The world's coastal area is now directly affected by global warming. A significant portion of the world's population lives in the Mediterranean basin and exerts strong direct human pressure on coastal areas and river basins. River management plans, residential and industrial structures, and coastal protection projects result in the loss of a large portion of the sediments that rivers deliver to the sea, together with the continued and extensive use of coastal areas. This results in a negative sediment budget and reduced resilience of mobile coastal systems. Moreover, the rise in eustatic sea level resulting from glacier melt threatens coastal areas characterized by low rocky coasts and coastal plains. Negative vertical land movements amplify this effect in the low-lying areas with a significant regional and local contribution, often linked to human activities. Sea warming and the release of thermal energy generate intense marine meteorological phenomena known as "medicanes", whose impact on the coastal zone leads to frequent flooding. The possible tsunami impacts could not be counteracted by the coastal landscape which is in evident and continuous degradation. The combination of sea level rise, paroxysmal weather processes and human activity amplifies erosional processes and reduces the ability of coastal systems to adapt to new conditions; this increases the vulnerability of coastal plains, inducing more and more real risk situations.
Recent evolution of river mouths in the Marche region (central Adriatic Italy). (IT ISSN 0391-9838, 2026). The Marche Region (Central Italy) hosts a 170 km long gravelly-sandy coastline facing the Adriatic Sea, where mostly torrential rivers deliver sediment to a narrow continental shelf. Over the last century, this sediment supply has been profoundly altered by dams, in-stream gravel mining, channelization, and the construction of ports and coastal defence structures. Here we reconstruct the historical-to-recent evolution of ten major river mouths (Foglia, Metauro, Misa, Esino, Musone, Potenza, Chienti, Tenna, Aso and Tronto) using a homogeneous GIS workflow applied to multi-temporal cartography and remote sensing (late 19th-century topographic maps, mid-20th-century maps, 1977 aerial photographs, 1999-2000 and 2010 orthophotos, and 2024 satellite imagery). Shorelines and mouth planforms were digitized, georeferenced in a common coordinate system, and interpreted considering dataset-dependent positional uncertainty. Results show that most river mouths were protruding and locally prograding in the late 19th century, whereas a marked and widespread retreat occurred between the 1950s and the late 1970s, in several cases exceeding 100-400 m. Since the late 1970s, the planform evolution has been increasingly controlled by hard engineering: detached breakwaters and groynes have promoted local accretion updrift of structures and, in many sectors, have compartmentalized the coastline, producing apparent stabilization of the shoreline and the river mouths. Where major new structures were built (e.g., the Tenna loading pier), strong asymmetries developed, with rapid updrift progradation and persistent downdrift erosion. These findings indicate a transition from a naturally river-fed coastal system to an engineered, sediment-starved coast, with direct implications for integrated sediment management and for adaptation to future sea-level rise and storm impacts.
Zingaro M., Capolongo D., Monforte P., Imposa S., Cirrincione R., Punturo R., Indelicato V., Scicchitano G., Using the sediment Flow Connectivity Index to assess the environmental risk of naturally occurring Fluoro-edenite: the unique case of Biancavilla (Italy). (IT ISSN 0391-9838, 2026). Monitoring soil pollution caused by contaminated sediment transport is an increasing concern, particularly in areas exposed to specific mineralogical hazards. This study introduces an innovative experimental application of the Sediment Flow Connectivity Index (SfCI) to enhance soil pollution monitoring at the Biancavilla site (Etna, Italy), an area severely affected by fluoro-edenite fiber contamination. By applying the SfCI, we aim to characterize sediment dynamics and identify regions potentially prone to the transport and accumulation of pollutants. A key contribution of the SfCI lies in its ability to enable the detection of potential pollution hotspots, offering an efficient means of preliminary monitoring. This capability allows us immediately identify areas that need further field investigation and detailed sampling. The most significant key finding is that the index identified two primary sediment pathways crossing the quarry, which then diverge through the urban area and surrounding territory before entering the watercourse. Although the current application remains theoretical, we propose future validation through targeted soil sampling and hyperspectral imaging to confirm model predictions and refine monitoring accuracy. This approach presents a promising framework for integrating geomorphological connectivity analyses into soil pollution management strategies, providing real-time insights and enhancing the efficiency of monitoring in contaminated environments.
Chelli A., Bini M., Br & uuml;ckner H., Vacchi M., Cajade-Pascual D., Pappalardo M., Palaeoenvironmental dataset from the northern Apuo-Versilian coastal plain (NW Italy): a key tool for scientific and management applications. (IT ISSN 0391-9838, 2026). Coastal plains represent valuable sources of palaeogeographic data, especially for the Mid and Late Holocene, revealing also important postglacial sea-level elevation and age constraints to validate glacio-hydro-isostatic (GIA) predictive models. Moreover, they provide evidence of the human-environment interaction. With this paper we present a dataset of the geomorphological and geological information collected during a long-lasting collaborative project, led by the University of Pisa, in the northern Apuo-Versilian Plain, a coastal plain located in NW Italy. The data collected are mostly unpublished, especially in their extended form. They reveal the nature of the sedimentary fill of the Apuo-Versilian Plain and its lateral changes, providing some basic chronological constraints on landscape evolution. They also represent a source of raw data to produce index and limiting points to be cross-checked with relative sea-level (RSL) change model predictions for this area since the Mid-Holocene. Such body of evidence can be used to infer information relevant to constrain the geodynamic model of the area, for assessment of ongoing subsidence of the coastal plain and for projects of flood risk management. Finally, our dataset may be a relevant source of information for ongoing and future archaeological campaigns in this area and particularly for those aimed at revealing the vestiges of the Roman city of Luna and its architectural evolution in the Middle Ages and beyond.
Smiraglia C., Senese A., Di Biase M., Ambrosini R., Azzoni R.S., Bocchiola D., Cola G., Favaron M., Fugazza D., Marzano D., Morosini S., Pedrotti L., Prandi G., Scotti R., Toffaletti A., Zucali M., Pelfini M., Diolaiuti G.A., The challenges of the "ephemeral path". Problems and issues of explaining climate change and its environmental impact through the development of glaciological trails. (IT ISSN 0391-9838, 2026). Global warming is profoundly transforming glacierized mountain landscapes, with significant consequences for the environment, safety, and tourism. In this context, scientific outreach and conscious engagement with the territory are essential to raise public awareness and promote sustainable behaviour. This paper presents the design and implementation of the Stoppani-Desio Glaciological Trail, an educational route developed to guide visitors through the ongoing transformations of the Forni Glacier, located within Stelvio National Park (Italy). The trail features thirteen observation points, each corresponding to a historical position of the glacier front over the past 3000 years. At each stop, a metal plaque equipped with a QR code provides access to multilingual digital content (texts, images, and videos) highlighting glaciological, ecological, and cultural aspects of the site. The signage is designed to be durable, inclusive, and low-impact, while the trail ensures safety and accessibility for users with varying physical and technical abilities. The project integrates scientific research, landscape interpretation, and digital tools (e.g., 360 degrees video and generative AI content), positioning the trail as a dynamic open-air laboratory. The initiative is supported by a collaborative governance model involving academic institutions, local authorities, Alpine guides, and volunteers, enabling regular updates and long-term maintenance. The Stoppani-Desio Trail offers a replicable model for glaciological trails in other mountain regions affected by glacier retreat. Its flexible infrastructure, multilingual outreach, and integration of real-time scientific data make it a promising strategy for combining sustainable tourism, environmental education, and the promotion of glacier heritage in a changing climate.
Climate change profoundly impacts coastal systems by altering their natural equilibrium. These systems are primarily influenced by medium to long-term processes, including sea-level rise, intensifying storm events, vertical land movements (both natural and anthropogenic subsidence), and human activities that lead to resource overexploitation and structural overloads. However, short-term atmospheric anomalies can also induce significant coastal responses. This study examines the coastal impacts of positive pressure anomalies that affected the Mediterranean region in recent years. During these events, tidal records indicated a relative sea-level lowering, ranging from-0.2 m to-0.6 m, resulting in seaward shoreline migration of several meters along the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian coasts of Italy and in Greece. Additionally, channels and piers experienced drying, as documented in Venice and Pozzuoli (Naples). These pressure anomalies influenced large regional areas, as documented during the February-March 2021 extreme low tides. After the end of the pressure anomalies, we observed a rapid adaptive response of mobile coastal systems, with complete restoration of initial conditions following each event. This temporary adaptive response contrasts with permanent coastal changes driven by sea-level rise and sustained anthropogenic pressures.
Pelacani S., Raspini F., Roccotelli A., Barbadori F., Ceccherini M.T., Tommasini S., Moretti S., Geomorphic connectivity as a driver for the soil bioindicator distribution, implications for future research and modeling. (IT ISSN 0391-9838, 2025). Hydrological structural connectivity, the degree to which water can move across a landscape, significantly influences water and sediment transport. While its impact on these processes is well-established, the extent of its influence on soil biological activity is still being researched. This study examines the link between geomorphic connectivity (CI) and soil microbial functional indicators in the Greve watershed, Tuscany (Italy), by developing a new weighted connectivity index (CIFB) that integrates the fungi-to-bacteria (F:B) abundance ratio as a bioindicator. Using high-resolution geospatial data, rare earth elements (REEs), satellite indices (NDVI, NDWI), and machine learning (Stochastic Gradient Boosting, SGB), were modeled relationships between geomorphic variables, soil erodibility (K factor), and microbial indicators. Results showed that CI ranged from-9.0 and +0.6, but the weighted index, CIFB, ranged from-10.0 and +4.0. This showed that the F:B ratio weighting caused an increase in the range of connectivity values between landform units, which implies it strengthened the relationships between them. The key finding is that CIFB can better identify hidden areas of sediment coupling and decoupling within a landscape. Under the physiographic environmental variables of the study area, the spatial distribution of F:B ratio was mainly related to CI, flow path length and K factor. The proposed approach, while requiring further development, show great potential for monitoring and conserving ecosystems, especially within watersheds, not just in the Mediterranean region but also in other vulnerable areas.
Pietrogrande S., Mandarino A., Azzoni R.S., Forti L., Faccini F., Pelfini M., Brandolini P., Geomorphological mapping and anthropogenic signature along the rocky coast in the Tigullio Gulf (Eastern Liguria, Italy). (IT ISSN 0391-9838, 2025). This paper describes the geomorphology of the coastal stretch between Zoagli and Chiavari, and presents the annexed geomorphological map at the scale of 1:5000. The study area, a dramatic rocky coast facing the Ligurian Sea, has been severely impacted by anthropogenic morphogenesis. It is historically prone to landslides and characterized by (i) a geological setting markedly conditioning the geomorphological evolution, (ii) small valley bottoms that have been entirely artificialized, (iii) hillslopes almost completely terraced, and (iv) a hydrographic network that is largely modified by channelization and culverting. Unlike many other areas worldwide where agricultural terraces have been abandoned over the past century, in this sector they have partially preserved their agricultural function and have been partially transformed by urban expansion, especially during the 1960s-1970s. Urbanization involved the construction of large settlements and scattered buildings associated with residential and tourism infrastructure, in some cases extending up to or beyond the sea cliff edge. This landscape setting, combined with high relief energy and the ubiquitous presence of infrastructure and facilities, makes the area highly exposed to geo-hydrological hazards such as mass movements, flash floods, and storm surges. The geomorphological map was produced through collection and review of archival data, geomorphological field surveys and indirect survey techniques based on the photointerpretation of aerial photographs, orthophotos, and satellite images, and the analysis of digital elevation models, all managed in a GIS environment. The outcomes of this research provide further insights to enhance both public awareness of geomorphological processes and risk perception, and represent a solid base for sustainable land management and adaption planning.
Ascione A., Aucelli P., Caporizzo C., Donadio C., Mattei G., Petrosino P., Russo Ermolli E., Santangelo N., Valente E., A geoitinerary through volcanic landforms in the restless coastal area of Campi Flegrei (southern Italy). (IT ISSN 0391-9838, 2025). This study explores the development of a geoitinerary in the western sector of the Campi Flegrei caldera, a geologically dynamic area in southern Italy recognized for its active volcanic history and rich geoheritage. The Campi Flegrei, designated as one of the first 100 IUGS Geological Heritage Sites, exemplifies the potential of volcanic landscapes to serve as both educational platforms and tourism attractions. The proposed geoitinerary highlights seven geosites selected for their high educational and touristic value. These include prominent volcanic, archaeological, and geomorphological features such as the Cuma lava dome, La Starza marine terrace, Serapeo, Monte Nuovo, Averno Lake, Baia sommersa, and Capo Miseno. The initiative aims to promote geoeducation and sustainable tourism, emphasizing the relationship between geological processes, landscape evolution, and human settlement. The study underlines the region's long-standing appeal due to its fertile volcanic soils, strategic coastal positioning, cultural significance, and geothermal resources, despite ongoing risks related to bradyseism and seismic activity. A SWOT analysis is employed to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with the proposed geotourism initiative. Ultimately, the study advocates for geotourism as a tool for enhancing public awareness of volcanic hazards, supporting local economies, and preserving geological and cultural heritage. It calls for integrated management strategies that involve scientific, local, and policy stakeholders to address challenges like risk communication, environmental protection, and community participation. By doing so, the Campi Flegrei can serve as a model for balancing development and conservation in other volcanically active regions.
Cilla G., Dramis F., Fubelli G., Maceroni D., Malocco S., Materazzi M., Remigio M., Soligo M., U/Th dating of pre-Holocene calcareous tufa deposits in the Umbria-Marche Apennine (Italy). (IT ISSN 0391-9838, 2025). This note describes the characteristics of two calcareous tufa (freshwater travertine) deposits found in the Umbria-Marche Apennine. The first has grown in the Laverinello Valley, a tributary of the upper Potenza River, along the road from the village of Poggio Sorifa; the second deposit originated in Val di Sasso (Sasso Valley), a tributary of the upper Esino River, on the edge of a waterfall, currently inactive and disconnected from the present drainage network. The U/Th dating of samples taken from the investigated tufa deposits (55 +/- 6 ka BP-58 +/- 6 ka BP, 65 +/- 8 ka BP-67 +/- 5 ka BP, respectively) places them in the Upper Pleistocene, corresponding to sharp warming peaks within cooling periods. These dates seem to support the genetic model of freshwater travertine deposition proposed by Dramis et al. (1999), based on the control exerted by the formation in the aquifer of a reversed thermal gradient in correspondence with climate warming.
This study proposes a schematic and generally applicable approach in reconstructing medium-term channel pattern changes at the regional scale, with the aim to provide insights for the definition of a common morphoevolutionary trend. To this aim, the channel pattern changes experienced by four rivers of the Campania Region (Southern Italy), representative of the rivers of a much wider morphoclimatic scenario (i.e., the Mediterranean area), over a time-span of-150 years were investigated. The studied rivers were Calore, Sele, Tammaro and Sabato Rivers, which markedly differ from the standpoints of length, flow discharge and channel mean width. A geomorphological analysis in GIS environment of historical maps, topographic maps, orthophotos and Google Earth imagery from different dates (1870, 1909, 1955, 1998 and 2023) was carried out, with a mean temporal resolution of-38 years. The results showed a dominance (45-94% of the river length) of the sinuous channel pattern between the end of XIX century and the first decades of XX century, which was clearer in the minor rivers (i.e., Tammaro and Sabato). From 1950s to the end of XX century, sinuous channel pattern remained generally dominant (20-60%), but transitional morphologies (wandering and sinuous with alternated bars) significantly increased (22-60%). From the end of XX century onwards, sinuous channel pattern returned strikingly dominant in all the investigated rivers (43-79%). Land-use changes and, later, floods were the main controlling factors of the detected changes in channel pattern. The coherence of the obtained results was discussed in the framework of the pre-existing literature, also highlighting the central role played by the scale of the used materials for a correct analysis of channel pattern changes.
Filippelli E., Cresi L., Diolaiuti G.A., Senese A., Comparing forest ecosystem services in two protected areas: insights from Stelvio National Park and Orobie Bergamasche Regional Park (Italy). (IT ISSN 0391-9838, 2025). Forests play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and protecting human settlements from natural hazards. Ecosystem services (ESs, defined as the benefits that nature provides and that contribute to environmental stability and the well-being of the socioeconomic system) provided by forested areas include tangible benefits (e.g. timber production), and intangible functions (e.g. carbon sequestration and landslide hazard reduction). Quantifying the economic value of these services is essential to integrate environmental benefits into policy and land management decisions. In this study, we compare the economic value of these three key forest ecosystem services across two protected areas in Northern Italy: the Lombardy sector of the Stelvio National Park (LSNP) and the Orobie Bergamasche Regional Park (OBRP). We find that OBRP provides higher annual economic value for both timber production (1.46 million /year) and carbon sequestration (3.38 million /year), while LSNP offers slightly greater per-hectare carbon sequestration value (1,174 /year/km2) and marginally higher landslide hazard reduction (388,779 vs. 370,980). These results reveal that forest composition and management practices strongly influence the services provided. For instance, mountain pine forests maximize carbon sequestration, while larch-dominated stands achieve higher timber prices but lower sequestration rates. Our findings align with previous research emphasizing the trade-offs and synergies between provisioning and regulating services, particularly in Alpine contexts. The study contributes to growing efforts to economically evaluate natural capital, especially in mountainous regions where ecosystem services are critical yet undervalued. By focusing on two parks within the same bioclimatic region but with different topographic and administrative features, this work illustrates how spatial context shapes ecosystem value. This comparative analysis underscores the importance of tailoring forest management strategies to local conditions and service priorities. It also provides a useful reference for regional planning and climate adaptation policies in Alpine areas and beyond.
We present the main outcomes of the IdroStelvio project, continuous (2010-present) monitoring initiative developed through cooperation between the Stelvio National Park Authority, the University of Milano, and Politecnico di Milano. The project established and maintained a hydrometric network monitoring 11 high-altitude streams predominantly fed by snow and ice meltwater. The monitoring system, covering approximately 32% of the park's area, and more than 90% of glacierized catchments therein, provides a comprehensive view of the hydrological dynamics of this sensitive Alpine region. IdroStelvio represents one of the most extensive and long-standing case studies of hydrological monitoring in glacierized environments, both in Italy and internationally. Beyond reporting the structure, evolution, and scientific outputs of the network, this paper distills the operational experience gained into a set of practical guidelines for the monitoring of snow-ice fed mountain streams. These guidelines address site selection, sensor configuration, maintenance protocols, and data validation strategies, aiming to support the replicability of similar systems in other high-altitude regions. The collected data are valuable for glacio-hydrological modeling, scenario analysis, and water resource planning under climate change. The IdroStelvio experience may serve as a reference framework for future monitoring initiatives in sensitive alpine environments.
Global Geopark. (IT ISSN 0391-9838, 2025). This paper aims to provide an inventory of coastal landforms present along the approximately 30-km-long coastline of the Bay of Biscay, within the boundaries of the Basque Coast UNESCO Global Geopark. The coast is primarily erosional, with vertical cliffs and steep slopes more than 100 m high abruptly giving way to shore platforms. Minor rock coast landforms include notches, marine caves, potholes and joint-aligned clefts within shore platforms, and boulder accumulations. The coastal morphology has developed in a thick flysch succession of Cretaceous to Eocene age. In the western section, the flysch is dominated by grey shales and greywackes and is known as the Black flysch of Lower Cretaceous age. In the eastern sector, separated from the western one by the Andutz Fault, the flysch is calcareous and dominated by rhythmic alternations of shales, marls and limestones. Moreover, the strike of the strata is roughly parallel to the coast in the Black flysch, whereas it is perpendicular or oblique in the Calcareous flysch. The dip is almost invariably towards the sea. These lithological and structural differences are reflected in the inventory of coastal landforms, with cliffs and shore platforms much better developed in the Calcareous flysch. Coastal landslides are ubiquitous in the Calcareous flysch, facilitated by the presence of steeply dipping bedding planes, so that sliding is mostly translational. Numerous outcrops provide evidence of distortion and brittle deformation of flysch strata due to landsliding.
Agnesi V., Martinello C., Azzara G., Rotigliano E., Conoscenti C., Cappadonia C., A geotourist route through the Geosites of Cinisi and Terrasini cliffs. (IT ISSN 0391-9838, 2025). This study evaluates the scientific relevance, quality, and sustainability of a proposed coastal geopath extending for approximately 7 km along the Tyrrhenian coast of northwestern Sicily, between Torre Mulinazzo and Capo Rama, near the towns of Cinisi and Terrasini (Sicily, Italy). The area is characterized by a highly irregular coastline formed by alternating rocky cliffs and sandy beaches, shaped by differential erosion and active tectonics. This geomorphological diversity results in a complex and scenic coastal landscape that hosts significant geological features. A total of 20 sites of geological interest were identified, including three officially recognized geosites and two proposed ones. These sites represent a stratigraphic succession ranging from the Upper Triassic to the Lower Pleistocene, with depositional environments transitioning from shallow to deep marine environments. The proposed route allows for a comprehensive interpretation of the lithostratigraphic, structural, and geomorphological framework of the area within a compact and accessible sector. A quantitative assessment of the geosites was carried out using two established methodologies: the Geosite Assessment Model (GAM) and the method developed by Feuillet and Sourp (2011). Results highlight the high scientific value and uniqueness of the majority of the sites. Only a few, such as the more common beach sectors, scored lower in terms of scientific relevance. Most sites also demonstrated high additional values, including accessibility, aesthetic appeal, and educational potential, due to their proximity to urban centers and supporting infrastructure. Despite urbanization, the presence of protected areas and environmental constraints has helped preserve natural features. The study confirms that the proposed geopath holds strong potential as an outdoor educational laboratory and a sustainable geotourism resource. The development of sea-based services is recommended to enhance accessibility to coastal sites not reachable by land, fostering broader community involvement.
Iacobucci G., Ruscitto V., Delchiaro M., Troiani F., Della Seta M., Piacentini D., The contribution of Geomorphology on climate services: recent developments on the assessment of climate-impact indicators in the frame of the PNRR RETURN project. (IT ISSN 0391-9838, 2025). As part of Italy's National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), the Extended Partnership RETURN (multi-Risk sciEnce for resilienT commUnities undeR a changiNg climate) aims at strengthening advancing research chains on climate-related environmental risks, to enforce the key competences, the technological and knowledge transfer, and to strengthen Italian governance in managing them. According to the National System for Environment Protection SNPA (2021), a climate impact indicator describes the consequences of climate variability on ecological, social, and economic functions, as well as on human and animal health. In this perspective, the present research intends to discern the climate-impact indicators for different natural sectors (mountainous and hilly, alluvial plain, and coastal environments). The Geomorphology Group of Sapienza University of Rome contributed to the project focusing on three specific indicators: i) landslide frequency and distribution (mountainous and hilly environments); ii) river channel bankfull variations (alluvial plain environment); iii) shoreline position and morphology (coastal environment). In mountainous and hilly sectors, landslides serve as key geomorphic indicators of climate change. Changes in rainfall regime as well as the snow cover variability can influence landslide occurrence. Rainfall acts both as a preparatory factor, gradually saturating soil layers, and as a triggering factor, rapidly initiating failures during high-intensity events. Meanwhile, variability in snow accumulation and melting influences pore water pressures in soil and contributes to slope failure during critical periods of thaw. In the alluvial plain sector, the confinement index-defined as the ratio between the active channel (bankfull) and the floodplain width-can be considered as one of the most representative climate-impact indicators capable of recording the climate change impact, specifically through changes in rainfall regime and related discharge variations. Finally, in the coastal sector, shoreline position and its morphological variations are recognized as a key indicator for coastal zones, since its configuration is constantly evolving due to both natural factors (e.g., waves, sea level fluctuations, tides, wind, and currents) and anthropogenic forcing.
Brenna A., Surian N., An overview of geomorphic responses to high-magnitude floods: insights into river dynamics and implications for hazard mapping. (IT ISSN 0391-9838, 2025). In recent decades, the frequency of high magnitude floods has increased across many regions of the world. Such events can trigger geomorphological processes that significantly alter river channels and floodplains, with important implications for flood hazard. This is especially relevant in mountainous and hilly areas, where channel dynamics (e.g., major widening) and sediment transport (e.g., debris floods) play a key role in shaping flood risk. This paper provides an overview of major scientific advancements related to two core aspects: (i) understanding how river channels respond geomorphologically to extreme flood events, and (ii) developing geomorphic tools for assessing and mapping flood-related hazards. Beyond hydraulic variables like stream power, several geomorphic factors are critical in driving channel changes during floods. Key controls include lateral confinement and sediment availability, while the type of sediment transport (e.g., debris floods versus normal water flows) can greatly influence the extent of channel widening. In highly dynamic systems, flood hazard stems not only from inundation but also from channel instability. Recent tools such as morphodynamic corridors delineation have shown promise in predicting these dynamics, although their application remains limited compared to traditional hydraulic methods. Integrating geomorphic approaches into land-use planning and river management can improve hazard assessment by considering the natural variability and evolution of river systems, ultimately supporting more resilient communities and infrastructure.
Bosino A., La Licata M., Franceschi L., Hafiz A., Maggi V., Maerker M., Szatten D., De Amicis M., Multi-strata geomorphological database (MorphDB): a methodological breakthrough in geomorphological mapping approach. (IT ISSN 0391-9838, 2024). From the beginning of the past century geomorphological maps have been generated through detailed field surveys representing Earth surface landforms and deposits fixed on sheets of printed paper. The introduction of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the last decades has allowed the addition of more information to each mapped landform through the construction of specific geodatabases. However, the prerequisite to compile a detailed map is the detection of the landforms with the highest degree of accuracy without losing information and respecting the geomorphological criteria and cartographic rules. In fact, arbitral hierarchy between landforms (i.e., order of overlapping landforms) as well as the derived topological issues can significantly affect the represented geomorphological information in the map. We propose here an innovative GIS-based methodology to overcome the above-mentioned issues, introducing a multi-strata geomorphological database (MorphDB). This approach offers the possibility to map each landform with high spatial and temporal detail by implementing geomorphological information, and other morphometric evidence into a structured and searchable geodatabase. The proposed methodology was tested in a portion of the upper Arda Valley (Northern Apennines, Italy) compiling the geodatabase and assembling a geomorphological map. Finally, the MorphDB was shared in a GeoPackage file (.gpkg) in order to allow its use in other in other morphogenetic contexts. This study will open a new perspective in geomorphological mapping, contributing to reduce cartographic errors, loss of information due to generalization processes and the production of derived maps exploitable for territorial planning.
The present study investigates the glacial landform evolution using moraine stratigraphy in the Lashar and the Chopta valleys (Thangu) of north Sikkim, eastern Indian Himalaya. The older moraines and the outwash sediments have been dated using luminescence and radiocarbon dating techniques which has allowed an understanding of the causes, and patterns of glacier advances/retreat. Chrono-stratigraphy of multiple glacier advances reveals that the oldest glacier advance preserved in the region corresponds to the Marine Isotopic Stage-2 (MIS-2; global Last Glacial Maximum-gLGM) while the subsequent advances are younger. Our data provides a record of four glacier advances, named Thangu Glacier Advances (TGA-I to TGA-IV). The optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating has yielded an age range between 28 +/- 2.8 and 22 +/- 2.4 ka for the oldest glacier advance (TGA-I).dated The second prominent glacier advance (TGA-II) is correlated with the Younger Dryas cooling event based on pro-glacial sediment OSL ages ranging between 11 +/- 0.8 and 9.9 +/- 0.8 ka. A minor advance/standstill, TGA-III seems to coincide with the 8.2 ka cooling event. TGA-IV is represented by prominent terminal moraines close to the present day glaciers and would have possibly occurred during the mid-late Holocene cooling. Post-gLGM deglaciation is dated between 18 +/- 2.2 and 15 +/- 2.6 ka whereas the second deglaciation following TGA-II represented by pro-glacial lake sediments abutting the TGA-II moraines, is dated between 11 +/- 0.8 and 9.9 +/- 0.8 ka. A close correspondence of glacier advances with periods of temperature minima would imply that the glaciers have actively responded to cooler temperatures associated with the mid-latitude westerlies in response to global variations and retreated during the enhanced monsoonal phases.
This paper presents a new glacier inventory for the region of South Tyrol, Italy. Referring to the glacier state of the year 2023, it is the fourth contribution to the series of homogenized glacier inventories for this region following the inventories of 1997, 2005, and 2017, which were also revised in the course of this study. The 2023 inventory includes 729 glacier parts across seven mountain groups covering a total area of 72.1 km(2). Comparison with the previous inventories reveals an area loss of 13.8 km(2) (-16.1%) between 2017 and 2023, and 50.1 km(2) (-41.0%) between 1997 and 2023. Although significant glacier retreat is observed throughout the study area, relative area loss is lower in mountain groups west of the Eisack/Isarco River (except for the Texel Group) than in the eastern ranges, likely due to topographic controls. In all mountain groups, the 2017-2023 loss rate exceeds that of the 2005-2017 period. The average surface elevation change of glacierized areas since the 2017 inventory is -8.7 +/- 0.14 m, corresponding to a total volume loss of approximately 0.75 +/- 0.03 km(3) and a mass loss of 635 +/- 61 million tons across the study region.
