Geomorphological map of the surroundings of Cortina d’Ampezzo (Dolomites, Italy)

Geomorphological investigations in the area of Cortina d'Ampezzo (Dolomites, Italy) have been carried out since the 1980s mainly within national and European research projects. This has enabled the researchers to define, on the one hand, the geomorphological evolution of the area and, on the other hand, the spatial and temporal occurrence of landslides, that are the most spread geomorphological feature of the studied area. A detailed geological and geomorphological survey was carried out at a scale of 1:10,000 and a geomorphological map at a scale of 1:20,000 was produced following to the Italian geomorphological mapping methodology. The survey was combined with multitemporal aerial and ground photograph analysis. The examination of archive photographs (late XIX and early XX century) was especially significant for the slope evolution to be evaluated thanks to the low degree of human activity in the area, together with the scarce extensionof woodland

Geomorphological evolution of coastal landslides in Malta: integration of terrestrial and marine datasets

The paper shows the main results of multidisciplinary research carried out in the Island of Malta aiming at the integration of terrestrial and marine datasets. Identification, mapping, monitoring and dating of landslides, including submerged ones, have enabled to define a time frame for the development of landslides and to reconstruct the geomorphological evolution of the investigated areas. This has provided useful means for landslide susceptibility and hazard mapping, which is crucial for north-west coast of Malta

Appraisal of active deformation from drainage network and faults: inferences from non-linear analysis

This investigation reveals the relative susceptibility of the landscape to surface deformation by means of non-linear analysis of drainage network. The geometrical characteristics of the drainage network are quite capable of discriminating the impact of active tectonics. This study uses fractal dimension, lacunarity and succolarity techniques to demarcate numerous zones where the drainage network is tectonically controlled. Rose diagrams are used to compare drainage network orientation with the faults. This investigation is primarily based on the basic concept that the drainage network is subject to linearized and modify from its natural geometrical shape and orientation under the influence of tectonic activity. The areas with similar fractal dimension can be further discriminated by lacunarity and succolarity analysis. A detailed textural investigation of the drainage network (Strahler order „2) of Secchia, Panaro and Reno mountain river basins in northern Apennines, Italy is carried out to analyze the linearization, translational invariance and rotation of the stream patterns. The low fractal dimension values of Secchia, Panaro, Reno, Dragone, Dolo and Setta rivers indicate tectonically controlled drainage. The results reveal that the fractal dimension, lineament density and orientation analysis of drainage network and faults is a significant tool to pinpoint areas susceptible to active deformation

Tutela e valorizzazione di una risorsa per il territorio: la valle del Rio della Rocca (Appennino reggiano)

Le attività estrattive condotte a partire dagli anni ‘50 del XX secolo hanno profondamente modificato la porzione orientale e mediana del bacino del Rio della Rocca nel Comune di Castellarano (Appennino reggiano). Considerato l’elevato pregio degli elementi naturali dell’area e per contro il degrado ambientale – essenzialmente legato alla presenza di cave abbandonate – in cui essa versa, è emersa da tempo la necessità di una riqualificazione territoriale basata su una fruizione a fini turistico-ricreativi della valle, che tenga in debita considerazione i diversi aspetti naturalistici che la caratterizzano, compresi quelli di interesse geologico. Per definire opportune strategie e azioni di riqualificazione, si è resa necessaria un’analisi delle restrizioni e delle opportunità che il territorio presenta. A tale scopo è stata effettuata una dettagliata ricognizione della normativa vigente con particolare riguardo per le disposizioni previste dagli strumenti di gestione per i siti inclusi nella Rete Natura 2000, di cui la valle del Rio della Rocca fa parte come Sito di Importanza Comunitaria. Tra le risorse territoriali che l’area offre è emerso come la spettacolarità e l’esemplarità degli elementi del patrimonio geologico della valle rappresentino un’opportunità per operare una valorizzazione in chiave geoturistica. A tal proposito, sono stati individuati i siti di interesse geologico che meglio si prestano agli obiettivi di valorizzazione, al fine di indirizzare i primi interventi di riqualificazione e conservazione.Conservation and improvement of a natural territorial resource: the valley of Rio della Rocca (Italy). The quarrying activities carried out since the 1950s have deeply modified the lower-middle sector of the Rio della Rocca valley in the municipality of Castellarano (Reggio Emilia Apennines, Italy). The great value of the natural elements is, however, accompanied by environmental degradation, mainly due to abandoned quarries. Interventions aimed at territorial upgrading for the purpose of recreation and tourism had to be devised, taking into account the different naturalistic aspects of the area including its geological features. In order to define suitable strategies and actions, an analysis of territorial restrictions and opportunities was necessary. For this purpose, a detailed review of current legislation was carried out, with particular regard to the provisions stated by the management tools of “Natura 2000 Network”, in which the Rio della Rocca catchment is included as a Site of Community Importance. Among the territorial resources of the area, the scenic value and the exemplarity of its geological heritage are an opportunity to carry out territorial upgrading by assigning the valley to qualified geotourism activities. The sites of most considerable geological interest have therefore been selected, in order to establish preliminary requalification and conservation measures

A balance of the Erasmus Programme in Geomorphology 1991-97

This paper makes a balance of the teaching activities carried out in the frame of the Erasmus Programme in Geomorphology 1991-97 funded by the European Union which included student mobility within a network of twlve universities and intensive courses of Applied Geomorphology held every year in a different country of Europe

Geomorphological analysis of the historic landslide of Sottrù (Badia Valley, Italy) reactivated on December 13, 2012

The historic landslide of Sottrù, located in the Badia Valley (Autonomous Province of Bolzano), was reactivated on 13 December 2012 after a long period of dormancy. According to historic documents, the previous activation dates back to June 1821. At that time, the slope was mobilised after a period of persistent rain and snow melt causing the damming of the Gadera stream. After snowmelting, in June 1827 the natural dam collapsed flooding meadows and villages down valley. In December 2012, the landslide was partly reactivated, showing the first slow movements on the 13th and more rapid displacements on the 14th. A detailed geomorphological survey of the landslide was carried out during summer 2014. A surficial highly permeable level (in-situ or reworked till) has been found laying on top of a thick sequence of clays, shales and marls, both over the landslide body and the surrounding areas. From the landslide scar uphill, the hydrographic pattern is extremely irregular, made of discontinuous drainage lines indicative of higher infiltration rate than superficial run off. The comparison between the current morphology and the pre-2012 one has not evidenced any movement within the historic source area, while relevant displacements occurred at two lateral zones whose dynamics caused the partial collapse of the central part of the landslide, originating a second, lower crown. Since the previous activation (1821), the landslide has been dormant for quite a long period, i.e. 191 years, and its last activation occurred during a season where landslides are usually not frequent. Temperature and precipitation time series, recorded at the nearby meteorological station of La Villa, have been analysed for the last 27 years. It has been found out that November 2014 had many rainy days, three of which with precipitation amounts ranging from 30 to 50 mm. The rainiest day (November 29) was suddenly followed by a dramatic drop below 0°C of maximum and minimum air temperatures, lasting until the 13th of December i.e., the landslide activation day. This probably caused the freezing of the soil which at that time was snow free and completely saturated. Moreover, it is possible that the 13-day period below 0°C enabled also the freezing of a spring located in the lower part of the slope nearby the village of Sottrù thus blocking groundwater drainage, leading to the onset of a confined-aquifer condition and, ultimately, to the rapid increase of pore water pressure inside the clay-rich landslide material. This hypothesis has been made also in consideration of similar events occurred in the Dolomites (e.g., in Zoldo Valley in 1991). However, in order to confirm this hypothesis, geophysical and geotechnical analysis would be needed

Integrated Geomorphological Mapping of Emerged and Submerged Coastal Areas based on the Coupling of Terrestrial and Marine Datasets

A deeper understanding of the processes acting on the coastal areas is crucial for coastal hazard assessment and mapping. To this aim, integrated geomorphological investigations of emerged and submerged areas resulting in geomorphological mapping represent an innovative way to provide the necessary knowledge for preventing hazards and reducing risks. An example is provided from the north-western coast of Malta (central Mediterranean Sea)

Malta and Sicily Joined by Geoheritage Enhancement and Geotourism within the Framework of Land Management and Development

Malta and Sicily, which lie at the centre of the Mediterranean Sea, share a long history and have unique geological and geomorphological features which make them attractive destinations for geotourism. In the framework of an international research project, a study for the identification, selection and assessment of the rich geological heritage of Malta and Sicily was carried out, aiming to create a geosite network between these islands. Based on the experience and outputs achieved in previous investigations on geoheritage assessment carried out in various morpho-climatic contexts, an integrated methodology was applied for the selection, numerical assessment and ranking of geosites. The selection phase was based on three main criteria-scientific, additional and use values-and led to the establishment of a list of 42 geosites (20 in Malta and 22 in Sicily). Besides being spectacular and attractive for tourists, these sites represent the main geomorphological contexts and the various stages of regional morphogenesis of the study areas. The sites selected were assessed quantitatively and ranked according to management and tourism criteria. The results provide both the necessary basic knowledge for joint conservation actions and policies in Malta and Sicily and the elements for creating a link between Malta and Sicily through geoheritage appraisal and tourism development