Andrea Marco Raffaele PRANZO, Polytechnic of Turin, Italy
Marco GIARDINO, University of Turin, Italy
Angelo BESANA, University of Trento, Italy
Cristina VIANI, University of Turin, Italy
Contemporary geomorphological systems are supposed to undergo an intense generalized exogenous distress stemming from the anthropogenic climate forcing. This is particularly true for mountain geoecosystems, that react by exhibiting several different short- and long-term forms of blatant and subtle modifications [1]. These deglaciation dynamics represent adaptive trends towards new conditions, whose results are not easy to be predicted and may show a high inner variability [2]. The present work aims at enhancing the understanding of these processes, specifically in terms of the abiotic contribution to high mountain environment evolution, and its possible directions. At this very first stage of investigation, we propose a holistic-empirical approach, so that each geoecosystem can be analyzed from multiple viewpoints and through a rich range of disciplinary lenses. Geodiversity and biodiversity are two parallel aspects of the wider concept of geoecosystem complexity [3], and this helps in defining meaningful paths for applied geography research in the Alps. As proven by the geoecosystem service theory [4], biotic and abiotic factors are inseparably intertwined, and both concur in defining the structure of any given geoecosystem, as well as in identifying its internal flows of matter and energy. But geoecosystem services should also be addressed as a hint to track in detail how mountain areas are transitioning from glacial to paraglacial conditions, and to gain a better understanding about the poleward latitudinal migration and upward altitudinal shift of geoecosystem boundaries [5]. By analyzing the greening effects of climate change on high mountain landscapes, we focus upon case studies from the Italian Western Alps that: 1) present noteworthy feedbacks on landforms and processes and 2) exhibit significant modifications of the geoecosystem services, particularly those related to abiotic nature, with repercussions on the biotic elements.
Mots clés : geoecosystem services|geodiversity|biodiversity|paraglacial environments|climate change
A105260AP