How Can a Complex Geosite Be Enhanced? A Landscape-Scale Approach to the Deep-Seated Gravitational Slope Deformation of Pointe Leysser (Aosta Valley, NW Italy)

Abstract

Complex geosites represent important georesources as components of the geoheritage of a region. Regardless, their management in terms of promotion and geoconservation may be challenging. Among others, gravity-related landforms can be considered complex geomorphological features and are often neglected in the geosite inventories, even if their dynamic and related educational exemplarity, multiscalarity and aesthetic value are relevant and make them potentially complex geosites. The aim of this research is to discuss the possible approaches to a potential complex geosite in the Western Italian Alps. The area is characterised by an articulated and geodiverse set of landforms that concur to define a multifaceted geological and geomorphological setting due to the presence of one of the most significant gravity-related geofeatures of the Italian Alps: the Pointe Leysser deep-seated gravitational slope deformation. The entire context, as well as each single geological/geomorphological feature, will be presented and described enhancing and quantifying their geoheritage values (i.e. scientific value, additional value, the potential for use). Finally, proposals for virtual or field approaches will be discussed, considering the limitations and advantages of dealing with a complex geosite. The suggested strategies assume an important role with respect to both the promotion and geoconservation of complex geosites.

From landslide characterization to nature reserve management: The “Scialimata Grande di Torre Alfina” landslide Geosite (Central Apennines, Italy)

“…Concerning more in detail its value as geomorphosite, the ecologic support role (Bollati et al 2017a) (see, ephemeral pools, and renewal of the vegetation series as an example) is evident, as demonstrated in other studies (Bollati et al 2012;Forno et al 2022). These values acquire a particular significance in the context of a protected area where knowledge of the natural heritage lays the foundations for environmental protection (Zgłobicki et al 2017(Zgłobicki et al , 2018.…”

“…Where clays prevail, earth and mud flows are widespread, locally called "lame" (Fredi e Lupia Palmieri 2017). Otherwise, all the gravity-related landforms may be considered impacting and scenic features within mountain geoheritage (Coratza & De Waele 2012;Calcaterra, et al 2014;Forno et al 2022). Anyway, they induce the generation of hazard and risk scenarios if vulnerable elements are involved.…”

“…Anyway, they induce the generation of hazard and risk scenarios if vulnerable elements are involved. Landslides in the Italian territory are very diverse in terms of bedrock involved, triggering factors (e.g., heavy meteorological events as well as earthquakes), and velocity of movement (e.g., Martino et al 2020;Forno et al 2022).…”

“…Within the reserve, great attention has been paid to the huge complex landslide known as the "Scialimata Grande di Torre Alfina" landslide (SGTA), listed in the Regional Geosite Database. It can be considered an "open-air laboratory", as a good example of an active geomorphosite (Pelfini e Bollati 2014), useful to raise awareness of geomorphological hazards and risks (Coratza & De Waele 2012;Bollati et al 2013;Pelfini et al 2016;Forno et al 2022). Moreover, the activity state of SGTA requires careful management and enhancement, and an accurate risk assessment.…”

Deciphering the Dynamics of a Younger Dryas Rock Avalanche in the Bernese Alps

“…For the extraction of cosmogenic 36 Cl, Samples were processed in a batch of 15 samples and a full-process blank (BL-CL-128). Approximately 3.6 mg of ultra-pure 35 Cl (99.39% 35 Cl) was added to the samples to determine the total Cl concentration ( 35 Cl, 37 Cl) (Ivy-Ochs et al, 2004). The samples were then dissolved in concentrated HNO 3 .…”