1,720,974 research outputs found
La storia glaciale di un’alta valle delle Dolomiti: nuovi dati sulle relazioni tra clima e processi geomorfologici del Tardo Pleistocene
No full textLe Dolomiti rappresentano il margine più meridionale della catena Alpina orientale. Nelle alte valli dolomitiche la caratterizzazione cronologica e spaziale delle fluttuazioni glaciali precedenti l’Olocene rimane ancora oggi poco documentata, nonostante le molteplici possibilità di indagine offerte dallo sviluppo di nuove tecniche di datazione assoluta e alla recente possibilità di integrare le indagini sul terreno con l’analisi di immagini telerilevate ad alta risoluzione. Il presente lavoro illustra nuovi dati che permettono la ricostruzione paleo-geografica e paleo-ambientale del Tardo Pleistocene – periodo caratterizzato da variazioni climatiche millenarie e sub-millenarie a scala globale – di un’area delle Dolomiti Orientali, l’Alta Val Badia. Qui, nonostante l’intensa dinamica di versante, sono stati identificati mappati depositi glaciali ancora ben preservati e attribuiti, sulla base delle evidenze geomorfologiche, all’Ultimo Massimo Glaciale (UMG) e al Tardoglaciale. La presente ricerca si è avvalsa dello studio di questi depositi per ricostruire l’estensione e i volumi dell’ice field che durante l’UMG occupava la valle e le fasi di avanzata dei ghiacciai locali durante il Tardoglaciale. La datazione di questi depositi mediante la tecnica delle superfici esposte (36Cl Surface Exposure Dating), applicata per la prima volta in Alta Badia e valli limitrofe, è risultata fondamentale per vincolare temporalmente e spazialmente le fluttuazioni dei paleo-ghiacciai della valle. Le geometrie dei ghiacciai (estensioni areali, paleotopografie, volumi) sono state ricostruite sulla base dell’analisi di fotografie aeree e Modelli Digitali del Terreno, di rilievi geomorfologici e della gestione ed elaborazione di dati tramite Sistemi Informativi Geografici. Le stime delle Linee di Equilibrio tardoglaciali, relative a diverse fasi di avanzata, sono state calcolate per ogni singolo ghiacciaio, fornendo così l’opportunità di effettuare correlazioni paleoclimatiche su scala regionale per il periodo considerato. Le evidenze geomorfologiche e le età di esposizione superficiale hanno permesso di vincolare l’età minima del ritiro dell’ice field in corrispondenza dell’UGM, intorno a ca. 18-17 ka. Inoltre sono state riconosciute diverse fasi di riavanzata tardoglaciale occorse tra 16 e 12 ka, permettendo così di ampliare il dataset cronologico alpino per il periodo che si estende dall’UGM fino alla fine del Tardoglaciale.
La ricerca si è avvalsa inoltre dello studio di depositi sub-superficiali portati alla luce grazie a carotaggi effettuati a 2000 metri di quota sull’altopiano del Pralongià, coperto dall’ice field durante l’UMG. Datazioni radiometriche su materiale organico, prelevato dai carotaggi a diverse profondità, hanno fornito età comprese tra 45 e 38 ka (MIS 3), uniche nel quadro delle ricostruzioni paleo-geografiche e paleo-climatiche alle alte quote alpine. Lo studio di questi depositi ha permesso di concludere che durante il MIS 3 il Pralongià era libero dai ghiacci. Dal punto di vista paleo-climatico è confermata la difficoltà, durante questo periodo, di una persistenza del ghiaccio al suolo, che qui in Val Badia, vista la peculiare conformazione orografica, è stata probabilmente ancor più amplificata. Lo studio ha inoltre rivelato che tra 38 ka e l’instaurarsi delle condizioni pleniglaciali (~27 ka) depositi clastici gravitativi, provenienti dai massicci dolomitici che orlano la valle, sono stati messi in posto sull’altopiano. Questa interpretazione trova riscontro in analoghi esempi di grandi frane occorse durante e dopo l’UMG nelle Alpi italiane riportate dalla letteratura.The Dolomites constitute the southernmost margin of the Eastern Alps. In the high Dolomites catchments, the chronological and spatial characterization of glacial fluctuations occurred during the Late Pleistocene remains still today not well constrained; this despite the recent improvement in investigation methods offered by the development of new dating techniques and by the current possibility to integrate field surveys with high resolution remote sensing data.
The present work illustrates new data that allow the reconstruction of paleogeographic and paleo-environmental conditions occurred during the Late Pleistocene – a period characterized by global millennial and sub-millennial climate changes – in an area of the Eastern Dolomites, the Alta Badia valley. Despite the intense slope dynamics which characterize the valley, well preserved glacial deposits have been identified and mapped. They have been attributed, on the basis of geomorphological evidence, to the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and to the Lateglacial periods. The research took advantage of the study of these glacial deposits to reconstruct the extent and volumes of the ice field that during the LGM occupied the valley, as well as the advance phases of the local glaciers occurred during the Lateglacial. The dating of these deposits by means of the 36Cl Cosmic Ray Exposure (CRE) technique, applied for the first time in Alta Badia and neighbouring valleys, was fundamental to constrain in space and time paleo-glaciers fluctuations within the valley. The geometry of the glaciers (areal extensions, paleo-topography, volumes) were reconstructed by means of the analysis of aerial photographs and Digital Terrain Models, as well as through geomorphological field surveys and management and processing of data using Geographic Information Systems.
The Lateglacial Equilibrium Line Altitudes (ELAs) were estimated in relation to different phases of glacial advance. The ELAs have been calculated for every single glacier, providing the opportunity to carry out paleoclimatic correlations on a regional scale for the period considered. The geomorphological evidence and the results of CRE dating on superficial deposits allowed to constrain the minimum age for the withdrawal of the LGM ice field that was at ca. 18-17 ka. In addition, several phases of glacial advance occurring between 16-12 ka were recognized. These results allowed to improve the Alpine chronological dataset relevant to the period ranging from the LGM to the end of the Lateglacial.
The research took also advantage of the study of subsurface deposits exposed owing to eight continuous coring boreholes and an excavation wall on a former glaciated plateau, Pralongià, at ca. 2000 m a.s.l. Radiocarbon dating performed on organic sediment – collected from the boreholes and from the excavation wall at different depths – provided ages ranging between 45 and 38 ka BP (MIS 3), which are unique within the framework of the paleogeographic and paleoclimate reconstructions in high Alpine catchments. Stratigraphic evidence and radiocarbon dating results allowed to conclude that the Pralongià plateau was ice free during most of the MIS 3. From a paleoclimatic viewpoint, it is then confirmed the difficulty, during MIS 3, of ground ice persistence, which was probably even more amplified by the peculiar orographic conditions of the Alta Badia valley. The study revealed also that between 38 ka and the onset of full glacial conditions (~ 27 ka) gravitational clastic deposits, originating from the Dolomites massifs surrounding the valley, were emplaced on the plateau. This interpretation is supported by many examples of large landslides that occurred during and after the LGM in the Italian Alps which are reported in literature
Tutela e valorizzazione di una risorsa per il territorio: la valle del Rio della Rocca (Appennino reggiano).
Full text linkIl contributo riguarda la progettazione di un Master Plan, in collaborazione con il Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche dell’Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia (UNIMORE), finalizzato alla riqualificazione della valle, attraverso la ricognizione e la valorizzazione del patrimonio geologico e naturalistico che la valle offre e dell’estesa rete sentieristica presente
The Great Diversity of Italian Landscapes and Landforms: Their Origin and Human Imprint
No full textAn outstanding variety of landscapes and landforms are present in Italy due to its complex geological history, repeated climate changes and increasing human impact through time. This chapter highlights the reasons for the geological and geomorphological diversity of the country by illustrating its geological evolution since the Mesozoic, outlining the paleogeographic changes that occurred as a consequence of Quaternary climate variations, and tracing the unique human civilization history that has so strongly influenced landscape evolution since the Neolithic . Special attention is devoted to the complex history of the country, where peoples coming from different geographical areas met each other contributing to make Italy a compendium of cultural diversity capable of attracting travellers from all over the world. Landscape conservation and protection are finally taken into account
Geomorphological evolution of coastal landslides in Malta: integration of terrestrial and marine datasets
No full textThe 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
The influence of geographical factors on COVID-19 outbreak: A literature review
No full textA significant number of papers focusing on the relationships between COVID-19 diffusion and geographic factors is available in literature. The same applies to the use of geographic techniques (e.g., spatial tools and mapping) for the study of the pandemic. Although the literature on these topics is already abundant, a detailed and comprehensive review is still lacking.
In this context, the purpose of this paper is to fill the existing gap by presenting a literature review of geographical studies dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. The review is aimed at: i) understanding the role of geographic/territorial determinants (e.g., geographic location of confirmed cases, climatic and environmental characteristics, urbanization) in the spread of COVID-19; ii) identifying common approaches, materials, and methods used in the study of the COVID-19 outbreak from a geographical perspective; iii) recognising possible research gaps to address future in-depth analyses.
To achieve these goals a literature review was made concerning the application of geographical approaches for the study of one or more geographical factors/variables, as well as socioeconomic factors in relation to the outbreak and diffusion of the COVID-19 pandemic. The main academic literature databases were inquired. More than 80 papers were reviewed and categorized according to different criteria, e.g., considered variables, investigated period, spatial and temporal resolution and applied methodologies.
This research is part of an interdisciplinary project (“DISCOV19”) funded by the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia and aiming at identifying the main vulnerability and risk factors related to COVID-19 outbreak and at formulating prevention and management schemes with a focus on the Province of Modena (Northern Italy). The investigation crosses different disciplines: i) public health epidemiology, investigating the contagion modalities and health and socio-demographic predisposing factors; ii) economic-statistical methodology, pointing out the structural characteristics of the networks that convey the contagion and the main social, technological and management vulnerabilities with respect to COVID-19 spread; iii) geography and geomorphology, for thematic mapping and spatial analysis of COVID-19 outbreak and understanding the role of environmental and physical-geographical factors on COVID-19 incidence. The review here presented fits into this context being one of the first outputs of the project implementation
Geoheritage Degradation Risk Assessment: Methodologies and Insights
Full text linkOver the past 25 years, geoconservation studies and interest in geoheritage have grown significantly. However, the assessment of degradation risks associated with geosites remains less explored. This aspect is crucial for the effective management and conservation of geosites, which face pressure from natural and human factors. In many countries, geosites are at risk of degradation or loss due to the lack of a systematic inventory and inadequate management. Therefore, evaluating and monitoring degradation risks is a priority for the scientific community. Common investigation schemes and approaches for recognizing and preventing threats to geosites are still lacking. This paper presents the first systematic literature review on degradation risk and related terms. Through an extensive search of widely used literature databases, 130 papers were selected and analyzed. The findings highlight a growing focus on quantitative approaches for the assessment of geoheritage degradation risk, with most research conducted at local scales, while identifying climate change as an underexplored yet critical factor. Future priorities include refining spatial and temporal scales, understanding degradation processes, and fostering global collaboration to improve conservation strategies
Does duration Matter? Evaluating the impact of short- and long-term telemedicine in functional motor disorders
Full text linkIntroduction: Functional motor disorders (FMDs) are chronic neurological conditions characterized by altered expectations, disrupted attention, and a sense of agency, requiring long-term management. While 12-week telemedicine programs have shown effectiveness, the optimal duration for sustaining benefits remains unclear. We therefore aim to compare the effects of an extended 24-week telemedicine program with a standard 12-week program in managing FMDs. Methods: 52 consecutive patients with FMDs completed a five-day intensive, multidisciplinary rehabilitation program followed by a standard 12-week telemedicine program. Participants were then allocated consecutively to either a self-management program without telemedicine support (control group, CG, n = 26) or an extended 24-week telemedicine program with biweekly sessions (experimental group, EG, n = 26). Motor and non-motor symptoms, Quality of Life (QoL), and self-perception of change were assessed at baseline (T0), after 12 weeks (T1), and 36 weeks (T2). Results: Significant time effects were found for all outcomes except the Mental Health QoL. Significant Time × Group interaction was observed for TAS-20 (p < 0.001), where the CG reported a reduction both at T1 (p = 0.003) and T2 (p < 0.001), not observed in the EG. The CG reported a significant worsening in their self-perception of improvement at nine months (T2) compared to the EG (p = 0.015). Conclusions: Extending the telemedicine program, even at a reduced biweekly frequency, may help sustain perceived improvements despite the absence of additional motor benefits. Such disconnection might be related to the strong role of altered expectations and attention within this disorder
Coastal inundation scenarios in the north-eastern sector of the Island of Gozo (Malta, Mediterranean Sea) as a response to sea level rise
Full text linkAccording to the most recent scenarios, sea level is expected to keep rising during the next decades because of global warming. In this context, coastal areas are highly vulnerable to marine and climate-related processes, such as erosion and inundation. Such processes are expected to cause shoreline retreat and local morphological variations with consequent loss in natural ecosystems, exploitable coastal land, and significant socio-economic impacts. This paper aims at outlining future scenarios of potential coastal inundation along the NE coastal sector of the Island of Gozo (Malta). The study assessed expected coastline positions for the investigated coastal stretch by analysing high-resolution topographic data coupled with sea level projections for the years 2050 and 2100, accounting also for the contribution of storm surges. Results are expected to sensitize local authorities and communities about potential threats derived from sea level rise that could affect coastal areas in the near future
A Literature Review of Climate-Related Coastal Risks in the Mediterranean, a Climate Change Hotspot
Full text linkDirect and indirect impacts of climate change are alarming in the coastal areas of the world, including the Mediterranean coasts. Extreme events (such as marine storms, medicanes, etc.) are likely to increase the coastal risks in the region (e.g., erosion, flooding, and inundation), resulting in a significant socio-economic impact, loss of natural biodiversity and ecosystem services, and damage to cultural heritage along the affected coasts. Therefore, climate-related risk assessment procedures are crucial for the management and sustainable development of coastal areas. The purpose of this paper is to review and analyze the literature on the assessment of both the long- and short- term effects of climate change on coastal Mediterranean areas. It emphasizes methods and techniques to evaluate coastal vulnerability and sea level rise risk. This paper presents an overview of relevant scientific literature on the matter with a focus on approaches used in addressing the issues on climate change, as well as the geographic distribution of papers on the topic, highlighting the main aspects addressed in different Mediterranean countries
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