KARST GEOMORPHOSITES OF MONTE ALBO (NORTH-EAST SARDINIA)

Abstract

J. De Waele et al., Karst Geomorphosites of Monte Albo (north-east Sardinia). (IT ISSN 0394-3356, 2005).
In this paper the Authors present the results of a study performed on the geomorphosites of the Monte Albo chain (North-East
Sardinia), an important karst area elongated in a NE-SW direction for a length of 30 km and a width of 5, starting from 50 m a.s.l. and
reaching altitudes of more than 1100 m. This relief consists of Middle Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous sometimes intensely karstified dolostones and limestones covering with an unconformity a metamorphic Palaeozoic basement.
Although the geomorphosites of Monte Albo are not so impressive as in other Sardinian karst areas it seems noteworthy presenting
them in the framework of this spectacular landscape unit that, in its whole, represents an area of great geomorphological interest.
Among the described geomorphosites many places with didactic surficial karst phenomena (Karren fields of Monte Turuddò, suspended valley of Janna Nurai, Solution flutes and kamenitza of Punta Catirina, macro-dolines of Campu ‘e Susu, Sas Puntas and Altudè, ruin-like landforms of Nuraghe Litu Ertiches, canyon of Riu Siccu), the structural geosite of Punta Azza Ruja, the overthrusts and the conglomerates of Cuile su Ramasinu, the vertical cliffs of N-Monte Albo, the geological landscape of Punta Cupetti and the landslide of Punta Ervare 'e Chervos and two places of hydrogeological interest can be mentioned (Sinkhole of Bonaettè and karst spring of Fruncu ‘e Oche). Furthermore many subterranean places are enclosed, two vertical karst shafts (Tumba ’e Nudorra and Tumba 'e Nurai), several horizontal caves (Sa Conca ‘e Crapa, Omines Agrestes, Locoli, Su Santuariu, Cane Gortoé) and a natural tunnel
(Listincu).
All these geomorphosites should be connected in a local network inserted in the Monte Albo landscape unit, already part of the
Geomining, Historical and Environmental Park of Sardinia (Area 6), through the realisation of equipped pathways and the elaboration
of explicative maps and panels and a website in which geology, geomorphology, karst, fauna, flora, archaeology and industrial
archaeology are described. The explanation of the chain’s genesis, its evolution, its geodiversity and the single elements it contains
can help the visitors in understanding the importance of geology and geomorphology on landscape evolution, flora and human activities, that combine in an educational model of great suggestion and efficiency.
This proposal of valorisation of these landscape units and their geomorphosites could well be connected to other areas of the region,
and the Authors hope that the local and regional stakeholders will commit themselves in the valorisation of their territory, giving an
important service to the many tourists that come and visit the Monte Albo.