On the age of Campo Imperatore glaciations, Gran Sasso Massif, Central Italy

Abstract

Basing on Uranium-Series datings, performed on calcite crystals included within moraine deposits, an ancient glaciation phase which affected the Campo Imperatore depression (Gran Sasso Massif) has been referred to the late-middle Pleistocene (Riss Auct.). As testified by the occurrence and distribution of erratics and moraines, this glaciation («Piano Racollo Glaciation») was significantly wider than the Upper Pleistocene (Würm) one («Coppe di Santo Stefano Glaciation»), whose landforms and deposits are much more evident in the area.