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Since both the EU Erasmus+ program and UNESCO Global Geoparks aim at developing models of best practices, a shared playground for common activities can be found in high geodiversity and rich geoheritage areas to promote innovative education and professional perspectives in the ecological transition. Two consecutive Erasmus+ cooperative partnerships (GEOclimHOME and GEOclimHOME-PRO) involved schools, research institutions, and three European geoparks (Rokua, Finland; Sesia Val Grande, Italy; Chablais, France) for improved perception of climate and environmental changes and appraisal of geoheritage. The common pedagogical approach is presented in this review paper as well as the different methodological solutions for (1) understanding climate change and (2) recognising its natural and human factors, by environmental research and professional experiences. Activities were first addressed to explore the "secret" values of geoheritage for awareness on climate changes. Later, active/passive roles of humans toward the environment have been analysed, which are related to the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs). Results of educational activities demonstrated enhanced students' awareness of social and environmental responsibility. Moreover, the actions highlighted new job opportunities, accomplishing the local and global needs of sustainable development, future skills, and lifestyles within geopark territories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field survey and geomorphological mapping in urban areas are difficult tasks, particularly those related to the recognition of natural landforms within cities. In this case, it is necessary to apply an integrated scientific approach by combining geomorphology with historical-geography. This paper presents the result of a multi-year survey carried out in the natural morphological amphitheatre where the historic centre of Genoa developed. Our research methods included field surveys in urban areas, interpretation of natural and anthropic landforms from maps and photographs, and analyses of the available borehole logs. As a result, we updated knowledge on urban geomorphology of Genoa old city. An original geomorphological legend has been adopted, including new entries for anthropogenic landforms, targeted at a better visual representation on the changes in the geomorphological landscape during more than one thousand years of urban development of the city. The geomorphological map of Genoa old city is presented as a useful tool for urban planning, as well as for an integrated cultural and landscape enhancement of the territory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field survey and geomorphological mapping in urban areas are difficult tasks, particularly those related to the recognition of natural landforms within cities. In this case, it is necessary to apply an integrated scientific approach by combining geomorphology with historical-geography. This paper presents the result of a multi-year survey carried out in the natural morphological amphitheatre where the historic centre of Genoa developed. Our research methods included field surveys in urban areas, interpretation of natural and anthropic landforms from maps and photographs, and analyses of the available borehole logs. As a result, we updated knowledge on urban geomorphology of Genoa old city. An original geomorphological legend has been adopted, including new entries for anthropogenic landforms, targeted at a better visual representation on the changes in the geomorphological landscape during more than one thousand years of urban development of the city. The geomorphological map of Genoa old city is presented as a useful tool for urban planning, as well as for an integrated cultural and landscape enhancement of the territory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: During its long history of developing and deploying remote sensing instruments, NASA has provided scientific data that have benefitted a variety of scientific applications among them archaeology. Multispectral and hyperspectral instruments mounted on orbiting and sub-orbital platforms have provided new and important information for the discovery, delineation and analysis of archaeological sites worldwide. Since the early 1970s, several of the ten NASA centers have collaborated with archaeologists to refine and validate the use of active and passive remote sensing for archaeological use. The Stennis Space Center (SSC), located in Mississippi USA has been the NASA leader in archaeological research. Together with colleagues from Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), SSC scientists have provided the archaeological community with useful images and sophisticated processing that have pushed the technological frontiers of archaeological research and applications. Successful projects include identifying prehistoric roads in Chaco canyon, identifying sites from the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery exploration, and assessing prehistoric settlement patterns in southeast Louisiana. The Scientific Data Purchase (SDP) stimulated commercial companies to collect archaeological data. At present, NASA formally solicits “space archaeology” proposals through its Earth Science Directorate and continues to assist archaeologists and cultural resource managers in doing their work more efficiently and effectively. This paper focuses on passive remote sensing and does not consider the significant contributions made by NASA active sensors. Hyperspectral data offers new opportunities for future archaeological discoveries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A wealth of new data provides a well-constrained chronology of mid- to late Holocene coastal development in the Louisiana–Mississippi borderland that may also be utilized in a globally applicable sedimentation model. Barrier sand and deltaic mud sequences illustrate a process by which potential ground water and hydrocarbon reservoir rocks accumulated unusually rapidly and were preserved. Set against decelerating Holocene sea-level rise and locally variable subsidence rates, the study provides an example of the interplay between an emerging, prograding, and partially stranded barrier island chain, a sizable estuary, and several extensive delta lobes. Utilizing microfossil fauna-based depositional facies information and archaeological data, absolute dates helped to reconstruct the history of the Alabama–Louisiana barrier chain and deltas between ca. 5.7 and ca. 1.5 14C ka BP. Protected by the substantial dune cover that prevented island submersion, the regional eustastic transgression paradoxically was synchronous with significant progradational barrier and deltaic regression. The earliest barrier islands emerged ca. 4.6–4.4 14C ka BP (ca. 5.7–5.0 cal years) when sea level stood at ca. -1.0 to -1.5 m. These islands isolated Mississippi Sound from the greater Gulf of Mexico. The absence of a lagoonal-inshore sediment interval beneath the islands and the 3–15 m thick basal nearshore marine muddy–sandy unit that blankets the Pleistocene surface refutes the transgressive history of barrier initiation. The islands aggraded on a 3.0–16.5 m thick fine sandy shallow-marine regressive platform lithosome that, in turn, overlies a transgressive muddy–sandy nearshore marine lower sediment interval.Avulsion of the Mississippi River had abruptly reduced nearshore salinities by ca. 3.9–3.7 ka 14C BP. Renewed Mississippi delta growth induced rapid aggradation and progradation on the opposite Pearl River delta-mainland shore as well. Gulf influences have rapidly diminished in areas so affected. A new absolute chronology of the Mississippi–St. Bernard delta lobes constrains these events. Delta growth and mainland progradation first isolated, then severely constricted the Lake Borgne embayment. Accompanied by ongoing subsidence, the western barriers were stranded, then buried. Shoaling, related to St. Bernard delta progradation, interfered with westward littoral drift to maintain Cat Island. Archaeology provided important supplementary data for dating environmental changes. Refuting earlier suggestions that Native colonization rapidly followed delta complex formation, the earliest known Indian sites postdated the start of the associated St. Bernard delta lobe by 1.9–3.1 14C ka. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presents a comparative study of radiometric and visual techniques as quantitative methods for determining pottery color. Analysis of 52 of pre-historic sherds selected at random from a multicomponent site; What the analysis indicated; Transformation of radiometric data to CIE chromaticity coordinates and Munsell color; Comparison of radiometric data with visual observations of Munsell color; Details on the results.

Mount Meager is a deeply eroded quaternary volcanic complex located in southwestern British Columbia (BC) and is known for its frequent large landslides. In 2010, the south face of Mount Meager collapsed, generating a long-runout debris avalanche that was one of the largest landslides (50 × 106 m3) in Canadian history. Over the past 14 years, the landslide deposit has been reworked by stream action, delivering large amounts of sediment to Lillooet River, just downstream. In this study, we investigate 10 years of geomorphic evolution of the landslide deposit using orthophotos and digital elevation models (DEMs) generated using Structure from Motion (SfM) photogrammetry on aerial photographs acquired during unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) surveys. The SfM products were used to produce a series of precise maps that highlight the geomorphological changes along the lower Meager Creek within the runout area of the landslide. Comparison of DEMs produced from 2010, 2012, 2015, and 2019 imagery allowed us to calculate deposit volume changes related to erosion, transport, and redeposition of landslide material. We estimate that about 1.1 × 106 m3 of sediment was eroded from the landslide deposit over the period 2015–2019. About 5.2 × 105 m3 of that sediment was redeposited inside the study area. About 5.8 × 105 m3 of sediment, mainly sand, silt, and clay, were exported from the study area and are being carried by Lillooet River towards Pemberton, 40 km from Mount Meager, and farther downstream. These remobilized sediments likely reduce the Lillooet River channel capacity and thus increase flood hazards to the communities of Pemberton and Mount Currie. Our study indicates a landslide persistence in the landscape, with an estimated 47-year half-life decay, suggesting that higher flood hazard conditions related to increased sediment supply may last longer than previously estimated. This study shows the value of using SfM in tandem with historic aerial photographs, UAV photos, and high-resolution satellite imagery for determining sediment budgets in fluvial systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This oral presentation aims to present the concept of preparation for issuing a monograph, which is the effect of activity of the Working Group on the Landform Assessment for Geodiversity within the International Association of Geomorphologists by two quadreniums 2013-2021. Geodiversity is variously defined, understood and evaluated. The literature of this subject currently reaches about 1000 different books and publishing articles around the world, but most often in Europe. Diversified research approaches for the assessment of geodiversity result in the fact that published data and assessments are rarely comparable. Hence the guiding principle of the planned monograph is the use of homogeneous data and methods to assess geodiversity at various spatial scales. The expected spatial range is from a single form or set of forms through types of landforms, regions/countries to continents and the entire terrestrial globe (maybe also the oceanic part of the globe). The assessment of geodiversity will be based on the same input data and methods regardless of the spatial scale of the area being developed. The calculation of quantitative geomorphometric, hydrographic and climatic parameters is envisaged, which will be enriched with qualitative information on geology, tectonics, soils, etc. However, the main element to be evaluated will be the landforms of the earth's surface, which create the complexity of the morphological landscape. The editors of the monograph are willing to cooperate with numerous authors from different countries, to whom they will provide consistent input data and methodology. The type and scope of input data as well as the methods of their analytical and synthesized elaboration will be provided during the session. The publication of the monograph should take place in 2021. We invite you to cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme approved in 2015 by the 38th session of the UNESCO General Conference, introduced the UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp) as the new UNESCO site designation for areas with geological heritage of international values. A bottom-up holistic approach is applied within areas of rich geodiversity and geoheritage, which aim to support local communities in promoting awareness on climate change issues and geo-hazards phenomena. Our research concentrates on two selected UGGp "key studies": the Sesia-Val Grande UNESCO Global Geopark Italy and the Magma UNESCO Global Geopark in Norway by applying a trans-disciplinary approach within the H2020 "Tech4culture" project. For assessing the geodiversity and enhancing the geoheritage of these UNESCO Global Geoparks we included both the so-called geosites "additional values" (Reynard, 2005) and the "abiotic ecosystem services approach" (Gray,2013) which described 5 services categories: "regulating, supporting, provisioning, cultural and knowledge". The research focuses on the most suitable quantitative and qualitative data on geodiversity of the selected UGG, to be assessed according to the recent studies by Zwolinski et Al. (2018) Qualitative and quantitative indicators for the selected geosites are analysed considering the "services" they provide to the society within the "ecosystem service approach". Both the geodiversity assessment and indicators analyses are developed taking in mind the UGG mandate, values, goals and management´s needs. The results will be visualized within new technologies, thank to existing cooperation with the Earth Science Department of the Turin University (Ontogenous initiative), ARPA Piemonte, the Norwegian Geological Survey, and others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the end of the nineteenth century, socio-economic changes have greatly altered the Central European landscape and the structural and functional quality of habitats. Urban sprawl areas have appeared, a reduction of multiple forest uses has resulted in the densification of forests and agricultural land use has changed fundamentally through specialisation and intensification. Many of these changes affect biodiversity. To determine the important drivers of spatio-temporal dynamics of the population of 28 game species, we first considered a total of 130 potential explanatory variables. Second, we aggregated the main drivers of single-species models for habitat guilds. Third, we evaluated the results to aid in the development and implementation of mitigation measures for different ecoregions. We used harvest data as a surrogate for population density from 1875 to 2014 in South Tyrol, Italy. In generalised linear models, we used environmental characteristics such as climate, landscape diversity and structures, land cover, hunting, wildlife diseases, competition and predation, land-use type, and intensity (including pesticide use) as explanatory variables to predict the spatio-temporal dynamics of game species. The important drivers are land use and management changes (intensification in the agriculturally favourable areas, extensification or abandonment in the unfavourable areas) as well as associated changes in the landscape features, diversity and structure, and hunting management. Climatic variables, interspecific competition and diseases only play a subordinate role. The dynamics of the habitat guilds and their drivers provide concrete indications for measures to maintain or improve the habitat quality for the investigated species. Particularly important are transfer payments to ensure extensive agricultural use, increasingly through the takeover of personnel costs, but also for the installation of an independent body that monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of the measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While geoheritage and geodiversity have been well defined in the literature, the multiplicity of definitions given to these two concepts makes it difficult to establish an unambiguous relationship between them. Basing on semantic-ontological studies, this study aims to reduce this ambiguity within the concepts by investigating the relationship between the geodiversity richness and the presence of geoheritage, and discussing whether the areas with the greatest geodiversity are the ones with the most relevant geoheritage, thus questioning the potential use of the geodiversity index map. Upon a strong theoretical framework, a quantitative geodiversity index map was created for the Alagna Valsesia municipality, within the Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Global Geopark (Italian Western Alps). Then, 25 geosites were identified and mapped in the same area. Notably, the exploration into the correlation between geodiversity and geoheritage on the field shows that in our study area there is no spatial correlation between the geodiversity class and the number of geosites, proving that some geosites may occur in areas of low geodiversity and the greatest geodiversity are not the ones with the most relevant geoheritage. Moreover, all the non-parametric regression models tested are not significant, indicating that there is no predictable relationship between geodiversity and geoheritage in Alagna Valsesia (NW Alps). For that reason, our work highlights that although the quantitative geodiversity map can have an important role for geoconservation and within biodiversity studies, it could not be a strong tool for geosites recognition and tourism promotion, while for this purpose should be better use a qualitative geodiversity map. Finally, the potential use of the geodiversity map depends on the purpose of the study and the approach used to produce it. For a comprehensive geoconservation and geoheritage promotion strategy, the two approaches (qualitative and quantitative) may be complementary. • Based on semantic and ontological studies providing solid theoretical framework, this work questions the potential use of geodiversity map • Alagna Valsesia, within the Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Global Geopark, is rich in geodiversity and attractive geoheritage, including 25 geosites, some of which are of international importance. • In our study area there is no correlation between geoheritage and geodiversity, highlighting that areas with the greatest geodiversity are not the ones with the most relevant geoheritage. • Qualitative geodiversity map is more useful tool for identifying and manage geosites, while the quantitative one is more useful in geoconservation and biodiversity studies. A complementary use of both is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-resolution topographic modeling has become more accessible due to the development of structure from motion (SfM)-image-matching algorithms in digital photogrammetry. Large archival databases of historical aerial photographs are available in university, public, and government libraries, commonly as paper copies. The photographs can be in poor condition (i.e., deformed by humidity, scratched, or annotated). In addition, the negatives, as well as metadata, may be missing. Processing such photographs using classic stereo-photogrammetry is difficult and, in many instances, impossible. SfM can be applied to these photosets to access the valuable archive of geomorphic changes over the past century. In this paper, we illustrate the utility of the SfM technique using 568 digitized vertical aerial photographs of Mount Meager volcano, located in southwestern British Columbia, Canada. We use the aerial photographs, which span the period from 1947 to 2006, to track glaciers and glacier–landslide interactions on the volcano. Over this period, glaciers have thinned and retreated, interrupted by minor advances in the 1960s and 1970s. Landslides are frequent on the volcano and contribute to debris cover on the glaciers affecting the ablation process. SfM processing of the aerial photographs allowed us to unlock geomorphic information and reconstruct landscape change that would otherwise have been impossible. The results from SfM provide a visually effective way of presenting landscape change to a broad public audience, as a form of virtual geoheritage. The approach can thus be broadly applied in scientific and professional practices for improving land planning and hazard management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New strategies for preservation of geodiversity and geosystem services need to be developed for mountain areas that are vulnerable to climate change and human activities. Detailed geomorphological surveys and geosystem services analyses have been carried out in the Indren-Cimalegna area, southern slope of Monte Rosa (Western Italian Alps). From remote sensing analysis and field inventories, a geomorphological map (1:5000) was created, with a new GIS-compliant legend, targeted to the studies of glacial and periglacial environments. A geosystem services map (1:15,000) was also produced, presenting a two-fold analysis of interactions between geomorphology and human activity, showing (1) the role of distinct landforms as specific services offered to society and (2) the threats posed by morphodynamic processes to human activities. These maps are presented as tools for enhancing proper planning and management of high mountains modified by climate change and human activities within a sustainable development perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change in the European Alps, in particular in the high-elevation environments, is causing an increase in mass movements and hazards. To learn more about relationships between mass movements and climate drivers, the location of the starting zone and date of the instability events need to be known. Nevertheless, not all existing inventories of mass movements are suitable for the purpose. For these reasons, we have implemented a specific inventory of mass movements which occurred in the Italian sector of the Alps at an elevation >1500 m. Currently, the inventory contains information relating to 772 mass movements. The most frequent types of processes documented are rockfall and debris/mud flows, with 279 and 191 cases respectively. The highest number of events occurred in 2022 (71 events), and an evident trend towards an increase over the years and during summer was found. This inventory is an excellent support tool for many activities that take place in and for the mountains, its consultation, both online and offline, makes the inventory suitable for use with different types of devices and can be used not only as a consultation tool on mass movements occurred in the past, but also to insert new events. This use can be particularly suitable for monitoring activities, managed by civil protection structures, municipalities, natural parks, environmental agencies, researchers, freelancers and so on. • Highlight 1 This is the first national inventory of high-elevation mass movements in the Italian Alps. • Highlight 2 The inventory contains information relating to 772 mass movements. • Highlight 3 An evident trend towards an increase in mass movements over the years and during summer was found. • Highlight 4 The inventory is an excellent support tool for many activities that take place in and for the mountains. • Highlight 5 The consultation both online and offline, makes the inventory suitable for use with different types of devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glaciated and recently (post-Little Ice Age) deglaciated areas are very dynamic environments, undergoing continuous changes, in particular as a consequence of climatic fluctuations and cryosphere changes. The intense geomorphic activity that takes place here conditions natural hazard, sediment transport and tourist fruition. A geo-morphological mapping with applicative purposes has to take into account the peculiarities and the dynamism of these specific areas. We here propose a methodological approach based on the interpretation of a multitemporal set of aerial photos (from 1983 to 2012), in a GIS environment, with application to the sectors modeled by Little Ice Age glaciers in the upper Orco Valley (NW Italy). The result is a geo-morphological map focused on the elements that are most relevant for application purposes, complemented by a map of the spatio-temporal distribution of the natural instability processes identified in the study area for the reference period, aimed to highlight the recent dynamism of the geomorphological elements in the map. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2010, the south flank of Mount Meager failed catastrophically, generating the largest (53 ± 3.8 × 106 m3) landslide in Canadian history. We document the slow deformation of the edifice prior to failure using archival historic aerial photographs spanning the period 1948-2006. All photos were processed using Structure from Motion (SfM) photogrammetry. We used the SfM products to produce pre-and post-failure geomorphic maps that document changes in the volcanic edifice and Capricorn Glacier at its base. The photographic dataset shows that the Capricorn Glacier re-advanced from a retracted position in the 1980s then rapidly retreated in the lead-up to the 2010 failure. The dataset also documents 60 years of progressive development of faults, toe bulging, and precursory failures in 1998 and 2009. The 2010 collapse was conditioned by glacial retreat and triggered by hot summer weather that caused ice and snow to melt. Meltwater increased pore water pressures in colluvium and fractured rocks at the base of the slope, causing those materials to mobilize, which in turn triggered several secondary failures structurally controlled by lithology and faults. The landslide retrogressed from the base of the slope to near the peak of Mount Meager involving basement rock and the overlying volcanic sequence. Elsewhere on the flanks of Mount Meager, large fractures have developed in recently deglaciated areas, conditioning these slopes for future collapse. Potential failures in these areas have larger volumes than the 2010 landslide. Anticipated atmospheric warming over the next several decades will cause further loss of snow and glacier ice, likely producing additional slope instability. Satellite- and ground-based monitoring of these slopes can provide advanced warning of future landslides to help reduce risk in populated regions downstream. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which discusses the seasonal water cycle in the dwarf planet Ceres due to the variations in the water ice. Topics include the presence of water ice in the mid-latitude crater based on the Dawn spectrometer data, the changes in water ice signatures with time, and the correlation of the water ice with solar flux.

The article presents a study which examines the nature, formation, and spatial distribution of carbonates on Ceres dwarf planet. It explores the variations in strength and position of infrared spectral absorptions to demonstrate the amount and composition of carbonates. It also shows the formation/exposure of carbonates on the surface of Ceres as geologically recent and ongoing dehydration to anhydrous form (Na2CO3).

Recent studies have shown that climate change is impacting the inorganic chemical characteristics of surface fresh water in permafrost areas and affecting aquatic ecosystems. Concentrations of major ions (e.g., Ca 2 + , Mg 2 + , SO 4 2 - , NO 3- ) can increase following permafrost degradation with associated deepening of flow pathways and increased contributions of deep groundwater. In addition, thickening of the active layer and melting of near-surface ground ice can influence inorganic chemical fluxes from permafrost into surface water. Permafrost degradation has also the capability to modify trace element (e.g., Ni, Mn, Al, Hg, Pb) contents in surface water. Although several local and regional modifications of inorganic chemistry of surface fresh water have been attributed to permafrost degradation, a comprehensive review of the observed changes is lacking. The goal of this paper is to distil insight gained across differing permafrost settings through the identification of common patterns in previous studies, at global scale. In this review we focus on three typical permafrost configurations (pervasive permafrost degradation, thermokarst, and thawing rock glaciers) as examples and distinguish impacts on (i) major ions and (ii) trace elements. Consequences of warming climate have caused spatially-distributed progressive increases of major ion and trace element delivery to surface fresh water in both polar and mountain areas following pervasive permafrost degradation. Moreover, localised releases of major ions and trace elements to surface water due to the liberation of soluble materials sequestered in permafrost and ground ice have been found in ice-rich terrains both at high latitude (thermokarst features) and high elevation (rock glaciers). Further release of solutes and related transport to surface fresh water can be expected under warming climatic conditions. However, complex interactions among several factors able to influence the timing and magnitude of the impacts of permafrost degradation on inorganic chemistry of surface fresh water (e.g., permafrost sensitivity to thawing, modes of permafrost degradation, characteristics of watersheds) require further conceptual and mechanistic understanding together with quantitative diagnosis of the involved mechanisms in order to predict future changes with confidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More informed coastal restoration decisions have become increasingly important given limited resources available for restoration projects and the increasing magnitude of marsh degradation and loss across the Gulf Coast. This research investigated the feasibility and benefits of integrating geospatial technology with the traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) of an indigenous Louisiana coastal population to assess the impacts of current and historical ecosystem change on community viability. The primary goal was to provide coastal resource managers with a decision-support tool that allows for a more comprehensive method of assessing localized ecological change in the Gulf Coast region, which can also benefit human community sustainability. Using remote sensing (RS) and geographic information systems (GIS) mapping products, integrated with a coastal community's TEK to achieve this goal, the research team determined a method for producing vulnerability/sustainability mapping products for an ecosystem-dependent livelihood base of a coastal population based on information derived from RS imagery prioritized with TEK. This study also demonstrates how such an approach can engage affected community residents who are interested in determining and addressing the causes and mitigating the decline of marsh habitat. Historical image data sets of the study area were acquired to understand evolution of land change to current conditions and project future vulnerability. Image-processing procedures were developed and applied to produce maps that detail land change in the study area at time intervals from 1968 to 2009. This information was combined in a GIS with acquired TEK and scientific data sets relating to marsh vegetation health and vulnerability characteristics to produce mapping products that provide new information for use in the coastal restoration decision-making process. This information includes: (1) marsh areas that are most vulnerable; and (2) the areas that are most significant to community sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a series of activities carried out by public institutions, whose aim is to identify possible ways of acquiring knowledge and of allowing enjoyment of the Piemonte Region's geological heritage. The activities concern the inventory, the evaluation, the storage and the publication of information, both alphanumerical and geographical, in relation to geosites. A database accessible directly from Web and a Web-GIS application has been developed in order to supply valuable and comprehensive instruments for both, representing the results of research and promoting the knowledge of the geological heritage to a large number of people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aosta Valley (Western Alps, Italy) is the region with the largest glacierized area of Italy. Like other high mountain regions, it has shown a significant glacier retreat starting from the end of the 'Little Ice Age' that is expected to continue in the future. As a direct consequence of glacier shrinkage, glacier-bed overdeepenings become exposed, offering suitable geomorphological conditions for glacier lakes formation. In such a densely populated and developed region, opportunities and risks connected to lakes may arise: 1) economic exploitation for hydropower production, tourism and water supply; 2) environmental relevance for high mountain biodiversity and geodiversity; 3) potential risks due to outbursts and consequent floods. In this study, the locations of potential future glacier lakes over large glacierized areas (183 glaciers covering 163,1 km2) of Aosta Valley were assessed by using the GlabTop2 model. 46 overdeepenings larger than 10,800 m2 were identified, covering an area of 3.1 ± 0.9 km2 and having a volume of 0.06 ± 0.02 km3. The majority of the overdeepenings are located in the Monte Rosa-Cervino massif and a mean depth <10 m characterizes them. Moreover, an estimation of the most recent total ice volume for the Aosta Valley was provided (5.2 ± 1.6 km3 referred to 2008). Thanks to the validation by the proposed "backward approach" and GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) data, we can confirm that the location of the overdeepenings is robust while their actual dimensions are subject to considerable uncertainties. Almost all of large lakes (area > 10,000 m2), potentially the most dangerous, are modelled. Finally, we suggest choosing medium pixel size (about 60 m) of the DEM in order to obtain, at least, the location of the largest lakes and to avoid overestimations of ice thickness and thus a great number of false positive overdeepenings. The results presented here can be useful for understanding how the alpine environment will look in the future and can help the management of water resources and risks related to glacier lakes. • Potential future lakes over glacierized areas of Aosta Valley (Italy) are assessed. • Current total glacier volume and ice thickness distribution are estimated. • Model results are validated at the local and regional scale by two procedures. • "Backward approach" allows comparing modelled glacier bed to real topography. • Almost all largest real lakes (area > 10,000 m2) are predicted by the GlabTop2 model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mount Meager is a volcanic complex located in SW British Columbia, Canada. It covers an area of about 225 km² and it supports 32 alpine glaciers (as reported in the GLIMS Glacier Database); it is known for the high landslide frequency and magnitude. In this study we document the present glacier morphology and activity at Mount Meager volcano, as well as landslide events. We digitized over 500 airphotos of the Mount Meager massif consisting of 8 time slices from 1947-2006 using SfM software to provide high-resolution orthophotos (0.42-1.13 m/pixel). The cartographic suitability of these datasets was tested by comparison with a Lidar DTM acquired in 2015-2016. By means of Lidar and orthophotos interpretation we mapped glacier outlines, moraines, landslide deposits, scars, and fractures. Glacier fluctuations were documented and related to geomorphic parameters: glacier length and basin area, headwall height and aspect, elevation of accumulation zone, glacier front position from 1951 to 2016, and relative retreat of front position in 2016. The glaciers at Mount Meager show different parameters and activity, but they are generally retreating. Total cumulated retreat is about 8 km² and retreat is about 20% with respect to the 1951 glacier extension.We recognized mutual conditions posed by present and past glaciations and hydrothermal activity to present-day volcanic massif stability and glacier morphology. We developed a conceptual model to explain the high landslide frequency and the glacial activity at Mount Meager: rocks are fractured and altered by interaction with past ice sheets and today's glaciers are mostly debris-covered and sit in collapse scars from large landslides. Climate-related deglaciation of volcanic mountains not only cause changes in ice cover, but affects regional and local hydrology, slope stability, sediment supply, hydrothermal circulations, leading to short-term and long-term consequences on the overall relief geomorphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The geological map of Piemonte Region (Italy), GeoPiemonte Map, supported the representation and classification of the Piemonte ornamental stones. The GeoPiemonte Map is a graphic representation of the geology of the region, derived from a thorough revision of existing geological maps and papers, and grounded on a large geodatabase: it is available on a WebGIS application as an interactive scalable map (http://arpapiemonte.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=fff173266afa4f6fa206be53a77f6321).The geological features represented on the map are described following explicit criteria, firstly aimed at providing a lithostratigraphic, hierarchic subdivision of Piemonte geologic units and then to describe the features using shared concepts and vocabularies, consistent with IUGS descriptive standards for the geosciences.The Piemonte region shows an extraordinary variety of ornamental stones, as more than 50 lithotypes are employed in the Historical and Modern Architecture Heritage. The aim of the study consists in the creation of a petrographic geodatabase of the ornamental stones, derived from Alpine rocks, used in historical buildings in the cities of Piemonte. The geodatabase refers to the data model of the GeoPiemonte map/web-GIS and allow descriptions of the ornamental stones in a way compliant with some authoritative standard for the geosciences, namely the "Earth material" and the "Simple lithology" controlled vocabularies. A detailed census of historical and contemporary stones quarried in Piemonte and used in art and architecture was implemented. The stone materials were classified by lithology and provenance, also identifying the historic quarries, and defining their geological properties and use. A comprehensive database of stone materials used in historic buildings and the most significant monuments of the Piemonte cities is being realized, including commercial and scientific name of the rock, location of the quarry, its main uses, and its petrographic description. Patterns of interaction of lithobiontic (micro-)organisms with the different lithologies, and their impact on surface durability (biodeterioration vs. bioprotection), are also considered and addressed to conservation issues.The interactive GeoPiemonte Map is also the geological base of the geoDIVE research project concerning the geodiversity of the Piemonte region, "from rocks to stones, from landforms to landscapes".The data will be used to implement an application for smartphones and tablets useful to disseminate and develop the knowledge of ornamental stones of Piemonte. This innovative instrument promotes, increases and enhances the urban geological heritage, allowing the visitor to enjoy the cultural and the scientific content at once. Moreover, a collection of samples and thin sections representative of the petrographic geodiversity of Piemonte ornamental stones will be created and used for didactic and disseminating purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]