This work presents the structural evolution of a poorly studied key-area in the middle Ala Valley, Western Alps, where two tectono-metamorphic units are exposed. A geological map at the 1:10.000 scale, integrated with meso-and microstructural analysis, has been realised. We investigated the contact area between Gran Paradiso Massif in the footwall and Lower Piedmont Zone in the hanging wall. Both tectono-metamorphic units, with a different paleogeographic affinity, preserve similar polyphasic deformation histories, defined by four deformation phases. The Dp phase, strongly transposing previous structural relicts, is marked by a high-pressure assemblage associated with the Sp foliation. Dp controls the lithological boundary attitude. A mylonitic zone, developed during the Dp, showing kinematic indicators pointing to a top-to-the N-NW sense of shear, is responsible for the juxtaposition of the two units. Dp structural elements are deformed by Dp+1 and Dp+2 subsequent phases. A greenschist-facies overprinting was observed during the Dp+1 phase.
Among the Valpelline Unit migmatites, the cordierite-bearing ones represent the most fascinating type, but little is known about their P-T evolution. Since the complete understanding of these rocks results from the interplay of petrological and multiscale structural investigations, a multidisciplinary approach that combines quantitative microstructural and minero-chemical data, discriminating different generations of superimposed foliations and stages is provided. Two main deformational stages have been defined at the mesoand microscale: the first (D 1 ) is a solid-state deformation developing a foliation (S 1 ) preserved as isoclinal folds; the second (D 2 ) is related to the development of the main foliation (S 2 ), associated with cordierite and garnet growth, and melt production. The regional S 2 wraps cordierite, garnet and melt aggregates. Temperatures for the cordierite-growing stage, obtained by combining biotite calibrated maps and Ti-in-biotite thermometer, range between ~700 and 780 °C.
Capo Faro Promontory, located in Salina (Aeolian Islands, southern Italy), is a popular summer destination due to its volcanic morphologies, seaside, and enogastronomy. A flat area, right behind the scarp edge of a coastal cliff, hosts the Capo Faro Estate, one of the most renowned vineyards and residences on Salina Island. The promontory has been characterised in terms of geomorphological features. Remote sensing analysis, after nadir and off–nadir UAV flights, supports the field activities to explore the hazard to which the area is subjected. In particular, the coastal cliff turns out to be affected by a rapid retreat inducing landslides. Therefore, the cliff area has been investigated through a detailed stratigraphic and structural field survey. Using the generated high–resolution Digital Elevation Model, bathymetric–topographic profiles were extracted along the coastline facing the cliff. The thickness of volcanic deposits was evaluated to obtain a geological model of it. The main rock mass discontinuities have been characterised to define the structural features affecting the stability of the rock wall. The obtained results prove the contribution of such research fundamental in planning risk mitigation measures.
<p>The landscape evolution of the U-shaped Maira Valley was mainly led by glacial dynamics during Pleistocene. The Holocene linear fluvial erosion creates higher steepness slopes in a narrow valley in which gravitational phenomena involves buildings and facilities of Acceglio municipality (Piedmont, Italy). A geomorphological survey in an unmapped area of about 12 km<sup>2</sup> has been carried out and a new map at scale 1:10000 has been realised. In order to improve the accuracy of fieldwork data, several multidisciplinary techniques have been investigated. The landforms and slope evolution were analysed by using a 5-meters resolution ARPA Digital Elevation Model (DEM) in GIS environment. Discontinuities and geomorphological features were recognized and mapped observing aerial-photos provided by Regione Piemonte. Multi-temporal dataset of orthophotos were useful to examine the river pattern behaviour coupled with interdigitating polygenic fan deposition. The stratigraphic sequence knowledge was achieved using boreholes, inclinometers and piezometers evaluating eventual detrital cover thickness. Detailed field investigations allowed to understand the relationship between structural geology and landslide evolution, in particular concerning several detachment zones characterising the slope overlooking Acceglio town. In the uppermost range of that slope, the fracturation is intense and influences the rock-falls and rock avalanches trigger, whilst debris flows were identified throughout the detected area associated with a homogeneous presence of weathered cover. Widespread accumulation bodies suggest how avalanche and debris flow occurrences have affected Acceglio human activities, testified by historical archives documents as well. In the past, several trial to mitigate these risks were performed through engineering activities which could be refined and implemented with further local analysis on landslide susceptibility. Research on this issue, in addition to having a great scientific interest, can provide essential tools for upper Maira Valley Administrations, being the main available support for an appropriate urban planning.</p>
An interdisciplinary study has been adopted to investigate the upper Maira Valley (Western Alps, Italy). A geological map of an unmapped area, of about 12 km 2 , at scale 1:10.000, has been realized. The combination of field surveys, GIS database creation, aerial photo observation, local archival data consultation, geo-structural analysis and drillholes reinterpretation outlined a relationship between structures and landforms. A ductile and brittle deformation history with the definition of four discontinuity systems (F1-F4) has been detected. Where the fracturation is intense, rock-falls and topplings are triggered. In area associated with a homogeneous presence of weathered cover, debris flows were identified. The geo-structural pattern obtained from the surveys in the upper Maira Valley allowed characterizing detachment zones of the slope overlooking Acceglio town. The Gollone Landslide is an excellent case study to unravel the structural-morphological interaction and the kinematic evolution due to its framework.
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