Geomorfositi del Jura orientale (Svizzera NW) e del Piemonte centrale (ltalia NW).

Geomorphosites of eastern Jura (NW Switzerland) and central Piemonte (NW Italy)

Abstract

This paper illustrates a comparative inventory of geomorphosites. Two peculiar reliefs and nearby sedimentary basins were studied: the Delémont basin (Jura Canton, NW Switzerland); the «Monferrato arc» (Piemonte Region, NW Italy). The aim of the work was to analyse different «fold and thrust» belts through their geomorphosites. In order to achieve comparable inventories the same method was applied both to select and to assess scientific assets. Firstly, owing to scientific bibliography, cartographical analysis and ground surveys, the most significant geomorphological objects (limited landforms, wide sites and even particular landscapes) were spotted and categorized. Secondly, a scientific value was assigned to these assets through a method founded on six fundamental factors (integrity, exemplarity, rarity, paleogeographic value, bibliographic interest, geosites included) and several secondary indicators. Lastly, a database was implemented and descriptive forms and geomorphological schemes were drawn. The inventories point out the links and differences between the two areas and reveal their geomorphological wealth. The Jurassic geomorphosites mainly result from fluvial and karstic processes, controlled by the homogeneous folded structure. This relief is crossed by important brittle structural discontinuities, mainly linked to the recent geodynamic of the Rhine Graben. The «Monferrato arc» makes up a very large area of recent uplift, where an ancient Jurassic landscape is rejuvenated by fluvial processes and mass movements. Due to the nature of the bedrock and to the structural complexity the geomorphology of these hill ranges is less clear than in the Jura chains.