Can a hazardous landslide be a geoheritage site? A case study from the Modena Apennines (Northern Italy)

In recent years, the scientific community has increasingly recognized landslides as significant elements of geoheritage. According to Morino et al. (2022), landslides can be considered as invaluable geomorphosites as they: (i) bear witness of the effects of climate change on landscapes, (ii) reflect the anthropic signature by being impacted by and impacting human activities, and (iii) exemplify the risks due to natural hazards. Therefore, landslides can serve as effective tools for education, fostering awareness of sustainable land use, risk management, and sensitizing on the consequences of climate changes, promoting community resilience and adaptive strategies.

The Gaiato landslide, located in the Scoltenna valley (Northern Apennines) is an intermittent, slow-moving mass movement primarily affecting clayey terrains overlain by sandstones within a complex structural setting characterized by lithologies with contrasting geomechanical behaviors. Its activity is linked to climate oscillations of the Late Pleistocene and Holocene, aligning with temporal patterns observed across the Northern Apennines (Soldati et al. 2006). Since the Lateglacial, the Gaiato landslide has repeatedly interacted with fluvial morphodynamics, notably the Scoltenna stream, at times damming its course. Historical records document its impact on local communities, such as the destruction of the old Gaiato church in the early 1700s. Additionally, a medieval tower, which represents a significant landmark embodying the local cultural identity, is at risk as a result of the landslide crown retrogression.

The Gaiato landslide can be considered as a prime example of geoheritage. This complex and extensive mass movement exemplifies the interplay of geological-geomorphological, climatic, and anthropic factors, making it suitable for geotourism and education purposes. The timing and mode of the landslide activity also provide a valuable record for paleoclimatic reconstructions. Beyond its scientific significance, the landslide serves as a means to make communities aware of landslide hazard and possible management strategies.

To promote the Gaiato landslide as an invaluable part of geoheritage, a virtual field trip has been developed. This innovative tool includes interactive maps, 3D terrain models, and historical documents to explore the geomorphological and cultural significance of the site. Visitors can virtually traverse the landslide features, examine its dynamics, and increase their awareness of landslide hazard and related implications.

The Gaiato landslide offers a unique opportunity to integrate geomorphology, history, and geoeducation. By showcasing its features through a virtual field trip, this initiative promotes the perception of landslides as elements of geoheritage, highlighting their scientific, cultural, and educational value.

Keywords: landslide hazard, geoheritage, climate reconstruction, anthropic signature, virtual field trip.

 

References

Morino, C., Coratza, P., Soldati, M., (2022). Landslides, a key landform in the global geological heritage. Frontiers in Earth Science, 10, 1-20.

Soldati, M., Borgatti, L., Cavallin, A., De Amicis, M., Frigerio, S., Giardino, M., Mortara, G., Pellegrini, G. B., Ravazzi, C., Surian, N., Tellini, C., Zanchi, A. (2006). Geomorphological evolution of slopes and climate changes in Northern Italy during the Late Quaternary: spatial and temporal distribution of landslides and landscape sensitivity implications. Geografia Fisica e Dinamica Quaternaria, 29(2), 165-183.