarea with natural, cultural and touristic interests. The park was registered in 2007and is characterised by a landscape dominated by blue clay and limestone. The ge-omorphology is distinguished by faults and contrasting lithologies of the outcrop-ping rock formations. The cultural features of the area are closely linked to its geol-ogy and geomorphology.Published studies related to the geology and geomorphology of the Maltese archi-pelago are not abundant. As regards geomorphosites, in spite of evident geological-geomorphological features along a large part of the Maltese coasts, published worksdo not exist.Documentation about the cultural and biological aspects of the park has been exten-sively treated, but there was no analysis for the identification of geomorphologicalfeatures that can be observed in the area and that could be useful for touristic andeducational purposes.In order to analyse these features, a fieldwork has been carried out in the park area.The results obtained are shown in a map indicating sites of geomorphologic interestspecifically compiled for the park area. This task represents the first step of a gen-eral study that includes identification, quantitative assessment and valorisation ofthe geomorphological heritage of Malta.The completed research will constitute an indispensable basic knowledge for the suc-cessive enhancement activities, which should be carried out by public institutions re-sponsible of the protection of the Maltese territory. These issues are of current rele-vance, due to the fact that Malta has the highest population density in Europe, besidesa considerable tourist influx, which results in a high degree of vulnerability.



SMALL CATCHMENTS EVOLUTION IN A CLAYEY LANDSCAPEOF THE PERI-ADRIATIC BELT (CENTRAL ITALY)

SINCE THE LAST GLACIALMAXIMUM

M. Buccolini1, B. Gentili2, M. Materazzi2 & T. Piacentini3

1 Dip. Geotecnologie per l’Ambiente ed il Territorio, Università “G. d’Annunzio”Chieti-Pescara

2 Dip. Scienze della Terra, Università di Camerino3 Dip. Scienze della Terra, Università “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-PescaraCorresponding author: Marco Materazzi, e-mail: [email protected]

This study analyses geomorphological evolution during the last 20,000 years in twoareas representative of the peri-Adriatic belt of central Italy: Mount Ascensione, inthe high hilly sector (600-1100 m a.s.l.) and the Atri district in the hilly-coastal sec-tor (up to about 500 m a.s.l.). In both areas the lithostructural setting is character-ized by an east-verging monocline mainly composed of clayey formations. The twoareas are compared in relation to morpho-chronological aspects and geomorpholog-ical dynamics.The study, using dating methods, has been investigated chronology of continentaldeposits to reconstruct a reliable Holocene morphodynamic outline in a hydrograph-ic network developed on clayey slopes. The results suggest two fundamental evolu-tionary phases: 1) About 20,000 yrs B.P. sedimentation occurred along the main val-leys and the middle to upper portions of slopes were covered by colluvial deposits.2) At the beginning of the Holocene, the climatic amelioration triggered erosionalong rivers, which are still active, producing deep valleys with narrow water di-vides.Estimated denudation rates during the last 20,000 yrs are 7.8 mm yr-1 for the MountAscensione area and 2.4–3 mm yr-1 for the Atri district, reflecting frequent land-slides and fluvial erosion. The rates are consistent with the data available in litera-ture.



MOUNTAIN FRONT LANDSCAPE EVOLUTION:INSIGHTS FROM NUMERICALMODELING

D. Capolongo1, E. Giachetta1 & A. Refice2

1 Dip. Geologia e Geofisica, Università di Bari2 Istituti di Studi sui Sistemi Intelligenti per l’Automazione, ISSIA – CNR BariCorresponding author: Domenico Capolongo, e-mail: [email protected]

We use SIGNUM (Simple Integrated Geomorphological NUmerical Model), a mul-tiprocess TIN-based landscape evolution model, to simulate geomorphologicalmountain front evolution in thrust tectonic settings. The TIN-based, modularprocess structure of SIGNUM allows us to reproduce the development of complextectonic structures. By varying regional uplift, thrust propagation velocity, precipi-tation rates coupled with stream power based river incision and hillslope diffusivi-ty, we are able to reproduce realistic first-order topographic features, convincinglyanalogous to real-world active mountain fronts.We performed different scenarios at different timescales, letting our synthetic land-scapes evolve for periods ranging from 0.3 to 1 My. Results reproduce quite com-mon features of linear mountain fronts, such as regular valley spacing or drainagediversion; we observe that the appearance and evolution of these characteristic mor-phological tracts are controlled mainly by the competing different rates of river in-cision and growing thrusts.The results help us to speculate about some still poorly answered questions, for ex-ample what factors control the regular valley spacing observed worldwide in sever-al mountain fronts.



GEOMORPHOLOGICAL STUDY OF “CALANCHI” SLOPES OFTHE SCILLATO BASIN, NORTHERN SICILY

C. Cappadonia, C. Conoscenti & E. Rotigliano

Dip. Geologia e Geodesia, Università di PalermoCorresponding author: Chiara Cappadonia, e-mail: [email protected]

The investigated area is located in northern Sicily, into the central sector of theImera Settentrionale River basin, and consists of a small piggy back basin (named“Scillato basin”), where fluvio-delta deposits, made up of conglomerate, areniticand silty clays facies (Terravecchia Fm.., middle-late Miocene), outcrop. The syn-cline structural setting of the area is responsible for structurally controlled slopesthat, where the strata outcrop, are densely marked by linear water erosion landforms(both rills and gullies) which are ordered to form typical “calanchi” (badlands)fronts. The slopes are characterized by lateral variations of lithofacies that producea different response to erosion processes, testified by the distribution of landformsmainly shaped by concentrated runoff and piping phenomena.Since 2006, a detailed study of the area allowed to investigate a set of factors thatcontrol the development and spatial distribution of erosion landforms on slopes.Two sample portions of the area have been monitored in order to quantify the vari-ation of the topographic surface produced by erosion and deposition phenomena; thedata collected by the surface altitude measuring stations were then compared to thetemporal trend of rainfall intensity.Analysis of the chemical and physical properties of outcropping rocks have beencarried out at the aim of characterizing the triggering conditions of morphodynam-ic processes affecting the area; these data were also used as a tool to define the spa-tial relationships between landforms and the geographical variability of the investi-gated parameters. The choice of this approach is related to the high variability of fre-quency and typology of erosion landforms; even if the slopes have small extensionsand are characterized by similar topographic, climatic and litho-structural condi-tions; they, in fact, show an interesting diversification of “calanchi” and piping land-forms types and dimensions.These observations were used as a criterion to individuate the location and method-ology of sampling; the laboratory analysis allowed to define the granulometric com-position of samples, which resulted to be mainly clayey silts, and the mineralogicalphases of the granulometric fractions. The latter showed that quartz and calcite arethe dominant phases of the silt and sand fractions, while the clayey one is mainlyconstituted by illite and kaolinite and subordinately by smectite, that makes clayeydeposits more susceptible to cracking phenomena. Moreover, samples resulted to behighly alkaline, with high pH values and low carbonate content variation.Differences of plastic index, even if low, seem to be determining for the triggeringof shallow gravitative phenomena on tops of the slopes.Variability of the investigated parameter along slopes has been also related to theerosion rates observed from the surface altitude measuring stations.



RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN LINEAR AND AREAL EROSION:AN EXAMPLE IN SANNIO AREA

(CAMPANIAN APENNINES, SOUTHERN ITALY)

E. Cartojan & A. Valente

Dip. Studi Geologici ed Ambientali, Università del Sannio, BeneventoCorresponding author: Elena Cartojan, e-mail: [email protected]

In recent years, numerous studies dealing with landslides were carried out. In par-ticular, landslides represent one of the most important morphodynamic processes af-fecting the Sannio landscape (Campanian Apennines, Southern Italy). Evidence ofwater-induced linear erosion are also widespread in this region. The aim of thisstudy is to investigate the relationships between landslides and linear erosion in theTammarecchia Torrent basin, having an area of 124 km2. The mean annual suspend-ed load (Tu) and the landslide index (IF) were selected as parameters indicative oflinear and areal erosion intensity, respectively.From a lithological standpoint, the substratum of the study area mainly consists ofpoorly-cemented sandstones and, subordinately, of silty marls and marly clays. Thephysical and mechanical characteristics of these rocks are qualitatively poor in termsof both cohesion and denseness. Besides, most of them are involved in landslidesand this still further increases their erodibility by running waters. Geomorphologi-cally, the local landscape is of hilly-type, dominated by gently-sloping relieves,whose slopes display widespread evidence of erosional processes, both water- andgravity-induced. The altitude ranges from 294 to 915 meter a.s.l. From the land-usepoint of view, agricultural areas strongly predominate over forests and urban areas.The mean annual rainfall is about 840 mm. Rainfalls are mainly concentrated in theautumn and winter months. The wet climate, together with the semi-coherent natureof the substratum, makes the fluvial sediment transport by suspension the dominanttype, as already found by several Authors. Consequently, they also stated that therate of sediment transport by suspension is a reliable parameter in evaluating the in-tensity of water-induced linear erosion.The studied basin was first subdivided into 32 sub-basins of 3rd and 4th hierarchi-cal order. Quantitative geomorphic analysis was applied to each sub-basin with theaim to calculate the drainage density (D) and the hierarchical parameters needed toestimate the mean annual suspended load. The calculated values were introducedinto a GIS and a statistical analysis was carried out on a significant population, rep-resentative of the trend. Both the correlation between IF and log(Tu) and betweenIF and D showed a Pearson correlation index of 0.94. These parameters also present-ed a fitting with the following linear regression equations: IF= 2.25log(Tu)-0.47 andIF=0.07D-0.05, expressed by a determination coefficient R2=0.89. The data werevery well distributed alongside the equation of linear regression. This highlights adependency between the considered variables: when IF increases, both D and Tualso increase.



However, because landslide index, drainage density and, likewise, sediment trans-port by suspension are strongly dependent on the extension of the sub-basins, it wasconsidered as appropriate to compare two further parameters, i.e. the cumulativelength of the watercourses and the total surface affected by landslides. The correla-tion has a determination coefficient of 0.993.No significant relationships were found between the selected parameters and othergeo-environmental features, such as land-use, slope or relief energy. They seemed tovary randomly within the identified populations though landslides mainly occurredin cultivated areas, possibly favoured, among others, by non-conservative agricul-tural practices.The obtained results suggest a strong relationship between linear erosion and land-sliding. Both these phenomena are affected by the semi-coherent nature of litholo-gies. The intense linear erosion, pointed out by the high Tu values, favours the trig-gering and/or reactivation of landslides. In turn, these latter often dam the water-courses, increasing linear erosion and suspended load transport rate. Therefore, apositive feedback is induced. In conclusion, the results are both geomorphological-ly and statistically coherent and could be the starting-point to implement a method-ology, based on quantitative geomorphic analysis, aimed to assess the propensity tolandsliding in semi-coherent lithologies.



FROM GLACIAL TO PARAGLACIAL ENVIRONMENT IN THEDOLOMITES: THE GHIACCIAIO DELL’UOMO CASE STUDY

A. Carton1, M. Meneghel1 & R. Seppi2

1 Dip. Geografia, Università di Padova2 Dip. Scienze della Terra, Università di PaviaCorresponding author: Alberto Carton, e-mail: [email protected]

South of the Marmolada Group (Dolomites), at the head of the San Nicolò valley(Val Ombert) a small glacier called Cima dell’Uomo Glacier was present until thefirst years of the XX Century. It has been mapped in the D.Oe.A.V. map “Marmola-da” at 1:25,000 scale in two editions (1905 and 1926). Again it has been mapped(still as a glacier) in the Italian cartography (I.G.M. maps at scale 1:25,000 F° 11 IIS.O. “Passo di Vallès”). From the first to the last edition of this map (from 1920 to1960 ca) a reduction of the bare ice of the glacier is reported. In 1924 B. Castiglionidescribes this small glacier: it was then developed to an extension of about 20 ha, 8-9 of which covered by debris. The snout of the glacier was at an altitude of about2423 m (lowest point of the glacial drift covering the snout). In the Italian glacierinventory, compiled in the ’60s the glacier is classified as extinct and in the placeare reported few avalanche cones. Now an evident huge moraine ridge is markingthe maximum extension of the glacier. On the south-west the arch is advanced andcloses the valley reaching a small rounded relief in the northern slope of the valley.The north-eastern moraine has a S shape and in his higher portion delimits a less ad-vanced sector of the glacier. This configuration fits perfectly with the map sketchedby Castiglioni.On the more advanced lobe some ridges are present; they suggest that the glacial de-bris is still in motion and that an active rock glacier is currently developing from it.The evolution from a debris-covered glacier to an active rock glacier is not commonin the mountain ranges composed of carbonate rocks such as the Dolomites, but ithas been already described for the Ghiacciaio della Croda Rossa. A preliminary sur-vey carried out in April 2009 by BTS measurements showed that in some places ofthe debris tongue the ground surface temperatures are below –3 °C. This could beinterpreted as the presence of glacier ice still preserved under the debris or of patch-es of permafrost.Topographic measurements, geophysical surveys and ground surface temperatureanalyses are planned to investigate the dynamics of the debris, the presence of per-mafrost and the extension and distribution of the residual ice in the ground.




THE NEW GEOMORPHOLOGICALMAPOF THE AREAOFMT. CIMONE (NORTHERN APENNINES, ITALY)

D. Castaldini, P. Coratza & M. Panizza

Dip. Scienze della Terra, Università di Modena e Reggio EmiliaCorresponding author: Doriano Castaldini, e-mail: [email protected]

This paper describes a new geomorphological map implemented in the area of Mt.Cimone which is located in the high Apennines of Modena Province, Italy. The ex-tent of the study area is about 20 km2 and its elevation range from about 1300 ma.s.l. to the top of the Mt. Cimone, which attains the altitude of 2165 m a.s.l. (thehighest peak of the Northern Apennines).The Mt. Cimone area is one of the most important winter and summer tourism re-sorts of the entire Apennines. With its typical pyramid-like shape, Mt. Cimone risesisolated and shifted to the north with respect to the Apennine watershed.From a geological point of view it is ascribable to the overthrust of an overturnedoutlier of Mt. Modino Sandstones with the underlying Argille di Fiumalbo (UpperOligocene-Lower Miocene?), on top of the Sequence of Mt. Cervarola Sandstones(Lower-Middle Miocene).The landforms and deposits of the study area may be mainly defined according tothe following groups of morphogenetic factors and processes: glacial landforms anddeposits, cryogenetic and nivation landforms and deposits, structural landforms,slope landforms and deposits due to gravity; landforms and deposits due to runningwater, anthropogenic landforms; they are shown in a new geomorphological map atthe 1:10,000 scale.By examining the main features of the Mt. Cimone area, the presence of glaciersduring the “Tagliole” glacial period (this term refers to the last glacial expansion oc-curring in this sector of the Apennines) is witnessed by small cirques and vastmoraine deposits modeled in the shape of ridges. Many others glacial forms couldhave been erased by erosional processes linked to the intense uplift occurring fromthe Middle-Upper Pleistocene to date.Post-glacial slope landforms and deposits due to gravity are very common. Thelandslides are of various types, essentially inactive and, in some cases, controlled bytectonics. Worthy of note for their dimensions are some mass movements on theeastern sector of the study area; inside the body of one of them, the Lake della Ninfa,a very popular tourist resort, is found. In addition, in the Mt. Cimone area othersmall perennial or temporary lakes of structural, glacial and artificial origin arefound. Finally, among man’s activities which modified the landscape, the construc-tion of large parking areas, refuges and ski tracks should be mentioned.The novelty of this work, beside the fact that it is the first geomorphological mapwhich covers the entire sector of Mt. Cimone, is that many zones mapped as land-slide or talus heap in previous works, have been here considered as moraine de-posits. Therefore the extent of the glacial features in the Mt. Cimone area is muchwider than it was believed before.



Moreover all the landslides, also of huge extent, are of post-glacial age as they in-volve or covers the glacial deposits. The main, or at least one of the most important,triggering factor of the Mt. Cimone mass movements, could be the slope debuttress-ing due to the significant ice loss (glacial debuttressing) as it has been detected inother sector of the Northern Apennines, in the Italian Alps as well as in other moun-tainous areas of the world.



THE TOURIST-ENVIRONMENTALMAPOFMT. CIMONE(NORTHERN APENNINES, ITALY)

D. Castaldini1, P. Coratza1, D. Dallai2, C. Del Prete2, R. Dobre3, M. Panizza1,D. Piacentini1, L. Sala4, E. Zucchi1 & L. Bartoli5

1 Dip. Scienze della Terra, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia2 Dip. Museo di Paleobiologia e dell’Orto Botanico, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia3 Dept. Geography, University of Bucarest, Romania4 Dip. Biologia Animale, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia5 Serv. Tecn. ambientale e Vigilanza, Parco Regionale Alto Appennino Modenese,

Pievepelago (Mo)Corresponding author: Doriano Castaldini, e-mail: [email protected]

In the past decade several papers, research projects and scientific meetings havebeen carried out at an international level for the preservation of Geologic Heritage(whose elements are defined, according to the various authors, as “Earth sciencesites”, “Geologic Assets”, “Geotopes”, “Geosites” or “Geomorphosites”) and its dif-fusion and appraisal also outside the realms of academic research.This article describes the contribution of geomorphologic documents and the crite-ria and methodology used for the implementation of Geo-tourist maps and Tourist-Environmental Map in Mt. Cimone area (Modena Province, Northern Apennines).The study area extent is about 20 km2 and its elevation range from about 1300 ma.s.l. to the top of the Mt. Cimone, which attains the altitude of 2165 m a.s.l. Mt. Ci-mone is the highest peak of the Northern Apennines. This area is one of the most im-portant summer and winter tourism resorts of the entire Apennines; along its slopesmany ski lifts have been constructed and 50 km ski runs developed. The Mt. Cimonearea is located in the Frignano Park, which was established in 1988 by the Emilia-Romagna Region.The landforms and deposits of the study area may be mainly defined according tothe following groups of morphogenetic factors and processes: glacial landforms anddeposits, cryogenetic and nivation landforms and deposits, structural landforms,slope landforms and deposits due to gravity; landforms and deposits due to runningwater, anthropogenic landforms.In a first step, a new geomorphological map has been realized. Moreover a Quick-Bird Satellite Image has been overlapped to a Digital Terrain Model (DTM).In a second phase a Geo-tourist map was derived (with appropriate simplificationsand integrations) from the Geomorphologic map. The Geo-Tourist map combinesthe most evident geomorphologic features with fundamental tourist information(e.g. parking places, excursion trails, picnic areas, overnight-stay sites etc.). Thegoal was to produce a map that could be easily interpreted by tourists and help themto understand the landscape.The Geo-Tourist map and the DTM are the cartographic documents characterizingthe Tourist- Environmental map which is thematic pocket foldable map printed on



both sides with illustration notes. In addition, the Tourist-Environmental map con-tains a synoptic description of the geological, geomorphological, botanical and zo-ological aspects, accompanied by photographs and information on park recommend-ed itineraries. The Tourist-Environmental map is part of the initiatives adopted forimproving the knowledge, fruition and appraisal of the environment of this protect-ed area and was carried out in cooperation with the financial support of the FrignanoPark. This study witness how geomorphological investigations can effectively con-tribute to the elaboration of maps utilizable in the field of environmental tourism.



GEODIVERSITYAND GEOTOURISMAS A CHALLENGEBETWEEN SCIENTIFIC CULTURE OF GEOLOGICALLANDSCAPE AND NEW OPPORTUNITY OFWORKS

D. Castaldini1, P. Coratza1, P. Farabollini2 & E. Miccadei3

1 Dip. Scienze della Terra, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia2 Dip. Scienze della Terra, Università di Camerino3 Dip. Scienze della Terra, Università “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-PescaraCorresponding author: Piero Farabollini, e-mail: [email protected]

The geological and geomorphological landscape of Italy represents a beautiful ex-ample of variety and complexity of processes and phenomena that characterize andmake unique the whole national territory.The coexistence of tracks of an evolutionary history still active in study and defini-tion has made many Italian regions (among which Emilia Romagna, Marche andAbruzzi regions), a world fame gym for geologists and geomorphologists.The complex palaeogeographies of the past find their expression in the main ridgesof these regions whose rocky cliffs allow the researchers imaginary trips through an-cient tropical heavens with lagoons, coral atolls and deep seas. Valleys of glacial ori-gin, alluvial fans, terraced deposits, soils and palaeosoils preserve the memory of“past worlds”. The landscape itself, now rough and steep in the chain area, decreas-ing gradually in the piedmont, now smooth in the hilly relieves up to the alluvial andcoastal lowlands, is a witness of the different morphological processes that havemodelled the territory in the Quaternary age and which are acting today under dif-ferent climatic conditions.The geological-geomorphological information become the starting point to discov-er how the natural environment influences the social and economic development ofthe different populations, the specialization of arts and works, the installation of pe-culiar commercial and industrial activities.Thus the territory goes out of the “classical” role of simple scenery of the humanhistory and becomes integral part of the different cultures that develop in it and thatinteract with it.The growth of interest in the geological and geomorphological thematic of the ter-ritory is bringing about the maturation of a strong sensibility toward a geologictourism both from the institutions and the private citizens.All these activities can represent job opportunities in the field of tourism for thegraduates in Geological and Natural Sciences and in Cultural Heritages.


GEOMORPHOLOGICAL SURVEYS TO ASSESS PROPAGATIONOF ROCK FALLS IN THE VILLAGE OF CIMOLAIS(WESTERN FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA, ITALY)

E. Castelli1, S. Devoto2, M. Camin3, F. Podda4 & D. Piacentini2

1 Dip. Ingegneria Civile e Ambientale, Università di Trieste2 Dip. Scienze della Terra, Università di Modena and Reggio Emilia3 Corock s.r.l., Trento4 Dip. Scienze Geologiche, Ambientali e Marine, Università di TriesteCorresponding author: Stefano Devoto, e-mail: [email protected]

The Municipal Authorities of Cimolais have entrusted the Department of Civil andEnvironmental Engineering of the University of Trieste with a detailed study aimedat designing safety measures against possible rock falls. This was due to the pres-ence of large potentially unstable rock masses along the steep rocky slopes of CrepSavath, near Cimolais (Province of Pordenone) and to the need for a scientific ap-praisal of the risk these masses imply for the village of Cimolais and its inhabitants.The western Alpine area of the Friuli region is often theatre to rock fall phenomena.These are due to the presence of mountain ranges characterised by strong relief ener-gy and to abundant rainfall, reaching 1500-2000 mm/year, which favour quick and ac-tive morphological dynamics with intense slope erosion and degradation processes.Relevant surveys will include preliminary Lidar and photogrammetric surveys anda surveying campaign aimed at producing a series of detailed geomorphologicalmaps on which further studies and rock fall simulations will be based.Wall observations showed that the potentially unstable rick volumes exceed 400cubic meters.The high and constant steepness of debris cones at the foot of Crep Savath rockyslopes, combined with the lack of ledges and the poor high forest vegetation pres-ent, suggests rock fall trajectories for the boulders on Crep Savath directly leadingto the village, which would cause serious damage to people and things.A first assessment of the possible transit and stop areas of boulders has been ob-tained through in-depth surveying activities carried out by several academic profes-sionals and experts in geological and engineering sciences.The study area, which includes the limestone aguille of Crep Savath, belongs to thegroup of Western Carnic Prealps and falls within the park of Friuli Dolomites.The area is bounded by Mt. Lodina to the north-west, by the pristine Val Fersena tothe West and is located on the right bank of Torrente Cimoliana, close to the trunkleading to the Vajont Valley and to Cimolais, at an altitude of 800-1000 m a.s.l.The rock falls are caused by the structure of the rock mass, as the interaction amongdiscontinuity sets can lead to the isolation of boulders exceeding a hundred cubicmeters. The intense tectonic activity of the past, which caused the fragile VajontLimestone to thrust over the ductile Red Scale, originated the jointing structure ofthe limestone that forms the top of Crep Savath.



The project was launched in September 2008 and included different phases:- Lidar survey- Geomorphological survey of the area from where rock falls originated and of the

debris cones at the foot of the slopes (transit area).- Identification of unstable boulders and assessment of their volume.- Analysis of trajectories and maximum run-out distances of boulders.The technical surveys conducted on the slope walls have highlighted a high hazardenvironment, also due to the presence of a slab-shaped rock mass of some hundredcubic meters, free on both sides and held at the basis by poor-quality rock bridges.The team of professionals involved has created a set of detailed geomorphologicalmaps (1:1000) based on Laserscan surveys, which proved a fundamental startingpoint also for further analyses.As a preliminary measure, a series of active measures can be proposed to immedi-ately mitigate risks. This proposal takes into account the high volume of blocks,which in case of fall would render the passive mitigation measures already in placeat the back of Cimolais worthless.



GIS TECHNIQUES AND DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEMSTO REDUCE LANDSLIDE RISK:

THE CASE STUDY OF CORVARA IN BADIA

A. Cavallin1 & S. Sterlacchini2

1 DISAT – Dip. Scienze dell’Ambiente e del Territorio, Università di Milano-Bicocca2 CNR-IDPA, Istituto per la Dinamica dei Processi Ambientali, Milano

Integrated methodologies to manage critical hydrogeological events takes advantageof available GIS tools, decision support systems (DSS), and mobile technology.Moreover, these methodologies have to be settled up and tested in different environ-mental systems, with high level of hydrogeological hazards and risks, to evaluatetheir real effectiveness. Social and economic systems have to be considered to ver-ify their applicability according to national, regional and local laws. Moreover, eachmethodology has to be accepted and recognized by the stakeholders (public admin-istrators, economic planners, lawmakers, people responsible for civil protections, re-lief and emergency services) and by the general public too, as a tool to manage land-slide hazard and risk.A methodological approach starts with landslide susceptibility and hazard assess-ment in order to geographically define specific hazard scenarios, by statistical anddeterministic models, historical records, expert knowledge, and the set of laws inforce. After that, detailed analysis (1:2000) have to spatially identify and charac-terise vulnerable elements (people, infrastructures, activities, public and privateservices, etc.), and define the possible physical effects on exposed elements.A detailed social and economic characterization of the area has to be performed. Atthe end, potential risk scenarios may be assessed as areas characterised by high sus-ceptibility/hazard values and by the presence of vulnerable elements. An estimationof the potential social and economic damage (direct and indirect) has to be carriedout for each specific risk scenario. Contingency plans to manage interventions in theaftermath of disasters have also to be defined. Decisional processes workflow (ac-cording to the rules) has to be set up and uploaded in a Decision Support System(implemented in a GIS) for a real-time management of prospective emergency situ-ations.This approach may support local decision makers to define the type and magnitudeof the expected losses due to a dangerous event. The knowledge of the prospectivephysical effects and economic consequences may help to allocate economic re-sources for prevention and mitigation measures and to decide how to manage re-sources during the aftermath of critical hydrogeological events.Anyway some crucial drawbacks may undermine the consistency of the frameworkabove mentioned:- the return period of the expected event;- the expected magnitude of the event;- the prospective economic losses.



This methodology permits to estimate the potential losses (the number of fatalities,injured people, and the impact to buildings and infrastructure) within pre-definedhazard and vulnerability scenarios. People responsible for urban and territorial plan-ning may build up “realistic” scenarios, characterized by physical, social, and eco-nomic parameters related to the event, to the risk elements, and to the environmentsystem.The Corvara in Badia case study will be presented.



GEOHERITAGE AND GEOHAZARDS OFTHE VANCOUVER 2010 OLYMPIC AREA

J. Clague1 & M. Giardino2

1 Dept. of Earth Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada2 Dip. Scienze della Terra, Università di TorinoCorresponding author: Marco Giardino, e-mail: [email protected]

The spreading of knowledge on the geological environment is a relevant contribu-tion from Earth scientists to society. Books, maps, posters, and other geoscienceproducts are very helpful not only for educators and students but also for profession-als and the general public, as happened for volunteers and visitors to the 2006 Win-ter Olympics in Torino, Italy. Based on this we have initiated a project to producerelevant Earth science information to 2010 Olympic volunteers and visitors in Van-couver area. The three objectives of the project are to (1) produce a booklet andwebsite showcasing the geology and geologic issues of Vancouver, Whistler, and theSea-to-Sky corridor; (2) provide information on the geoheritage of the area for 2010Olympic volunteers; and (3) educate Olympic volunteers to maintain a safe naturalenvironment.As conceptual framework, some interpretative keys are offered here to people whowant to approach Geoheritage and Geohazards of the Vancouver 2010 OlympicsArea. First, we invite people looking to the surrounding landscapes with the eyes ofan Earth scientists. Which means: conducting interrogative observations, always try-ing to recognize geological and geomorphological features, collecting informationon their characteristics (dimension, shape, type of constituent material etc.) and(possibly) understanding their meaning in term of agents and processes responsibleof their formation, factors controlling the environment where they formed, andelapsed time since their formation.This is the fundamental step towards the geological knowledge on a landscape. Butcould be insufficient in order to understand the possible relationships between thegeological environment and the Man and the Society. In order to make clear viewon this important topic, and offer a second interpretative key to the readers, a furtherconceptual framework is proposed here, derived from scientific literature. Follow-ing this scheme, possible connections and interactions between these two “main ac-tors” of the Global Scene (and of the Vancouver one, too) are differently interpret-ed, based on their “passive” or “active” roles. For the geological environment, thismeans acting as “Resources (GeoHeritage)” or “GeoHazards”, with respect to theMan and the Society, who behaves as a “vulnerable territory” or performs “humanactivities”. From those relationships, some negative consequences can arise by “ac-tive” roles of geological environment and the Man and the Society, in term of IM-PACT of “human activities” on “Geoheritage”, or RISK induced by “GeoHazards”on “vulnerable territory”. Still, some positive attitudes can be developed by Man andthe Society such as geoconservation measures for reducing impacts or preparednessactivities for preventing risks.



The relevant geoscience information we collected for the handbook and the websitesummarize, in lay terms: (1) geoheritage of Vancouver, Whistler, and Sea-to-Skycorridor, and (2) natural processes, including hazardous ones, that operate in thearea. Some sites have been selected for better illustrating these contents:

The handbook and website will include maps, photos, simple block diagrams, anddescriptive text to allow volunteers and visitors to easily understand the local geol-ogy and the natural processes that have shaped the landscape. The intent is also totrain volunteers to better answer questions from visitors on the geology of theOlympic area.


Site (1) Geoheritage (2) Geohazards

Cypress LookoutIntroduction: Geotectonic setting of thePacific Coast, major physiographicunits of the Vancouver area

Seismic hazards

Porteau Cove Hove Sound, Submerged moraine Rock falls from fracturedgranite

Britannia Town BC Mining Museum Britannia Flood, 1921

Stawamus Chief Cliff, Glacial feature (risks connected to climbingactivity)

The Barrier Clinker Peak lava flow (Garibaldi lake,Mt. Garibaldi Volcano)

Landslide, Debris flow(1855 and recent)

Brandywine falls Lava Flows, Postglacial river network (risks connected to tourismactivity )

Whistler andBlackcomb Glaciated area of Fitzsimmons Range Debris Flows and prevention

measures

Mistery Creek Post glacial modeling of slopes Rock avalanches


NEW EVOLUTIONARY SCENARIOS ON THE TESSINALANDSLIDE (NORTH-EASTERN ALPS)AND POSSIBLE MITIGATION MEASURES

S. Cola1, N. Calabrò1, G. Marcato2, A. Pasuto2, S. Silvano2 & P. Simonini1

1 Dip. Ingegneria Idraulica Marittima Ambientale e Geotecnica, Università di Padova2 Istituto di Ricerca per la Protezione Idrogeologica, CNR-IRPI, PadovaCorresponding author: Alessandro Pasuto, e-mail: [email protected]

The Tessina landslide, first triggered in October 1960, is a complex movement fea-tured by an upper source area of rotational slides turning into a mud flow, that movesthrough a steep channel lapping the village of Funes and stretching into the Tessinavalley down to the village of Lamosano (north-eastern Alps).In the 1960s, several reactivations involving about 5 million m3 occurred, causingthe filling for a thickness of 30-50 m of the Tessina valley. These movements seri-ously endangered the village of Funes, which is situated on a steep ridge facing thevalley. At that time, Funes was hanging relatively high above the valley, but now itis at nearly the same level as the mud surface.In spring 1992, two large rotational slides occurred after a very long rainy period,causing the collapse of a 70,000 m2 wide area, with a volume bigger than 1 millionm3. The dismembered material from this area was channelled along the valleywhere, due to the continuous remoulding and increase of water content, it formed alarge hazardous mud flow, inducing the local Authority to evacuate temporarily theinhabitants of Funes and Lamosano.In 1994, a long tunnel was excavated in the calcareous mass behind the slope, topossibly reduce the water infiltration from the fractured rock mass into the slidingarea.After 1992, some other minor collapses leaded to the formation of smaller mudflows, characterized by an occurrence interval of about 3 years and a hazard levelnever exceeding that reached in 1992.Recently, the displacement rates monitored in a left hand-side area hanging abovethe valley, considered stable up to some years ago, suggested a possible future bigcollapse, thus raising up the risk level. The instability problems affecting this sectorcould lead to a mobilisation of a huge sector on the left-hand slope of the valley in-volving some million m3 of material.Further investigation activities, such as geophysical surveys and displacementsmonitoring by means of GPS and conventional topographic techniques have beencarried out in order to better define the volume of the moving mass and the interre-lationship among the most significant factors affecting its possible collapse. More-over numerical simulation using FLAC 2D code based on finite difference methodhas been carried out. The results of numerical simulation carried out using an elas-to-visco-plastic model proved that highly unfavourable atmospheric conditions



(high precipitation, melting of thick snow cover) could result in a substantial de-creasing of rock mass mechanical properties. It could cause sudden acceleration ofthe movement and eventually the failure of entire slope in a very short time.The results of these studies showed some measures that may be applied in order toimprove the overall stability and reduce the risk in the valley.



HOLOCENE ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE IN NORTHERNAPENNINES: THE MT. CUSNA PALEOSURFACE

C. Compostella1, L. Trombino1,2 & M. Caccianiga3

1 Dip. Scienze della Terra “A. Desio”, Università di Milano2 IDPA - Istituto Dinamica Processi Ambientali, CNR Milano3 Dip. Biologia, Università di MilanoCorresponding author: Chiara Compostella, e-mail: [email protected]

The aim of this study is the reconstruction of the Holocene environmental changesof the Mt. Cusna paleosurface through the analysis of soil data coming from fieldobservation, soil micromorphology and anthracological analysis.The study area is located on the northern slope of Mt Cusna (2120 m a.s.l.), above1700 m. The climate is sub-mediterranean with abundant and well distributed pre-cipitations (2000 mm/y), showing a summer minimum. The bedrock consists in tur-biditic sandstones and marls, with intercalated sequences of claystones and lime-stones.The geomorphological processes that have shaped the area are glacial andperiglacial, slope, fluvial, karstic and anthropic processes. At present, the most im-portant ones consist in mass movements and diffuse and channeled water erosion.The present vegetation is characterized by a deciduous forest dominated by Fagussylvatica, up to 1700 m (potential treeline: about 1730 m). The areas above the tree-line host herbaceous vegetation and Vaccinium-dominated heathland.The area was settled during the Boreal and Atlantic by mesolithic hunters; occasion-al frequentation in the Subboreal, Iron Age and Roman Age has been recorded.Soils can be grouped into two types. In the lowermost area (up to 1900 m) Entisols,Spodosols and Inceptisols can be observed. Paleosols, relict and buried by colluvialdeposits, also occur, with frequent sedimentological and pedological discontinuityand stone lines; recent soils are developing on these colluvial deposits. In the upper-most area, podzolization is the most important process, but its development is fre-quently limited by erosion.Buried paleosols in the lowermost area characterize an ancient surface, the Mt.Cusna paleosurface, extensively glacialized during the glacial maxima, then subject-ed to pedogenesis and finally superficially eroded and buried during the Holocene.In the present study we individuated and described 10 soil profiles between 1700and 2000 m; samples were taken from each soil horizon for physical and chemicalanalyses and a selective sampling was performed with Kubiena boxes to obtain soilthin sections. Wherever found, charcoals were sampled, identified through opticaland electron microscopy and prepared for radiocarbon dating.In all the sampling sites the profiles show recent and shallow topsoil and a more de-veloped and thicker buried soil (i.e. paleosol). The two soils are separated by a darkbrown horizon, limited upward by a discontinuity surface. This situation has beenalready observed on the Mt. Cusna paleosurface, but it has been never found before



above 1800 m. These newly discovered buried soils could thus belong to the paleo-surface that should be extended upwards. Moreover, evidences of brunification inthe buried soil suggest the occurrence of a past forest cover well above the presenttreeline.In this light, charcoal analysis allowed the reconstruction of the past vegetation andthe fire history. The most common charcoals in the area, sampled in the buried soil,derived from Laburnum, Juniperus and Abies wood. Fagus, the main speciespresently occurring at the treeline, is not represented in the charcoals. The AMS ra-diocarbon dating of a Laburnum charcoal sample to 3920-3700 y cal BP allowed toassign this vegetation to the Subboreal.Previous dating of the deciduous species charcoal suggested the decrease of mixeddeciduous forest and the successive spread of Fagus during the first anthropic fre-quentation phase (Boreal and Atlantic); on the contrary, our charcoal analysis datethe fire event and the lowering of the treeline within the Subboreal, the period of thesecond anthropic frequentation phase. Our results suggest the permanence of theforest at high altitude for a longer time than expected and could give a minimum agefor the colluvial episodes and the burial of paleosols.



SUSCEPTIBILITYASSESSMENT FOR FLOWS LANDSLIDEIN THE UPPER SALSO RIVER BASIN (SICILY)

C. Conoscenti, F. Quagliana, A. Rizzitello & E. Rotigliano

Dip. Geologia e Geodesia, Università di PalermoCorresponding author: Christian Conoscenti, e-mail: [email protected]

A landslide susceptibility assessment has been carried out in the upper sector of theSalso river basin, which drains from the Sicilian Apennines chain southward to theSicilian channel. The investigated area extends for 157 km2 and is characterized bythe outcropping of carbonate, siliceous-carbonate and siliciclastic successions,whose structural setting is the results of the compressive phase that, starting fromOligocene, built up the Sicilian chain. Rainfalls, having an annual average value of710 mm, concentrate from September to March, while are less than 30 mm duringthe summer season.Field surveys carried out in 2008 allowed to recognize 413 landslide bodies, 397 ofwhich are classified as earth- or debris-flows. In the largest part of the cases thedepth of the deformed volumes is limited to some meters. The activity of themapped landslide is typically linked to rainfalls that are responsible for the watercontent increasing of the sandy-clayey complexes.In order to assess the landslide susceptibility of the investigated area, a multivariateapproach constrained to physiographic mapping units, has been implemented andsubmitted to validation. A 40 x 40 m DEM of the area has been extracted from con-tour lines and elevation points, vectorized from 1:10,000 topographic raster cover-age. The DEM allowed to compute both the flow direction and the flow accumula-tion grids that were exploited to semi-automatically subdivide the area in a numberof 1410 slope units. These are morphodynamically considered as independent spa-tial domains, made up of territory cells strictly interconnected. Each slope unit islimited by a water divide at the head, and a stream at the foot. In light of the exten-sion of the DEM cell, small units have been created with a width threshold value ofat least 100 m.As the intention was to apply a multivariate approach, in order to produce enoughpopulated groups of equivalent slope units, the number of factors and classes was tobe kept as low as possible. The slope units have been characterized with respect tofour controlling factors: mean steepness (STP), mean stream power index (SPI) atthe foot, slope unit length (LNG) and outcropping lithology (LTL). The first two pa-rameters have been directly computed for each slope unit by means of zonal statis-tics functions applied to the DEM derived slope angle and stream power index grids.Three classes have been adopted for the steepness, while only two ones are adoptedfor SPI at the foot and LNG. Finally, the outcropping lithology was derived fromavailable vectorized geological maps, that were before field checked, characterizingthe slope units according to the single or to the association of lithologic complexes(lithologies outcropping for less than 20% of the slope unit extension have been neg-



lected). In such a way a number of 120 Unique Condition Slope Units (UCSU) wasobtained.Each mapped landslide body was represented by a single point, automatically locat-ed as its centroid, and an intersection between slope units and landslide centroidswas performed. Each UCSU was so characterized in term of the ratio between num-ber of landslide centroids and its area, assuming this as the landslide susceptibilityfunction. A multivariate susceptibility map was finally produced and submitted to avalidation procedure. The landslide centroids have been split in a training and a testsubset and the capability of the susceptibility model, which was derived by using thetraining centroids, to reproduce the spatial distribution of the test centroids has beenevaluated. The validation procedure, whose results are analyzed in the domain of thesuccess and the prediction curves, are largely satisfactory, demonstrating how the50% of the test landslide centroids falls on the 18% of the most susceptible predict-ed UCSU.



THEMATIC ITINERARYAMONG THE GEOMORPHOSITES OFSUPRAMONTE (CENTRAL-EAST SARDINIA, ITALY)

P. Coratza1, J. De Waele2 & V. Panizza3

1 Dip. Scienze della Terra, Università di Modena-Reggio Emilia2 Dip. Scienze della Terra, Università di Bologna3 Dip. Teorie e Ricerche dei Sistemi culturali, Università di SassariCorresponding author: Valeria Panizza, e-mail: [email protected]

The study of geomorphosites in karst areas has already brought our research team inmany parts of the Island (Gulf of Orosei, Iglesiente-Sulcis, Tacchi, Monte Albo etc.)Thanks to different national and international projects, our team has intensifiedthese researches, and in this paper the results of a study in Supramonte, the most im-portant karst area of the Island, are presented.Supramonte is a fascinating carbonate massif of 170 km2 located in the central-east-ern part of Sardinia composed of Middle Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous dolostonesand limestones. The carbonate rocks, especially the limestones, are affected by in-tense karstification processes that have created particular and sometimes spectacu-lar landforms and subterranean morphologies.Supramonte in a whole constitutes a unique landscape unit in which natural aspectslargely overrule the human imprint on the environment and its great naturalisticvalue has been recognised at a national level. The area was inserted in the NationalPark of Gennargentu, legally defined but unfortunately never put into practice.In this paper several itineraries involving the most important superficial and hy-pogean geomorphosites of Supramonte are proposed, with regards to their geologi-cal and geomorphological interest. Some of these sites can be classified as Interna-tional (Flumineddu-Gorropu canyon, Tiscali collapse sinkhole, Su Gologone resur-gence, Su Sercone doline) and others as National Geomorphosites (Su Bentu-SaOche cave system, Sa Cheia doline etc.).The proposed itineraries have been constructed in order to involve a well definednumber of geomorphosites that allow to understand and to explain the geologicaland geomorphological evolutional context in all its stages. In many cases the path-ways can be closely related to human settlements and artefacts, such as old aban-doned mule-tracks and cuiles (sheep-folds), Neolithic and Nuragic settlements orsimply legends and tales. Also natural elements such as monumental trees, fauna andflora occupy an important place in the description of the pathways.The archaeological researches have found traces of ancient settlements going wayback to the Upper Paleolithic, in particular archaeological excavations in Corbedducave have revealed the presence of Man since 13,000 years B.P., representing theoldest clearly documented human presence in Sardinia.The fact that not only scientific aspects are taken into account, enlarging the viewalso to the cultural and human components of the landscape, enriches the proposeditineraries and makes the fruition culturally more complete and wide.This important natural and cultural heritage should be properly used for a sustain-able tourist development bringing new life into the local economy and enhancing theprotection of the geomorphosites.



GEOMORPHOLOGICAL PROCESSES IN THE CENTRALSAHARA DURING THE HOLOCENE. RESPONSE OF FLUVIALLANDFORMS AND HUMANADAPTATION TO CLIMATE

CHANGE: THE CASE OF THE WADI TANEZZUFT

M. Cremaschi, A. Zerboni, A. Perego & C. Pizzi

Dip. Scienze della Terra “A. Desio”, Università di MilanoCorresponding author: Mauro Cremaschi, e-mail: [email protected]

The wadi Tanezzuft is a nowadays ephemeral fluvial course located in the SW Fez-zan, an hyperarid region of the Libyan central Sahara. During the wet Holocene (10to 5 Kyr BP) the pattern of wadi Tanezzuft was dominated by large gravel meanders,and it ended in a large lacustrine basin through a delta system located some 200 kmnorthward from its catchment basin, close to the dune of the Ubari sand sea. In thesame period the wadi Tanezzuft fed through a secondary branch the lake of GaratOuda (some 80 km2 wide).In the region the transition to arid conditions occurred at c. 5 Kyr BP and the mainconsequence of climate change was the evolution of the fluvial pattern of the wadiTanezzuft to a progressive more endorheic system. Distal and lateral delta-lake sys-tems dried out in a very short time and therefore preserved almost intact the oldergeomorphological and sedimentological features representative for higher water dis-charge. The main river reduced its length of an half and changed its sediments froma gravel to a silt dominated deposit; furthermore it fed a narrow alluvial plain alongits bed, which hosted an oasis. The extension of the oasis reduced progressively itssize up to 1.5 Kyr BP, when the main oasis system collapsed and it broken up intoseveral minor green areas, almost coincident with the still existent oasis of Ghat,Barkat and Feuet.During the early and middle Holocene wet period, the banks of the wadi Tanezzuft,the branches of the deltas, and the lakes shores were intensively inhabited by Epi-palaeolithic and Mesolithic hunters and gathered and later by Pastoral-Neolithiccommunities, whose sites were found in number of hundreds. After the completedesiccation of the region, Late Pastoral-Neolithic and Garamantian communitiessettled the alluvial plain of the wadi Tanezzuft. Archaeological sites were mainly re-lated to alluvial silts inside the oasis, promoting new strategy of soil exploitation andintroducing agriculture, while the boundary between the oasis and the desert land-scaped were marked by funerary monuments and concentrations of tethering stones,related to a marginal exploitation of the arid margins of the fertile alluvial plain.



FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA GEOSITE DATABASE

F. Cucchi1, L. Zini1, F. Finocchiaro1, G.B. Carulli1, B. Figus1, C. Venturini2,C. Piano3, A. Mereu1, B. Grillo1, S. Gerdol1, G. Muscio4, R. Marocco1,

G. Tunis1, N. Pugliese1, M. Ponton1 & A. Fontana5

1 Dip. Scienze Geologiche, Ambientali e Marine, Università di Trieste2 Dip. Scienze della Terra e Geologico Ambientali, Università di Bologna3 Dir.ezione centrale ambiente e lavori pubblici, Servizio geologico, Regione FVG, Trieste4 Museo Friulano di Storia Naturale, Udine5 Dip. Geografia, Università di PadovaCorresponding author: Franco Cucchi, e-mail: [email protected]

The Regional Landuse Plan of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region has been recognisedgeosites as important environmental sites. The Department of Geological, Environ-mental and Marine Sciences of the Trieste University (DiSGAM-UniTs) on the behalfof the Friuli Venezia Giulia Geological Survey has created a database of 214 geositesamongst the preliminary list of 458 areas proposed by authorities and experts.The geosites have been divided into points, lines, areas, multiple and complex ones.Each geographical area has been made based on land surveys, references, geologi-cal and geomorphological aspects, aerial photos and/or geological maps.A point geosite has an area of less than 1 hectare and is characterised by a well de-fined stratigraphical and/or palaeontological site (e.g. the Dinosaur footprints ofCasera Casavento), a spring (Fontanone di Barman), a waterfall (Cascata del RioCjampeit), a mountain cliff (Campanile di Val Montanaia), or a small area (the en-trance of a cave).The area geosite has a surface of more than 1 hectare and has been mapped includ-ing its different characteristics: inside the same geological Formation (Formazionedi Carnizza) and/or of the same morphological structure. During the mapping of thiskind of geosites, the contour lines (the Lago Minisini lake), the steepness of themountain (Rupe di Cesclans), the crest lines (Circo glaciale di Cima Cacciatori)have been taken into consideration. Tectonic lineaments have been found using abuffer that includes all the geological information related to that specific geosite in-cluding contacts between different lithologies (the Linea della Val Bordaglia fault).Some buffer areas have been made also for coastal and marine areas (Delta delloStella). Other geosites include geological and morphological characteristics that linkthem, that may be considered alone but that make a geosite only if joint them togeth-er (limestone pavements of Campi solcati di Borgo Grotta Gigante).Linear geosites have been made as lines and they represents gullies, mountain rivers,fluvial terraces (Terrazzi fluviali di Claut), vertical slope outcrops (Formazione delCalcare di Monte Cavallo) and of any other linear morphologies (Spartiacque diCamporosso).Several multiple geosites have the same geological and geomorphological charac-teristics that may be found in different areas such as the Livenza springs in which



each spring is a distinct geosite and the Fusine lakes in which it has been groupedtogether the glacial lakes and Pirona glacial rocks.When inside a geosite area, there are other different geosite types the term complexgeosite has been proposed. An example of a complex geosite is the Altopiano diForan del Muss that is an example of an alpine karst as well as is characterised byseveral other important scientific aspects (paleokarst caves, sedimentary dikes, ValResia thrust and the fossils of the Dachstein Limestone).All these geosites have been subdivided into: more than national, national, region-al, local interest. The geosite with an interest more than national are 15 and their im-portance is well known in Europe (the adrosaur of Villaggio del Pescatore is theonly one complete in Europe).The geosites with a national interest are 33 and represent important geological andmorphological areas of Friuli Venezia Giulia (Torrioni di Monrupino, Sorgenti delLivenza, Gruppo di Raibl).166 geosites with regional interest have been mapped. These areas are very impor-tant for several aspects such as their rarity, their scholastic importance, their connec-tion with other scientific fields: i.e. archaeology and environmental sciences. A goodexample of that are: the Raibl Mine, several caves and the gully of Cosa River.



MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF DOLINESIN THE CARBONARAMASSIF

(MADONIE MOUNTAINS - NORTHERN CENTRAL SICILY)

V. Culotta., G. Madonia & M. Vattano

Dip. Geologia e Geodesia, Università di PalermoCorresponding author: Giuliana Madonia, e-mail: [email protected]

A study on karst landscape of the Carbonara Massif has been carried out throughmorphometric analysis of dolines. The Carbonara Massif occupies the Eastern sec-tor of the Madonie mountains, in the Northern Central Sicily; it is made up mainlyof Mesozoic platform limestones of the Panormide Units and it is affected by NW-SE and NE-SW fault systems.Morphometry of dolines has been conducted by the analysis of several parametersdirectly acquired or derived by mathematical calculations. These parameters includemaximum and minimum diameter, maximum and minimum depth, circularity index,orientation, area, depression density.The data have been obtained from large scale (1:10,000) topographic maps and aer-ial photographs, and from field surveys, in order to measure height data not obtain-able from maps. In the karst area, 23.8 km² wide, 434 dolines have been surveyed.The karst depressions develop mainly over 1600 m a.s.l., on sub-horizontal surfacesor along gentle slopes, occupying a total area of 23.8 km² with an average densityof 18 dolines/ km².The dolines are very different in size ranging from 19 m to 465 m in mean diame-ters and from 3 m to 110 m in depth; the perimeter vary from circular to elliptical orirregular.The analysis and the correlation between different parameters (e.g., diameter, depth,perimeter etc.) show that most of the depressions are solution dolines characterizedby a well distinct closed perimeter and by a bowl or saucer shape. Neverthelessasymmetrical slope dolines, pit-like dolines, open dolines, shallow depressions withirregular shape and perimeter, complex dolines derived by coalescence of more de-pressions are present as well. Most of the dolines, showing circular perimeters andeccentricity value close to 1, develop on sub-horizontal surfaces, whereas elongateddepressions or open dolines generally occur along steeply slopes. On planar sur-faces, dolines with elliptical and/or irregular perimeter have been also analyzed;their maximum diameter is oriented in NW-SE and NE-SW directions, along themain tectonic discontinuity lines. Dolines differently elongated or with irregularperimeter are linked to the junction of more fracture systems or to inhomogeneousdissolution processes probably due to the snow staying longer along only one slope.Structural control does also influence the spatial distribution of karst depressions;dolines systems oriented along the same tectonic directions have been recognized.This study represents the first attempt to provide detailed geomorphological andquantitative data in order to define the genesis of karst depressions and to recon-struct the evolution of karst landscape in this sector of the Madonie mountains.



MORPHOTECTONIC ANALYSIS OF THE FLUVIAL LANDSCAPEOFABRUZZI PIEDMONTAREA (CENTRAL ITALY)

L. D’Alessandro, E. Miccadei & T. Piacentini

Dip. di Scienze della Terra, Università “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-PescaraCorresponding author: Enrico Miccadei, e-mail: [email protected]

The piedmont of Abruzzi region is characterized by Mio-Plio-Quaternary terrigenousdeposits, related to sin- and late-orogenic phases of the Apennines, and by post-oro-genic Quaternary marine regressive deposits and fluvial continental deposits.The marine and continental sedimentary dynamics and the geomorphologic dynam-ics have been controlled by the linkage of different factors: Plio-Quaternary tecton-ics, regional uplift (since Early Pleistocene), climate changes, and eustatic varia-tions. Erosive and depositional stages and tectonics have controlled and still controlthe morphostructural setting and the landscape, particularly in its most evident su-perficial expression: the drainage system.This work is the result of a research carried out on the morphogenesis of the centralAdriatic piedmont of the Apennines, in response to Quaternary tectonic inputs. Thestudy is focused on the timing of the drainage network evolution. It is based on thecorrelation of morphometric analysis of topography and drainage network, geomor-phologic and morphostructural surveys, Quaternary continental deposits surveys insome drainage basins of the Abruzzi piedmont. From north to south: Vibrata Creek-Salinello River, Tordino River, Pescara River, Sangro River and Osento River.These rivers show directions that, from WNW-ESE in the upper part of the valleys,turn into SW-NE in the lower ones, with some segments N-S or E-W striking.The drainage basins can be divided in sectors with different morphostructural andgeological setting. The long profile analysis shows that the link between differentsectors is marked by sharp long gradient changes. In the lower part of the valleysfluvial terraces are generally set in different orders with convergent geometry.The drainage was first outlined in a changing environment, from transitional to con-tinental, with the setting up of an “embryonic network”, at present preserved onlyin remnants as paleo-network, hanging some hundreds meters above the present val-ley floors and showing clear plano-altimetric incongruence to the present flow di-rections. Then it has evolved following differential uplift and local tectonics, valleyincision and widening, new depositional moments and valley fill, with the forma-tion of SW-NE consequent main valleys occupied by convergent fluvial terraces.Secondary valleys are mainly NW-SE and markedly straight; they show clear flu-vial bends, and counter flow junctions on the main valleys. The investigation on flu-vial terraces and related deposits outlines the formation of a rectangular drainagenetwork in late Middle Pleistocene. Such a pattern is controlled by fractures and lowdisplacement faults mostly NW-SE joined to the ongoing uplift.Then, geomorphological analysis and morphostratigraphic correlation between dif-ferent orders of alluvial terraces show that fluvial captures, of Mid(?)-Late Pleis-tocene age, have induced a strong rearrangement of the drainage systems of thelower parts of the valleys defining the present day configuration.



CARATTERISTICHE GEOMORFOLOGICHEDEL GRAN SASSO D’ITALIA NELL’AREA COMPRESA TRACORNO GRANDE-CORNO PICCOLO E PIZZO INTERMESOLI

P. D’Aquila1 & M. Pecci2

1 Università “G. d’Annunzio” di Chieti-Pescara2 EIM - Ente Italiano della Montagna, RomaCorresponding author: Massimo Pecci, e-mail: [email protected]

Lo studio geomorfologico di dettaglio, presentato nella relativa cartografia, rientrain una ricerca più ampia, che comprende l’analisi delle condizioni meteoclimatiche,geomorfologiche, glaciologiche e nivologiche dell’area del Gran Sasso, finalizzatoprevalentemente alla caratterizzazione e mitigazione dei processi geomorfologici at-tivi in alta quota e connotati da evoluzione rapida, quali le valanghe e le frane, inparticolare in roccia; con il presente lavoro si completa lo studio dell’area di vettadel Gran Sasso d’Italia, già pubblicato per il settore Corno Grande-Corno Piccolonel 2003.La zona in studio è posta a ridosso del fronte di sovrascorrimento della catena delGran Sasso d’Italia che presenta forme controllate principalmente dalla strutturageologica e dai processi glaciali; infatti, sono state identificate importanti ed eviden-ti morfostrutture legate al diretto effetto della tettonica che condizionano, alla ma-croscala, i principali allineamenti vallivi, oltre che promuovere, grazie alla presen-za di elementi strutturali attivi nel tempo geologico, la diffusione dei fenomeni gra-vitativi, nonché le diffuse forme legate all’azione dei ghiacciai quaternari.L’impronta glaciale risulta evidente nelle numerose forme inattive di erosione e diaccumulo riconducibili all’Ultimo Massimo Glaciale e nella presenza del Ghiaccia-io del Calderone che, pur se suddiviso in due placche a partire dal 2000, è ancoraconsiderato l’apparato più meridionale d’Europa. Diffuse sono anche le forme ri-conducibili ai processi crio-nivali e, subordinatamente, ai processi fluviali, fluvio-glaciali e di versante dovute al dilavamento e legati al carsismo e all’alterazione me-teorica. La presenza dell’uomo risulta sporadica, ma può individuare condizioni dirischio quando interagisce con la dinamica gravitativa legata a frane in roccia, comequella del “Paretone” del 22 agosto 2006, o alle valanghe.I dati di terreno presentati nella cartografia geomorfologica di quest’area di altamontagna appenninica sono stati studiati effettuando un rilevamento di dettagliodell’area alla scala 1:5.000, anche tramite l’utilizzo di GPS (Global Posititon Sy-stem), e sono stati restituiti alla scala 1:10.000. Al rilevamento di terreno è seguitala digitalizzazione, elaborazione e restituzione cartografica dei dati in ambiente GIS(Geographic Information System).



ON THE AGE OF CAVE SYSTEMS IN SARDINIA

J. De Waele

Dip. Scienze della Terra e Geologico-Ambientali, Università di BolognaCorresponding author: Jo De Waele, e-mail: [email protected]

At present, more than 3,000 caves have been documented in Sardinia thanks to theextraordinary efforts of local and extra-insular caving associations in the past 60years. The Island hosts some of the most important karst systems of Italy, such asCodula Ilune cave system (Urzulei, more than 42 km of surveyed passages), the BueMarino cave (Dorgali, 17 km), Su Bentu-Sa Oche cave system (Oliena, 17 km), SaRutta ‘e S’Edera cave (Urzulei, 12 km) and several others.The most important karst areas are the Mesozoic carbonates of Supramonte region, theGulf of Orosei, Monte Albo, the Tacchi region and the Nurra of Alghero, the Palaeo-zoic carbonates of Iglesiente-Sulcis and the Miocene limestones in Sassari province.Many caves are still active today and host important underground streams, whileothers are located far above or below the local base level (valley floor or sea level).In the coastal karst areas important cave systems are submerged by the sea but showimportant speleothem formation up to 60 meters depth. The Late Quaternary age ofthese systems, however, can be deduced from their formation during periods of sealevel oscillations. Many cave systems are also developed on several levels over avertical distance up to 200 meters. Other caves have been discovered inside minegalleries and host important mineralizations, sometimes completely filling them.Cave development may have developed in different geological periods, when cli-matic and geographical situations allowed for dissolution of the carbonate rocks.Timing these karst events can be an extremely difficult task and is based on a com-bination of geomorphological, mineralogical and stratigraphic observations coupledwith absolute dating methods. A cave can often not be directly dated, but its physi-cal and chemical deposits sometimes can. This allows for a minimum age determi-nation of the voids these deposits occupy.Up to recently caves older than Quaternary were believed to occur only in thePalaeozoic carbonates of Iglesiente-Sulcis. The Santa Barbara cave system, as wecan see it today, is believed to have been formed during Carboniferous, with its fa-mous barite crystals depositing during Oligo-Miocene and the calcite-aragonitespeleothems only during the Quaternary. Other caves in the region, especially thedeep ones found during mine exploitation, might be of the same age, and in any caseare older than Quaternary.The discovery in the 70’s of basalts in some karst conduits in the Bue Marino cavelead to the conclusion that karst development might have started before the onset ofQuaternary. These basalts, attributed to the Plio-Pleistocene (K/Ar dating was donesome 30 years ago), also fill conduits in the famous Golgo shaft (Baunei) and in anew cave discovered in Codula Ilune (Preda Molina).Cosmogenic dating of quartz sediments in one of the highest – and thus oldest - lev-els in Su Palu cave (Codula Ilune cave system) have confirmed an age of 2 My,



meaning these conduits predate Quaternary. The same method was used for the dat-ing of some caves at different levels in the Taquisara valley (Gairo, Tacchi region)confirming all these caves, and thus the Taquisara valley incision, to be older than 2x 106 years.All these data definitively confirm that underground karst development in severalareas of Sardinia must have started before the onset of Quaternary. And it would notbe surprising to find caves as old as Messinian, or even older. Further investigations(e.g. palaeomagnetism) might give further insights into this matter.



A CONTRIBUTE TO THE UNBIASED EVALUATIONOF GEOMORPHOLOGICAL HAZARD

M. Della Seta, M. Del Monte, P. Fredi, E. Lupia Palmieri & F. Vergari

Dip. Scienze della Terra, Università di Roma “La Sapienza”Corresponding author: Marta Della Seta, e-mail: [email protected]

Given its practical importance, the interest towards geomorphological hazard eval-uation has been growing in time. This study proposes the improvement of an alreadytested quantitative geomorphic methodology for evaluating objectively the suscep-tibility of a given area to suffer the consequences of hazardous processes, as massmovements, accelerated erosion and flooding.Spatial prediction of hazardous processes must consider information on past eventsthat produce a better probability evaluation with respect to the simple attribution ofan a priori determination. Thus this study applies probabilistic Bayesian approach,and concepts linked to conditional probability, to assign a weight to the influence ofeach level of instability factors in causing hillslope denudation. To fulfil this aim,the spatial variations of parameters values have been analysed as function of thepresent areal distribution of hazardous processes. Map overlaying allowed to selectthose factors that - having been the most important in explaining spatial distributionof hazardous processes in the study area in the past - are the most likely responsiblefactors of future events. Some statistical parameters, as measures of inequality dis-tributions and the Lorenz curve, have been applied for the purpose.Results of this analysis afford the numerical evaluation of the importance of thepresence/absence in the study areas of each instability factor. Therefore, this proce-dure leads both to: a) selection of the instability factors and b) determination of the“weight” of each parameters value ranges.Moreover, the method allows the compilation of thematic maps showing the spatialdistribution of the degree of susceptibility to each typology of dangerous processthrough a non-a-priori index computation.The results have been at last verified by means of a validation procedure in order toexclude randomness of the output. To this end, susceptibility evaluation method hasbeen applied to a portion of the Orcia River basin (Tuscany), using long-period dataabout the effects of erosional processes.



NEW EVIDENCE OF LATE QUATERNARY DIFFERENTIALUPLIFT IN THE NORTHERN MARCHE APENNINES

(CENTRAL ITALY)

M. Della Seta1, P. Fredi1, O. Nesci2, D. Savelli2 & F. Troiani2

1 Dip. Scienze della Terra, Università di Roma “La Sapienza”2 Dip. Scienze dell’Uomo, dell’Ambiente e della Natura, Università di Urbino “Carlo Bo”Corresponding author: Olivia Nesci, e-mail: [email protected]

A river terrace staircase, dating back from Middle Pleistocene to Holocene, charac-terizes the northern Marche main valleys draining the Adriatic sector of the Umbria-Marche-Romagna Apennines. Flights of river terraces cover heights ranging fromless than 100 m up to 150-200 m above the present thalweg, highlighting for all themajor rivers comparable late Quaternary incision rates. The direct connection be-tween fluvial incision and crustal uplift is usually difficult to determine, since otherfactors, such as climate changes, are likely to influence fluvial incision rates.Nonetheless, terrace heights in the northern Marche main valleys often show suchhigh values that can be regarded, at least in part, as the result of the documented re-gional uplift affecting the area. Late Quaternary averaged fluvial incision rates hadbeen calculated along the northern Marche littoral sectors of the main valleys. Thecomparison among incision rates obtained for adjacent valleys suggested the occur-rence of differential uplift, at least since late Middle Pleistocene. Reconstructed an-cient valley longitudinal profiles referred to the middle Pleistocene and Upper Pleis-tocene fill terrace sequences provided some constraints, pointing out the existenceof both knick-zones and lowered sectors, variously interpreted as the result of dif-ferential uplift and anticline growth. This work is aimed to provide new qualitativeand quantitative geomorphic data for the inner sectors of the Foglia, Metauro, andCesano river basins, in order to better estimate the late Quaternary fluvial incisionrates. Obtained values were compared among adjacent valleys, along three topo-graphic transepts. Estimation of the fluvial incision rates was coupled with the geo-statistical analysis of the spatial distribution of the amplitude of relief, in order tobetter constrain the long-term fluvial incision within the orographic setting of thearea. The final aims of this work are outlining both regional and differential forcingof crustal uplift on river terrace altimetric distribution, along the inner and lower-most sectors of three major river basins of the northern Marche, and provide for newdata in order to discern the tectonic control from other possible factors influencingthe river terrace distribution.



PRELIMINARY STUDY OF THE SPECCHIE PHENOMENON INTHE MURGIA OF TARANTO

S. Del Piano Pastore1 & M.A. Pastore2

1 Ufficio di Piano – Protezione Civile, Programmazione e Assetto del Territorio,Provincia di Taranto

2 IAMC –CNR, TarantoCorresponding author: Sabrina Del Piano, e-mail: [email protected]

The present paper is the study on the relation among the stone structures, so calledspecchie, and the landscape, in the Martina Franca country (Apulia, Southern Italy).Though the specchie are characteristic elements in the Southern Apulia, neverthe-less a great number of them had been destroyed for different activity (land reclama-tion, road buildings etc.).On the contrary in the country of Martina, featured by means woods alternated toagricultural areas, the specchie are numerous and better preserved than elsewhere,structured on the Altamura Limestones, on which the karstification engraves with alot of forms (sink holes, canyons, canyon’s dales, graves etc.).In such country we have to consider as the specchie as the trulli and the so calledmuretti a secco like anthropic factors. The specchia word, from latin specula, ap-pears for the first time in medieval documents (DEI, V, p.3582, Florence 1966), withmeaning of screwing stations or bordering signals.Antonio De Ferraris (1444-1517) was thinking the specchie as prehistoric tumuli,but Girolamo Marciano (1571-1628) interpreted them as local defensive works.Later, Cosimo De Giorgi (1842-1922) had deeming they were protohistoric strong-hold works, along the Peninsula of Salento.Ciro Drago (1895-1960) proposed again the specchie as tumuli, comparing themwith the necropolis of Glasinac plateau in Bosnia region near Sarajevo.Recently seven specchie in the country of Salve (Lecce district) were studied and ar-chaeologists found remnants as pottery fragments, vases of Laterza and Gaudo styleand human burnt rests, dated 2600-2300 b.C. (Bronze age - Iron age).In the present study we use the modern instruments of investigation as remote sens-ing and G.I.S., to produce a thematic cartography and a landscape reconstruction ofthe phenomenon.The data verification (still in course) allow us to state as the presence of structuremodels (subcircular or elliptic plants, with one or two levels; external steps to thetop etc.) as, for a certain number of them, the worship function (presence of one ormore subcircular holes on the top) besides the probable inhumation function. Also,we can state that the range of preferred shares is 350- 410 metres a.s.l.; the prefer-ential distribution of a certain number of specchie in the same area is with NO-SEorientation; the middle basal diameter is 7-15 metres and the high 1.5-5 metres;moreover, when they are grouped in the same camp, their middle distance is 30 me-tres long; frequently they are building directly on the calcareous fold apparitions.Finally, the winning-post of the research is a deeper knowledge of the culture andthe landscape, useful to protection, defence and improvement of this territory.



GLI INDICI CLIMATICI PER LACARATTERIZZAZIONEGEOAMBIENTALE DELPAESAGGIO DELL’APPENNINO SANNITA

(CAMPANIA)

A. Di Lisio, S. Lo Curzio, F. Russo & M. Sisto

Dip. Studi Geologici e Ambientali, Università del Sannio, BeneventoCorresponding author: Michele Sisto, e-mail: [email protected]

Il territorio dell’Appennino sannita corrisponde in massima parte alle province am-ministrative di Avellino e Benevento. Esso è caratterizzato dal punto di vista tetto-no-stratigrafico da due regioni differenti. La regione occidentale è contraddistintadalla presenza di rilievi carbonatici di età meso-cenozoica con diffuse fenomeno-logie carsiche, caratterizzati da elevata altimetria e costituenti importanti acquife-ri. La regione orientale, invece, è per gran parte caratterizzata da litologie preva-lentemente argilloso-sabbioso-marnose di età mio-pliocenica, ricoperte da materia-li conglomeratico-sabbioso-limosi di età quaternaria. Il paesaggio si presenta conmodesti rilievi a pendenza attenuata e cospicua rete idrografica, sviluppata al puntoda influenzare l‘evoluzione dinamica dei versanti. Tutta la regione, inoltre, è con-trassegnata da un’elevatissima pericolosità sismica e idrogeologica.La molteplicità degli ambienti naturali presenti in questo settore appenninico dàluogo ad una ricca varietà di paesaggi, che solo negli ultimi decenni hanno subitouna forte manomissione, non sempre rispettosa dei locali ambiti ecologici. Le areealluvionali sono condizionate da una pressione antropica crescente e di forte impat-to; al contrario, le aree collinari e montuose sono in massima parte abbandonate oin via di abbandono, con conseguente deterioramento della superficie del rilievo intermini di degradazione del suolo, a causa delle mancate pratiche conservative e diadeguate sistemazioni agro-forestali.Il clima della regione è tipicamente mediterraneo a stagione secca ed esso condi-ziona fortemente il quadro territoriale e socio-economico locale. Tuttavia, una taledefinizione climatica della regione sembra essere inappropriata, in quantol’articolazione del rilievo che in questa zona rappresenta lo spartiacque appennini-co, e la diversa provenienza dei flussi meteorologici, sia dai quadranti occidentaliche da quelli orientali, giocano un ruolo determinante nella definizione locale di as-setti microclimatici non privi di peculiarità ecologiche, termo-pluviometriche,agrarie, che danno luogo a paesaggi talvolta prosperi, altre volte monotoni.In questo quadro fortemente influenzato dall’assetto geomorfologico locale estre-mamente variabile si inserisce questa ricerca volta a definire, attraverso alcuni in-dici climatici, le caratteristiche climatiche di dettaglio di questo settore dell’Appen-nino. I dati climatici analizzati si riferiscono a serie storiche di durata differenti (al-cune decennali, altre pluridecennali) provenienti da diverse decine di stazioni di-stribuite, sia arealmente che altrimetricamente, su tutto il territorio appenninicoesaminato.Dai dati sono ricavati indici climatici che più appropriatamente descrivono l’assettogeoambientale dell’area investigata: pluviofattore di Lang (IL); indice di aridità di



de Martonne (IA); capacità erosiva del clima o indice di Fournier (K), modificatoda Arnoldus e classificato dal CORINE-CEC; indice di aggressività della pioggia Rdella RUSLE; indice di continentalità idrica di Gams (Cl); indici di continentalitàdi Gorczinsky (Ic), di Gottmann (IG), di Conrad, di Currey; indice pluviometricoannuale di Moral; indice di Emberger o quoziente pluviometrico (Q); indice igroter-mico di Amann (H); indice xerotermico di Bagnouls e Gaussen; indice di Crowther(IC); evapotraspirazione secondo Turc e Thornthwaite; bilancio idroclimatico; indi-ce bioclimatico (IB) di J. L. Vernet; indice di aridità UNEP.Per ciascuna stazione i dati relativi ad ogni serie sono stati tabulati al fine di defini-re attraverso gli indici le caratteristiche climatiche che esse documentano. Ciascunodi questi indici è stato opportunamente trattato sia con tecniche matematico-statisti-che, sia con tecniche empiriche per la produzione di un’adeguata cartografia tema-tica maggiormente rispondente alle caratteristiche geoambientali dell’area esamina-ta. In particolare, alcuni di essi hanno mostrato un’attitudine ad essere correlati al-l’altimetria e all’acclività del paesaggio se confrontati con un Modello Digitale delTerreno (con risoluzione di 20 m per pixel), che costituisce la base cartografica im-plementata in ambiente GIS. Tra questi particolarmente significativi si sono rivelatigli indici relativi a: 1) aridità come quelli di de Martonne (IA) e Crowther (IC), ri-feribili al rischio incipiente di desertificazione che può colpire alcuni settori orien-tali della catena appenninica e ai risvolti sul regime colturale/irriguo; 2) capacità ag-gressiva della pioggia (indice di Fournier, mod. FAO), che può essere relazionatoanche soprattutto al rischio desertificazione valutando le condizioni alterative a cuisono sottoposti suoli già stressati dalla siccità anche nei confronti degli eventi me-teorici improvvisi e violenti; 3) aggressività della pioggia R, sensu RUSLE, assaiutile nella valutazione dell’estremizzazione dei fenomeni, con rilevanti conseguen-ze sulla instabilità dei versanti.




GEOMORPHOMETRYAND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATIONSYSTEM FOR THE QUANTIFICATION OF THE EROSIVEEFFECTS IN MISCANO RIVER BASIN (SOUTHERN ITALY)

A. Di Lisio, F. Russo & M. Sisto

Dip. Studi Geologici e Ambientali, Università del Sannio, BeneventoCorresponding author: Antonio Di Lisio, e-mail: [email protected]

The investigated area, the Miscano river basin in Campania (Southern Italy), is a territo-ry interested by marly and clayey lithologies, whose prevalent land use is agricultural andwoodland. In general, the area is characterized by a typically Mediterranean climate withrainy season during winter, and summer aridity in July and August. The monthly averagetemperature is included from a minimum of 3°C and a maximum of 22°C. The lowlandsand hilly areas are characterized by a sub-humid to sub-arid climate; generally, the moun-tain areas are affected by a climate more humid.The mean annual unitary suspended sediment yield (Tu) is the principal parameter utilisedto valuate indirectly the erosion rates.As it’s well known, the use of this approach is muchfaster since it requests few morphometric parameters calculable through statistic-mathe-matic method.To elaborate and to analyse the morphometric basin data collected, a software was used.This evaluation has been possible thanks to a creation of a dataset with attached databaseand of thematic maps. These instruments are able to give information in short time aboutrelations between geo-environmental factors and Suspended Transport. To obtain theseresults two procedures were used. The first one is semi-automatic, while the second oneis an automatic procedure. In the first case, the hydrographic network was derived, handdigitising in a GIS, through cartography and aereal photography analysis of the studyarea. Moreover, every hydrographic network was correlated to a database, which providesinformation to evaluate different index of geomorphic quantitative analysis, and to com-pose the thematic maps such as the one related to the Drainage Density referred to a sub-basin scale or the mean annual unitary suspended sediment yield in the basin.Related to the automatic procedure, it was possible to calculate other geomorphic param-eters, such as the Relief Energy or the Stream Power Index, only using the Digital TerrainModel (DTM). Furthermore, it was possible to calculate different value of Drainage Den-sity for every single lithologic complex and land use unit (parameter of Drainage areaDensity), and the Drainage Density using a basin obtained from the DTM too. Also forthis procedure, the elaboration and the analysis were presented in thematic maps.Accordingly, the hydrographic network, which have a Drainage Density value near to 6,are conditioned by the presence of hierarchical anomalies, both as the high SPI and themedium-high Er values.Furthermore, it was possible to define the stages of evolution of hydrographic network es-pecially the young phase, according to Davis Cycle, and some cases of rejuvenation.Ultimately, it’s possible to affirm that thanks to GIS, the Quantitative Classic GeomorphicAnalysis can be applied to river contexts far to normality, in according to the definition ofHorton and Strahler. This application can be applied, spending short time, at a regionalscale and can be useful to create cartographic maps easy to update and to consult.



IL RUOLO DEI FENOMENI VULCANICI E DELL’ATTIVITA’DELL’UOMO NEL CONTROLLO DI PROCESSI EROSIVI

NELL’ISOLA DI VULCANO

F. Di Trapani1, C. Di Maggio1 & P. Madonia2

1 Dip. Geologia e Geodesia, Università di Palermo2 I.N.G.V., Sezione di PalermoCorrisponding author: Francesco Paolo Di Trapani, e-mail: [email protected]

Il versante nord-occidentale del cono de “La Fossa”, nell’Isola di Vulcano, è inte-ressato da evidenti processi di erosione idrica influenzati sia dall’attività vulcanicasia dall’attività antropica.La presenza di un substrato facilmente erodibile e l’assenza di vegetazione nellearee sommitali del cono dovuta ad intensa attività esalativa, favoriscono l’intensaerosione dei prodotti vulcanici incoerenti dell’ultimo ciclo eruttivo, con formazionedi numerosi e profondi gullies.Lo sbocco naturale della rete di gullies che solca il versante indagato è una pianuradeposizionale sulla quale sorge parte del centro abitato dell’isola. La costruzione diuna strada ai piedi del cono ha sbarrato e deviato l’originario deflusso delle acque,con frequenti episodi di inondazione e alluvionamento lungo l’area di Vulcano Portodurante la stagione piovosa.La costruzione di un sentiero di accesso carreggiabile che attraversa l’intero versantestudiato fino alle aree sommitali e le continue opere di sistemazione e spianamento ef-fettuate con mezzi d’opera meccanici e senza un opportuno dimensionamento, ha mo-dificato l’azione dei processi idrici favorendo, localmente, il manifestarsi di fenomenidi erosione accelerata del suolo che, durante la stagione piovosa, causano la quasi to-tale distruzione delle opere di presidio e il danneggiamento del sentiero stesso.Studi geomorfologici e topografici condotti sia attraverso rilievi diretti utilizzandostrumenti GPS, sia attraverso osservazioni fotogeologiche, hanno mostrato una con-tinua erosione di prodotti piroclastici dell’ultimo ciclo eruttivo e la progressiva esu-mazione di sottostanti e più antichi tufi cineritici. Questa erosione ha comportato unarretramento verso valle sia degli affioramenti delle piroclastiti più recenti sia, con-seguentemente, della linea di contatto fra queste piroclastici e tufi cineritici più an-tichi. In particolare, dal 1980 al 2005 il perimetro di questo contatto ha subito un in-cremento del 31% e la superficie esposta dei tufi rossastri è aumentata del 9.1%.Gli studi condotti hanno inoltre mostrano una tendenza all’approfondimento e ad unmaggiore sviluppo lineare di alcuni gullies a danno di altri, con formazione di veree proprie forre. Tali modificazioni si sono manifestate con una certa intensità a par-tire dal 1988, dopo la costruzione del sentiero di accesso. Il sentiero da una parte hainfatti funzionato da via preferenziale di scorrimento, alimentando alcuni gullies chesi sono sviluppati maggiormente; d’altra parte ha decapitato le aree di alimentazio-ne di altre incisioni, con diminuzione delle loro portate e dell’azione erosiva.I fenomeni esalativi dovuti ad attività vulcanica, che producono processi di argilli-ficazione nei materiali vulcanici, sembrano inoltre agire con un effetto di feedbacknegativo sui movimenti gravitativi, favorendo l’innesco di movimenti gravitativi.


CHANGING GLACIERS IN A CHANGING CLIMATE:HOW VANISHING GEOMORPHOSITES HAVE BEENDRIVING DEEP CHANGES IN MORPHOLOGY

AND ECOLOGY OF HIGH MOUNTAIN LANDSCAPE

G. Diolaiuti & C. Smiraglia

Dip. Scienze della Terra, Università di MilanoCorresponding author: Guglielmina Diolaiuti, e-mail: [email protected]

The worldwide retreat of glaciers, from Alpine areas to Antarctica, in the course ofthe last few decades is frequently mentioned as a clear and unambiguous sign ofglobal warming.In the Alps the warming experienced since the early 1980s is synchronous withwarming at the global scale, nevertheless its amplitude is greater and it representsroughly a two-fold amplification of the global climate signal.As a result of this rapid climate evolution, many small glaciers could disappear inthe next few decades. These small glaciers, common in the Alps, are also importantin terms of environmental (e.g. hydrology, vegetation) and economic systems (e.g.tourism, water management). The rapid “disintegration” of Alpine glaciers has al-ready been discussed in previous studies; minor attention, instead, has been paid totheir role as changing and potentially vanishing geomorphosites. The largest part ofAlpine glaciers, in fact, with their present fast variations driven by climate are re-sponsible of unexpected environmental impacts that in the Italian Alps were onlypartially investigated.In the present contribution we analyse and discuss features and evolution of two re-presentative glacier geomorphosites included in the official “Geosites Inventory” ofthe Sondrio Province (Lombardy, Italy). In Lombardy (Italian Alps) 348 glaciers arelocated (c. ½ of the whole Italian number) covering in 2003 about 92 km2. Theywere found to be decreased by about 21% of their area in the period 1990-2003.Theanalyzed geomorphosites are the Forni Glacier, at 12 km2 of area the largest valleyglacier of the Italian Alps, and the Val Viola glacialized basin, where different smallglaciers with their well preserved moraine ridges (dating back from the upper Holo-cene up to now) can be found. Both the geosites are located in areas identified asSICs (Sites of Community Importance) according to the 92/43/CEE; in addition theForni Glacier is also located in a protected area, the Stelvio National Park. Theseglacier geomorphosites are well representative of the variations affecting all Alpineglaciers; they are not only driving deep changes in the morphology and ecology ofthe present mountain landscape, and at the same time they are shaping newly formedmorphologies, which may develop themselves in actual smaller geomorphositeswith relevant scientific and cultural values: among the others, termokarst features askettles and supraglacial lakes, debris covered glacier tongues frequently without anydirect connections with the actual glacier, rounded rock outcrops on the glacier sur-face, ice contact and moraine-dammed lakes where calving phenomena occur andicebergs are sailing, moraines affected by ice core melting with subsequent collapseand genesis of mud and debris flows.



THE “MEGAKARREN” OF THE LOGUDORO LANDSCAPE(NORTHERN SARDINIA, ITALY):

AGE, SIGNIFICANCE AND EVOLUTION

R. Duncan1, S. Ginesu2, F. Secchi2 & S. Sias2

1 College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences. Oregon State University, U.S.A.2 Dip. Scienze botaniche, ecologiche e geologiche, Università di SassariCorresponding author: Francesco Secchi, e-mail: [email protected]

The Logudoro region is mainly constituted by sedimentary succession of Mioceneage covered in unconformity by lava flow of broadly basaltic composition referringto the Plio-Pleistocene anorogenic cycle and emplaced in the 4-0.1 Ma time span.The Logudoro landscape is dominated by wide basaltic and calcareous plateaux ofdifferent age; the sedimentary surfaces testified an ancient palaeo-landscape refer-able to the post-miocenic evolution, often showing the re-exhumation and the rede-finition of pre-miocenic marine transgression.The realization of a new country road in the investigated region at the end of ’90,evidenced a parallel fracture system crosscutting the calcareous levels of middleMiocene. The origin of megakarren observed in these levels, are likely related to theefficiency of karst processes favoured by observed fracture system. The age of flatsurfaces, observed in the Miocene rock-successions, is constrained by the geomor-phological evolution of Logudoro region and attributable to lower-middle Pleis-tocene. A more precise chronological position of megakarren formation is offeredby contact field-relationships between karsified rocks of Miocene sedimentary suc-cession and covering basaltic lava flows. The chronological position of megakarrenwas constrained on the basis of the age of basaltic rocks. Ar/Ar radiometric ages ob-tained on representative basaltic lava flow sampled at the contact with karsifiedrocks and indicate values of 2.02 ± 0.04 Ma. Moreover, the megakarren observed oncalcareous rocks, may be assigned to a karst cycle related to the upper Pliocene op-erating in a sub-tropical climate. The megakarren fractures are commonly filled byclay minerals produced by argillification processes of host rocks and likely relatedto the apex of hot climate.




ENGINEERING GEOMORPHOLOGICALMAPOF THE ENTELLA STREAM FLOODPLAIN

F. Faccini1 & A. Robbiano2

1 Dip. Scienze dell’Antichità, del Medioevo e Geografico ambientali, Università diGenova

2 Consultant geologistCorresponding author: Andrea Robbiano, e-mail: [email protected]

The importance of geomorphological analysis for correctly planning the actions of areamanagement and enhancement has already been acknowledged concerning both thetown planning and building development and the environmental and ground protection.In the floodplain areas it is important to know landforms, processes and deposits re-lated to the action of flowing waters that represent the dynamical items of landscapetransformation.This paper presents the case-study of the Entella Stream floodplain that includes thefinal catchment area with a surface of 376 km2: this area is highly at risk due to thepresence of the towns of Lavagna, Chiavari and Cogorno that together have 50,000inhabitants.The investigation methodology consisted in bibliographic and historical maps re-search, including the floods of the Entella Stream that occurred over the past cen-turies. The geomorphological survey - which has been accurately conducted on thevalley floor sector and along the belt jointing the slopes - has been supported byphoto interpretation.The Entella Stream catchment has a complex geological setting that modified thegeomorphological dynamics: rocks belonging to the external Ligurides and in par-ticular to the Mt. Penna - Casanova - Mt. Veri complex (shales, sandstones and ophi-olites) and lithotypes belonging to the Internal Ligurides in particular to the Mt. An-tola (limestone-marly flysch), to the Mt. Gottero (shales, slates and sandstones) andBracco-Val Graveglia (ophiolite sequence) Units can be identified.The final sector of the Entella Stream catchment can be divided into three areas: thefirst features shales and slightly steep slopes, the second is steeper and concerns slatesand sandstones, the last regards the plain area with fluvial and marine deposits.The Entella Stream floodplain is 4.5 km long and its width ranges between 150 m and400 m. On this area the riverbed flows among recent alluvial deposits along an almoststraight line in a NNE-SSW direction; it features a deeper central sector and two allu-vial areas that are highly built up partially hindering the hydraulic function of thestream.The stream flow when flooding is about 3000 m3/s and in the period since the 17th

century to date more than fifty critical events have been recorded: they enable to de-termine a mean recurrence time for floods of about 10 years.Present-day deposits can be identified in the valley floor area corresponding to thecurrent and active riverbed of the Entella Stream; recent terraced alluvial deposits



can also be observed in the valley floor representing the plain areas along the streamand widening in the final sector; finally ancient fluvial terraces – which are repre-sented by small residual lens and located higher than the current valley floor – canbe identified in the valley floor.The transition area between the floodplain and the slopes features fans: their steep-ness ranges between 2% and 10% mainly in the central and southern sectors on theorographic left and more than 10% steep, less wide and mainly located on the oro-graphic right.The entire area has been modified by human action: the original morphology hasbeen altered by the spreading of built up areas for both residential, production andinfrastructural purposes. Slopes have been modified by the ancient practice of build-ing terraces made up of dry-stone walls and by farming whereas the coastal mor-phology has been altered by embankments and cliffs for protecting the coast.On the basis of the collected data an engineering geomorphological map (scale1:10,000) has been compiled. In this map fluvial and slope landforms and their de-posits, landforms and items of marine and human origin have been defined.On the basis of stratigraphical, hydrogeological and punctual geotechnical data twoadditional thematic schemes have been elaborated: a lithotechnical sketch of thesoils and a hydrogeological sketch of the plain sector where the soils have been dis-tinguished according to their geotechnical features and their permeability degree.



LARGE-SCALE GEOMORPHOLOGICALMAPPINGANDHIGHWAYENGINEERING DESIGN: THE CASE OFTHE RAPALLO-FONTANABUONAVALLEYTUNNEL (EASTERN LIGURIA, ITALY)

F. Faccini1, A. Lucchetti2, A. Robbiano2 & A. Roccati3

1 DISAM - Dip. Scienze dell’antichità, del medioevo e geografico-ambientali,Università di Genova

2 Consultant geologist, Genova3 DIPTERIS – Dip. Studio del Territorio e sue Risorse, Università di GenovaCorresponding author: Francesco Faccini, e-mail: [email protected]

Geomorphological maps provide a comprehensive, integrated statement of landformand drainage. Consequently, they contain extensive information of potential value asfar as land-use planning and construction projects are concerned. Engineering geo-morphological mapping involves the recognition of landforms, together with theirdelimitation in terms of size and shapes.Many preliminary data can be obtained from aerial photographs. A field survey pro-vides additional data that enable the preliminary views on the geomorphic process-es to be revised. Further precision can be added to geomorphic interpretation by ob-taining details from climatic, hydrological or other records, and by analysis of thelandforms stability. Therefore engineering geomorphological maps should showhow surface expression will influence a project and should provide an indication ofthe general environmental relationship of the area concerned.The aims of such a geomorphological survey have been summarized as follows: 1)identification of the general characteristic of the area; 2) identification of the factorsoutside the site that may influence it; 3) provision of a synopsis of geomorphologi-cal development of the area that includes a description of the weathering, classifi-cation of slopes based on their steepness, geomaterial, development, stability, a de-scription of the location, pattern and magnitude of the surface and undergrounddrainage features, a definition of the shape and extent of geomorphological units, therecognition of specific hazard; 4) location of suitable supplies of construction mate-rials.This work presents the studies that have been carried out for supporting the prelim-inary project of Rapallo-Fontanabuona Valley tunnel: the geomorphological analy-sis of the area has enabled to compare different project solutions thus to select thosewith the lower geological impact.This study is summarized in an engineering-geomorphological map showing geo-logical, geomorphological, hydrogeological and geotechnical characteristics of thearea. This is located on the Ligurian Apennine, in the eastern sector of the Provinceof Genoa and it features a ridge parallel to the coast separating the maritime south-ern slope form the northern slope of the Fontanabuona Valley.The geological setting features the Mt. Antola Formations overlying the ValLavagna Shales. The Formations are characterized by marly limestone with interlay-



ers of clayey shales and crop on the southern slope and on the top of theFontanabuona Valley. The Val Lavagna Shales, which are located mid-hill and at thebase of the slopes and along the lower valley, are divided into Mt. Verzi Slates –which are made up of slates and marls with interlayers of shales and siltstones – andManganesiferous Shales – which are represented by dark manganesiferous shalesand siltstones. The structural asset shows a dip direction towards S-SW with dip be-tween 10° and 70°; deformation tectonics formed complex folds occasionally asso-ciated with different systems of fractures and/or faults - which are oriented NW-SE,NE-SW and N-S - modifying the pattern of the hydrographical network, the valleysorientation and the ridge direction.Geomorphological characteristics influence the tunnel entrances: the studied areashows extensive slope portions that are characterized by gravity-driven covers. Up-stream of these covers landslide scarps of variable height and degradational scarpscan be observed. Most of the debris covers have been interpreted as relict or inac-tive landslides whereas gravity-induced events have been classified as dormant;only the kinematic mechanisms of complex type are active adjacent to Garbarini diTribogna and S. Andrea di Foggia. An extensive portion of the northern sector of theMt. Caravagli appears to be involved by deep-seated gravitational events whose ev-idence is given by various trenches and tectonic lineaments and by a disjointedbedrock. Running water phenomena frequently occur on the slopes owing to the ero-sive action of flowing waters that cause colluvial deposits often intercalated by cov-ers of different origin.Watercourses are torrential and have an erosive action frequently eroding the slopesbase and streams bank. With respect to the hydrogeological aspects, springs adjacentto tunnels can be altered depending on the excavation direction in relation to the lay-ers position; furthermore the new structures outside the tunnels can influence thecharacteristics and dynamics of the underground water table.



APPLIED GEOMORPHOLOGICALMAPOFTHEMAGNASCOANDCERISOLAAREAS BETWEEN THEMT. AIONAAND GRAMIZZASTREAM (AVETO NATURALPARK, LIGURIANAPENNINE)

F. Faccini1, M. Piccazzo2, F. Poggi3 & A. Roccati2

1 DISAM - Dip. Scienze dell’Antichità, del Medioevo e geografico-ambientali,Università di Genova

2 DIPTERIS - Dip. Studio del Territorio e sue Risorse, Università di Genova3 Dip. Ambiente, Settore Assetto del Territorio, Regione Liguria, GenovaCorresponding author: Anna Roccati, e-mail: [email protected]

The applied geomorphological maps, of recognized scientific value, currently rep-resent a useful tool also in application field for the correct land planning and man-agement, the mitigation of natural hazards and the planning of works for environ-mental and soil protection. These maps show the major geomorphological land-forms and processes that shape the territory, and group them according to their ori-gin, state of activity and kinematic mechanism.This paper presents the case-study of the applied geomorphological map of the areabounded by the mounts Penna, Aiona, degli Abeti and the Stream Gramizza (UpperAveto Valley). This area represents the most well-known and typical part of theAveto Natural Park for its valuable geological heritage - not to mention the natura-listic, environmental and climatic heritage – that features it.The interest in this slope portion is both scientific– for its geological and tectonic-structural setting and geomorphological complexity – and applicative, owing to thepresence of a number of instability situations. These phenomena frequently interferewith man-made structures, as showed by the number of damages that can be ob-served on the buildings in the villages of Magnasco and Cerisola.The interpretation of the complex geomorphological setting of these areas is noteasy and univocal because of the number of existing landforms and processes. Sucha situation often led to discordant interpretations given by various Authors who stud-ied this area in the past (i.e. the large covers featuring the entire slope that have al-ternatively been interpreted as either glacial deposits, landforms related to a crioni-val environment or gravity-induced accumulations). Similarly, the scarps that can beobserved on the northern slope of the Mt. Aiona are still commonly interpreted ascirques, despite the scarce scientific evidences supporting the hypothesis of a land-form evolution due to ice action.This complexity mainly depends on the particular geological and tectonic-structur-al setting: in this sector, indeed, turbiditic deposits, ophiolitic and ultramafic mass-es, associated with heterogeneous breccias and olistolithes, detached from theiroriginal substratum (Tectonic Unit Ottone – External Ligurides), crop out.The field survey demonstrated that the entire sector features landforms, processesand deposits of various origin such as gravity, running and shallow waters, structur-al elements and crionival processes. These originated extensive landslide bodies,



partly favoured by different geomechanical properties of the bedrock, highly frac-tured and jointed, due to the heterogeneous nature and structural features of the rockmass. It is hypothesised that the entire sector is characterized by a deep-seated grav-itational slope deformation (DGSA);several morphological evidences of such a phe-nomenon have been detected (double ridges, crestal troughs, antislope scarps, closeddepressions, etc), involving extensive ridge portions, remobilizing and revising ac-cumulations of various origin. Some landform and deposit referring to crionivalprocesses (wetlands, endoreic depressions, block stream etc.) show out that the en-vironment has typical periglacial dynamics.The followed methodology includes a preliminary bibliographic and maps research,carried out both for applied geomorphological scientific notes and for land-planningtools; bibliographical data have been integrated by an accurate geological-geomor-phological field survey. The photo-interpretation of aerial photographs and the de-velopment of digital stereoscopic models preceded the survey. Further indicationsfor the interpretation of the kinematic mechanism and state of activity of the phe-nomena were obtained from the analysis of the satellite-monitoring data PSIn-SAR™ (Permanent Scatterers) radar interferometric technique.The obtained results have been included in the applied geomorphological map of theslope bounded by the mounts Penna, Aiona, degli Abeti and the Gramizza S. at ascale 1:10,000. The most recent legends suggested in the field of applied geomor-phological mapping have been used for map compilation in order to highlight exist-ing landforms, processes and deposits and to group them according to their origin,state of activity and possible evolution scenarios.


RELATIONSHIPBETWEEN CLIMATIC PARAMETERSANDMORPHOLOGYAND DURATION OF SNOWCOVERAT

MICROSCALE: PRELIMINARYSTUDY IN TWOMAJOR SKIAREASOFTHE TERRITORYOFTRENTINO (ITALIAN EASTERNALPS)

M. Fazzini

Dip. Scienze della Terra, Università di FerraraCorresponding author: Massimiliano Fazzini, e-mail: [email protected]

The duration of stay of snow on the ground in areas of medium and high Alpinemountains, is very uneven and depends on many morphological variables, startingfrom the altitude and the exposure to hillside.In this study, it was decided to consider the longest continuous period during whichsnow remains on the ground at the different exposure finding a relationship betweenclimatic parameters and morphological and morph metric parameters. Two sampleareas that correspond to extended ski areas were investigated in deep; they are lo-cated in different areas of the Alps Tridentine: the area of Pampeago and the area ofSan Martino di Castrozza.In these areas, meteorological measurements and snow were considered relatively tothe last four seasons, made since the first snowfall until the complete removal ofsnow on the ground. Statistical reports, researched by a multiple linear regressionanalysis show results in some respects surprising and very useful for climatological-tourism applications in ski areas and for understanding the frequency and distribu-tion of avalanches phenomena.



INTERACTIONS BETWEEN GEOMORPHOLOGICALPROCESSESAND LANDMANAGEMENT INADEVELOPINGCOUNTRY - EXAMPLES FROM THE NEPAL HIMALAYAS

M. Fort

PRODIG UMR 8586 CNRS, University Paris Diderot, FranceCorrisponding author: Monique Fort, e-mail: [email protected]

Nepal is among the ten poorest countries in the world. During the last fifteen years,civil war together with globalization have stimulated road development, rapid ur-banization and buildings constructions, resulting in an increased overall vulnerabil-ity of the population living in this geomorphologically, highly dynamic environ-ment. In the mountains, any new roads opening is controlled by the Nepalese army,and most of the work is done by hand (dynamite perforation, gravel chopping etc.).These are dirt roads still irregular and steep, excavated into nearly vertical rock walllocally poorly consolidated (high density joints). They are prone to rock and debrisslides and falls. They are often closed during the rainy season, and one may suspectthey will rapidly deteriorate, all the more that the infrastructures (bridges, retainingwalls) are often under-designed compared to monsoon peak discharge. Road cutsalso reactivate old landslides, adding debris and hazards, causing more destructionand increasing the level of risk. Meanwhile, the need for construction material haschanged the morphology of valley floors: gravels and sands are exploited and usedfor building purposes, hence subtracting bed load out of the rivers which in turn getmore power to cut through their rocky floor and /or erode their alluvial banks wherecultivated land and villages are settled. Good arable yet mechanically soft soils(mostly lacustrine deposits) of the Kathmandu valley are now turned into urbanizeddistricts, where the poor quality of the construction makes the entire valley highlyvulnerable to any future big earthquake to come. More generally, the « natural » haz-ards inherent to the functioning of the Himalayan Range –hazards that in the pastwere empirically known and understood by the mountain populations-, have nowbecome a major threat to populations and infrastructures in a country with very loweconomic and social capacity to adjust. A comprehensive geomorphological ap-proach may definitely help improving the design of development projects and miti-gating disaster impacts.



TERRESTRIAL LASER SCANNER TECHNIQUE:3D RECONSTRUCTION OF VENDICARI AND SAN LORENZOBOULDERS (SOUTHERN-EASTERN SICILY, SOUTHERN ITALY)

F. Gerardi1, A. Marsico2, C. Pignatelli2, A. Piscitelli2, C. Pirrotta1,M.S. Barbano1 & G. Mastronuzzi3

1 Dip. Scienze Geologiche, Università di Catania2 Dip. Geologia e Geofisica, Università di Bari3 LaGAT-Ta - Lab. Gis geo-Ambientale e di Telerilevamento, Università di Bari,

sede di TarantoCorresponding author: Antonella Marsico, e-mail: [email protected]

The study area is located in the southernmost part of Sicily along the Ionian Sea andit constitutes the emerged part of the Hyblean foreland domain of the Apennine oro-gen. The area is surrounded by seismogenetic coastal zones which have producedlarge tsunamis in historical times.Vendicari is a marine reserve located on the south-eastern border of the Hyblean car-bonate Massif of Sicily, about 30 km south to the Siracusa city; San Lorenzo is anold farm surrounded by a summer village placed on the south of Vendicari Reserve.The coastal belt is characterized by flat landscape with beaches, gently slopingrocky coasts and low cliffs weakly incised by a poorly developed hydrographicalnetwork and tectonically controlled. Between the rocky coasts, actual beaches andmarshes are present. The area is characterized by Late Pleistocene deposits, white toyellowish organic calcaranitic and calciruditic.Adlittoral zone is characterized by elevate roughness and a convex profile. Here,surface micro-topography shows small karstic landforms, shaped on the sub-aerial-ly exposed calcareous sandstones; they are represented mainly by potholes, whichbecame increasingly deeper and wider toward the coastline. In the spray zone pot-holes are coalescent, giving place to pinnacle-like forms (Spitzkarren). Calcareniticbedrock presents very long fractures that become wider toward to the coastline. Sev-eral of these fractures are parallel to shoreline; some of these are also oriented to NE.The investigated area is characterized by a boulders field testifying a huge wave im-pact. In particular in San Lorenzo area a large boulder of about 100 tons is placedclose to spray zone. This block was probably removed from the near submergedrock where the detaching niche is still visible. In Vendicari area the boulders field ischaracterized by elements with well preserved biological encrustation on their sur-face: this testified a recent scattering during last strong storms.In order to distinguish the probable mechanism of transport of these boulders a 3Dmodel was built using terrestrial laser scanner technique. Using hydrodynamic equa-tions it is possible to calculate the minimum wave height (for tsunami and for seastorms) able to transport boulders inland.Each boulder was surveyed with Leica Scan Station 2 using detailed scan density(horizontal and vertical spacing of 1 mm). During the field work scans from differ-



ent position were carried out in order to obtain a complete coverage of surveyedarea. In the data processing, the point clouds of each scan are linked together troughtie points in order to obtain a virtual reconstruction of boulders. In order to recon-struct the surface morphology of each boulder, the point clouds were elaborated andinterpolated using RapidformTM Software; this software allows to calculate surfaceand volume of 3D model.



STUDY ON THE GEOHERITAGE OF THESOUTH-EAST SECTOR OF THE CUNEO PLAIN

L. Ghiraldi1, P. Coratza1, M. Marchetti1, M. Giardino2, L. Perotti2 & E. Debiaggi3

1 Dip. Scienze della Terra, Universià dit Modena e Reggio Emilia2 Dip. Scienze della Terra, Università di Torino3 Museo di Scienze Naturali, TorinoCorresponding author: Luca Ghiraldi, e-mail: [email protected]

The Middle Tanaro Valley located in the South-East sector of the Cuneo Plain(Piemonte, NW Italy) is known for the rich geomorphological, stratigraphical andpalaeontological features. The sector can be divided into two parts. The Southernpart is characterized by river terraces presenting deep gorges in their distal sector,where marine deposits of the Piemonte Tertiary Basin outcrop. The NorthEasternone is characterized by a set of narrow and deep valley, locally known with the nameof “Rocche di Pocapaglia”. All these landforms are due to the Pleistocene climatechanges and the retrogressive river erosion consequence of Tanaro River’s diversiontriggered by neo-tectonic activity. In order to focus on one main character of thearea, we pointed out the geomorphological phenomena, represented by 8 geomor-phosites selected after an evaluation process. Then we developed a program of ac-tivities in order to exploit the geoheritage by promoting geotouristic itineraries.An interpretative geotourist map combining geo-scientific information about theevolutionary stages of this sector of Piemonte and useful tourist information hasbeen designed.The map is intended for a general public not involved in the field of geoscience, andits main purpose is to promote the geoheritage, by focusing on the interaction be-tween the landforms and the Tanaro River diversion. The map is divided in threesectors. The first one represents the primitive stage with the Tanaro River flowing toNorth confusing his water with the Po River nearby the actual towns of Caramagnalocated in the North of the study area. The second map shows the situation after thediversion phenomenon, with the Tanaro River flowing to NNE towards the subsid-ing Alessandria plain located to the East of the study area. In the third sector is rep-resented the situation at the present day, where besides the main geomorphologicalfeatures represented with a simplified legend, there are both basic tourist informa-tion and ecological, historical and cultural aspects, in order to present geodiversityfrom a holistic point of view. The entire map suggests the chronological successionof landforms, starting from the past events till to the present day.In order to promote the knowledge and the exploitation of geomorphosites selectedin the study area, besides the production of a “traditional” map, a Web-GIS applica-tion has been developed. Using an Internet based geographical data service, themanagement of spatial and non-spatial data is allowed. The non-spatial data linkedto spatial elements, can be efficiently managed using Relational Database Manage-ment System whose integration with Web-GIS allows sharing information among awide range of users.



The information have been organised in different groups in order to provide a com-plete and exhaustive frame where basic tourist information and geomorphologicalentities are located. Almost each layer in the map has an attribute table containingone or more hyperlink allowing getting information stored in the Web Server. Infor-mation include: detailed description of the itineraries; scientific information aboutgeomorphological elements and the cultural, historical and ecological aspects of theterritory; multimedia contents.In conclusion the use of Web-GIS application presents a lot of advantages if com-pared with a traditional map:- it should provide users with a complete instrument for a free on-line fruition;- it can easily deliver up-to-date information;- it supports hyperlinks setting to connect information on the web.On the other hand, there are some disadvantages too:- it requires stability and maintenance of the server;- it needs internet connection with high bandwidth;- it necessitates familiarity with GIS applications.



CULTURALGEOMORPHOLOGY: THE ALPS THROUGHDE MARTONNE’S SKETCHBOOKS

C. Giusti

Laboratoire de Géographie physique, CNRS Meudon, Université Paris-Sorbonne, FranceCorresponding author: Christian Giusti, e-mail: [email protected]

Some of the original field notes of the geographer Emmanuel de Martonne havebeen preserved in Paris in a restricted repository at the Geographic Institute library,a building founded by de Martonne himself in 1923. These archives consist of 23notebooks numbered 1 to 16 for the first group, A to G for the second. The classifi-cation is neither chronological nor thematic. In all likelihood it simply reflects theorder in which the note- and sketchbooks were labelled by the library services.The poster presents a selection of drawings covering the period from 1907 (sketch-book n°9) to 1935 (sketchbook n°6), which shows that throughout his scientific ca-reer the interest shown by Emmanuel Martonne for the Alps never faded, and thatthis interest met with a wide public audience. For example, the small volume enti-tled “Les Alpes. Géographie générale”, originally published in 1926, was reprinted5 times between then and 1955, and also translated into Spanish that same year.From the time of his thesis on the geography of Wallachia in 1902 and his secondthesis on the geomorphology of the Transylvanian Alps in 1907, to the publicationin 1930-1931 of the two volumes of the Géographie universelle devoted to CentralEurope (translated into Spanish in 1931-1932) and the Physical Geography ofFrance in 1942, de Martonne appears as one of the most competent observers of bothAlpine and Carpathian landforms and an outstanding expert on the many geomor-phological interpretation issues posed by these mountain ranges. Because they pro-vide important clues to anyone concerned with the history and epistemology of Eu-ropean physical geography, de Martonne’s field notebooks belong to the culturalheritage of geomorphology.



THE ROLE OF GEOMATICS AND DATAMINING TECHNIQUESIN GEOMORPHOLOGY:

AN APPLIED EXAMPLE TO GULLY EROSION

Á. Gómez Gutiérrez, S. Schnabel & F. Lavado Contador

Geoenvironmental Research Group, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, SpainCorresponding author: Álvaro Gómez Gutiérrez, e-mail: [email protected]

During the last years, the availability and utility of modern spatial information tech-nologies (such as remote sensing, Geographical Information Systems, photogram-metry, Global Positioning Systems, etc.) have increased exponentially. Parallel tothis development, a set of new statistical techniques termed data mining have beendeveloped. Data mining techniques are based on the extraction of knowledge fromlarge datasets and allow i) analyzing complex multivariate problems and ii) con-structing predictive models from large datasets. The combined use of these tech-niques, geomatics and data mining, has facilitated the elaboration of statistical mod-els with a spatial component. These models have been rarely applied in geomorphol-ogy, however they present a great potential. The main benefits of these models arei) estimating the potential spatial distribution of a phenomenon, ii) predicting futurechanges on its allocation and iii) establishing the importance of each predictor in de-termining the distribution of the target variable. In this work, an application of thesetechniques to management in geomorphology is presented. Two different data min-ing techniques (Classification and Regression Trees and Multivariate Adaptive Re-gression Splines) were applied to construct a model capable of predicting the loca-tion of a specific geomorphological phenomenon: gully erosion.Previous studies have shown the importance of gullying in degrading the valley bot-toms and have pointed to the necessity to investigate the influence of the factors in-volved in order to be able to prevent further gullying or to propose conservationmeasures. Most soil erosion models focus on rill and interrill erosion at the hillslopescale and cannot be applied to gullying. The few models that have been developedfor gully erosion focus on the estimation of soil losses or on the prediction of gullygrowth. However, for soil conservation purposes it is necessary to locate these fea-tures in the landscape or to determine areas with risk of gully formation. This ex-plains the importance of developing a model capable of locating these linear featuresin the landscape. Such a model should be applicable at the regional scale, performcorrectly and be simple in its conception and application.A large database was used to support the model. It is composed of a target variable(presence or absence of gullies) and 36 independent variables related to topography,lithology, soils, rainfall, land use and vegetation cover. The performance of themodel was evaluated using the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (ROC) forfive external datasets. This approach ensures the independence of the validationmethod from the size of each case in the dataset.The model had high predictive power, with values for the area under the ROC curveof the external validation datasets varying from 0.66 to 0.98 (being 1 the value for



a perfect prediction). The most important variables explaining the spatial distribu-tion of gullies were altitude and annual rainfall in CART and lithology and soil typein MARS. Finally the model was compiled and implemented into a Geographical In-formation System to obtain maps of susceptible areas for gully erosion. These mapsshowed that approximately 7% of the study area presents favourable conditions forthe development of gullies. The results demonstrate that MARS constitutes a valu-able model in geomorphological research and could also be a useful tool for assess-ing the impacts of changing climate and land use on gully erosion.



ANALISI GEOMORFICA QUANTITATIVA DEL BACINOIDROGRAFICO DEL F. VOLTURNO NELTRATTO COMPRESOTRA LA SORGENTE E LA CONFLUENZA CON IL F. CAVALIERE

N. Grassi1, M. Sirna1 & D. Sanseverino2

1 Dip. Scienze Ambientali, Seconda Università di Napoli2 Geomorphologist, CasertaCorresponding author: Nicolino Grassi, e-mail: [email protected]

Questo lavoro ha lo scopo di delineare da un punto di vista prevalentemente geo-morfologico, le caratteristiche del bacino idrografico del F. Volturno, nel tratto com-preso tra la sorgente e la confluenza con il F. Cavaliere, al fine di valutare l’entitàdei processi erosivi espressi mediante il calcolo del Trasporto Torbido UnitarioMedio Annuo (Tu), e di relazionarlo alle caratteristiche geoambientali dell’area in-dagata.Il F. Volturno ha una lunghezza di 175 km e sottende un bacino idrografico di circa5558 km2 che si sviluppa in prevalenza nelle Regioni Campania e Molise, e in mi-nima parte in Abruzzo, Puglia e Lazio. Questi numeri, insieme al valore della por-tata media che attualmente e di circa di 82,70 m3/s, rendono il Volturno il più impor-tante fiume dell’Italia meridionale.L’area in esame è delimitata a N–NW dai Monti della Meta, a W dal massiccio delleMainarde, a S dai Monti del Matese e ad E dall’Appennino Sannita (massiccio dellaMontagnola); la sezione di chiusura del bacino è posizionata in corrispondenza dellaconfluenza con il F. Cavaliere, nei pressi della Valle Porcina.Da un punto di vista geologico il bacino idrografico coincide con un’area particolar-mente complessa che ricade nella zona di contatto tra le formazioni calcareo-dolo-mitiche mesozoiche dell’Appennino meridionale, riconducibili ad ambienti a sedi-mentazione prevalentemente carbonatica neritica (Piattaforma Appenninica), e i se-dimenti di tipo pelagico appartenenti al Bacino mesozoico-terziario Molisano-San-nitico.Lo studio si è sviluppato in tre fasi principali: caratterizzazione geoambientale del

territorio, analisi geomorfica quantitativa della rete drenante e studio delle possibilirelazioni intercorrenti tra il valore del Tu di alcuni sottobacini, opportunamente scel-ti, e le caratteristiche geoambientali dei medesimi.Il bacino idrografico analizzato ha un’estensione areale di 592,48 km2, un perimetrodi 142,79 km ed ordine gerarchico pari a 7. Il reticolo idrografico, desunto dalle ta-volette IGM del 1957 è composto da 3501 aste fluviali ed ha una lunghezza totaledi 1586 km. La densità e la frequenza di drenaggio per l’intero bacino idrograficosono pari rispettivamente a 2,68 e 5,91 mentre il Tu ha un valore pari a 273,76t/km2/anno.Per lo studio della topografia è stato realizzato un DTM (Digital Terrain Model) dacui è stata derivata la pendenza.L’informazione geologica è stata vettorializzata ed elaborata per ottenere la CartaGeolitologica da cui, con un’ulteriore semplificazione, si è ottenuta la Carta della



Permeabilità Relativa. Dall’analisi di quest’ultima si evince che per il 42,5% il ba-cino insiste su depositi a permeabilità media, scarsa per il 36,1%, elevata per il20,0% e litotipi praticamente impermeabili per l’1,3%.Per completare lo studio sono state effettuate statistiche descrittive relative allaCarta d’uso del suolo CLC 2000 (al III livello), consapevoli dei limiti connessi allarapidità evolutiva propria di questa peculiarità del territorio (incendi, disboscamen-ti, sviluppo urbano).Successivamente il bacino idrografico è stato suddiviso nei tre sottobacini principa-li (F. Volturno, T. Vandra e F. Cavaliere, tutti con ordine gerarchico pari a 6) con loscopo di valutare l’influenza di alcune caratteristiche geoambientali sul pattern idro-grafico e, di conseguenza, sulla stima del trasporto torbido unitario medio annuo.Infine sono stati individuati due sottobacini, il Rio Chiaro e T. Vandrella, con litolo-gia il più possibile omogenea ed al contempo diversa tra loro, per poter verificare lerelazioni di questo fattore con gli indici morfometrici e soprattutto con il Tu. Le ana-lisi effettuate evidenziano come valori del Tu più bassi si riscontrino in bacini in cuiprevalgono litotipi con una elevata permeabilità (calcari) ed una massiccia presenzadi vegetazione di tipo arboreo/arbustivo.Oltre il lavoro prettamente geomorfologico, attraverso la sovrapposizione degli ela-borati cartografici relativi ai diversi dati prodotti, sono state messe in luce, perl’intero bacino idrografico e per ognuno dei sottobacini prescelti, alcune delle com-plesse relazioni tra i diversi fattori (acclività, litologia, tettonica, permeabilità e usodel suolo) che influenzano l’organizzazione del reticolo idrografico e l’entità del-l’erosione.E’ possibile concludere che in campo ambientale, come in qualsiasi sistema com-plesso, un determinato fenomeno (in questo caso l’erosione) dipende sempre da piùfattori interagenti tra loro ed auto-organizzati.



CURRENT ISSUES OFMAPPING THE RELIEF MICROFORMSWITHIN THE FLUVIAL-LAKE PLAINS (THE ROMANIAN PLAIN)

F. Grecu

Dept. of Geomorphology-Pedology, Faculty of Geography, University of Bucarest, RomaniaCorresponding author: Florina Grecu, e-mail: [email protected]

The mapping of the relief microforms within the Quaternary aggraded plains pres-ents some features and difficulties imposed by the overall plain morphography andmorphometry, but also by the relief microforms formed on Pleistocene andHolocene soft rocks. The simplest definition of the plain shows that it is a major re-lief form with absolute altitudes of up to 200-300 m. Obviously, this refers only tothe altitude of the surface topography features, but not to the morphographic, mor-phometric, morphogenetic, economic-geographical ones etc.Morphographicaly speaking, the plain has a relatively flat-quasihorizontal aspectwith extended surfaces of the interfluves’ area, with rivers whose stream channelslopes shows reduced longitudinal profile, but with well-developed flood-plains,with frequent divagations of the hydrographic network. The morphometric elementsdefine the plain by the density of the hydrographic network, with low values of theslopes and energy relief, except for the banks and scarp of terraces, whose morphog-raphy and morphometry are specific to low altitude slopes.The actual extremely active dynamic of the relief microforms is also accelerated bythe anthropogenic intervention, through agricultural or industrial use of the spaces.We believe that this is the reason why the geomorphological maps of the RomanianPlain were drawn up mostly in medium and small scales.The actual concerns, in doctoral theses and research contracts, are oriented to de-tailed mapping of both plain and flood-plain’s relief microforms. These orientationsare imposed by the economic significance of the Romanian Plain, as one of the mostimportant agricultural and oil exploitation area in Europe.The writing aims to present different types of maps, their scope and effectiveness.



METODI “NON TRADIZIONALI” NELLA COMUNICAZIONESCIENTIFICA E DIDATTICA DELLE SCIENZE DELLATERRA

L. Gregori

Dip. Scienze della Terra, Università di PerugiaCorresponding author: Lucilia Gregori, e-mail: [email protected]

Gli orientamenti culturali, emersi dalla Geomorfologia culturale, hanno fornitol’input per comunicare i contenuti delle Scienze della Terra con metodi e strumenti,non tradizionalmente usati, nelle comuni attività scientifiche e didattiche.I risultati della ricerca scientifica sono riservati al mondo accademico e perciò con-finati all’interno di un ristretto ambito culturale; spesso quindi i valori scientifici delterritorio e del paesaggio naturale (biotico ed abiotico) non sono condivisi conun’utenza culturalmente ampia. Oggi è possibile, invece, attraverso una sempre piùaccettata trasversalità disciplinare, diffondere le ricerche all’interno di una platea daldiverso target culturale.La cesura concettuale, tra mondo delle discipline umanistiche s.l., e tecniche è ormaisuperata e molti ricercatori invece, da entrambe le parti, si sono resi conto che rac-contare il paesaggio e gli eventi, talora tragici, che lo hanno coinvolto è possibile coneccellenti risultati, tramite contributi disciplinari, anche apparentemente distanti.Le opere classiche o moderne di scrittori e poeti comunicano, a chi sappia coglierli,gli elementi geologici e geomorfologici del paesaggio, talora con straordinaria preci-sione, attualità ed efficacia. Recepire questi messaggi, che a volte arrivano da lonta-no, è un’opportunità culturale che non va disattesa, ma perseguita ed incrementata.La lettura rivisitata dei classici come Dante o dell’editoria contemporanea, spessotrasmette nella narrazione dei fatti un preciso contesto naturale o antropico, antico oattuale e, in ogni caso, lo sfondo fisico è parte essenziale della storia e, insieme allesensazioni e sentimenti dei protagonisti, delinea scenari di Geografia emozionale.Stessa opportunità dal racconto di artisti che permettono di ravvisare, nello sfondodelle scenografie rappresentate, paesaggi passati e meno immaginari di quanto sipensi, fare confronti e ricavare interessanti indicazioni paleogeografiche e/o am-bientali.Perugino e Pinturicchio in Umbria, Leonardo e Gozzoli in Toscana hanno descrittoun paesaggio oggi riconoscibile, e la suggestione di quell’ambiente passa inalterata.La lettura delle opere d’arte non è, quindi, solo commento artistico o ricerca storio-grafica, ma riserva un approccio geologico ai luoghi rappresentati ed apre un co-struttivo dialogo, ancora poco sperimentato, tra scienziati dell’arte e della Terra.Nell’epoca della cultura dei media e delle immagini, queste svolgono pertanto ungrandissimo ruolo nella comunicazione non solo di panorami, ma dei contenutiscientifici in esse ravvisabili. Immagini che arrivano anche da films, da video musi-cali, da cartoons sono attualmente caratterizzate da un sempre più ricercato rigorescientifico. I reali scenari naturali che seguono la narrazione dei fatti, offerti peresempio dalla cinematografia, talora non accompagnano semplicemente le vicendedegli uomini, ma sono i veri protagonisti delle storie.



Imparare a cogliere questi elementi, non solo permette di acquisire contenuti inmodo critico, ma in particolare, permette di insegnare ad osservare e leggere il pae-saggio, sia quello impattante di trailers e films sia quello più banale, ma solo in ap-parenza, che si coglie nella quotidianità.Dal paesaggio naturale o urbano, emerge la storia geologica e l’evoluzione dei luo-ghi, se si è addestrati a farlo. Sotto il profilo didattico, quindi, quest’approccio èmolto convincente ed avvincente per docenti e discenti.Nella cultura delle immagini, inoltre, assumono un insospettato ruolo quelle acqui-site in movimento: il “paesaggio dal treno” è un panorama a parte, in cui non si per-cepiscono gli uomini, ma i segni del loro passaggio, mentre prevale l’impatto deglielementi fisiografici e vegetazionali. Questo particolare paesaggio riesce a trasmet-tere, da un’insolita ma immediata prospettiva, informazioni di processi, di culture ecomunica la storia dei popoli e del loro territorio.Le pianure, le depressioni tettoniche, gli ampi conoidi insieme alla tipologia dellecolture e dell’edificato sono elementi tangibili dei luoghi e, spesso ci si sorprendequasi come “viaggiatori dell’800”, incuriositi ed attenti ai paesaggi nel loro insiemeculturale e colturale.Il paesaggio del vino, infine, rappresenta un nuovo obiettivo culturale, segno tangi-bile dell’antica tradizione degli uomini, fortemente condizionato dalle vicende pa-leogeografiche e geologiche locali. Questa relazione, che dovrebbe essere scontata,sfugge ai più, ma è basilare per fare una seria “comunicazione geologica del vino”e quindi ancora delle Scienze della Terra.L’iter concettuale esposto, originale e complesso nelle modalità di approccio e dicontenuti, trova pertanto la sua naturale e migliore espressione all’interno della con-divisa e sempre più apprezzata Geomorfologia culturale.



APPLICATIONS OF THE MULTISCALAR HIERARCHICGIS-BASED GEOMORPHOLOGICALMAPPING SYSTEM

D. Guida1, T. De Pippo2, A. Cestari3, V. Siervo3 & A. Valente4

1 Dip. Ingegneria Civile, Università di Salerno2 Dip. Scienze della Terra, Università di Napoli “Federico II”3 C.U.G.RI. - Centro inter-Universitario Grandi Rischi, Salerno4 Dip. Studi Geologici ed Ambientali - Università del Sannio, BeneventoCorresponding author: Domenico Guida, e-mail: [email protected]

Some applications of a new-symbol detailed geomorphological mapping system,based on a GIS procedure, and already used in several applications, especially inCampania Region, are presented. Such system foresee an early stage in which therepresentation use a symbolic-traditional legend of literature data, validated anddeepened from field investigations and photoaerial analysis, and a later stage wherethe information of the previous map is transferred into digital objects (points, linesand polygons) based on qualitative and quantitative geomorphological characteris-tics (i.e. morphography, lithology, genesis, processes and age).In this new mapping system such characteristics can be studied individually, and thebuilding of the map is “piece-to-piece”. Therefore, the forms recognized are bound-ed by defined limits, to varying degrees of certainty, and linked with a database.Also, for each form so automatically defined, the relations with any other adjacentelement are made explicit. In order to define a legend, that should be adequate to thepurposes of analysis and the resolution of the data to be represented, it is useful torecognize in each landscape, despite its complexity, a hierarchical system.Such system provides that each geomorphological category could be unbundled insimpler terms to increase the degree of detail, always keeping the structural congru-ence. Consequently, to each scattering will correspond a different scale of data rep-resentation.The described procedure was applied in various contexts in which could be repre-sented i.e. the forms and processes typical of a mountain area, a river valley and, fi-nally, a coastal zone.For a matter of space, only the application developed in a small area of the centralApennines, as Valle Roveta (Abruzzo), mostly characterized by mountain landscapeare outlined. Firstly, the significant Morphological Units are identified within theMorphological Systems: i) Summit and ii) Slope, which represent the equivalent inthe landscape of palaeosurface and the associated slopes. Such units are well repre-sented in scale between 1:100,000 and 1:25,000. The Summit Morphological Sys-tem could include isolated relieves, karst fields and ridges, which mark the bound ofthe top of the slope, without a superficial drainage, even if they converge to the headof the main valleys of slope. In the context of the Slope Morphological System, wedistinguish two Morphological Units: i) Slope and ii) Pediment Fans. The first isconnected to the highest system, while the second one to the valley bottom. The



Slope Morphological Unit is particularly interesting to the comprehension of themorphological factors inducing debris-flow phenomena. It is subdivided into differ-ent sectors longitudinal and transverse, each distinguished by particular morpho-type, better represented in a scale between 1:25,000 and 1:10,000.The section of upper slope is limited, at the top, from rocky steps evidenced by mor-phoselection, not always exposed, while, at the base, other steps are present morethicker and more continuous along the slope than the highest ones. The upper edgerepresents the knickline with the basis of the Summit Morphological Systems in pro-gressive retreat. Below the lower edge, straight and V-shaped ravines are present,along which accumulation forms outcrop, due to both longitudinal and transversalsupply. Such ravines are separated by stretches of straight slope profile or by sec-ondary ridges as interfluvial, thus triangular-trapezoidal facets, more or less regular,are recognized. Descending in the valley, the Pediment Fans Morphological Unit oc-curs. It is characterized by different generations of fans, where the progradation ofthe fan often determined the cutting of the oldest one and the growth of the youngestfan inside it. Some landslide deposits are also distinguished in the most recent fan.In the alluvial cone deposits the same engravings of the main valley of the slope isobserved, with a decreasing of deepening toward the bottom. Each morphotypes, de-rived from the scattering of the Morphological Unit, and may also be decomposedin Morphological Components (i.e. channel, ravine sides) at a scale upper to1:10,000, which are further detailed in Morphological Elements (i.e. part of thechannel) at a scale upper to 1:5000.



GEOSITES-GEOMORPHOSITES VALUES IN METALIFERIMOUNTAINS, APUSENI SECTOR (ROMANIA)

D.C. Ilieş1, L. Blaga1, A. Ilieş1, I. Rus2 & N. Josan1

1 Dept. of Geography, Tourism and Territorial Planning, University of Oradea, Romania2 Faculty of Geography, University Babes Bolyai, Cluj Napoca, RomaniaCorresponding author: Ilieş Dorina Camelia, e-mail: [email protected]

The landscape alone can constitute a component of the cultural or scientific heritageof a territory, having the same significance as the historical monuments or works ofarts, sometimes being the concrete “support” of an architectural, spiritual, culturaletc. expression. By its particularities, relief can highlight or even amplify the valueof a historical, cultural, spiritual etc. site. Metaliferi Mountains (Romania) in rela-tion also of the great variety of geological-geomorphological structures done a largecategory of natural protected areas, very important at Romania as well as at Euro-pean level.The study taking in account a quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the most im-portant sites of geological and geomorphological interests, from the above men-tioned area: the Vulcan Mountain with an 5 ha area (isolated massif on a Jurassiclimestone klippen), the Grohot Natural Bridge, with an area of 1 ha, the DealulMagura Limestones, with an area of 120 ha (various endo- and exo-karst forms), theMadei Gorges, carved on Jurassic limestones, the Bobalna Valley limestone tuff, re-sult of the carbonate thermal springs activity from this sector, the Godinesti lime-stone, an area of 6 ha, the Boiu de Sus limestone, with an area of 50 ha and 27 caves,Magura Uroiului (Uroiului Hill, an area of 10 ha), composed from quartz andesite,with explosive breccias columns of Neogen age.



TYPICAL GEOMORPHOSITES OF THE ITALIAN NATURALLANDSCAPE: RIVERS WITH ENTRENCHED MEANDERS

L. Laureti

Dip. Scienze della Terra, Università di PaviaCorresponding author: Lamberto Laureti, e-mail: [email protected]

In the mountain or hilly areas it is not very difficult to observe incised valleys, gen-erally developed with a straight course, often in accordance with tectonic or litho-logical discontinuities. On the contrary, it is less frequent the presence of entrenched(or incised valleys having a meandering course. This type of morphological itemsshows sometimes particularly spectacular aspects (as in the case of the river Treb-bia on the Northern Apennines), but even if with more modest shapes (as along theArno valley in the Gonfolina gully), nevertheless it can imprint a significant imageto the landscape.In the Italian territory rivers with entrenched meanders are as a whole fairly numer-ous, both on the alpine chain and in the same Apennines peninsula, owing to thegreat variety of the tectonic and lithological conditions, but also to the complexityof the geological evolution.This work considers the main examples of valleys with entrenched meanders ani-mating the geomorphological Italian landscapes, with particular interest for the mustconspicuous and significant ones, observed also under the genetic point of view.A special attention is placed in the roll that such geomorphosites assume toward thesame landscape, together with their enjoyment by those observers not being pure ex-perts. The conditions and the opportunities about their protection and conservationare also considered. By this regard, some proposal in order to make a census (or alittle atlas) of the Italian entrenched meanders is suggested, together with their in-sertion on the institution of specific certified sites.



TREELINE ALTITUDE IN THE EUROPEAN ALPS: WHERE TOEXPECT STRONGER RESPONSES TO CLIMATE CHANGE

G. Leonelli1,2, M. Pelfini1 & U. Morra di Cella2

1 Dip. Scienze della Terra, Università di Milano2 ARPA Valle d’AostaCorresponding author: Giovanni Leonelli, e-mail: [email protected]

Treeline altitude in mountain regions is defined by the uppermost trees growingabove continuous forest cover. Treeline ecotones are an important component ofhigh altitude ecosystems and they have been widely studied worldwide in relationto climatic changes since they are recognized as sensitive climate proxies. In the lastcentury a forest expansion towards higher altitudes and forest ingrowth have beenreported for many mountain sites, as a consequence both of a warming climate andof other factors, like in the European Alps, the alpine-farming decline. Since the ex-pansion of a forest cover may directly influence soil properties and also geomorpho-logical processes like surface movements and erosion, it is important to detect cli-matic treelines at the regional scale and to describe the forest responses to climatein the recent past. In this study we analyzed about 260 km of treelines at the land-scape scale, fixing the coordinates of about 430 trees growing at the highest alti-tudes: about 230 km of treelines (a tree every about 600 m of horizontal distance)were analyzed in the western sites, and about 30 km of treelines (a tree every about500 m of horizontal distance) were analyzed in the central (peripheral) sites. Our re-sults from six valleys in the inner and peripheral regions of the Italian Alps showthat present-days treeline altitudes mostly depends on anthropogenic and orograph-ic-geomorphologic factors. Climatic treelines were found in the Valpelline-Etrou-bles and Brembana-Gemelli valleys, with maximum altitudes reaching 2525 and2260 m a.s.l., respectively. At Valpelline-Etrouble the climatic treeline is made bytrees growing above an undisturbed forest and colonizing for 100 m length a regu-lar slope of alpine grassland, whereas at Brembana-Gemelli valley the climatic tree-line is made by isolated trees growing on a regular slope. Climatic treelines werelimited to steep and inaccessible slopes and they resulted at higher altitudes andmuch further away from mountain peaks in the inner regions of the mountain rangethan in the peripheral region. Looking for sites where to study treeline responses toclimate, we suggest to investigate the inner regions of the Alpine range since theretreelines are further away from human disturbances and from geomorphologic con-straints, resulting potentially more free to shift upwards under the recent more fa-vorable temperature conditions. We also found that in the selected valleys humandisturbance is mainly concentrated about 165 m below non-climatic treelines, sug-gesting a homogeneous influence on treelines, independent of geographic position.Inner regions of the Alps are those that will likely experience greater forest expan-sion at the treeline, with trees advancing in the alpine. This study was performed todetect most sensitive treelines within a region in order to develop future studies onclimate change impacts on high-altitude forests and for providing accurate informa-tion to land management under global warming scenarios.



MULTITEMPORAL SOIL EROSION MAPPING FROM REMOTESENSING AND GEOMORPHOLOGICAL DATA:

THE CASE-STUDY OF SACCIONE RIVER BASIN AREA

S. Lo Curzio & F. Russo

Dip. Studi Geologici e Ambientali, Università del Sannio, BeneventoCorresponding author: Sergio Lo Curzio, e-mail: [email protected]

The aims of this study are the assessment of the multitemporal spatial distributionand the basinal mapping of the soil erosion geomorphological evidences desumedby integration of Landsat ETM 7+ data, interpretation resultances of panchromaticcolour orthophotos and geomorphological surveyed data. These latter ones are con-sisting of recognition of land surfaces interested by areal (sheet and solifluxionprocesses) and linear (rill and gully erosion) erosional landforms (ELs). The studyhas been performed in the Saccione river basin (North Apulia), wide 228,6 km2, lo-cated in southern Italy.The first step of the study has been the digital thematic mapping of lithological,pedological and land-use features coming from literature data and characterizing thestudied area. Then, the whole remotely sensed dataset regarding the studied area wasco-registrated and processed using the RSI ENVI 4.4 software. For the registrationof the first Landsat image (master image), ground control points (GCPs) were col-lected by GPS measurements. The other images (slave images) were co-registratedby GCPs image-to-image registration. The dataset was processing by application ofcontrast stretching, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), decorrelation stretchingand RGB false colour compositing techniques. A field survey was carried out tocharacterize the geomorphological features detected on the imagery. Particular at-tention was given to the ELs, which were located using a GPS. In the second stepthe Regions of Interest (ROI) have been delimited on the Landsat ETM 7+ imagery,i.e. polygons representing the “ground-truth” related to the several land cover classoccurring in the imagery. A simple statistical analysis was then conducted on thedigital number (DN) values of the pixels enclosed in the ROI of the Els class to de-termine their spectral response pattern. The whole image dataset has been then clas-sified using a maximum likelihood classification algorithm.The Els distribution maps of 1992, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2004 years were generat-ed respectively based on the classification results. The results of the classificationprocess have been checked in the field and by photointerpretation on the base of ran-dom sampling. Finally, a spatial analysis was performed to temporal monitoring ofthe ELs shape and location. The field survey and the image processing have allowedto highlight that some classified Els-like “objects”, even if showing the same spec-tral response, could not be Els: this confirm the strategic importance of the fieldchecking on the semi-automatically produced data. These mistaken “objects” havebeen deleted during the production of the multitemporal mapping of the Els, as afinal result of the study.The multitemporal spatial analysis has showed the changes in the shape and posi-tion of the Els and, furthermore, how the highest frequency of the ELs is occurring



on southern slopes. These slopes, displaying slope angle values ranging from 12° to20°, are cut on clayey-marly deposits covered by fine-textured and carbonate-richInceptisols.Furthermore, the comparison between seasonal different Landsat data of the samearea has clearly evidenced the presence of ELs during the end of the summer peri-od. Such results, verified in the field, are connect with bad and non conservativeagricultural practices, suggesting that these practices could play an important role astriggering of erosion processes and their evolution.



MULTIDISCIPLINARYAPPROACHAIMING AT DEFINING LANDCRITICALITY OFAN ALPINE ALLUVIAL FAN: A CASE STUDY

FROM FUSINE (VALTELLINA, CENTRALALPS, ITALY)

F. Luino1, M. Soldati2 & G. Esposito2

1 Istituto di Ricerca per la Protezione Idrogeologica, CNR-IRPI, Torino2 Dip. Scienze della Terra, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia

Alluvial fans are the seat of muddy-debris flows that can be as the most destructiveinstability processes in the Alps. Many villages are located on alluvial fans becauseof their favourable position. Some of these villages possess significant infrastructurefacilities and can be treated as small towns. Their vulnerability has gradually beenincreased owing to urban extension occurred in the last decades. This has caused arising risk for human life and properties.Every year in the Italian Alps, some urban areas located at the mouth of secondaryvalleys are affected by muddy-debris flows. Geomorphological studies show thatmore than 400 urbanised areas in the Alps, because of their location, can be affect-ed by muddy-debris flows.On the basis of the numerous historical data collected at the CNR-IRPI archive ofTurin, it can be stated that muddy-debris flows caused more than 500 casualties inthe Italian Alps and provoked damages for thousands of million euros in the period1801-2008.The present paper analyses the Madrasco alluvial fan (Valtellina, Central ItalianAlps), where the Fusine village is partially located. The village was severely dam-aged on July 1987 by a muddy-debris flow.At first, a deep historical investigation was carried out in the municipal archive fromwhich interesting information on floods and muddy-debris flows was found since1816, with some even older references (15th century). This research has enabled tocompare the severe event occurred on August 1991 with the previous case of 1987.Afterwards, the Madrasco basin (26.9 km²) was analysed from a geomorphological pointof view. A detailed field survey, along with photointerpretation of multitemporal aerialphotographs (1954-2001), enabled the natural evolution of secondary basins affected bylandslides producing a large quantity of debris to be verified. These instability process-es are actually conditioning the Madrasco riverbed evolution in the valley sector.The eastern part of the alluvial fan (1.1 km²) has been thoroughly analysed, defin-ing the land use of the Fusine municipality and its vulnerability. From the study ofthe old photographs and questionnaire survey, the thickness of the deposits of the1987 event was reconstructed.Superimposition of the three classes of vulnerability (high, medium and low) to thefour categories of the land use destination (residential settlement, industrial andhandicraft areas, sport areas/facilities/standards and agricultural areas) has enabledto define the “land criticality” of the urban area by a matrix.The results obtained could be taken into account by the municipal administration forfuture active or passive defences, for urban extension and the creation of a safe andefficient warning system for risk mitigation.



LATE QUATERNARYATMOSPHERIC DUST EVOLUTIONFROM THREE ANTARCTIC ICE CORES

V. Maggi, B. Delmonte, F. Marino, S. Albani & C. Mazzola

Dip. Scienze dell’Ambiente e del Territorio, Università di Milano-Bicocca,Corresponding author: Valter Maggi, e-mail: [email protected]

From the beginning of the 90’s, some deep ice core drilling projects were carried outin Antarctica. Among them, the European Project for Ice Coring in Antarctica(EPICA) allowed recovery of a ~3.3 km deep ice core at Dome Concordia (75°06’S,123° 21’E), providing an undisturbed climate record covering more than 800 ka. An-other deep (~2.7 km) ice core drilled in the framework of EPICA at Dronning MaudLand (75° 00’S, 00° 04’E) made available a very detailed climate record spanningthe last ~150 ka. Recently, a ~1620 m deep ice core was recovered at the peripher-al site of Talos Dome (72°48’S, 159°06’E) within the TALos Dome Ice CorEdrilling project (TALDICE). The peripheral site of Talos Dome is located ca. 300 kmfrom the coast (South Pacific and Ross Sea sectors of the Southern Ocean) and theclimatic sequence obtained from the ice core spans about 250 ka.The atmospheric mineral dust sequences obtained from these three cores provideimportant records of mineral particles of aeolian origin reaching the interior of theAntarctic ice sheet from the surrounding continents. Concentration, size, geochem-istry, mineralogy and model simulations of atmospheric transport patterns were per-formed in order to understand the changes of atmospheric dust load in the past. Themeasurements were performed by using different analytical techniques, from liquidcounting to mass spectrometry measurements, both in on bulk samples and on sin-gle-grains. Similar analyses have been performed on target samples from the poten-tial source regions of the Southern Hemisphere.We investigate the relationship between dust transport and the sources areas duringlate Quaternary glacial and interglacial stages, with particular focus on the last cli-matic transition (LGM to Holocene). Correlation with coeval climate and environ-mental records from the southern Hemisphere provide a clearer overview of past cli-mate changes.



CHANNELADJUSTMENT INA SEMI-NATURALVSANANTHROPIZED STRETCH OFTHE CALORE RIVER (CAMPANIA)

P. Magliulo, A.Valente & E. Cartojan

Dip. Studi Geologici ed Ambientali, Università del Sannio, BeneventoCorresponding author: Alessio Valente, e-mail: [email protected]

Recent detailed investigations on Calore River in Campania have highlighted rele-vant adjustments of its planform geometry. In this study, such adjustments, occurredin few decades, were investigated and compared in two sectors, placed in the mid-dle and in the lowermost reach of the river course, respectively. More precisely, theformer sector is located in the Benevento Plain, where the homonymous town is sit-uated, and therefore is highly conditioned, both in its planform geometry and dy-namics, by anthropic interventions. The latter sector is sited immediately upstreamthe Volturno River confluence and almost preserves its natural features.The Calore River, which is about 115 km long, mostly develops a wandering patternwith longitudinal and alternated side bars. Point bars are also present locally. In gen-eral terms, the evolutionary trend showed a decrease in the extension of the bars, anincrease of their number and a reduction of both the channel width and the sinuosity.The research was carried out by comparing topographic maps and aerial photo-graphs, dated back to different years, by means of GIS procedures. Field surveys al-lowed to check the present situation.The anthropized stretch of Calore River (i.e., the stretch flowing across the town ofBenevento) is mostly confined between two artificial walls, several meters high,which were built with the aim to protect the town from floods, which damaged thetown several times in the past (e.g., in 1949). Currently, eight bridges cross the riverand, at their piles foot, isolated check-dams were built to avoid underminingprocesses. In correspondence of each bridge, a remarkable difference in the channelfeatures is clearly evident: in fact, upstream to the bridge, the river is wider and nosedimentary body is detectable, whereas downstream the channel is narrower andseveral kinds of bars are present. Such a condition was observed also in the timespan 1957-1998. Besides, the comparison between the channel geometry in 1957and in 1998 pointed out limited adjustments in this strongly anthropized stretch,while just outside it, both upstream and downstream, more remarkable adjustmentsaffected the channel. In 1957, the channel width ranged from 8 m to 73 m, whereasin 1998 the range was reduced from 4 m to 54 m. Moreover, in 1998 the number ofboth the mid-channel and side bars strongly increased, while their extension signif-icantly decreased. Finally, although the sinuosity maintained a relatively high value(>1,7), the river is here characterized by straight reaches alternated with small-ra-dius bends.In the considered time span, the semi-natural stretch (i.e., the stretch located just up-stream to the confluence into the Volturno River) experienced remarkable changesin the channel geometry. For instance, between 1957 and 1998, the wide meander



located just upstream to the confluence experienced a strong north-westward migra-tion, which led to a shifting of the confluence of some 1 km. Furthermore, the sin-uosity (1.35 in the 1957) decreased by more than 10% in this stretch. The width ofthe river in 1957 ranged from 113 m and 23 m, while in 1998 it almost halved, prob-ably also because of the construction of a new bridge very close to the oldest one.The narrowing of the channel downstream to the bridges was also induced by theaggradation of several small-sized mid-channel and side bars, whose extensionsranged from 0.007 to 0.009 km2. Very probably, the above-described adjustmentswere also a consequence of quarrying activities, which stopped few decades ago.In conclusion, both the examined stretches showed a strong relationship betweenhuman interventions and channel adjustments. In the anthropized stretch, human in-terventions have prevented significant changes to occur. Some evident adjustmentstook place only immediately upstream and downstream to the town of Benevento.On the contrary, in the semi-natural stretch, the channel is not confined by artificialwalls and, therefore, the channel adjustments are here remarkable.



MONITORING SURFACE DEFORMATION BYNON-LINEAR ANALYSIS OF DRAINAGE NETWORK

IN HINDUKUSH - PAMIR REGION

S.A. Mahmood1, F. Shahzad1, R. Gloaguen1 & S. Siddiqui2

1 Remote Sensing Group, Institute of Geology, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Germany2 Dip. Scienze della Terra, Università di Modena e Reggio EmiliaCorresponding author: Syed Amer Mahmood, e-mail: [email protected]

The space filling nature of drainage network can be studied using nonlinear analysisto characterize the relative vulnerability of surface deformation. Fractals and scalinglaws such as river networks and runoff series are abundant in nature, and geometryof river networks and basins is an epitome of this. The objective of this study is toexploit the drainage network of Hindukush-Pamir Region from Shuttle Radar Topo-graphic Mission’s digital elevation data (SRTM-DEM-90m) using D8 algorithm.Fractal dimension of Pyanj, Kabul and Chitral Rivers using Box Counting methodwas calculated and their low fractal dimension values were associated with effect ofneotectonic activity. The detailed textural analysis was carried out using Fractal, La-cunarity and Succolarity analysis. These methods are complimentary in nature i.e.objects with similar Fractal dimension can be distinguished with Lacunarity analy-sis and similarly objects with similar Lacunarity values can be distinguished withsuccolarity analysis. We prepared the fractal dimension distribution map using a slid-ing window with box counting method to identify highly vulnerable areas havinglow fractal dimension. A total of eight regions were identified with similar fractal di-mension and the lacunarity analysis was used to distinguish between them using het-erogeneities in the drainage system. Lacunarity plot revealed that four regions havesimilar fractal dimension and lacunarity values and thus succolarity analysis wasused for further distinction. Results from the drainage network of Hindukush-PamirRegion from Pyanj, Kabul and Chitral river network and adjoining areas show thatarea along Tirch Mir Massif Region (Eastern Hindukush), Vanch-Yazgulem inNorthwest Pamir near Main Pamir Thrust, Karasu fault Zone in south-eastern Pamirand Darvaz Fault zone is highly vulnerable to surface deformation.



AVALANCHE MAP EVOLUTIONAS A TOOL FOR LAND PLANNING

F. Mantovani1, M. Fazzini1, G. Tecilla2 & P. Billi1

1 Dip. Scienze della Terra, Università di Ferrara2 Servizio Urbanistica e tutela del paesaggio, Provincia Autonoma di TrentoCorresponding author: Massimiliano Fazzini, e-mail: [email protected]

Avalanches have been always representing an hazard in the Alpine and Apennine re-gions; but, during the last three decades, the specific risk has exponentially in-creased, given the widespread human impact on the mountains, especially for touristpurposes. To face such problems, detailed studies were carried out in Italy and inother Alpine countries and the risk analysis maps as well underwent a considerableimprovement. Staring from 1961, the Alpine Army School of Aosta produced thefirst 1:100,000 thematic maps obtained from field observations and from the infor-mation included in the Avalanche Cadaster reports. Beginning from the mid ‘70s, amodern cartographic methodology has been elaborated to single out the areas sub-jected to avalanche phenomena. The Map of Avalanche Likely Occurrence(M.A.L.O.) is a 1:25,000 basic thematic map that includes information about themaximum extension presumed for avalanche prone areas, detected locally, on thebase of eye or archive witnesses, by means of the permanent parameters that indi-cate an avalanche prone site and from stereo pairs analysis. It is worth noticing thaton this kind of maps, areas subjected in the past to avalanches are reported, though,recent modifications of the permanent parameters (e.g. growth of a bush forest in thedetachment zone) may have succeeded in preventing further avalanching processes.Such cartographic information is very useful in the planning of prevention and mit-igation actions that improved the site, but could induce an underestimate of the ac-tual risk. The limitations of the cartographic tool consist, in fact, in the lack of anyinformation about the frequency and dynamics characteristics (velocity, pressure,flow depth, maximum rest distance, return time interval) of the event. The M.A.L.O.cannot be considered an hazard map, hence it cannot be adopted as a constrainingtool for the urban planning, but just as land preservation preliminary tool. In the lastdecade, in order to make easier to access the available data, several technical unitsof local administrations set up a GIS at different scales (as much as 1:2000) that al-lows to associate all the data with a high resolution DTM. The avalanche digital in-formation consists substantially of a few paper supports such as: the avalanchecadaster, the M.A.L.O. or similar cartographic tools produced by regional institu-tions, the State Forestry Corp or Alpine army troops, using as cartographic base the1:25,000 topo-sheets of the Italian Army Geographic Institute. In the second half ofthe ’90s, a few of the regions and provinces of the Alpine territory produced the Av-alanche-Prone Zones Plans (A.P.Z.P.). They are the most recent technical maps con-structed on the base of a specific methodology to contour the avalanche prone areas.The final product is a avalanche risk map, that is an important tool for land planning.



These are large scale (1:10,000 to 1:2000) maps that reports the avalanche pronesites and indicate, by means of dynamics studies, its potential expansion in the ac-cumulations zone. In the A.P.Z.P. the risk evaluation is determined by specific phys-ical-mathematical models that allow to quantify flow velocity and depth of ava-lanches, pressure transferred and distance after which is comes to an halt. Distinctareas are identified and characterised by three hazard levels according to the returntime and the pressure impacted on a flat obstacle. For each area, urban planning re-strictions are well defined.



GEOMORPHOLOGYAND BRONZEAGE SETTLEMENT INCENTRALSARDINIA: THE RUINAS NURAGHE SITE (ARZANA, OG)

R.T. Melis1 & G. Cucca2

1 Dip. Scienze della Terra, Univesità di Cagliari2 C & C, Quartucciu (Cagliari)Corresponding author: Rita T. Melis, e-mail: [email protected]

The relationship between natural and cultural factors has long been debated, andmany authors correlate environmental and cultural change, even if under differentperspectives.Multi- and interdisciplinary studies have shown relationships between morphologiccontext and prehistoric and historic settlements, emphasizing the human impact ongeomorphological processes.In Sardinia, the Middle Bronze Age is marked by the development of the Nuragiccivilisation, that was primarily characterized, throughout most of its existence, bythe round stone towers called Nuraghe, many of which are still standing. Nuragicsettlements are found in different landforms: coasts, mountains, plains, plateaus andhills.This paper shows the preliminary results of a research aiming to understand how thegeomorphological context should have affected nuragic people in their choice to set-tle in the Nuraghe Ruinas spot.In contrast to Europe where more studies emphasized the geomorphological set-tings, in Sardinia studies concerning relationship between Bronze Age settlementsare still very limited so that it is difficult to provide a coherent theory.The Nuraghe Ruinas site is formed of a Nuraghe with three towers and a villagewith about 100 circular huts. It is located in the Gennargentu mountains along a nar-row ridge, at an altitude of around 1200 m a.s.l.The area is characterized by a Palaeozoic bedrock mainly represented by metamor-phic and granite rocks affected by straight dikes and faults.The geomorphological context is strongly influenced by the litho-structural factors.Peneplain surfaces, buttes and ridges, separated by tectonic valleys, fault line val-leys, are present.The morphological evolution of the landscape is characterized by intense erosivephenomena such as landslides and rills, which also affect the perimeter of settle-ments and threaten the conservation of these sites. The geomorphological hazard isalso accentuated by the intense overgrazing.Integrated analysis between geomorphological and archaeological data suggest thatthe collapse of the Nuraghe tower was caused by erosive phenomena occurred pre-sumably during Final Bronze age. The presence of relict palaeosoils and their inter-vening episodes of sedimentation and degradation may suggest possible periods oferosion and sedimentation affected by climate change and human impact.Preliminary findings lead to infer that geomorphological context should have beendriving criteria in selecting the location for Nuraghe Ruinas. The granitic-rock out-



crops were included in the tower walls, the relict peneplain, with fertile and deepsoils suitable, for grazing and agriculture. Moreover, water availability was assurednearby springs and small ponds created by dike outcrops.The lithostratigraphic study within the Nuraghe towers, correlate with archaeologi-cal data and micromorphological analysis of natural and anthropic deposits, havealso revealed that Nuraghe Ruinas was a seasonal site. Radiocarbon dating confirmthat tower was inhabited from Middle Bronze (1336 ± 50 cal BC) till Final Bronze(1046 ± 63 cal BC).



HIGH RESOLUTION DTM FOR THE ANALYSIS OF FLUVIALAND ANTHROPOGENIC LANDFORMS IN THE ALLUVIAL

PLAIN OF PADUA (ITALY)

P. Mozzi1, F. Ferrarese1, A. Fontana1, A. Ninfo1, S. Piovan1,S. Rossato1 & F. Veronese2

1 Dip. Geografia, Università di Padova,2 Archaeologist, PadovaCorresponding author: Paolo Mozzi, e-mail: [email protected]

The alluvial plain around Padua results from the sedimentary activity of the Brentaand Bacchiglione rivers since the last glaciation to modern times. The inner and old-est part of the city developed on the banks of a former meander of the Brenta River,later occupied by a minor course, the Bacchiglione. Archaeological evidence in thearea starts in the Neolithic and becomes increasingly important since the BronzeAge. The underground of the city centre consists of fine-grained alluvial sedimentsoverlaid by Iron Age, Roman and Medieval archaeological deposits.The georeferenced database of spot heights of the Technical Maps at scale 1:1000of the Municipality of Padua, made available by the Cartographic Office, has al-lowed the creation of a high resolution DTM of this territory. About 90,000 spotheights exist on an area of 9.3 km2. This DTM is coupled by a 2007 Lidar DTM al-ways provided by the Municipality. The analysis of the DTMs, integrated with otherdata such as topographic maps from the 18th century onwards, geomorphologicalmaps, aerial photographs, satellite images, alluvial and archaeological stratigra-phies, has greatly improved our knowledge on the geomorphology and geoarchae-ology of the area. NW and S of the city centre some meanders of the Brenta Riverare evident which were only partially mapped in previous studies. They probablydate to the middle Holocene. Another important landform recognized in the DTMsis the fluvial ridge built by the Brenta river since the 2nd millennium B.C. to presentday. The city centre consists of a large mound, about 10 m higher than the surround-ing plain. The mound is entirely due to the superimposition of archaeological layersfor maximum thickness of about 7 m. Two prominent elevations are present in theDTMs on the inner and outer banks of the meanders; some linear features seem toreflect the structure of the Roman town. A first estimate of the volume of the archae-ological deposits corresponding to the mound has been attempted, as well as themapping of their thickness. Archaeological literature indicates that the Iron Age lev-els in the underground of the city centre, regarded with some approximation asequivalent to the alluvial plain surface before the building up of the mound, is foundat elevations ranging from 9 to 12 meters above sea level. The subtraction of the IronAge surface DTM to the present day DTM allows the calculation of the volume ofthe mound. The areas where the archaeological deposits subsequent to the Iron Ageare thicker generally correspond to the maximum elevations in the DTM. Neverthe-less, the place of maximum thickness, located in the western meander, lies where theearly Iron Age surface (that is, the “pre-mound” surface) presents a depression.



Further developments of the research are expected within the framework of an on-going geoarchaeological project funded by Fondazione Cariparo, with the partner-ship of the Soprintendenza per i Beni Archeologici del Veneto. Investigations arebeing carried out on the geomorphology, shallow stratigraphy and palaeoenviron-mental evolution of Padua and surroundings, with a focus on the reconstruction ofthe 3D geometry of the alluvial and archaeological sedimentary bodies in the citycentre. A geological survey is being carried out, with manual and mechanical cor-ings and the monitoring of ongoing archaeological surveys and excavations. Multi-sensor airborne surveys including Lidar, MIVIS and thermal camera are scheduledfor next winter. All data acquired during the project and previous published and un-published relevant information are stored in a dedicated geoarchaeological GIS.



THE IMPORTANCE OF BASIN MORPHOMETRYON FLOOD OCCURRENCE:

A CASE STUDY OF HAVRAN RIVER BASIN (TURKEY)

H. Ozdemir

Geography Dept., Istanbul University, TurkeyCorresponding author: Hasan Ozdemir, e-mail: [email protected]

Floods are a constant hazard in many parts of the world with resulting in loss of lifeand damaging to property and infrastructures. The number of people affected byriver floods has been increasing in recent years. When the compared with all otherdisasters in the past 30 years, it shows that the hazard of floods and windstorms israpidly increasing around the world. There are a number of reasons for flood occur-rences such as intensive rainfall, morphometric characteristics of basins, deforesta-tion, land use change and sometimes misapplications on the river channels. All thesereasons can play important role in flood occurrence individually or collectively. Thisstudy has been focused on the basin morphometry due to becoming a constant nat-ural factor. The other factors both natural and manmade (e.g. intensive rainfall, de-forestation, land use and misapplications on the river channel) change from time totime depend on different reasons.Every basin has its own geometric characteristic which is referred as the basin mor-phometry based on geology, geomorphology and climatic conditions. Evaluation ofmorphometric parameters necessitates the analysis of linear, areal and relief charac-teristics of the basin. These characteristics can be used to predict or describe geo-morphic processes such as prediction of flood peaks, assessment of sediment yieldsand estimation of erosion rates. Basin morphometry can be applied to entire basinand interior sub-basins to deduce which sub-basin is more effective to produce floodon the main channel. The main goal of this study is to point out the importance ofsub-basin morphometry on main channel flooding with apply it to Havran Riverbasin.The Havran River basin is situated between coordinates 26° 55’ 30’’- 27° 22’ 30’’ Elongitudes and 39° 25’ 30’’–39° 43’ 30’’ N latitudes in the western part of Balikesirdistrict, western Turkey. With a perimeter of 138.8 km, covering an area of approx-imately 570 km2, and having 8 sub-basins, basin elevation varies from 0 to 1290 mabove sea level. Catastrophic floods occurred on the Havran River in the years of1528, 1904, 1958, 1964, 1968, 1979 and 1981. Flooding has not occurred since 1981on the river due to decreased of rainfall intensity. Moreover, some prevention meas-ures have been taken on the river channel such as canalization and construction ofweirs. Also a dam was constructed to decrease water income from sub-basin 4(Gelin Stream) to main channel.To extract and evaluate the morphometric characteristics at basin and sub-basinscale, topographic maps scaled 1:25,000, a 10 m Digital Elevation Model (DEM),and discharge data of the tributaries in last 30 years and GPS measurements in the



main channel were used. The drainage networks of the basin were extracted fromDEM using Geographic Information System (GIS). Morphometric parameters suchas ordering of the various streams (Nu), measurement of basin area (A) and perime-ter (P), length of drainage channels (L), drainage density (Dd), stream frequency(Fs), bifurcation ratio (Rb), texture ratio (T), basin relief (Bh), ruggedness number(Rn) and time of concentration (Tc) were calculated at 8 sub-basins level. The resultsof morphometric parameters of the sub-basins were evaluated to measure the effec-tiveness on the main channel. Basin morphometry result was compared with pro-duced hydraulic modelling results using Hec-GeoRas and Hec-Ras considered dis-charge data of sub-basins which join to main channel after the dam.This study reveals that evaluating the basin morphometry is of a great helps inanalysing sub-basins effect on the main channel from the flooding point of view.Morphometric analysis results indicated that the sub-basin 4 has the fourth order in-fluence on the main channel. This means that the sub-basins 1, 3, and 5, which jointhe main channel after the dam, have more influence on the main channel than thesub-basin 4. Hydraulic modelling results show that even if there is no dischargefrom the sub-basin 4, flooding will still occur on the main channel in spite of thecanalization and the dam.



GEOMORPHOLOGICALMAPOF THE SURROUNDINGS OFCORVARA IN BADIA (DOLOMITES, ITALY)

M. Panizza1, L. Borgatti2, P. Coratza1, A. Corsini1, A. Ghinoi1, L. Keim3,M. Marchetti1, A. Pasuto4, D. Piacentini1, S. Silvano4 & M. Soldati1

1 Dip. Scienze Terra, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia2 Dip. Ing. Strutture, Trasporti, Acque, Rilevamento e Territorio, Università di Bologna3 Uff. Geologia e prove materiali, Provincia Autonoma di Bolzano4 Istituto di Ricerca per la Protezione Idrogeologica, CNR-IRPI, PadovaCorresponding author: Mauro Marchetti, e-mail: [email protected]

Geomorphological investigations in the area of Corvara in Badia (Dolomites, Italy)have been carried out since the 1990s mainly within national and European researchprojects. This has enabled the researchers to define, on the one hand, the geomorpho-logical evolution of the area and, on the other hand, the spatial and temporal occurrenceof landslides, that are the most spread geomorphological feature of the studied area.Geomorphological investigations have also been finalised in a geomorphologicalmap at 1:20,000 scale. The method used for the survey and mapping follows theguidelines issued by the Italian National Geological Service for the 1:50,000 Geo-morphological map of Italy, with the exception of some changes due to the largerscale adopted.The geomorphological mapping process took advantage of the output of a series ofinvestigations carried out during more than ten years in the Upper Badia Valley, suchas multitemporal analyses of aerial and terrestrial photos and maps, annual field-work, as well as instrumental sampling and monitoring of several landslides. Partic-ularly significant to reconstruct the geomorphological evolution of the area wereabout 50 radiocarbon organic samples generally collected into buried sites (many ofthem picked up from landslide bodies or lacustrine deposits) that gave important ra-diocarbon ages related also to pollen analysis.The Upper Badia Valley is located in the eastern Dolomites and surrounded by highplateaus such as Sella Group (Piz Boè, 3110 m a.s.l.), Gardenaccia Group (Col DalaSone, 2633 m), Contourines (Piz Dles Contourines, 3064 m), Settsass and LagazuoiGroups (Piz Lagazuoi, 2762 m). The area is linked to surrounding alpine valleys byfamous alpine passes: Gardena Pass towards west (2150 m), Campolongo Pass to-wards South (1875 m), Valparola and Falzarego Passes towards southeast (2109 m).Water courses flow towards north and the main stream is Rio Gadera.During the Last Glacial Maximum, the whole area was covered by a thick ice cap,till about 2300 m a.s.l., flowing from north and partially linked to contiguous icetongues through the main Alpine passes. During the Late Glacial Ice masses in thearea were confined among the main Dolomite Groups and flux changed fromFalzarego, Campolongo and Gardena Passes towards the north. Some moraineridges witness the movement in the valley bottom.The geological structure of the area, characterised by an alternation of dolomitic



rocks (Triassic carbonate platforms) and successions of prevalently pelitic compo-nents, has markedly conditioned the morphological evolution of the slopes after theretreat of the LGM glaciers. The stratigraphical sequence outcropping in the area ofCorvara in Badia covers a period of time ranging from Late Permian to Early Cre-taceous. The Quaternary deposits, mainly deriving from landslide phenomena, arewidespread inside the valley, masking the substratum and making the recognition oftectonic elements along the valley bottom particularly difficult.The slope morphology is softly degrading in the medium and lower parts wherepelitic formations outcrop, while at higher altitudes subvertical dolomitic walls riseup, eventually interrupted by typical ledges, thick scree slopes, located in correspon-dence with more erodible formations. The whole area has often been affected bylandslide phenomena of various types and of sometimes notable dimensions, someof which are still active today. As a result of the favourable morphological condi-tions, the area has witnessed progressive urbanisation, which has also been tied toan intensive tourist development.



CARTAGEOMORFOLOGICA DELLE MASIERE DI VEDANANELVALLONE BELLUNESE

G.B. Pellegrini1 & L. Caneve2

1 Università di Padova2 Geomorphologist, BolzanoCorresponding author: Giovanni Battista Pellegrini, e-mail: [email protected]

La carta geomorfologica rappresenta il vasto accumulo della frana delle Masiere diVedana che si trova alla confluenza delle valli del T. Cordevole e del T. Mis nel Val-lone Bellunese. La frana si staccò in più fasi dalle pareti del M.Peron (1486 m), chesono costituite dai calcari delle diverse formazioni del Mesozoico. Nella zona dellanicchia di distacco gli strati assumono una giacitura subverticale determinata dal so-vrascorrimento della Linea di Belluno. L’accumulo di frana si è sparso su un’areamolto estesa (circa 5,5 km2) e si distribuisce in modo irregolare per più di 5 km dilunghezza e 4 km di larghezza. Il volume complessivo è stato valutato in circa 100milioni di m3. Il materiale franato raggiunge, nella parte centrale, una potenza massi-ma di 40 m. Nell’area d’accumulo si sono riconosciuti due settori principali aventicaratteristiche morfologiche e sedimentologiche differenti. Nel settore più lontanodal versante si osserva una morfologia di tipo glaciale, con dossi e avvallamenti. I de-positi, un diamicton a supporto di matrice con alcuni massi del volume di parecchimetri cubi, sono costituiti essenzialmente da “Calcare del Vajont”, “Rosso Ammoni-tico” e “Calcari di Fonzaso”, rocce che affiorano nell’area della nicchia di frana,. Nelsettore più vicino al versante è presente una topografia irregolare con frequenti cu-muli e depressioni, che ricordano la tipica morfologia delle aree interessate da ghiac-cio morto. In questo secondo settore si possono distinguere due aree: nella prima i de-triti hanno dimensioni molto varie da piccole a medie e sono costituiti essenzialmen-te da “Dolomie” e “Calcari del Vajont”; nella seconda, i detriti, costituiti soprattuttoda “Calcari Grigi”, hanno una granulometria assai varia con massi che, in prossimi-tà della nicchia di frana, possono raggiungere il volume di almeno mille metri cubi.I diversi Autori che si occuparono di questo fenomeno gravitativo ritennero che av-venne quando il ghiacciaio del Cordevole occupava ancora il fondovalle, ma la sualingua glaciale era già separata da quella del ghiacciaio del Piave. Sulla base dinuove evidenze morfologiche, sedimentologiche e stratigrafiche è possibile propor-re una interpretazione che implica due principali fasi di evoluzione. Nella prima faseil materiale franato fu trasportato in avanti lontano dalle pareti del M. Peron dalghiacciaio del Cordevole (le prove di questa fase sono documentate nel settore pe-riferico della zona d’accumulo). La seconda fase avvenne quando il fondovalle eraancora occupato da estese placche di ghiaccio morto (presenza d’ampie conche re-siduali: kettles), ma con le caratteristiche delle valanghe di roccia (intensa frammen-tazione delle rocce con apparente stratificazione in profondità, concentrazione e“galleggiamento” dei massi in superficie).Gli ampi scavi, che da molti anni si eseguono per sfruttare il pietrisco fornito da que-



ste “Masiere”, hanno messo a giorno diversi affioramenti, permettendo una analisidettagliata di questo fenomeno, e la ricostruzione della seguente sequenza stratigra-fica presso Sass Muss (dalla base alla sommità): 1) Substrato in roccia; 2) Conglo-merato di Roe; 3) Paleosuolo; 4) Depositi glaciali; 5) Sedimenti glaciolacustri, da-tati TL 19.700 ± 3000 anni BP; 6) Depositi glaciali dell’ultima fase glaciale; 7) De-positi di frana trasportati dal ghiacciaio (Marocca del Cordevole), costituiti da “Cal-cari di Fonzaso”, “Rosso Ammonitico” e “Calcare del Vajont”; 8) Depositi di frana(rock avalanche) costituiti da “Calcare del Vajont” e da “Calcari Grigi”, con grandimassi.Non è stato possibile ottenere una datazione diretta dei depositi della frana, ma lecorrelazioni stratigrafiche indicano che i depositi devono essere più recenti dell’ul-tima massima espansione glaciale e l’età dei depositi di frana (7) dovrebbe esseremolto prossima a quella dei depositi glaciali (6), perché non esiste traccia di un pa-leosuolo o di una superficie d’erosione fra i due depositi. Queste evidenze stratigra-fiche e le analisi geomorfologiche mostrano che il fenomeno di frana iniziò duranteuna delle prime fasi della deglaciazione alpina, ed in particolare quando il ghiaccia-io del Cordevole era già separato dal ghiacciaio del Piave. Questa fase è stata recen-temente datata fra 16.210 ± 50 e 15.000 anni BP. L’ultima fase (rock avalanche) po-trebbe però essere addirittura olocenica.



EXTENTAND IMPACT OF HYDRO-GEOMORPHOLOGICDISASTERS IN PORTUGAL

I. Quaresma & J.L. Zêzere

Geographical Studies Centre, University of Lisbon, PortugalCorresponding author: José Luis Zêzere, e-mail: [email protected]

The record and analysis of statistical information on disaster occurrence, impacts andlosses have been made worldwide in recent years. The development of natural disas-ters databases is crucial for risk management purposes, because it allows improvingsystems of indicators on disaster risk and vulnerability at national and sub-nationalscales. During the last century, Portugal was affected by several destructing naturaldisasters, namely of hydrologic (floods) and geomorphologic (landslides) origin.However, only recently risk prevention and management was assumed to be a nation-al priority by the Portuguese Government. In addition, the basic information on pastfloods and landslides occurred in Portugal is disperse and incomplete and this is ashortcoming for the implementation of effective disaster mitigation measures.In this work we present a preliminary assessment of hydro-geomorphologic disas-ters occurred in Portugal since the beginning of the 20th century, based on the sys-tematic survey of daily national newspapers, for a 107 year time period. We includ-ed into a database those floods and landslides that produced, alternatively, dead peo-ple, injured people, missing people, evacuated and homeless. A total of 1018 hydro-geomorphologic events were registered. In addition to physical and material dam-ages, these events produced economic losses amounting to millions Euros.Our attention will focuse on the geographic distribution and the temporal dimensionof disastrous floods and landslides occurred in Portugal, and the temporal trends ofhydro-geomorphologic disasters will be presented.The preliminary results shown that disastrous floods and landslides have been morefrequent on the most populated regions of Portugal: the metropolitan areas of Lis-bon and Oporto. Moreover, the beginning of the 21st century has been characterizedby the widespread territorial dispersion of losses resulting from hydrologic and ge-omorphologic phenomena, which is a probable consequence of the widespread in-appropriate use of dangerous zones in several Portuguese regions.Finally, we assess the societal risk regarding landslides and floods in Portugalthrough the construction of F-N curves.



VINEYARDS OF THE UPPER RHONE VALLEY(VALAIS, SWITZERLAND) AND GEOMORPHOLOGY

E. Reynard, J.B. Bosson & S. Martin

Institute of Geography, University of Lausanne, SwitzerlandCorresponding author: Emmanuel Reynard, e-mail: [email protected]

Vineyards were introduced in the Upper Rhone valley (Switzerland) almost since theRomanian times. Since, due to climate (dry and sunny weather) and geological con-ditions, wine production has continuously developed. Since the end of the 19th cen-tury, the vineyard surfaces have doubled and are now more than 5200 ha.Within the framework of a project on the history of wine in Valais, mapping of his-torical changes of vineyard surfaces was carried out. Several typical situations (peri-urban vineyards, vineyards located in different geomorphologic contexts etc.) werestudied. Precise mapping (scale 1:25,000) was carried out using topographic maps.Vineyard surfaces and other spatial elements were digitised and analysed within aGeographical Information System (GIS). Maps of landscape evolution and 3D repre-sentations of the rural landscape at several epochs were realised since the 1880s.A second step, carried out within a project called “Stone and wine” developed by theGeotechnical commission of the Swiss Academy of Sciences, consisted to digitise thewhole vineyard surfaces in 1880 and 2000 and to produce a simplified geomorpho-logical map of the Valais vineyards. The proposed poster will present the two maps(evolution of vineyards 1880-2000 and geomorphological map of Valais vineyards).



HISTORICALAND PRESENT-DAY ROCKFALLSAND DEEP-SEATED MOVEMENTS IN THE ESTREMADURA

LIMESTONE MASSIF, PORTUGAL

M.L. Rodrigues

CEG-UL - Geographical Studies Centre, University of Lisbon, PortugalCorresponding author: Maria Luisa Rodrigues, e-mail: [email protected]

Located in central Portugal, 20 km far from the Atlantic Ocean, the EstremaduraLimestone Massif (ELM) is formed by uplifted compartments with moderate alti-tudes (max. 680 m). Affected by tectonics (folds, faults, overthrusts), the pattern ofjoints (including bedding planes) is a decisive factor in the geomorphologic process-es, such as karst phenomena and slope movements. The thick Dogger limestonecomplex is the most extensive outcrop controlling the development of the karstforms and rockfall events. However the bedrock formations complexity (from In-fralias to lower Cretaceous) plays an important role in the spatial distribution ofslope movements. Besides limestones, clay-evaporitic series, marly clays, marls andmarly limestones form other units.These structural and lithological factors, connected with particular karst hydrologicconditions and with a vigorous morphology, explain the occurrence of differenttypes of landslides, namely due to creep and lateral spread processes, rockfalls, top-ples and some slides. The study of instability was based on field surveys and geo-morphologic mapping at a 1:2000 scale and, sometimes, this detailed analysis wascomplemented by case studies fulfilled at a larger scale.Several instability processes were identified, although they are responsible for dif-ferent erosion rates and degrees of hazard. Among them are falls, mostly rockfalls,topples, some slides (namely rotational and translation movements), lateral spreadsand slow flows (sometimes named creep movements), that correspond in the slopesto deep-seated gravitational slope deformations (DGSD).In this presentation we will focused on two types of slope movements: i) old rock-falls, corresponding to big old events triggered by earthquakes (Bergsturz, >106 m3

and cliff falls, 104 to 106 m3), and present-day rockfalls quite smaller, that are by farthe most numerous events in the ELM, sometimes preceded by topples or small slidemovements; ii) deep-seated gravitational slope deformational movements that rise alot of problems related with land management.As rockfalls are events that operate discontinuously in time and space, is necessaryto make spatial assessments of the movements and analyze the control and trigger-ing factors. It is usual to classify rockfalls according to the size of the event. Indeed,as the time of occurrence it’s very difficult to predict, we can correlate the magni-tude and the frequency of the events that occur in different time conditions.With regard to the temporal assessment a distinction was made between rockfallepisodes related to the last glacial period, identified only by stratigraphic evidences,and those that have the whole or part of the morphology preserved. The last ones



were classified in three major groups: old events of large magnitude and low fre-quency; recent events, more frequent but smaller (boulder falls and block falls), sub-divided according to the freshness of the scarps. These morphological characteris-tics allow the distinction between movements younger and older than three years(the last ones show well preserved accumulation zone but the departure zone is al-ready effaced).The field survey stressed the importance of lithology, tectonics and slope angleamong the main controlling factors of falls, both in the spatial distribution and in thetypology of movements. Therefore, besides classifying rockfalls according to itssize, we made an adaptation of Cruden’s classification of rockslides adjusting thecriteria and enlarging the typology of the movements. This procedure reveals inter-esting results in the spatial assessment of the areas prone to rockfalls. The typologyof the slopes affected by rockfalls is:1) cataclinal slopes, were the bedding planes dip in the same direction of slopeangle, subdivided in: 1.1 cataclinal overdip slopes, were slope angle is greater thanthe inclination of bedding planes; 1.2 cataclinal dip slopes, were the slope angle andinclination of bedding planes are similar; 1.3 cataclinal underdip slopes, were slopeangle is smaller than the inclination of bedding planes; 2) orthoclinal slopes, werebedding planes are perpendicular or slightly oblique to slope orientation; 3) anacli-nal slopes; were slope angle is opposite to the inclination of bedding planes; 4)slopes formed by densely fractured rocks.In the studied area the rockfalls in orthoclinal slopes are dominant. However, thoughthey have a high frequency, they show a small magnitude (mainly debris falls andboulder falls). Rockfalls in anaclinal slopes are also of small size. The rockfalls ofgreater magnitude occur in cataclinal slopes, particularly in dip and overdip ones,and mainly in the slopes formed by densely fractured rocks. In this last group ofslopes were identified the major old and present rockslides.The study of rockfalls, deep-seated gravitational slope deformations, slides andother instability processes in the ELM, was the basis for the construction of hazardmaps and other maps applied to land management.



THE GLACIERS OF THE ADAMELLO PRESANELLAGROUPAND RECENT CLIMATIC VARIATIONS

M.C. Salvatore1, C. Baroni2 & A. Carton3

1 Dip. Scienze della Terra, Università di Roma “La Sapienza”2 Dip. Scienze della Terra, Università di Pisa3 Dip. Geografia “G. Morandini”, Università di PadovaCorresponding author: Carlo Baroni, e-mail: [email protected]

The over one hundred glacial bodies of the Adamello-Presanella Group are sensitiveenvironmental indicators, which promptly responded to climate changes. Their sizesrange from approximately 1800 hectares of the Ghiacciaio dell’Adamello (in 1983AD) to a few hectares of the smaller glaciers nesting in protected areas. Glaciers ofthe Adamello-Presanella retain a relevant and strategic water resource, available,easily accessible and not substantially polluted. The melting of these glaciers duringthe summer regulates the flow of rivers Adige, Oglio, Sarca, and Chiese, concurringto maintain balance in the levels of prealpine lakes (lakes Garda, Iseo, and Idro).The importance of glaciers, seen as a natural resource, is emphasized by their inten-sive exploitation for generating hydroelectric power, for agricultural purposes, forcivil and industrial consume. Furthermore, glaciers are natural systems that can pro-vide guidance on environmental history and climate on a given region. Finally, theirpast behaviour provides a key for interpretation to understanding the mechanismsthat govern the dynamics and for predicting their future reaction to climatic and en-vironmental stresses acting at present.Using data collected by operators of the CGI who, tirelessly and voluntarily eachyear since one hundred years, ensured to control glaciers frontal variation, we recon-structed detailed time distance curve of the monitored glaciers. Valuable control ofthe data comes from old photographs, multitemporal topographic maps and aerialphotographs, and satellite images.Between the time of maximum glacial extension recorded in the first half of thenineteenth century (the final stage of the Little Age Ice Age) and 2007, the glaciersof Adamello-Presanella Group have experienced a net reduction in area of about40%. Significant loss of volume accompanied the areal reduction, thereby signifi-cantly decreasing the water stored in the mass. Compared to the time of the GreatWar there was a lowering of the surface ice of more than 70 m, as documented bythe position of refuge “Ai Caduti dell’Adamello” compared to the present glacialsurface. With reference to the Ghiacciaio della Lobbia, the variation of the limit ofsnow between the period of maximum expansion of the Little Ice Age and the Age1983 indicating an increase of about 75 m. This increase, if only for a reportedchange in temperature, would correspond to an increase of about 0.45 °C mean an-nual temperature between the Little Ice Age and the Age 1983.Moreover, in recent years, many glaciers have been found completely below thelimit of perennial snow, suffering more significant areal and volumetric reduction.



Only the inertia of the masses of ice against the merger has allowed them to over-come the most critical stages: the serious imbalance that seems to characterize gla-ciers compared to current climatic conditions suggests that if this situation will last,we should wait for further dramatic reductions in areal extension and thickness.What will be the consequences on water stored in glaciers? Which scenarios are weexpecting in the coming decades? To these questions there is not a certain answer. Itwould be a greater awareness that only by a more precise knowledge of glaciers,their world and their history is clearly a better and proper opportunity to protect theirlives and manage the rich resources that nature provides us.



GEOMORPHIC MAP OF THE TASMANGLACIER REGION, NEW ZEALAND

M. Seppälä

Department of Geography, University of Helsinki, FinlandCorresponding author: Matti Seppälä, e-mail: [email protected]

Tasman Glacier is some 29 km long and 4 km wide valley glacier located on South-ern Alps of New Zealand (43°37’S, 170°12’E). It passes the highest peat (3754 ma.s.l.) of the Alps, Mount Cook and flows south and east towards the MackenzieBasin.A geomorphic map was prepared on the basis of field observations and aerial pho-tographs of April 1971. The map covers also Hooker and Murchison Glacier valleys.About half of the glacier lengths are debris covered and already 38 years ago theyhad thawed a lot as indicated by the lateral moraines up to 100 m in height on thevalley slopes.Annual vertical weathering rate of the rocks in this region are about 1 mm which ex-plains the thick debris on the glaciers and very active galley erosion on slopes, rockslides and solifluction.Lower edge of Tasman Glacier is very special. The debris-covered part is full ofsmall funnel-like pits showing the ice melting from this bottom and effect of thesubglacial streams. This process will cause a very special hummocky moraine sur-face when ice is totally melting away. Subglacial streams drift the debris off fromthe pits and the untouched sites have thick debris cover which forms the hummocks.Geomorphic processes of this region are very active. Some remarks of glacier surgesand landslides can be found on the map. Brained streams on outwash plains charac-terize the lower valleys.The map gives us an idea of the situation before rapid thawing of the glaciers. In1971 there was no lake at the edge of Tasman Glacier. Dr. Martin Brook fromMassey University has reported by 2008 a lake that was 7 km long, 2 km wide and245 m deep existed at the glacier. Brook predicts that the glacier will eventually dis-appear with the new lake in 10-19 years.




SURFACE DISPLACEMENT OF TWOACTIVE ROCK GLACIERSIN THE ADAMELLO-PRESANELLAGROUP (CENTRAL ITALIAN

ALPS): A 7-YEAR MONITORING SERIES

R. Seppi1, A. Carton2, C. Baroni3, M. Zumiani4 & M. Degasperi5

1 Dip. Scienze della Terra, Università di Pavia2 Dip. Geografia “G. Morandini”, Università di Padova3 Dip. Scienze della Terra, Università di Pisa4 Geomorphologist, Tenno (TN)5 Servizio Geologico, Provincia Autonoma di TrentoCorresponding author: Roberto Seppi, e-mail: [email protected]

Active rock glaciers are among the most widespread periglacial landforms in thecryogenic belt of the Alps. They originate from the creep of perennially frozen de-bris (i.e. permafrost) and move downslope with typical velocities ranging from fewcm to more than 1 m per year. The surface displacement of active rock glaciers ismarkedly variable from year to year, and in the European Alps a recent speeding uptrend has been underlined on some landforms. The interannual variability of the sur-face motion seems to be related to climatic factors influencing the rock glaciersground surface temperature, such as the air temperature and the thickness and dura-tion of the winter snow cover. The dynamic response of permafrost landforms likerock glaciers is expected to change in the future due to the ongoing climate warm-ing.In the Adamello Presanella Group (Central Italian Alps), two active rock glaciers(named “Maroccaro RG” and “Amola RG”) have been selected for carrying outmultitemporal topographic surveys, in order to study their surface displacement rateand their dynamic behaviour. The rock glaciers are located at very different alti-tudes, and their lower parts (upper edge of the frontal slope) reach 2760 m a.s.l. and2360 m a.s.l. respectively. The Maroccaro RG faces south-west, whereas the AmolaRG faces north.The measurements started in 2001 and have been repeated in the late summer of thefollowing years (2002, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008). On each rock glacier, a monitoringnetwork of 25 large boulders marked with steel bolts has been established and alaser theodolite has been used for performing the surveys. For monitoring the near-surface ground temperature, miniature temperature data-loggers have been placedon each rock glacier since 2004. Detailed meteorological data (i.e. air temperatureand snow thickness) covering the full monitoring period are available from automat-ic weather stations located near the studied landforms.The monitoring series shows an average horizontal velocity of about 0.13 m/year forboth the two rock glaciers over the whole period of observations (2001-2008). Thefastest boulders are located on the lower sector of each rock glacier and move withaverage velocities of about 0.20 m/year on the Maroccaro RG and more than 0.30m/year on the Amola RG. Some areas with very slow rates of displacement (0.02 –



0.06 m/year) can be observed on both the landforms. In particular, the more stableareas (i.e. inactive from a dynamic point of view) are the upper sector of the Maroc-caro RG and part of the frontal sector of the Amola RG. The inactivity status of thislobe is supported by field evidences, such as a subdued morphology and an intensevegetation cover of the fine-grained debris slope.Concerning every interval of measurement, the average velocity shows an evidentinterannual variability, and both the rock glaciers display a nearly homogeneous andsynchronous behaviour. Maximum values were recorded in the 2-year period 2002-2004 (no measurements available in 2003), with an average displacement of about0.18 m/year (Maroccaro RG) and 0.19 m/year (Amola RG). The minimum velocitywas recorded in the interval 2007-2008 on the Maroccaro RG (0.08 m/year) and be-tween 2004 and 2006 (2-year interval, no measurement available in 2005) on theAmola RG (0.09 m/year).In this study, the rock glaciers surface displacement and the ground near-surfacethermal regime will be compared with the major climatic parameters on the sameperiod of time, and the potential relationships between the dynamic behaviour of thelandforms and the local climatic conditions will be discussed.



REMOTE SENSING ANALYSIS OF NEOTECTONICDEVELOPMENT OF DRAINAGE NETWORK IN THE

NORTHERN APENNINES (ITALY): PRELIMINARY RESULTS

S. Siddiqui1 & S.A. Mahmood2

1 Dip. Scienze della Terra, Universita di Modena e Reggio Emilia2 Institute of Geology, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, GermanyCorresponding author: Saima Siddiqui, e-mail: [email protected]

The northern Apennines is one of the tectonically and geomorphic active regions inthe world. The Apennine fold and thrust belt of peninsular Italy forms part of theAfrica-verging mountain system in the Alpine-Mediterranean area. This areaevolved within the framework of the convergent motion between the African andEuropean plates. Northern Apennines tectonics is fairly well known for thePliocene–Pleistocene, and is dominated by thrusts which propagated northeastwardtowards the Po Plain. The main aim of this work is to analyse the morphology ofNorthern Apennines Po Plain side river basins in order to obtain information on theuplift and deformation style currently acting in the area. We used Landsat data anddigital elevation models (DEMs) from Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission data(SRTM by NASA), USGS and Italian (INGV) earthquake seismology data to inves-tigate the neotectonic activity in this region. Drainage network of the region hasbeen extracted from the DEM in the form of longitudinal elevation profiles andcatchment area profiles. Stream profile analysis was implemented in this region byusing power law of scaling relation under steady state conditions (e.g. Uplift = Ero-sion). Concavity and steepness indices have been computed as they have a close re-lation with surface uplift with a set of specially designed Matlab Algorithms. FromConcavity and steepness indices, uplift rate and Hack-SL index maps have been pre-pared from further analysis of drainage network and they show spatially variable rel-ative uplift rates and gradients in this region. The DEM was further used for extrac-tion of lineaments using Hough Transformation to make a mutual correlation withthe local drainage network. The results show that the relative uplift rates (SRTMlaunching date) seem to be higher in Emilia contradicting the local seismicity andless or almost same in Romagna. This study needs to be further improved by usingGPS and high resolution ASTER and SPOT data.



MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH IN THE OPEN-AIRLABORATORY OF THE ISLAND OFMALTA:

AN INTERNATIONAL NETWORK FOR LANDSLIDEHAZARD ASSESSMENT IN COASTALAREAS

M. Soldati1, J. Bonachea2, V.M. Bruschi2, P. Coratza1, S. Devoto1, A. González-Díez2,O. Magri3, M. Mantovani4, A. Pasuto4, D. Piacentini1, J. Remondo2 & J.A. Schembri3

1 Dip. Scienze della Terra, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia2 Dpto. Ciencias de la Tierra y Física de la Materia Condensada, Universidad de

Cantabria, Spain3 Mediterranean Institute - Geography Division, University of Malta, Malta4 Istituto di Ricerca per la Protezione Idrogeologica, CNR-IRPI, PadovaCorresponding author: Mauro Soldati, e-mail: [email protected]

In recent years, the interest in slope instability has increased significantly due to dis-asters occurring annually in different parts of the world, also as a result of climatechange and modifications to the precipitation and aridity regimes. The research proj-ect here presented, funded by the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Modena sinceDecember 2008, can be included within this context and aims at investigatingcoastal instability in the island of Malta. This aspect has been until now slightlydealt with, despite significant risk issues, as evidenced from a series of accidents anddamages recorded after landslide events. These issues are of current relevance, dueto the fact that Malta has the highest population density in Europe (1200 persons persquare kilometre), an annual influx of one million tourists and some of the most pop-ular recreational sites located underneath landslide-prone cliffs.Investigations are carried out by means of the collaboration between the Universi-ties of Modena (Italy), Cantabria (Spain) and Malta with Italian National ResearchCouncil (CNR) and, in particular, thanks to the mobility of young researchers.The objectives of the project are pursued through multidisciplinary investigations whichforesee a geomorphological and engineering geological approach. In order to achieve theaims, the research project is organised in a series of work packages including mapping,monitoring and modelling of landslides along the north-west coast of Malta.The first phase of the research consisted of a retrospective study on events of insta-bility occurred within the research area during historic times. In conjunction withthe retrospective study, the collection and analysis of historic climatic data has beencarried out.The second phase foresaw a multi-temporal analysis of aerial photographs has beendeveloped, with special attention given to landslide phenomena. To achieve this aimboth the traditional stereoscopic techniques and digital photogrammetry techniqueshave been utilized.A geomorphological survey at a scale of 1:10,000 for the entire NW coastal regionof the island of Malta is presently in progress. This phase will also lead to the pro-duction of a detailed geomorphological map at a 1:5000 scale for specific sites


where hazard conditions are more relevant. Such a document, which will be per-formed by means of GIS technology, to manage better the collected geographicaldata, will represent a useful comprehensive basis as well as an original document forthe area, since such documents do not exist for the island of Malta.Furthermore in specific sites, selected for detailed investigations, radar interfero-metric analysis, LIDAR and GPS surveys will be performed. Actually, a GPS mon-itoring network has been active on the north-west coast of Malta since 2005, con-sisting in two reference stations and more than 20 benchmarks spread all over theunstable areas. In order to guarantee the repetitiveness of the surveys, avoiding po-sitioning errors, a forced centring device for the GPS antenna was realized at eachbenchmark. Moreover extensometers provided with data logger will be installed tomonitor in continuous the displacements along the most active fractures.On the basis of the results achieved in the previous phases of the research, the evo-lution of landslide phenomena will be analysed, with particular attention to rockspreading and rock falls.Finally, from the critical review of the results obtained by the four research units tak-ing part in the project, the last step will consist of the joint assessment and mappingof landslide hazard related to the study area.Significant methodological information can be obtained from the integrated use ofthese different techniques and models. Such information can be of interest for theentire scientific community and for institutions dealing with geomorphological riskissues, even for planning purposes.



LANDSLIDE OCCURRENCE AS A PROXY OF CLIMATECHANGE: EVIDENCE FROM THE ITALIAN DOLOMITES

M. Soldati1 & L. Borgatti2

1 Dip. Scienze della Terra, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia2 Dip. Ingegneria delle Strutture, dei Trasporti, delle Acque, del Rilevamento, del

Territorio, Università di BolognaCorresponding author: Mauro Soldati, e-mail: [email protected]

Landslides, and their concentration in different periods of the Holocene, have notbeen considered as climate proxies so far, though they could improve significantlythe insight of the environmental context as a whole in the reconstructions of pastclimate changes.The key to answer the questions concerning how and why climate has varied on dif-ferent time-scales is, in fact, to improve the documentation and understanding ofnatural variability for periods extending back beyond the instrumental record.Knowledge of past climate changes has to be gained from well-calibrated proxydata derived from different natural archives, that should provide accurate records ofclimate history, should be dated with annual precision on a calendar year time-scaleand cross-correlated through time. Actually, no single archive encompasses suchproperties and information from different sources is to be merged in a multidisci-plinary framework.In this context, when the geomorphological evolution of a slope can be describedby way of surveys, radiometric dating, cross-sections etc., and climate is consideredto be the main cause of its eventual past and/or present instability, temporal concen-trations of events can become significant in a paleoclimatic perspective, especiallyif a relatively large number of landslides have been recorded.Within the research carried out since decades in the Dolomites (Italy), especially inthe Upper Badia and Cortina d’Ampezzo areas, the event statigraphy of past lands-liding has been traced thanks to the availability of large number of natural and arti-ficial trenches and boreholes, in which more than 70 organic matter samples hasbeen collected and dated with the radiocarbon method.During the Holocene, notwithstanding the evident influence of the geological andstructural factors on slope modelling in the study areas, a possible cause-effect rela-tionship between the phases of active slope movements and climate changes takingplace from the Lateglacial to date can be inferred. In particular, by analysing the dataset, four periods of enhanced landsliding can be outlined in correspondence with en-vironmental crisis periods described in literature: I. from 10,500 to 9500 cal BP, be-tween Younger Dryas and the Preboreal; II. from 8000 to 7000 cal BP, during theolder Atlantic; III. from 6000 to 4500 cal BP, between Atlantic and Subboreal; IV.from 3000 to 2000 cal BP, between Subboreal and Subatlantic.The first period of enhanced slope instability corresponds to the beginning of theHolocene, in the Preboreal and Boreal and reflects the response of the slope-systemto the changes in the environmental forcing processes. The retreat of Late Glacial



Maximum glaciers made the valley flanks more prone to an accelerated geomorphicactivity. The response of the slope-system consisted on large rock slides, affectingthe dolomite slopes after the withdrawal of Würm glaciers and on complex move-ments (rotational slides and flows) involving the underlying pelitic formations. Theslope movements ascribed to the following phases may likely be considered as re-activations of more ancient events, linked to more humid climate.At the moment, the records of landslide activity cannot be considered as compre-hensive proxy archives, but if the dataset is large and the geomorphological contextis well-constrained, they can give a significant contribution to the establishment ofa multidisciplinary paleoclimatic multi-proxy database. In any case, the correlationof landslide activity records with the environmental context deduced from otherproxies has validated the assumption that the process of landsliding in theDolomites is an expression of slope-system sensitivity to climate changes.



HYDRO-GEOMORPHOLOGYAPPLIED TOFLOOD HAZARD ESTIMATION IN MEDITERRANEAN

EPHEMERAL STREAMS (RAMBLAS)

J. Soriano García & A.M. Camarasa Belmonte

Dpto. Geografia, Universidad de València, SpainCorresponding author: Julián Soriano García, e-mail: [email protected]

Spanish Mediterranean coastal floodplains show a high concentration of populationand economical activities. One of the most important features dealing with landmanagement is flood risk estimation. Risk is a function of hazard and vulnerabilityand, within hazard delineation, hydro-geomorphology plays an important role.There are several methods to perform flood hazard mapping that, in general, can begrouped into four main categories: 1) historical and palaeo-hydrological methods, 2)hydro-geomorphological methods, 3) hydrological-hydraulic methods, and the re-cently developed 4) dendro-geomorphological methods.Mapping flood hazard should be performed using complementarily as many of thesemethods as possible. Unfortunately, in the case of ramblas, this combination is re-ally difficult. On the one hand, palaeo-hydrological methods are not suitable for sosmall and torrential catchments as ramblas are and, on the other hand, hydrological-hydraulic methods demand a large amount of hydrologic data, non available in mostof these systems. In fact, many authors state the inadequacy of these methods to pre-dict extreme floods in Mediterranean catchments.However, hydro-geomorphological method is nowadays achieving more relevance.It is based on the location and typology of landforms and sediments generated dur-ing floods in order to delineate flooding areas and identify hydro-geomorphicprocesses occurred in the past. It is a qualitative approach that gives a realistic imageof the possible future processes and it is enough to make decisions, with a minimumeffort, in the 80% of the instances. Studies developed in the Mediterranean regionof southern France and north-western Spain have proved the effectiveness of thismethod in ephemeral streams, where channel and floodplain morphology are high-ly variable and changeable over time and, in addition, hydrological information isscarce or nearly inexistent.This work presents an application for mapping flood hazard in two Mediterraneancatchments -Barranc del Carraixet and Rambla de Poyo- based on hydro-geomor-phological interpretation. A synthetic hydro-geomorphological cartography was ob-tained with the support of previous studies and taking into account the forms andprocesses developed during the great flood event of October 2000. Thirteen differ-ent landforms related to flooding processes where identified and valuated in termsof hazard, ranking from levels 1 to 8, in which Level 1 represents the highest hazard(streams and critical points) and Level 8 the safety areas (mountains and longshorebars).Hydro-geomorphological method has proved to be highly effective for mappingflood hazard in this kind of torrential ephemeral streams, where standard hydrolog-



ical and hydraulic methods do not work properly. This method can work with scarci-ty of hydrological data and, what is more, is quite adaptable to any change in floodarea morphology (either natural or man made).As further applications, combining the resulting flood hazard map with a vulnera-bility map we will obtain a flood risk cartography. Analysis of risk from its con-stituents -hazard and vulnerability- makes possible the identification of different ty-pologies of risk areas, depending on the intensity and quality of its selected factors.Thus, we get a synthetic cartography with a great utility in land use planning, be-cause it enables a rapid diagnosis of the nature of the problem (natural factors,human factors…) and helps decision making in management strategies.



CHANNELADJUSTMENTS OFALLUVIALCHANNELSANDIMPLICATIONS FOR RIVER MANAGEMENTAND RESTORATION

N. Surian1, M. Rinaldi2 & L. Pellegrini3

1 Dip. Geografia, Università di Padova2 Dip. Ingegneria Civile e Ambientale, Università di Firenze3 Dip. Scienze della Terra, Università di PaviaCorresponding author: Nicola Surian, e-mail: [email protected]

Most Italian rivers have experienced widespread channel adjustments over the last200 years, mainly in response to a range of human activities. Our research has fo-cused on: (i) reconstructing channel changes and understanding of their causes; (ii)implications of such changes for river management and restoration. Thirteen rivershave been studied using various sources and methods (historical maps, aerial photo-graphs, topographic surveys, and geomorphological surveys).The selected rivers have undergone almost the same processes in terms of temporaltrends. Initially, river channels underwent a long phase of narrowing (up to 80%)and incision (up to 8-10 m), which started at the end of the 19th century and was veryintense from the 1950s to the 1980s. Then, over the last 15-20 years, channel widen-ing and sedimentation, or bed-level stabilization, have become the dominantprocesses in most of the rivers, though channel narrowing is still ongoing in somereaches. Channel adjustments were mainly driven by human actions, but the role oflarge floods was also notable in some cases. Different human interventions havebeen identified as the causes of channel adjustments (sediment mining, channeliza-tion, dams, reforestation and torrent control works). Such interventions have causeda dramatic alteration of the sediment regime, whereas effects on channel-formingdischarges have seldom been observed.Geomorphological approaches, specifically knowledge of channel evolution andsediment dynamics, have been increasingly used in river management over the lastfew years. We discuss three examples concerning (i) sustainable sediment manage-ment at basin scale, (ii) identification of potential channel recovery, (iii) definitionand monitoring of hydromorphological status of rivers. The first example deals withsolutions for promoting future sustainable management of sediment and channelprocesses in the Magra River catchment. Knowledge of channel evolution and itscauses was used as a basis for defining channel and sediment management strate-gies, coupled with quantification of bedload transport and bed sediment budget, andthe identification of areas most suitable for potential sediment recharge. The poten-tial of channel recovery was analysed in five gravel-bed rivers of north-eastern Italy.After defining four categories of channel taking into account recent channel evolu-tion, it was analysed how different sediment management strategies (reach andbasin-scale interventions) could affect future channel dynamics. We concluded thateven though both reach and basin-scale interventions may be carried out, it is like-ly that channels will not recover to the morphology they exhibited in the first half of



the 20th century, since sediment yield and connectivity will remain less than duringthe 19th century and the first half of the 20th century. The third example concerns anew methodology designed for assessing the hydromorphological condition of Ital-ian rivers and for monitoring their condition through time. This methodology is re-quired in the context of the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) which aimsto assess the ecological status of rivers not only using biological and chemical ele-ments, but also hydromorphological elements.



ON PLATE TECTONICS, LANDFORMS ANDENVIRONMENT OF INDONESIA IN THE CONTEXT OFDISASTER REDUCTION AND LAND MANAGEMENT

H.Th. Verstappen

ITC, Enschede, the NetherlandsCorresponding author: Herman Th. Verstappen, e-mail: [email protected]

The horizontal configuration and vertical dimension of the landforms occurring inthe tectonically unstable parts of Indonesia result in the first place from plate tecton-ics. Most of them date from the Quaternary and endogenous forces are ongoing.Three major plates – the northward moving Indo-Australian plate, the southeastward moving SE-Asian plate and the westward moving Pacific plate – dominate thetectonic situation. The narrow North-Moluccan plate is interposed between Asia andthe Pacific and tapers out northward in the Philippine mobile belt. The greatest re-lief amplitudes occur near the plate boundaries: deep ocean trenches are associatedwith subduction zones and mountain ranges with collision belts. Belts of volcanicactivity are associated with subduction zones. Absolute dating techniques, especial-ly of raised coral reefs, have led to a reliable chronology of these tectonic events inthe last 1000 Kyrs. Systematic GPS measurements are leading to the quantificationof the present rates and directions of plate movements. The landforms of the com-paratively stable areas of the plates date back to a more remote past and, whereemerged, have a more subdued relief that is in the first place related to the resistanceof the rocks to humid tropical weathering.The effects of Quaternary climatic fluctuations and related sea level changes are su-perposed on this morphostructural framework. They are in various ways clearly re-flected in the geomorphology of the country and have also affected its environmen-tal conditions in general. The monsoons, dominating the air circulation in SE Asia,were subjected to important fluctuations and the same applies to the oceanic ther-mo-haline circulation between the Pacific and Indian oceans in eastern Indonesia. Itis not surprising, in view of the strongly dynamic character of tectonic and climato-logic elements of the Indonesian environment, that many parts of the country aresusceptible to a variety of natural hazards such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes,tsunamis, landslides, etc., that result in high-risk situations in densely populatedareas. Strategies for disaster mitigation, land use planning and environmental issuesthus have a high priority as to optimally protect endangered communities. Hazardsof endogenous origin are particularly important but also exogenous factors have tobe considered.The degree and mode of hazards of endogenous origin vary with the tectonic situa-tion and the related geomorphologic development. In the westernmost part of thecountry, the Indo-Australian plate meets the SE-Asian continental plate at anoblique angle. Volcanic activity thus is moderated by the rather low subductionangle (30°). Part of the tectonic energy, however, is released laterally by a major



transcurrent fault system situated off the west coast of Sumatra. This provokes se-vere seaquakes and related tsunami, such as the one of December 2006, that causeda major disaster not only in nearby Aceh but also in more remote coastal areas of theregion. Java stretches perpendicular to the movement of the Indo-Australian plateand transcurrent faults there are replaced by N-S oriented compartmental faults. Theangle of subduction gradually increased during the Quaternary to 60° at present andthe - high - volcanic activity, as a consequence, moved gradually southward. Vol-canic hazards on this island thus are widespread and the risks incurred are great be-cause of the high population density. The geomorphology of Java reflects a broad E-W stretching geanticline where a depressed central zone, crowned by stratovolca-noes, is bordered to the South by an ocean-ward tilted limestone plateau and by afolded zone of Quaternary sediments to the North. However, these zones are disrupt-ed and in part have collapsed under the influence of compartmental faulting. Thesegeomorphologic characteristics demonstrate that seismic hazards and the relatedtsunami are also inherent to the geotectonic situation of Java. Sunda Strait, separat-ing these two islands, is presumably a pull-apart structure developed at the transi-tion between compartmental and transcurrent faulting. It has been the site of at leasttwelve plinian eruptions with caldera collapse in the last 1000 Kyrs. The ill-famedKrakatoa eruption of 1883, when the accompanying tsunami of volcanic originkilled about 36,000 people, was the most recent and comparatively mild event in thiscontext.The SE-Asian plate tapers out eastward and this is reflected in the level of the non-volcanic landforms. These reach a height of over 3000 metres in northern Sumatraand gradually disappear below sea level from Java onwards. Uplift becomes impor-tant again in the south eastern part of the country where the Australian continent hasintruded and the geomorphologic situation consequently changes drastically. Colli-sion phenomena replace the subduction features that dominate the scene in the West.A staircase of raised coral reef terraces along the north coast of the island of Sumba,an outpost of the Australian continent, exemplifies this. The reef is absent in the re-mainder of the island because this collapsed in a sub-recent phase of the uplift. Thisevent illustrates a third case of tsunami phenomena: gravity tectonics. Volcanic haz-ards do not exist, however, in the absence of subduction. Even where plate move-ments abate, neotectonism may remain a potential hazard. The best example isMakassar Strait. It collapsed when the Australian plate blocked the westward Pacif-ic pressure. Since then, however, the NW-SE ward stress exerted by the SE-Asianplate, has caused active transcurrent faulting, reflected in the landforms, and result-ing in new seismic risk situations.Hazards of exogenous origin relate mostly to erosion and mass movements of un-stable slopes in the uplands and to flooding of river plains and coastal lowlands.They are both strongly affected by deforestation and other human impacts and byinter-annual rainfall fluctuations, related to variations of the monsoon wind systemaround SE-Asia and the ENSO in the West-Pacific. Urban flooding is an increasingproblem in several major cities. Groundwater extraction is an important causativefactor. Proper management, based on good urban and rural land use planning, cancontribute considerably to the solution of problems caused by hazards of exogenous



origin. Hazards of endogenous origin require more specific approaches. Volcanicdisaster reduction is rooted in hazard zoning and effective early warning systems.This is demonstrated by several examples. Disasters of tectonic origin are the mostdifficult to reduce because of the difficulties in predicting, locating and timing ofseismic events. Site analysis of critical areas and the implementation of appropriatebuilding codes are important elements. The development of effective early warningsystems for tsunami disasters in Indonesia is fraught with difficulties. Equipment forrecording seaquakes, of course, can be installed, but the short distance between thesubduction planes, where the epicentres are situated, and the endangered coastalareas limits the warning period to 15-30 minutes. Another problem is that the longrecurrence interval of major tsunami renders constant alertness of the endangeredcommunities problematic. For assessing the effectiveness of all sorts of disaster re-duction measures it is essential to consider all environmental and social factors in-volved, such as issues of sustainability and global change including sea level rise.



MULTI-DISCIPLINARY SURVEYS FOR THE NEW GEOLOGICALMAPS OF THE LOW FRIULI PLAIN (ITALY)

E. Zavagno1, I. Burla1, S. Devoto2 & A. Fontana3

1 Dip. Scienze Geologiche, Ambientali e Marine, Università di Trieste2 Dip. Scienze della Terra, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia3 Dip. Geografia, Università di PadovaCorresponding author: Enrico Zavagno, e-mail: [email protected]

The study site is located in the central area of the Friuli Venezia Giulia (Italy) and iscovered by geological map sheets 087 Palmanova and 108 Lignano Sabbiadoro. Thearea under consideration extends between the spring horizon to the north and Mara-no lagoon to the south. It covers a total area of 760 km2. The zone under considera-tion is characterised above all by the presence of alluvial deposits dating back to theLast Glacial Maximum (LGM; 30,000-17,000 b.C.) and by the presence of depositsoriginated by the activity of resurgent rivers including Stella, Zellina, Corno andAussa. The western sector of the Lignano sheet also includes deposits that can be as-cribed to the post-LGM activity of river Tagliamento (last 17,000 years). Along thecoastline post-LGM deposits reach a thickness of 10 m. Along the lagoon fringethere are territories that were reclaimed in the Twentieth century where lagoon de-posits outcrop.The project was conducted within the framework of the GEO-CGT by the Region-al Geological Survey – DG Environment and Public Works of the autonomous re-gion of Friuli Venezia Giulia and the University of Trieste and Udine. It involved thepreparation of 1:10,000 geological maps of Friuli Venezia Giulia which integratednew geological data (surveyed and processed to this very aim) into already existinginformation. Reference criteria for the cartographic representation and digitalisationare those set by the Italian Government for the preparation of the new national geo-logical cartography at a scale of 1:50,000 (CARG project).The Technical Geological Map (CGT) has been the primary source of grain-size andgeotechnical information as far as the soil and the immediate subsoil of the areastaken into consideration. The bibliography collected has been integrated with themost recent studies and data on the geology and pedology of the areas involved.Also archaeological aspects have been taken into consideration to better define thehistory ad evolution of more recent deposits.The map representing microrelief, together with the observation of aerial photo-graphs taken in different years and satellite images, has proven a useful tool toanalyse and define the area of the most frequent morphologies connected with rivererosion and deposition phenomena.This information has been subsequently cross-checked during surveying campaigns.More in detail, historic maps helped identify natural and/or man-made modificationsof the hydrographic network ad of the use of soil in recent past. Some informationon the age of the deposits were also taken from the numerous Roman archaeologi-cal sites present in the study areas.



Field surveys were aimed at identifying geomorphological landforms and sedimen-tologic characteristics and at defining the age of deposits. As the areas observed areplain ones and no deep natural outcrops are present, particular attention was givento the stratigraphy of the deposits that outcrop along the walls of artificial excava-tions. In the areas with no significant outcrops and in the most interesting ones,borehole logging was performed by means of a manual Edelmann probe. Theseboreholes reached a depth of 2-3 m and sometimes 6 m. The sediment samples col-lected were tested for grain-size distribution and carbon-14 dating.Simultaneously, mechanical surveys were performed on the whole area reaching adepth of 10 m plus approximately a hundred static penetrometer probes reaching a30 m depth.The comprehensive geomorphological, sedimentological and geotechnical data col-lected permitted to define stratigraphic units, sedimentation environments, textureof surface deposits and the main landforms that characterise the western low Friuliplain.The last surveying phase consisted in organising and processing the data collectedthanks to the special functions of GIS. The entire project was conducted using acomprehensive set of hardware and software tools which permitted to maintain aclose relation between the data collected on the field (database) and their digital geo-referenced map representation (geo-database). Data could therefore be viewed andinterpreted according the standards set within the framework of the CARG project.



HUMAN IMPACTS ON THE CZARNY DUNAJEC RIVER(SOUTHERN POLAND) AND ISSUES RELATED

TO ITS RESTORATION

J. Zawiejska

Institute of Geography, Pedagogical University of Kracow, PolandCorresponding author: Joanna Zawiejska, e-mail: [email protected]

The gravel-bed Czarny Dunajec constitutes the upper part of the Dunajec, the sec-ond largest river of the Polish Carpathians, starting in the high-mountain massif ofthe Tatra Mountains. Notorious for its floods, the Czarny Dunajec has been heavilyimpacted by various human activity including channelisation and intense gravelmining, followed by channel incision and increased bedload transport. Further engi-neering works undertaken locally to limit vertical channel instability led to the dis-ruption of the longitudinal continuity of the river. Similar to several Europeanmountain and piedmont rivers, the disturbances were accompanied by a decrease inthe biodiversity of aquatic and riparian ecosystems. However, the Czarny Dunajecretained some semi-natural reaches, some of which are now located within Natura2000 area. At present, the river exhibits high variability of geomorphological stylesfrom a single-thread, incised or regulated channel to unmanaged, multi-thread chan-nel, it also largely varies in its hydromorphological quality. Despite the changes inland-use, decrease in the population density along the river and the apparent trans-formation of the river channel over the last decades, the Czarny Dunajec is still per-ceived as a threat to people and property. The perception of the river as dangerousand historically, solely as a resource, as well as the lack of understanding of relation-ships between river geomorphology and the quality of its ecosystem, largely influ-ences local land management impeding not only nature conservation but also creat-ing new problems related to erosion and flooding.The presentation focuses on the changes that occurred on the Czarny Dunajec dueto human impact and the possibilities (and barriers) for its restoration and improv-ing the geomorphological and ecological conditions in the context of the conflictingattitudes of the local community, water authorities and environmentalists, and thenecessity to attain good ecological status of the river by the year 2015 as requiredby the Water Framework Directive (Directive 2000/60/EC).



Finito di stampare nel mese di aprile del 2008Presso la tipografia MastePrint - Mozzecane (VR)

Finito di stampare nel mese di settembre 2009

Composizione:SAP Società Archeologica s.r.l.


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