Dendrogeomorphological analyses on exposed roots along two mountain hiking trails in the Central Italian Alps
Articolo
Data di Pubblicazione:
2006
Citazione:
Dendrogeomorphological analyses on exposed roots along two mountain hiking trails in the Central Italian Alps / M. Pelfini, M. Santilli. - In: GEOGRAFISKA ANNALER. SERIES A, PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY. - ISSN 0435-3676. - 88:A3(2006), pp. 223-236. [10.1111/j.1468-0459.2006.00297.x]
Abstract:
Mountain landscapes show rapid evolution,
especially at high altitudes, in response to
current climate changes. In addition, the greater
number of routes and trails made available and the
increase in tourism have caused some impacts on
mountain areas. Gradual soil erosion has been observed
along some hiking trails, with the latter tending
to deepen, and with stronger erosion where the
trail cuts the slope. Where trails cross forested areas,
trees can suffer root damage from foot trampling
as roots become exposed. A dendrogeomorphological
study was conducted on trees along two
hiking trails in upper Valtellina (Italian Alps). On the
first trail, in Valle dei Forni, European larches and
stone pines, mostly with exposed roots, were sampled.
A mean erosion rate of 2.7 mm/a, related to
deepening of the footpath, was obtained, and various
degrees of root growth disturbance along the
trail were observed. In particular, the growth of
many sampled roots shows an increase in ring
width corresponding with the moment when root
exposure occurred, followed, after 3–5 years, by
rapid growth suppression. The exposure of many
roots has taken place since the 1980s. No significant
variations in stem growth were observed, even
when there were exposed and damaged roots.
Along the second trail, in Valle Alpisella, exposed
roots of mountain pines were analysed. A mean
erosion rate of 3.2–3.7 mm/a, related to the escarpments
bordering the footpath, was obtained, while
no significant changes were detected in root
growth.
Tipologia IRIS:
01 - Articolo su periodico
Keywords:
Dendrogeomorphology; Erosion; Hiking trail; Upper Valtellina
Elenco autori:
M. Pelfini, M. Santilli
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