Aspetti metodologici e problemi cartografici dello studio di deformazioni superficiali nella media Valle d'Aosta

Abstract

Highly deformed sediments on the floor of the central Aosta Valley (NW Italian Alps) and evidence of gravity tectonics on the slopes of the valley were studied as part of a doctorate thesis in Earth Sciences (Universities of Cagliari, Genova and Torino). This paper describes the methodologies which can be applied to the study of deformations that affect bedrock, superficial sedimentary formations and landforms (considered as morphological surfaces). The various research phases are illustrated and the results obtained are analysed in order to highlight their regional significance. The reconstruction of a reference stratigraphy of superficial formations (based on allostratigraphic criteria) and its comparison with geo-structural data suggest that superficial deformations occurred owing to the recent evolution of an important local fault (the Aosta-Ranzola fault).