Solar-assisted underground thermal energy storage (UTES) can reduce the seasonal mismatch between summer solar availability and winter heat demand. However, regional planning requires renewable charging resources and subsurface thermal performance to be evaluated jointly. This study developed a lithology-resolved GIS–laboratory framework for preliminary borehole thermal energy storage screening in the Euganean Hills, northeastern Italy. Thermal conductivity and volumetric heat capacity were characterized for 23 local specimens under dry and water-saturated conditions. Conductivity was measured parallel and perpendicular to the dominant rock fabric. Additional basalt measurements and clay/silt reference values were used where local sampling was insufficient. Normalized thermal effusivity was combined multiplicatively with normalized seasonal solar radiation to define a dimensionless Ground Thermal–Solar Suitability (GTSS) index. Property uncertainty was propagated using 10,000 non-parametric bootstrap realizations. Saturated conductivity generally exceeded 3.0 Wm−1K−1 in compact carbonate formations. From the conservative dry/perpendicular to the favorable saturated/parallel scenario, lithology-level GTSS increased by 2.6–9.4%. Approximately 30.1% of mapped cells increased by one suitability class and 0.5% by two classes. Relative 95% GTSS interval widths ranged from 2.5–16.9% in the conservative scenario and 1.1–13.5% in the favorable scenario. Maiolica and Scaglia Rossa provided the strongest combination of thermal performance and spatial continuity. At Turri, field-equivalent conductivity was 5.10 Wm−1K−1, or 2.50–3.45 times the laboratory-weighted estimates. This difference confirms that field-scale fracture, groundwater, and borehole effects lie outside the laboratory calibration domain. GTSS therefore supports uncertainty-aware regional prioritization, not site-specific performance prediction.

This study presents a multidisciplinary methodology for evaluating the suitability of geologicalformations for underground thermal energy storage (UTES) integrated with solar thermalresources. Laboratory measurements of thermo-physical properties, including thermal con-ductivity and volumetric heat capacity, were combined with Geographic Information System(GIS)-based analysis to develop a comprehensive assessment framework. The proposed GroundThermal Storage Suitability (GTSS) index was applied to the Euganean Hills (Italy), highlightingthe influence of lithology and saturation on thermal performance.

The tectonic re-equilibration after the Variscan orogeny coincided with widespread early Permian post-collisional magmatism in southern Europe. A full understanding of the origin of this magmatism in the South Variscan realm and its relationship to major tectonic events such as subduction, continental collision, rifting or lithospheric foundering hinges on high-precision geochronological data of the magmatic products. Here, we present new high-precision zircon U–Pb geochronological data obtained by chemical abrasion isotope dilution thermal ionization mass spectrometry (CA-ID-TIMS) for the early Permian Athesian Magmatic District (AMD) in NE Italy. Our analysed zircons from felsic intrusive and volcanic rocks give ages spanning from ca. 281.8 to 277.2 Ma, suggesting that the lifetime of the AMD was significantly shorter than previously reported. Our data, when combined with recent high-precision ages from other South Variscan magmatic systems suggest that the Cisuralian (early Permian) post-collisional magmatism in the Southalpine domain occurred over more than 8 m.y. with the magmatic centres migrating from the western to the eastern Southern Alps. Geochemical and radiogenic isotope modelling of published data for magmatic rocks in the Southern Alps and the Corsica-Sardinia batholith suggest a subduction-enriched mantle source for the South Variscan post-collisional magmatism, with melting occurring under a relatively thin lithosphere at depths of ca. 60 km. Our results point to a significant post-orogenic delamination of the thick lithospheric mantle formed during the Variscan orogeny. In this scenario, the migration of the post-collisional magmatism within the Cisuralian district may be due to the lateral migration of the lithospheric foundering.

Radon (²²Rn) is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that occurs in rocks and soils, and its migration pathways are influenced by geological faults. These processes can significantly increase radon leakage into buildings, posing a significant health risk. Classified as a carcinogen by the World Health Organisation, exposure to radon has required the establishment of national reference levels across Europe under Directive 2013/59/EURATOM and the identification of Radon Priority Areas (RPAs) to guide remediation initiatives. This legislation emphasises the need for both collective and individual risk management, using advanced radon risk assessment tools.In this study, we present an innovative approach to construct a geogenic radon hazard index (GRHI) map for Italy using a robust bottom-up methodology. Our approach integrates several geological proxies related to radon source (e.g. geology, radionuclide content) and migration pathways (e.g. faults) using supervised auto-machine learning (Autogluon). A dataset of approximately 30,000 soil radon measurements was divided into training and test datasets. A conceptual model with ten predictors was developed to estimate soil radon concentrations at unsampled locations on a 1x1 km grid. The LightGBMLarge algorithm resulted in the best model (R²test = 0.524) which was validated by a combination of statistical metrics. The SHAP analysis highlighted the relative importance of the predictors in the model.The GRHI map was further combined with census section data (ISTAT database) and population density to produce a risk map from Collective Risk Areas (CRA) to Individual Risk Areas (IRA). This final map serves as a valuable tool for national and regional administrations to identify IRAs in accordance with Directive 2013/59/EURATOM (Article 103).This research addresses the lack of a standardised European methodology for radon risk assessment. It provides a comprehensive framework to bridge the gap between collective and individual risk. Through the integration of geological knowledge with machine learning and demographic data, this work provides useful information for the improvement of radiation protection and public health strategies.

RamanCrystalHunter (RCH) is a new software program designed to pre-process, analyze, and identify Raman spectra by comparison with spectra in the RamanCrystalHunter Database (RCHDB). The software is free and can be downloaded from the website https://www.fabrizionestola.com/rch. RCH is characterized by a simple graphical user interface, making it suitable for both specialist and non-specialist users, and it has been developed mainly for applications in Earth Sciences (processing the spectra of minerals) but can be used to process the Raman spectra of any synthetic or natural inorganic or organic material. RCH allows users to visualize, pre-process (e.g., using smoothing, noise reduction, and baseline correction operations), and analyze (e.g., using fitting or various calculation tools) Raman spectra. Moreover, it is equipped with the RCHDB, a new database of high-quality mineral spectra that can be downloaded for free, along with the RCH program. The RCHDB contains the Raman spectra of minerals (including single- and multi-phase inclusions within mineral hosts, for example, diamonds) and related synthetic compounds, allowing for rapid and accurate identification of unknown spectra. The RCH software includes highly customizable yet efficient and user-friendly methods for processing and analysis of Raman spectra and represents a valuable contribution to the field of Raman spectroscopy, whose applications have expanded greatly in recent years, especially in Earth Sciences. Two practical examples of novel ways in which this software can be used for geoscience applications are presented.

Radon (222Rn) is a radioactive gas with well-documented harmful effects; the World Health Organization has confirmed it as a cancerogenic for humans. These detrimental effects have prompted Europe to establish national reference levels to protect the exposed population. This is reflected in European directive 59/2013/EURATOM, which has been transposed into the national regulations of EU Member States. Specifically, the directive requires the identification of Radon Priority Areas to facilitate remediation in regions with high Rn levels. The regulation also includes measures for radiation protection, aiming to safeguard the population collectively and individuals from Rn exposure. These two requirements can be conceptualised and translated into two complementary concepts: collective and individual risk. This work addresses the lack of a standardised methodology at the European level for defining radon (Rn) risk across regions. It provides the first approach to transitioning from collective to individual risk areas (CRAs to IRAs), offering clear insights into the application of European Rn protection regulations. Key challenges have been addressed, including geo-hazard mapping without a response variable, evaluating the performance of Spatial Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis, and assessing the use and representativeness of available indoor Rn data to support individual risk assessment. The study also explores the optimal scale for delineating Radon Priority Areas. The effectiveness of this novel approach, which incorporates both collective and individual risk factors in accordance with European regulations, has been tested in a case study in the Bolzano province (north-eastern Italy).

The technology envisioned in the DeepU project (Deep U-tube heat exchanger) is expected to revolutionize the geothermal energy sector, increasing the accessibility of deep geothermal resources for low-carbon heating and power generation. The ultimate project goal is to create a deep (>4 km) closed-loop connection in the shape of a U-tube exchanger by developing a fast and effective laser drilling technology. The project comprises the development of a novel drilling technique and its application via geothermal modeling at selected sites. A prototype of a drill-head has been realized, combining the laser system with drill strings, sustaining the coupled action of laser and cryogenic gas. The fine particles of drilled rocks are ejected to the surface in the gas stream via the borehole annulus. This contribution focuses on the project’s activities related to the laser-rock interactions studied in the experimental laser drilling tests based on previous works (Seo et al., 2022; Li et al., 2022a, 2022b). Three types of lithologies were selected for initial laboratory tests: granite, sandstone, and limestone (50 x 35 x 15 cm). Constant rates of penetration (ROP) upwards of 20 m/h have been achieved in all lithologies with borehole diameter reaching 18 cm. The petro-thermo-mechanical phenomena occurring during laser drilling, such as spallation, melting, and evaporation, were recognized and described. The drilling process was investigated by thermocamera imaging providing information about the most effective process induced by heating the rocks, up to 700°C. The laser working parameters and experimental setup were optimized regarding observed phenomena. In the next step, sections of boreholes were cut out and examined. The microscopic observations on the thermal unaffected and affected rocks’ thin sections have been performed with the use of polarized optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealing micro-fracturing patterns of the rock induced on rock samples by the heating processes. The change of physic-mechanical properties of rocks was investigated and acknowledged in geothermal models. This innovative and comprehensive study revealed macro- and micro-scale phenomena occurring during laser drilling, contributing to the successful development of this new drilling method and subsequently its application for exploitation of geothermal energy from depths below 4 km. This research is funded by the European Union (G.A. 101046937). However, the views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EISMEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. References Li, G., Shi, D., Hu, S., Ma, C., He, D., and Yao, K., 2022a, Research on the mechanism of laser drilling alumina ceramics in shallow water: The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, v. 118, p. 3631–3639, doi:10.1007/s00170-021-08190-0. Li, Q., Zhai, Y., Huang, Z., Chen, K., Zhang, W., and Liang, Y., 2022b, Research on crack cracking mechanism and damage evaluation method of granite under laser action: Optics Communications, v. 506, p. 127556, doi:10.1016/j.optcom.2021.127556. Seo, Y., Lee, D., and Pyo, S., 2022, The interaction of high-power fiber laser irradiation with intrusive rocks: Scientific Reports, v. 12, p. 680, doi:10.1038/s41598-021-04575-z.

Due to its potential use as a carbon-free energy resource with minimal environmental and climate impacts, natural hydrogen (H2) produced by subsurface geochemical processes is today the target of intensive research. In H2 exploration practices, bacteria are thought to swiftly consume H2 and, therefore, small near-surface concentrations of H2, even orders of 102 ppmv in soils, are considered a signal of active migration of geological gas, potentially revealing underground resources. Here, we document an extraordinary case of a widespread occurrence of H2 (up to 1 vol%), together with elevated concentrations of CH4 and CO2 (up to 51 and 27 vol%, respectively), in aerated meadow soils along Italian Alps valleys. Based on current literature, this finding would be classified as a discovery of pervasive and massive geological H2 seepage. Nevertheless, an ensemble of gas geochemical and soil microbiological analyses, including bulk and clumped CH4 isotopes, radiocarbon of CH4 and CO2, and DNA and mcrA gene quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses, revealed that H2 was only coupled to modern microbial gas. The H2-CO2-CH4-H2S association, wet soil proximity, and the absence of other geogenic gases in soils and springs suggest that H2 derives from near-surface fermentation, rather than geological degassing. H2 concentrations up to 1 vol% in soils are not conclusive evidence of deep gas seepage. This study provides a new reference for the potential of microbial H2, CH4 and CO2 in soils, to be considered in H2 exploration guidelines and soil carbon and greenhouse-gas cycle research.

Radon is a radioactive gas and a major source of ionizing radiation exposure for humans. Consequently, it can pose serious health threats when it accumulates in confined environments. In Europe, recent legislation has been adopted to address radon exposure in dwellings; this law establishes national reference levels and guidelines for defining Radon Priority Areas (RPAs). This study focuses on mapping the Geogenic Radon Potential (GRP) as a foundation for identifying RPAs and, consequently, assessing radon risk in indoor environments. Here, GRP is proposed as a hazard indicator, indicating the potential for radon to enter buildings from geological sources. Various approaches, including multivariate geospatial analysis and the application of artificial intelligence algorithms, have been utilised to generate continuous spatial maps of GRP based on point measurements. In this study, we employed a robust multivariate machine learning algorithm (Random Forest) to create the GRP map of the central sector of the Pusteria Valley, incorporating other variables from census tracts such as land use as a vulnerability factor, and population as an exposure factor to create the risk map. The Pusteria Valley in northern Italy was chosen as the pilot site due to its well-known geological, structural, and geochemical features. The results indicate that high Rn risk areas are associated with high GRP values, as well as residential areas and high population density. Starting with the GRP map (e.g., Rn hazard), a new geological-based definition of the RPAs is proposed as fundamental tool for mapping Collective Radon Risk Areas in line with the main objective of European regulations, which is to differentiate them from Individual Risk Areas.

Radon (222Rn) is a radioactive gas considered the major source of ionizing radiation exposure for the population and several epidemiological studies provided evidence of its detrimental effects on human health. As a consequence, the World Health Organization classified this gas as the second cause of lung cancer after cigarettes smoking. A significant fraction of lung cancer can be attributed to the indoor Rn exposure, i.e. houses and workplace. In particular, Indoor Radon Concentration (IRC) is the product of the Geogenic Radon Potential (GRP), conceptualised as the contribution of Rn released by the Earth. Therefore, in the characterisation of the potential risk over an area is fundamental considering the geological constraints under the dwellings, the building styles and living habits. In Europe, the Basic Safety Standards Directive 2013/59/EURATOM aims to reduce the human exposure to Rn in houses and workplace, on the one hand fixing some reference values, on the other hand requiring to the European states to delineate the Radon Priority Areas (RPA), i.e. that areas where IRC exceed the European Directive reference value. In particular, mapping the GRP as an indicator of the Rn related hazard is fundamental for: (i) delineate the RPAs through the quantification of geogenic Rn, that can potentially influx within buildings; (ii) understand how GRP can affect the vulnerability over an area thus contributing to the Rn risk. In this study, we focused on mapping the GRP of a specific study area located in the Pusteria Valley (Bolzano province, eastern Italy). This area is well-known from a geological and structural point of view and it is characterised by a wide non-seismically active fault zone showing a very high gas permeability. In particular, we have applied a machine learning technique (i.e. Forest Regression), to construct a high resolution (50 m*50 m) GRP map of the study area considering several proxy variables related to the Rn sources (e.g., radionuclide content in rocks), to the Tectonically Enhanced Radon (TER) quantity and to the exhalation process towards the atmosphere. Furthermore, we have assessed the vulnerability of the area by introducing the location of inhabited areas to provide a preliminary map of RPAs. Results show that dwellings characterised by high vulnerability are located in the area with the highest GRP. This work represents the first attempt in Italy to define the RPAs.

Ongoing studies conducted in northern polar regions reveal that permafrost stability plays a key role in the modern carbon cycle as it potentially stores considerable quantities of greenhouse gases. Rapid and recent warming of the Arc-tic permafrost is resulting in significant greenhouse gas emissions, both from physical and microbial processes. The po-tential impact of greenhouse gas release from the Antarctic region has not, to date, been investigated. In Antarctica, the McMurdo Dry Valleys comprise 10 % of the ice-free soil surface areas in Antarctica and like the northern polar regions are also warming albeit at a slower rate.The work presented herein examines a comprehensive sample suite of soil gas (e.g., CO2, CH4 and He) concentrations and CO2 flux measurements conducted in Taylor Valley during austral summer 2019/2020. Analytical results reveal the presence of significant concentrations of CO2, CH4 and He (up to 3.44 vol%, 18,447 ppmv and 6.49 ppmv, respec-tively) at the base of the active layer. When compared with the few previously obtained measurements, we observe increased CO2 flux rates (estimated CO2 emissions in the study area of 21.6 km2 approximate to 15 tons day-1). We suggest that the gas source is connected with the deep brines migrating from inland (potentially from beneath the Antarctic Ice Sheet) towards the coast beneath the permafrost layer. These data provide a baseline for future investigations aimed at monitoring the changing rate of greenhouse gas emissions from Antarctic permafrost, and the potential origin of gases, as the southern polar region warms.

Numerous field and laboratory studies have been conducted to investigate the relationship between radon variation and seismic events, as well as the complex link between radon emission and rock deformation mechanisms. However, a clear understanding of this correspondence and systematic observations of these phenomena are still lacking, and recent experimental studies have yet to yield conclusive results. In this study, we investigate the possible relationships between radon migration dynamics and rock deformation at the micro-scale through laboratory experiments using the SHIVA apparatus under shear stress-controlled conditions and simultaneous high-resolution radon measurements. We studied the behaviour of three different lithologies to show that radon emission varies in response to rock deformation and this variation is highly dependent on the mineralogy and microstructure. This study represents the first attempt to define radon gas as an indicator of transient and rapid rock deformation at the micro-scale.

Warming global climate threatens the stability of the polar regions and may result in cascading broad impacts. Studies conducted on permafrost in the Arctic regions indicate that these areas may store almost twice the carbon currently present in the atmosphere. Therefore, permafrost thawing has the potential to magnify the warming effect by doubling the more direct anthropogenic impact from burning of fossil fuels, agriculture and changes in land use. Permafrost thawing may also intensify the Rn transport due to the increase of fluid saturation and permeability of the soil. A detailed study of 222Rn and 220Rn activity levels in polar soils constitutes a starting point to investigate gas migration processes as a function of the thawing permafrost. Although several studies have been carried out in the Arctic regions, there is little data available from the Southern Hemisphere. The Italian – New Zealand “SENECA” project aims to fill this gap and to provide the first evaluations of gas concentrations and emissions from permafrost and/or thawed shallow strata of the Taylor Valley, Antarctica. Taylor Valley is one of the few Antarctic regions that are not covered by ice and therefore is an ideal target for permafrost investigations. Results from our field measurements highlight very low values for 222Rn and higher values for 220Rn, suggesting a shallow source. Usually the measured 222Rn activity values are controlled by the radionuclide content in the soil, the temperature of the soil, the porosity of the soil, and the water content. We applied the Akerblom formula to calculate the radon at equilibrium with the activity concentration of the 226Ra on the collected soil samples, and the presence of 222Rn amounts higher than those naturally produced by the outcropping sediments is detected. These results demonstrate the presence of preferential gas pathways through the permafrost from a deep source. It is the first time that this type of study has been performed in Antarctica and can make a significant contribution to understanding the melting permafrost processes and its implications for the environment. This dataset also represents an important benchmark for future measurements to track the melt progress of Antarctic permafrost.

Shallow geothermal energy has the potential to play a crucial role in future renewable district heating and cooling networks. However, to size, model and design such systems, an accurate underground survey campaign is necessary, providing on-site geological, hydrogeological and thermophysical parameters. This is particularly true in geologically complex environments such as mountain ones. This paper presents a real case study located at the Madonna Bianca neighborhood in the city of Trento (North Italy, in an alpine valley), where a comprehensive geological survey campaign has been conducted by using traditional and innovative techniques, in order to size a low temperature district heating with integrated ground source heat pumps, also evaluating its thermal effects on the underground by using a 3D hydro-thermal finite element modeling (FEM). Relevant scientific novelty is included in the multi-scale and multi-method geological surveys, coupling: on-site coring, surface and downhole geophysics, laboratory petrophysical analyses, on-site thermal response tests (TRTs) by standard device and by novel hybrid optical fiber. The proposed framework is replicable and supports not only the correct plant dimensioning but also the evaluation of energy-efficiency and energy-sustainability over time.

An innovative experimental method for the long-term monitoring of outdoor microclimate and material decay at cultural heritage sites was developed to aid the formulation of new damage functions and models for climate-change risk assessment. To that end, an apparatus for field exposure tests was designed to monitor a variety of historical building materials in different environmental settings. The data series acquired, i.e., surface temperature and moisture, are compared with the corresponding meteorological datasets on a local and regional scale. The apparatus is designed for supporting also the monitoring of the physical and chemical changes caused by weathering. This novel method is expected to provide insights into the interaction between historical materials and the environment, which can be exploited for the protection and conservation of cultural heritage.

Radon (222Rn) is a radioactive gas widely considered an indoor air pollutant due to its harmful effects on human health (WHO, 2009). The Geogenic Radon Potential (GRP) quantifies what “Earth delivers” in terms of radon and represents the most important contributor to Indoor Radon Concentrations (IRC) indicating the potential risk over an area (Bossew 2015). This is the special case of some municipalities in Pustertal/Pusteria Valley (Bozen/Bolzano, North-Eastern Italy) which display a high IRC, based on Indoor measurements carried out by Minach et al. (1999), exceeding the threshold value recommended by EURATOM 59/2013. These municipalities are located along a wide brittle-fracture zone between the Pusteria Line (PL, the eastern part of Periadriatic Lineament) and the Deffereggen-Anterselva-Valles (DAV) faults. This fractured zone may act as preferential pathway for radon transport and migration by carrier gases (mainly CO2 and CH4), strongly contributing to its geogenic component. A GRP map of the study area has been developed based on field measurements of radon, thoron (220Rn) and other soil gases (CO2, CH4, H2, O2, H2S) according to a sampling grid in an area of 6x10 km, and along three profiles crossing above mentioned fault lines in Terenten/Terento, Mühlen/Molini and Pfalzen/Falzes specific areas. The GRP map was constructed by using soil gas radon data and other proxy variables in a spatial regression model. Soil gas measurements have been supported by high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometry on 16 rock samples belonging to the main outcropping lithologies in the study area i.e. granite, orthogneiss, micaschist-paragneiss, phyllite. The preliminary radon map highlights a wide area of radon anomaly located to the North of the Periadriatic Lineament. The global trend of these radon anomalies follows the structural trend of the brittle fracture zone between PL and DAV faults and tends to close from the eastern part (Pfalzen/Falzes) toward the western part (Terenten/Terento) of the study area. In particular the easternmost sector of the map displays a wide north-south area of radon anomaly related to a wide brittle-fracture zone probably composed by a system of sub-parallel faults. The spatial distribution of radon anomalies confirms the key role played by the Pustertal/Pusteria fault system in the fluid degassing processes enhancing geogenic radon potential of the Pustertal/Pusteria Valley. Keywords: Natural Radioactivity, Geogenic Radon Potential, Indoor Radon, Periadriatic Lineament References: Bossew Peter. Mapping the Geogenic Radon Potential and Estimation of Radon Prone Areas in Germany. Radiation Emergency Medicine 2015 Vol. 4, No.2 13-20. Council Directive 2013/59/EURATOM. Basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation. Minach L., Verdi L., Marchesoni C., Amadori C. Radon in Südtirol. Environmental Protection Agency. 1999. WHO 2009. Zeeb H. and Shannoun F. (eds.) WHO handbook in Indoor Radon - a public health perspective. ISBN 978 92 4 1547672.

This work highlights the importance of the Geogenic Radon Potential (GRP) component originated by degassing processes in fault zones. This Tectonically Enhanced Radon (TER) can increase radon concentration in soil gas and the inflow of radon in the buildings (Indoor Radon Concentrations, IRC). Although tectonically related radon enhancement is known in areas characterised by active faults, few studies have investigated radon migration processes in non-active fault zones. The Pusteria Valley (Bolzano, north-eastern Italy) represents an ideal geological setting to study the role of a non-seismic fault system in enhancing the geogenic radon. Here, most of the municipalities are characterised by high IRC. We performed soil gas surveys in three of these municipalities located along a wide section of the non-seismic Pusteria fault system characterised by a dense network of faults and fractures. Results highlight the presence of high Rn concentrations (up to 800 kBq·m −3 ) with anisotropic spatial patterns oriented along the main strike of the fault system. We calculated a Radon Activity Index (RAI) along north–south profiles across the Pusteria fault system and found that TER is linked to high fault geochemical activities. This evidence confirms that TER constitutes a significant component of GRP also along non-seismic faults.

This contribution presents the work of research and technical development for designing a novel method for monitoring and predicting the weathering of cultural heritage, in particular of stones and timber used historically as building materials. An apparatus for long-term field tests was designed in its hardware and software components with a twofold application: * Exposure of a set of selected stone and wood specimens to natural weathering, at different orientations (North, South, and horizontal plane) and environmental settings (Italy and Norway). * Non-stop acquisition of microclimate data series at different resolutions, down to the scale of the specimen surface, completed by datasets of regional stations of environmental monitoring. Complementary laboratory analyses aim at setting a reference point for the state of conservation of each material before the exposure tests, and monitoring the changes of surface recession/topography (by 3D optical profilometry), thus reconstructing the relevant deterioration trends. Within the framework of the EU-funded project HYPERION, this novel experimental approach is expected to help assessing the interaction of building materials with the environment and their weathering constrained by microclimate and climate variability; combining climate model simulations, the stresses brought about by climate change can also be assessed. The findings might represent a source of precious information for the activities and decision-making protocols of the stakeholders involved in the protection of cultural heritage.