Tree rings as ecological indicator of geomorphic activity in geoheritage studies

Mountain areas are characterized by geomorphic processes, especially mass wasting and snow avalanches, which may impact the landscape affecting also the biological component, trees included. If sites colonized by trees are characterized by geomorphic features with a high Global and Scientific Value, including Representativeness of geomorphological processes, Educational Exemplarity, and Integrity, they can be considered geomorphosites. In the framework of assessment of the Scientific Value of geomorphosites, Ecological Support Role is of great importance. Hence, tree rings derived information can be used as indicators to refine the Scientific Value of the sites and also to propose multidisciplinary approaches to understand landscape dynamics. In fact, trees colonizing sites of geomorphological interest are used for detecting past and present events and tree rings may be considered ecological indicators under different points of view. Arboreal vegetation can register growth disturbances in terms of morphological features, at macro- (particular morphologies of trunks) and micro-scale (annual growth rings, stress indicators like compression wood, traumatic resin ducts), becoming a powerful indicator of the geomorphic activity affecting the landscape. In some cases, combined with other techniques like climate data analysis, they may allow refining the often lacunose historical records of geomorphic events impacting different territories. The integrated analysis carried out in the Loana Valley (Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Geopark, Western Italian Alps), considering a selection of geomorphosites affected by mass wasting processes and snow avalanches and located along a touristic trail, allowed to detect which meteorological thresholds favour hydrogeological instability (i.e. overcome of Mean Annual Rainfall of 6\u201310%). Tree rings data coming from the investigated sites provided information on the recurrence of geomorphic activity, allowing filling gaps within the historical archives, by individuating years during which hydrogeological or snow-related events probably occurred and that were missed (i.e. 1986, 1989, 2001, 2007), and adding details on sites for which temporal constraints had not been found before (i.e. Pizzo Stagno Complex System). Finally, investigated sites demonstrated to differently record the history of instability affecting the area and this difference is mirrored in the sites values that are adopted in the framework of geoheritage analysis (Scientific Value, Ecological Support Role and Educational Exemplarity). The proposed multidisciplinary approach, including geomorphology, dendrogeomorphology and climatology, represents, hence, a useful tool in geoheritage valorisation and management strategies

The complete genome sequence of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis FRC41 isolated from a 12-year-old girl with necrotizing lymphadenitis reveals insights into gene-regulatory networks contributing to virulence

Trost E, Ott L, Schneider J, et al. The complete genome sequence of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis FRC41 isolated from a 12-year-old girl with necrotizing lymphadenitis reveals insights into gene-regulatory networks contributing to virulence. BMC Genomics. 2010;11(1): 728

A procedure to structure multidisciplinary educational fieldworks for understanding spatio-temporal evolution of the Alpine landscape

Reading the physical landscape is a key-point in acquiring knowledge in Physical geography and Geomorphology, becoming aware of the complex relations these disciplines have with human settlements, natural resources and ecosystems. Structuring proper educational fieldworks addressed to students for answering simple scientific questions, is strategic. Many single landforms offer good opportunities for fieldwork and educational approaches to understand physical landscape evolution. Among these, polygenic debris cones due to water, gravity and snow action, are common features in the mountain landscape. The most representative ones along a touristic thematic trail in the Loana Valley (Western Italian Alps) were selected for developing new educational approaches. Different testing phases were, then, set to refine the educational strategy. The results allowed to design a procedure for structuring educational fieldwork opportunities addressed to students, in the specific, of the secondary school of second level

A multidisciplinary approach for physical landscape analysis: scientific value and risk of degradation of outstanding landforms in the glacial plateau of the Loana Valley (Central-Western Italian Alps)

Landforms characterized by high scientific value (i.e. geomorphosites) might undergo modifications due to intrinsic and extrinsic factors (natural and human-induced processes). In the framework of geoheritage analyses, the assessment of the value (scientific or additional) of geomorphosites should be performed side by side with the analysis on the risk of degradation (fragility and vulnerability). A multidisciplinary method is proposed for the analysis of landforms that are potentially fragile but outstanding for their scientific value related to geological, geomorphological and ecological values. A geomorphological map was produced for the glacial plateaux of the Loana Valley (Central-Western Italian Alps), where an outstanding geomorphosite was detected: the Cortenuovo Calcareous Ridge. The site is herein analysed in terms of the representativeness of geological and (paleo)geomorphological features as well as for its support role to the ecosystem. For dissemination purposes, a simplified version of the geomorphological map (i.e., geomorphological box) was prepared for the site. Specific morphometric and dendrogeomorphological analyses were then performed to investigate more in detail the risk of degradation of the site. It resulted to be a spatially restricted hotspot of geodiversity, characterized by an average surface lowering rate (0.44 cm/y on average) comparable to that achieved in similar geomorphologic contexts in the Alpine environment. The obtained results testify to a potential vulnerability to natural processes of this highly scientific valued site, which will surely benefit from a legal recognition as a component of geoheritage, with a specific regulation for its protection, that could prove to be strategic

Geomorphological mapping for the valorization of the Alpine environment : the case study of the Loana Valley (Western Italian Alps)

Geomorphological mapping plays a key role in landscape representation: it is the starting point for many applications and for the realization of thematic maps, such as hazard and risk maps, geoheritage and geotourism maps. Traditional geomorphological maps are useful for scientific purposes but they need to be simplified for different aims as management and education. In tourism valorization, mapping of geomorphological resources (i.e., geosites, and geomorphosites), and of geomorphic evidences of past hazardous geomorphological events, is important for increasing knowledge about landscape evolution and active processes, potentially involving geomorphosites and hiking trails. Active geomorphosites, as those widespread in mountain regions, testify the high dynamicity of geomorphic processes and their link with climatic conditions. In the present paper, we propose a method to produce and to update cartographic supports (Geomorphological Boxes) realized starting from a traditional geomorphological survey and mapping. The Geomorphological Boxes are geomorphological representation of single, composed or complex landforms drawn on satellite images, using the official Italian geomorphological legend (ISPRA symbols). Such cartographic representation is also addressed to the analysis (identification, evaluation and selection) of Potential Geomorphosites and Geotrails. The method has been tested in the upper portion of the Loana Valley (Western Italian Alps), located within the borders of the Sesia Val Grande Geopark, recognized by UNESCO in 2013. The area has a good potential for geotourism and for educational purposes. We identified 15 Potential Geomorphosites located along 2 Geotrails; they were ranked according to specific attributes also in relation with a Reference Geomorphosite located in the Loana hydrographic basin and inserted in official national and regional databases of geosites (ISPRA; Regione Piemonte). Finally, the ranking of Potential Geomorphosites allowed to select the most valuable ones for valorization or geoconservation purposes. In this framework, examples of Geomorphological Boxes are proposed as supports to geo-risk education practices

Geomorphological map of the Val Viola Pass (Italy-Switzerland)

The Val Viola Pass is a transboundary area between Italy (Val Viola Bormina) and Switzerland (Val da Camp), whose evolution has been triggered, since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), by intense reactivation of surface processes. Geomorphological mapping at a scale of 1:5000 provided an understanding of the deglaciation dynamics affecting this region. The geomorphological map (herein presented at scale 1:7000) extends for 5.35 km2 between the elevations of 2305 and 3302 metres above sea level (m a.s.l.). The geomorphological map suggests that the area undergoes geomorphic processes typical of alpine environments of middle latitude, and had experienced a paraglacial-type re-equilibrium related to post-LGM land evolution, with predominant slope and periglacial processes. Moreover, current water action is evident at low elevations. Most of landforms are affected by major regional structures oriented NE-SW. On the Swiss side, specific investigations of the Paradisin rock glacier were performed by Electrical Resistivity Tomography-ERT to determine its internal structure. This was in order to understand its possible cryotic conditions, despite its relict appearance derived from its surface aspect