Subduction initiation is a critical part of the plate tectonic system,but its geodynamic process is still poorly understood due to the lack of well-preserved geological records.Based on new zircon U–Pb–Hf isotopic a...Subduction initiation is a critical part of the plate tectonic system,but its geodynamic process is still poorly understood due to the lack of well-preserved geological records.Based on new zircon U–Pb–Hf isotopic and whole-rock geochemical data,we report the first discovery of a latest Cambrian–Early Ordovician forearc-arc rock sequence in the Eastern Alps.This sequence includes granitic gneisses,amphibolites,and amphibole plagiogneisses from the ophiolitic Speik Complex and Gleinalpe Complex.These rocks exhibit geochemical affinities with typical oceanic plagiogranites,forearc basalts(FABs),and island arc basalts,respectively.The latest Cambrian plagiogranitic protoliths(491±2 Ma)are shearing-type plagiogranites that were formed in the tectonic setting of forearc spreading.The latest Cambrian FABs(496–489 Ma)have similar geochemical compositions and positiveεHf(t)values(+2.5 to+14.9)to the depleted mid-ocean ridge basalts.However,they show depletion in high field strength elements(HFSEs;e.g.,Nb,Ta,and Zr)and have relatively low Ti/V ratios.These features suggest that they were derived from a depleted mantle source modified by subducting slab-released components in a forearc environment.The Early Ordovician basaltic protoliths(476–472 Ma)of amphibole plagiogneisses show enrichment in large ion lithophile elements and depletion in HFSEs(e.g.Nb,Ta,Zr,and Hf),implying a mature island arc environment.These metaigneous rocks,along with the coeval boninite-like high-Mg amphibolites near the study area,form a typical rock sequence resembling that of the Izu–Bonin–Mariana(IBM)arc system.The Speik and Gleinalpe complexes document a complete magmatic evolution from subduction initiation to mature arc development within the West Proto-Tethys Ocean.Integrating our new data with published work,we reconstruct the late Ediacaran–early Paleozoic tectonic evolution of the northern Gondwana.During the late Ediacaran–early Cambrian,the rollback of the West Proto-Tethys oceanic plate triggered the separation of the Wechsel-Silvretta-Gleinalpe continental arc from the northern Gondwana.This process led to the formation of the Speik back-arc oceanic basin,a southwestern branch of the West Proto-Tethys Ocean.In the latest Cambrian–Early Ordovician,subduction initiation occurred in the Speik Ocean,which subsequently developed into an intra-oceanic arc system.During the Early Devonian,the Speik Ocean closed and the Wechsel-Silvretta-Gleinalpe continental arc reattached to the Gondwana,as evidenced by the metamorphic event at ca.400 Ma.展开更多
Since the first electron micrograph of“lace-like structures”over 75 years ago,the endoplasmic reticulum(ER)is now viewed as a highly dynamic,constantly remodeling,continuous network of tubules and cisternae that pla...Since the first electron micrograph of“lace-like structures”over 75 years ago,the endoplasmic reticulum(ER)is now viewed as a highly dynamic,constantly remodeling,continuous network of tubules and cisternae that plays an important role in a broad range of cellular activities from calcium regulation to protein synthesis and trafficking.In neurons,the ER extends from the soma through the axon to presynaptic terminals,and throughout the dendritic arbor into as many as half of all postsynaptic dendritic spines at any given time(Falahati et al.,2022).展开更多
Synaptic plasticity is essential for maintaining neuronal function in the central nervous system and serves as a critical indicator of the effects of neurodegenerative disease.Glaucoma directly impairs retinal ganglio...Synaptic plasticity is essential for maintaining neuronal function in the central nervous system and serves as a critical indicator of the effects of neurodegenerative disease.Glaucoma directly impairs retinal ganglion cells and their axons,leading to axonal transport dysfuntion,subsequently causing secondary damage to anterior or posterior ends of the visual system.Accordingly,recent evidence indicates that glaucoma is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system that causes damage throughout the visual pathway.However,the effects of glaucoma on synaptic plasticity in the primary visual cortex remain unclear.In this study,we established a mouse model of unilateral chronic ocular hypertension by injecting magnetic microbeads into the anterior chamber of one eye.We found that,after 4 weeks of chronic ocular hypertension,the neuronal somas were smaller in the superior colliculus and lateral geniculate body regions of the brain contralateral to the affected eye.This was accompanied by glial cell activation and increased expression of inflammatory factors.After 8 weeks of ocular hypertension,we observed a reduction in the number of excitatory and inhibitory synapses,dendritic spines,and activation of glial cells in the primary visual cortex contralateral to the affected eye.These findings suggest that glaucoma not only directly damages the retina but also induces alterations in synapses and dendritic spines in the primary visual cortex,providing new insights into the pathogenesis of glaucoma.展开更多
Dendritic spines are small protrusions along dendrites that contain most of the excitatory synapses in principal neurons,playing a crucial role in neuronal function by creating a compartmentalized environment for sign...Dendritic spines are small protrusions along dendrites that contain most of the excitatory synapses in principal neurons,playing a crucial role in neuronal function by creating a compartmentalized environment for signal transduction.The plasticity of spine morphologies provides a tunable handle to regulate calcium signal dynamics,allowing rapid regulation of protein expression necessary to establish and maintain synapses(Cornejo et al.,2022).If excitatory inputs were to be located primarily on dendritic shafts,dendrites would frequently short-circuit,preventing voltage signals from propagating(Cornejo et al.,2022).It is thus not surprising that the structural plasticity of dendritic spines is closely linked to synaptic plasticity and memory formation(Berry and Nedivi,2017).While comprehensive in vitro studies have been conducted,in vivo studies that directly tackle the mechanism of dendritic transport and translation in regulating spine plasticity spatiotemporally are limited.展开更多
Genetic diversity within and among six subpopulations of Larix decidua Mill. from two altitudinal transects of Swiss Alps was investigated using 6 enzyme systems coding for 8 loci. Globally, the mean proportion of pol...Genetic diversity within and among six subpopulations of Larix decidua Mill. from two altitudinal transects of Swiss Alps was investigated using 6 enzyme systems coding for 8 loci. Globally, the mean proportion of polymorphic loci was 22.9%, the average number of alleles per locus was 1.3, and the mean expected heterozygosity was 0.095. Only 5.8% of the genetic variation resided among populations. The mean genetic distance was 0.006. Several significant differences of gene frequencies were found between different age classes. Positive values of the species mean fixation index observed in this study suggested a considerable deficit of heterozygotes in the populations of L. decidua of Swiss Alps. At one of the sites (Arpette), the highest subpopulation in elevation gave the lowest level of genetic diversity (as evidenced by the lowest proportion of polymorphic loci and the lowest mean expected heterozygosity) and the largest value of genetic distance when compared to other subpopulations. The genetic differences between the highest subpopulation and the other ones suggest that the founder effect may be an important factor influencing genetic differentiation of L. decidua populations at Arpette transect.展开更多
The Canavese Zone(CZ)in the Western Alps represents the remnant of the distal passive margin of the Adria microplate,which was stretched and thinned during the Jurassic opening of the Alpine Tethys.Through detailed ge...The Canavese Zone(CZ)in the Western Alps represents the remnant of the distal passive margin of the Adria microplate,which was stretched and thinned during the Jurassic opening of the Alpine Tethys.Through detailed geological mapping,stratigraphic and structural analyses,we document that the continental break-up of Pangea and tectonic dismemberment of the Adria distal margin,up to mantle rocks exhumation and oceanization,did not simply result from the syn-rift Jurassic extension but was strongly favored by older structu ral inheritances(the Proto-Canavese Shear Zone),which controlled earlier lithospheric weakness.Our findings allowed to redefine in detail(i)the tectono-stratigraphic setting of the Variscan metamorphic basement and the Late Carbonife rous to Early Cretaceous CZ succession,(ii)the role played by inherited Late Carboniferous to Early Triassic structures and(iii)the significance of the CZ in the geodynamic evolution of the Alpine Tethys.The large amount of extensional displacement and crustal thinning occurred during different pulses of Late Carbonife rous-Early Triassic strike-slip tectonics is wellconsistent with the role played by long-lived regional-scale wrench faults(e.g.,the East-Variscan Shear Zone),suggesting a re-discussion of models of mantle exhumation driven by low-angle detachment faults as unique efficient mechanism in stretching and thinning continental crust.展开更多
The Early Paleozoic evolution of the northern margin of Gondwana is characterized by several episodes of bimodal magmatism intruded or outpoured within thick sedimentary basins. These processes are well recorded in th...The Early Paleozoic evolution of the northern margin of Gondwana is characterized by several episodes of bimodal magmatism intruded or outpoured within thick sedimentary basins. These processes are well recorded in the Variscan blocks incorporated in the Ligurian Alps because they experienced low temperature Alpine metamorphism. During the Paleozoic, these blocks, together with the other Alpine basements, were placed between the Corsica-Sardinia and the Bohemian Massif along the northern margin of Gondwana. In this framework, they host several a variegated lithostratigraphy forming two main complexes(Complexs I and II) that can be distinguished by both the protoliths and their crosscutting relationships, which indicate that the acidic and mafic intrusives of Complex II cut an already folded sequence made of sediments, basalts and granitoids of Complex I. Both complexes were involved in the Variscan orogenic phases as highlighted by the pervasive eclogite-amphibolite facies schistosity(foliation II). However, rare relicts of a metamorphic foliation at amphibolite facies conditions(foliation I)is locally preserved only in the rocks of Complex I. It is debatable if this schistosity was produced during the early folding event e occurred between the emplacement of Complex I and II e rather than during an early stage of the Variscan metamorphic cycle.New SHRIMP and LA ICP-MS Ue Pb zircon dating integrated with literature data, provide emplacement ages of the several volcanic or intrusive bodies of both complexes. The igneous activity of Complex I is dated between 507 ± 15 Ma and 494 ± 5 Ma, while Complex II between 467 ± 12 Ma and 445.5 ± 12 Ma.The folding event recorded only by the Complex I should therefore have occurred between 494 ± 5 Ma and 467 ± 12 Ma. The Variscan eclogite-amphibolite facies metamorphism is instead constrained between ~420 Ma and ~300 Ma. These ages and the geochemical signature of these rocks allow constraining the Early Paleozoic tectono-magmatic evolution of the Ligurian blocks, from a middleeupper Cambrian rifting stage, through the formation of an Early Ordovician volcanic arc during the Rheic Ocean subduction, until a Late Ordovician extension related to the arc collapse and subsequent rifting of the PaleoThetys. Furthermore, the ~420-350 Ma ages from zircon rims testify to thermal perturbations that may be associated with the Silurian rifting-related magmatism, followed by the subduction-collisional phases of the Variscan orogeny.展开更多
Together with the main aim of preserving nature,national parks are also expected to play an important role for the local communities,driving economic activities toward the lens of sustainable development.This contribu...Together with the main aim of preserving nature,national parks are also expected to play an important role for the local communities,driving economic activities toward the lens of sustainable development.This contribution aims to present an exploratory study on the relationship between the presence of a protected mountain area,the Gran Paradiso National Park(GPNP),in the North West of the Italian Alps,and the classification of tourism destinations,according to Weaver model of destination management.Starting from the model,the authors provide a quantitative analysis using a set of variables and indicators to comprehensively assess the differing patterns assumed by the municipalities within the borders of the GPNP and those that are not.The provisional results illustrate that the municipalities within the border of a protected area are more likely to be grouped alongside the sustainable mountain destinations.Meanwhile,research outcomes confirm that a protected area does not necessarily contrast the tourism industry but instead may boost local development by driving it within the borders of the sustainable development,switching from the area’s only preservation function to a flywheel for the local communities.展开更多
Rockfalls are one of the most common instability processes in high mountains.They represent a relevant issue,both for the risks they represent for(infra)structures and frequentation,and for their potential role as ter...Rockfalls are one of the most common instability processes in high mountains.They represent a relevant issue,both for the risks they represent for(infra)structures and frequentation,and for their potential role as terrestrial indicators of climate change.This study aims to contribute to the growing topic of the relationship between climate change and slope instability at the basin scale.The selected study area is the Bessanese glacial basin(Western Italian Alps)which,since 2016,has been specifically equipped,monitored and investigated for this purpose.In order to provide a broader context for the interpretation of the recent rockfall events and associated climate conditions,a cross-temporal and integrated approach has been adopted.For this purpose,geomorphological investigations(last 100 years),local climate(last 30 years)and near-surface rock/air temperatures analyses,have been carried out.First research outcomes show that rockfalls occurred in two different geomorphological positions:on rock slopes in permafrost condition,facing from NW to NE and/or along the glacier margins,on rock slopes uncovered by the ice in the last decades.Seasonal thaw of the active layer and/or glacier debutressing can be deemed responsible for slope failure preparation.With regard to timing,almost all dated rock falls occurred in summer.For the July events,initiation may have been caused by a combination of rapid snow melt and enhanced seasonal thaw of the active layer due to anomalous high temperatures,and rainfall.August events are,instead,associated with a significant positive temperature anomaly on the quarterly scale,and they can be ascribed to the rapid and/or in depth thaw of the permafrost active layer.According to our findings,we can expect that in the Bessanese glacierized basin,as in similar high mountain areas,climate change will cause an increase of slope instability in the future.To fasten knowledge deepening,we highlight the need for a growth of a network of high elevation experimental sites at the basin scale,and the definition of shared methodological and measurement standards,that would allow a more rapid and effective comparison of data.展开更多
Alps are an important geographical area of the European continent and,in this area,temperature increase is most evident.However,the 1991-2020 climate normal in the Alps has still not been thoroughly investigated.Aimin...Alps are an important geographical area of the European continent and,in this area,temperature increase is most evident.However,the 1991-2020 climate normal in the Alps has still not been thoroughly investigated.Aiming to fill this gap with a focus on high-elevation environments,minimum and maximum daily air temperature acquired by 23 automatic weather station were used.The results show that the mean annual values of minimum and maximum temperature for the 1991-2020 climate normal in the Alps are-2.4℃ and 4.4℃,respectively,with a warming rate of 0.5℃/10 years.The mean annual temperature comparison between 1961-1990 and 1971-2000,1961-1990 and 1981-2010,1961-1990 and 1991-2020 climate normal show an increase of 0.3℃,0.5℃ and 0.9℃,respectively.The results also confirm that seasonal and annual temperatures are rising through the whole Alpine arc,mainly in summer and autumn.This work highlights that annual minimum and maximum temperature do not seem to be affected by a positive elevation-dependent warming.Instead,a positive elevation-dependent warming in the maximum values of the annual minimum temperature was found.If anthropogenic emissions maintain the trend of the last decades,the expected mean annual temperature of the 2001-2030 climate normal is-0.2℃,with an increase of 0.5℃ if compared to the 1991-2020 climate normal and with an increase of 1.5℃ if compared to the 1961-1990 climate normal.This study highlights the warming rate that is now present in the European Alps,provides indications on the warming rate that will occur in the coming years and highlights the importance of carrying out investigations that consider not only the last 30-year climate normal,but also the most recent 30-year climate normal by comparing them with each other.展开更多
The shallow Biella and Traversella late-orogenic plutons are intruded in the Sesia Lanzo Zone(SLZ) the innermost structural element of the Western Alpine arc,a continental unit that records a pervasive metamorphic imp...The shallow Biella and Traversella late-orogenic plutons are intruded in the Sesia Lanzo Zone(SLZ) the innermost structural element of the Western Alpine arc,a continental unit that records a pervasive metamorphic imprint related to the Alpine subduction. The country rocks consist of metapelites with minor metagranitoids,meta-aplites,metabasites and marbles. The pre-intrusive pervasive metamorphic imprint developed under eclogite facies conditions. The ductile syn-metamorphic deformation展开更多
Geomorphological mapping plays a key role in landscape representation: it is the starting point for many applications and for the realization of thematic maps, such as hazard and risk maps, geoheritage and geotourism ...Geomorphological mapping plays a key role in landscape representation: it is the starting point for many applications and for the realization of thematic maps, such as hazard and risk maps, geoheritage and geotourism maps. Traditional geomorphological maps are useful for scientific purposes but they need to be simplified for different aims as management and education. In tourism valorization, mapping of geomorphological resources(i.e., geosites, and geomorphosites), and of geomorphic evidences of past hazardous geomorphological events, is important for increasing knowledge about landscape evolution and active processes, potentially involving geomorphosites and hiking trails. Active geomorphosites, as those widespread in mountain regions, testify the high dynamicity of geomorphic processes and their link with climatic conditions. In the present paper, we propose a method to produce and to update cartographic supports(Geomorphological Boxes)realized starting from a traditional geomorphological survey and mapping. The Geomorphological Boxes are geomorphological representation of single, composed or complex landforms drawn on satellite images, using the official Italian geomorphological legend(ISPRA symbols). Such cartographic representation is also addressed to the analysis(identification, evaluation and selection) of Potential Geomorphosites and Geotrails. The method has been tested in the upper portion of the Loana Valley(Western Italian Alps), located within the borders of the Sesia Val Grande Geopark, recognized by UNESCO in 2013. The area has a good potential for geotourism and for educational purposes. We identified 15 Potential Geomorphosites located along 2 Geotrails; they were ranked according to specific attributes also in relation with a Reference Geomorphosite located in the Loana hydrographic basin and inserted in official national and regional databases of geosites(ISPRA; Regione Piemonte). Finally, the ranking of Potential Geomorphosites allowed to select the most valuable ones for valorization or geoconservation purposes. In thisframework, examples of Geomorphological Boxes are proposed as supports to geo-risk education practices.展开更多
Saffron, obtained from the flower stigmas of Crocus sativus L., is one of the most expensive food spices. The introduction of saffron in alpine areas could help to broaden and diversify the activities of mountain mult...Saffron, obtained from the flower stigmas of Crocus sativus L., is one of the most expensive food spices. The introduction of saffron in alpine areas could help to broaden and diversify the activities of mountain multifunctional farms, with a positive impact on economy and land management. According to ISO 3632(2010/2011), saffron can be classified into three categories of quality(I, II, III) depending on the concentration of the three main metabolites responsible for its characteristic colour, flavor and aroma: Crocin, Picrocrocin and Safranal. This study represents the first investigation of the quality of saffron produced in the Italian Alps evaluated with spectrophotometry, HPLC, solid-phase microextraction(SPME), and gas chromatographic analysis combined with mass spectrometry(GC/MS). The experiments used Crocus sativus stigmas produced in 2012-2013 in different areas of the Central Italian Alps were located at an altitude between 720 and 1200 m a.s.l.. Results obtained were compared to commercial saffron. The analyses confirmed that all samples can be classified in the first quality category according to the ISO classification. This high quality is also confirmed by HPLC analysis. Moreover, the SPME-GC/MS analysis identified some differences in the aromatic profile of saffron samples, in particular regarding safranal concentration. A preliminary assessment of the economic viability of high quality saffron production for local markets was also performed. Our study provides valid information regarding the quality and economic sustainability of saffron production in the alpine area confirming this crop as a good candidate for a new source of income for multifunctional farms in mountain areas.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.42272244 and 91755212)Taishan Scholars(Grant No.ts20190918).
文摘Subduction initiation is a critical part of the plate tectonic system,but its geodynamic process is still poorly understood due to the lack of well-preserved geological records.Based on new zircon U–Pb–Hf isotopic and whole-rock geochemical data,we report the first discovery of a latest Cambrian–Early Ordovician forearc-arc rock sequence in the Eastern Alps.This sequence includes granitic gneisses,amphibolites,and amphibole plagiogneisses from the ophiolitic Speik Complex and Gleinalpe Complex.These rocks exhibit geochemical affinities with typical oceanic plagiogranites,forearc basalts(FABs),and island arc basalts,respectively.The latest Cambrian plagiogranitic protoliths(491±2 Ma)are shearing-type plagiogranites that were formed in the tectonic setting of forearc spreading.The latest Cambrian FABs(496–489 Ma)have similar geochemical compositions and positiveεHf(t)values(+2.5 to+14.9)to the depleted mid-ocean ridge basalts.However,they show depletion in high field strength elements(HFSEs;e.g.,Nb,Ta,and Zr)and have relatively low Ti/V ratios.These features suggest that they were derived from a depleted mantle source modified by subducting slab-released components in a forearc environment.The Early Ordovician basaltic protoliths(476–472 Ma)of amphibole plagiogneisses show enrichment in large ion lithophile elements and depletion in HFSEs(e.g.Nb,Ta,Zr,and Hf),implying a mature island arc environment.These metaigneous rocks,along with the coeval boninite-like high-Mg amphibolites near the study area,form a typical rock sequence resembling that of the Izu–Bonin–Mariana(IBM)arc system.The Speik and Gleinalpe complexes document a complete magmatic evolution from subduction initiation to mature arc development within the West Proto-Tethys Ocean.Integrating our new data with published work,we reconstruct the late Ediacaran–early Paleozoic tectonic evolution of the northern Gondwana.During the late Ediacaran–early Cambrian,the rollback of the West Proto-Tethys oceanic plate triggered the separation of the Wechsel-Silvretta-Gleinalpe continental arc from the northern Gondwana.This process led to the formation of the Speik back-arc oceanic basin,a southwestern branch of the West Proto-Tethys Ocean.In the latest Cambrian–Early Ordovician,subduction initiation occurred in the Speik Ocean,which subsequently developed into an intra-oceanic arc system.During the Early Devonian,the Speik Ocean closed and the Wechsel-Silvretta-Gleinalpe continental arc reattached to the Gondwana,as evidenced by the metamorphic event at ca.400 Ma.
基金supported by AHA Career Development Award 938683 (to PJD)NIH grant R01MH123700 (to MLD)
文摘Since the first electron micrograph of“lace-like structures”over 75 years ago,the endoplasmic reticulum(ER)is now viewed as a highly dynamic,constantly remodeling,continuous network of tubules and cisternae that plays an important role in a broad range of cellular activities from calcium regulation to protein synthesis and trafficking.In neurons,the ER extends from the soma through the axon to presynaptic terminals,and throughout the dendritic arbor into as many as half of all postsynaptic dendritic spines at any given time(Falahati et al.,2022).
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82271115(to MY).
文摘Synaptic plasticity is essential for maintaining neuronal function in the central nervous system and serves as a critical indicator of the effects of neurodegenerative disease.Glaucoma directly impairs retinal ganglion cells and their axons,leading to axonal transport dysfuntion,subsequently causing secondary damage to anterior or posterior ends of the visual system.Accordingly,recent evidence indicates that glaucoma is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system that causes damage throughout the visual pathway.However,the effects of glaucoma on synaptic plasticity in the primary visual cortex remain unclear.In this study,we established a mouse model of unilateral chronic ocular hypertension by injecting magnetic microbeads into the anterior chamber of one eye.We found that,after 4 weeks of chronic ocular hypertension,the neuronal somas were smaller in the superior colliculus and lateral geniculate body regions of the brain contralateral to the affected eye.This was accompanied by glial cell activation and increased expression of inflammatory factors.After 8 weeks of ocular hypertension,we observed a reduction in the number of excitatory and inhibitory synapses,dendritic spines,and activation of glial cells in the primary visual cortex contralateral to the affected eye.These findings suggest that glaucoma not only directly damages the retina but also induces alterations in synapses and dendritic spines in the primary visual cortex,providing new insights into the pathogenesis of glaucoma.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC/RGC/JRF N_HKU735/21)Research Grant Council of Hong Kong,China(17102120,17108821,17103922,C1024-22GF,C7074-21G)+1 种基金Health and Medical Research Fund(HMRF 09200966)(to CSWL)FRQS Postdoctoral Fellowship(to AHKF).
文摘Dendritic spines are small protrusions along dendrites that contain most of the excitatory synapses in principal neurons,playing a crucial role in neuronal function by creating a compartmentalized environment for signal transduction.The plasticity of spine morphologies provides a tunable handle to regulate calcium signal dynamics,allowing rapid regulation of protein expression necessary to establish and maintain synapses(Cornejo et al.,2022).If excitatory inputs were to be located primarily on dendritic shafts,dendrites would frequently short-circuit,preventing voltage signals from propagating(Cornejo et al.,2022).It is thus not surprising that the structural plasticity of dendritic spines is closely linked to synaptic plasticity and memory formation(Berry and Nedivi,2017).While comprehensive in vitro studies have been conducted,in vivo studies that directly tackle the mechanism of dendritic transport and translation in regulating spine plasticity spatiotemporally are limited.
文摘Genetic diversity within and among six subpopulations of Larix decidua Mill. from two altitudinal transects of Swiss Alps was investigated using 6 enzyme systems coding for 8 loci. Globally, the mean proportion of polymorphic loci was 22.9%, the average number of alleles per locus was 1.3, and the mean expected heterozygosity was 0.095. Only 5.8% of the genetic variation resided among populations. The mean genetic distance was 0.006. Several significant differences of gene frequencies were found between different age classes. Positive values of the species mean fixation index observed in this study suggested a considerable deficit of heterozygotes in the populations of L. decidua of Swiss Alps. At one of the sites (Arpette), the highest subpopulation in elevation gave the lowest level of genetic diversity (as evidenced by the lowest proportion of polymorphic loci and the lowest mean expected heterozygosity) and the largest value of genetic distance when compared to other subpopulations. The genetic differences between the highest subpopulation and the other ones suggest that the founder effect may be an important factor influencing genetic differentiation of L. decidua populations at Arpette transect.
基金supported by research grants from Universita di Torino (Ricerca Locale "ex 60%" 2014—2018)the Italian Ministry of University and Research ("Finanziamento annuale individuale delle attivita base di ricerca" 2017) to A.Festa and G.Balestro, and from "Comune di Tavagnasco" to S.De Caroli and A.Succo
文摘The Canavese Zone(CZ)in the Western Alps represents the remnant of the distal passive margin of the Adria microplate,which was stretched and thinned during the Jurassic opening of the Alpine Tethys.Through detailed geological mapping,stratigraphic and structural analyses,we document that the continental break-up of Pangea and tectonic dismemberment of the Adria distal margin,up to mantle rocks exhumation and oceanization,did not simply result from the syn-rift Jurassic extension but was strongly favored by older structu ral inheritances(the Proto-Canavese Shear Zone),which controlled earlier lithospheric weakness.Our findings allowed to redefine in detail(i)the tectono-stratigraphic setting of the Variscan metamorphic basement and the Late Carbonife rous to Early Cretaceous CZ succession,(ii)the role played by inherited Late Carboniferous to Early Triassic structures and(iii)the significance of the CZ in the geodynamic evolution of the Alpine Tethys.The large amount of extensional displacement and crustal thinning occurred during different pulses of Late Carbonife rous-Early Triassic strike-slip tectonics is wellconsistent with the role played by long-lived regional-scale wrench faults(e.g.,the East-Variscan Shear Zone),suggesting a re-discussion of models of mantle exhumation driven by low-angle detachment faults as unique efficient mechanism in stretching and thinning continental crust.
基金supported by Italian 1:50,000 Geological Mapping (CARGdR egione Liguria Project, University of Pavia grants)
文摘The Early Paleozoic evolution of the northern margin of Gondwana is characterized by several episodes of bimodal magmatism intruded or outpoured within thick sedimentary basins. These processes are well recorded in the Variscan blocks incorporated in the Ligurian Alps because they experienced low temperature Alpine metamorphism. During the Paleozoic, these blocks, together with the other Alpine basements, were placed between the Corsica-Sardinia and the Bohemian Massif along the northern margin of Gondwana. In this framework, they host several a variegated lithostratigraphy forming two main complexes(Complexs I and II) that can be distinguished by both the protoliths and their crosscutting relationships, which indicate that the acidic and mafic intrusives of Complex II cut an already folded sequence made of sediments, basalts and granitoids of Complex I. Both complexes were involved in the Variscan orogenic phases as highlighted by the pervasive eclogite-amphibolite facies schistosity(foliation II). However, rare relicts of a metamorphic foliation at amphibolite facies conditions(foliation I)is locally preserved only in the rocks of Complex I. It is debatable if this schistosity was produced during the early folding event e occurred between the emplacement of Complex I and II e rather than during an early stage of the Variscan metamorphic cycle.New SHRIMP and LA ICP-MS Ue Pb zircon dating integrated with literature data, provide emplacement ages of the several volcanic or intrusive bodies of both complexes. The igneous activity of Complex I is dated between 507 ± 15 Ma and 494 ± 5 Ma, while Complex II between 467 ± 12 Ma and 445.5 ± 12 Ma.The folding event recorded only by the Complex I should therefore have occurred between 494 ± 5 Ma and 467 ± 12 Ma. The Variscan eclogite-amphibolite facies metamorphism is instead constrained between ~420 Ma and ~300 Ma. These ages and the geochemical signature of these rocks allow constraining the Early Paleozoic tectono-magmatic evolution of the Ligurian blocks, from a middleeupper Cambrian rifting stage, through the formation of an Early Ordovician volcanic arc during the Rheic Ocean subduction, until a Late Ordovician extension related to the arc collapse and subsequent rifting of the PaleoThetys. Furthermore, the ~420-350 Ma ages from zircon rims testify to thermal perturbations that may be associated with the Silurian rifting-related magmatism, followed by the subduction-collisional phases of the Variscan orogeny.
基金the participation to the Research Project,EMERITUS-Eco-ManagemEnt of agRI-Tourism in moUntain areaS-funded by Compagnia di San Paolo di Torino
文摘Together with the main aim of preserving nature,national parks are also expected to play an important role for the local communities,driving economic activities toward the lens of sustainable development.This contribution aims to present an exploratory study on the relationship between the presence of a protected mountain area,the Gran Paradiso National Park(GPNP),in the North West of the Italian Alps,and the classification of tourism destinations,according to Weaver model of destination management.Starting from the model,the authors provide a quantitative analysis using a set of variables and indicators to comprehensively assess the differing patterns assumed by the municipalities within the borders of the GPNP and those that are not.The provisional results illustrate that the municipalities within the border of a protected area are more likely to be grouped alongside the sustainable mountain destinations.Meanwhile,research outcomes confirm that a protected area does not necessarily contrast the tourism industry but instead may boost local development by driving it within the borders of the sustainable development,switching from the area’s only preservation function to a flywheel for the local communities.
基金the framework of the RiST Project,co-financed by“Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Torino”and by MeteoMet Project。
文摘Rockfalls are one of the most common instability processes in high mountains.They represent a relevant issue,both for the risks they represent for(infra)structures and frequentation,and for their potential role as terrestrial indicators of climate change.This study aims to contribute to the growing topic of the relationship between climate change and slope instability at the basin scale.The selected study area is the Bessanese glacial basin(Western Italian Alps)which,since 2016,has been specifically equipped,monitored and investigated for this purpose.In order to provide a broader context for the interpretation of the recent rockfall events and associated climate conditions,a cross-temporal and integrated approach has been adopted.For this purpose,geomorphological investigations(last 100 years),local climate(last 30 years)and near-surface rock/air temperatures analyses,have been carried out.First research outcomes show that rockfalls occurred in two different geomorphological positions:on rock slopes in permafrost condition,facing from NW to NE and/or along the glacier margins,on rock slopes uncovered by the ice in the last decades.Seasonal thaw of the active layer and/or glacier debutressing can be deemed responsible for slope failure preparation.With regard to timing,almost all dated rock falls occurred in summer.For the July events,initiation may have been caused by a combination of rapid snow melt and enhanced seasonal thaw of the active layer due to anomalous high temperatures,and rainfall.August events are,instead,associated with a significant positive temperature anomaly on the quarterly scale,and they can be ascribed to the rapid and/or in depth thaw of the permafrost active layer.According to our findings,we can expect that in the Bessanese glacierized basin,as in similar high mountain areas,climate change will cause an increase of slope instability in the future.To fasten knowledge deepening,we highlight the need for a growth of a network of high elevation experimental sites at the basin scale,and the definition of shared methodological and measurement standards,that would allow a more rapid and effective comparison of data.
基金the framework of the Gio Mon Project,co-financed by“Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Torino”。
文摘Alps are an important geographical area of the European continent and,in this area,temperature increase is most evident.However,the 1991-2020 climate normal in the Alps has still not been thoroughly investigated.Aiming to fill this gap with a focus on high-elevation environments,minimum and maximum daily air temperature acquired by 23 automatic weather station were used.The results show that the mean annual values of minimum and maximum temperature for the 1991-2020 climate normal in the Alps are-2.4℃ and 4.4℃,respectively,with a warming rate of 0.5℃/10 years.The mean annual temperature comparison between 1961-1990 and 1971-2000,1961-1990 and 1981-2010,1961-1990 and 1991-2020 climate normal show an increase of 0.3℃,0.5℃ and 0.9℃,respectively.The results also confirm that seasonal and annual temperatures are rising through the whole Alpine arc,mainly in summer and autumn.This work highlights that annual minimum and maximum temperature do not seem to be affected by a positive elevation-dependent warming.Instead,a positive elevation-dependent warming in the maximum values of the annual minimum temperature was found.If anthropogenic emissions maintain the trend of the last decades,the expected mean annual temperature of the 2001-2030 climate normal is-0.2℃,with an increase of 0.5℃ if compared to the 1991-2020 climate normal and with an increase of 1.5℃ if compared to the 1961-1990 climate normal.This study highlights the warming rate that is now present in the European Alps,provides indications on the warming rate that will occur in the coming years and highlights the importance of carrying out investigations that consider not only the last 30-year climate normal,but also the most recent 30-year climate normal by comparing them with each other.
文摘The shallow Biella and Traversella late-orogenic plutons are intruded in the Sesia Lanzo Zone(SLZ) the innermost structural element of the Western Alpine arc,a continental unit that records a pervasive metamorphic imprint related to the Alpine subduction. The country rocks consist of metapelites with minor metagranitoids,meta-aplites,metabasites and marbles. The pre-intrusive pervasive metamorphic imprint developed under eclogite facies conditions. The ductile syn-metamorphic deformation
基金funded by the Fondi Potenziamento della Ricerca - Linea 2 - 2015 Project "Dynamic of active margins: from rift to collisional chains", leader Dr. Davide Zanoni
文摘Geomorphological mapping plays a key role in landscape representation: it is the starting point for many applications and for the realization of thematic maps, such as hazard and risk maps, geoheritage and geotourism maps. Traditional geomorphological maps are useful for scientific purposes but they need to be simplified for different aims as management and education. In tourism valorization, mapping of geomorphological resources(i.e., geosites, and geomorphosites), and of geomorphic evidences of past hazardous geomorphological events, is important for increasing knowledge about landscape evolution and active processes, potentially involving geomorphosites and hiking trails. Active geomorphosites, as those widespread in mountain regions, testify the high dynamicity of geomorphic processes and their link with climatic conditions. In the present paper, we propose a method to produce and to update cartographic supports(Geomorphological Boxes)realized starting from a traditional geomorphological survey and mapping. The Geomorphological Boxes are geomorphological representation of single, composed or complex landforms drawn on satellite images, using the official Italian geomorphological legend(ISPRA symbols). Such cartographic representation is also addressed to the analysis(identification, evaluation and selection) of Potential Geomorphosites and Geotrails. The method has been tested in the upper portion of the Loana Valley(Western Italian Alps), located within the borders of the Sesia Val Grande Geopark, recognized by UNESCO in 2013. The area has a good potential for geotourism and for educational purposes. We identified 15 Potential Geomorphosites located along 2 Geotrails; they were ranked according to specific attributes also in relation with a Reference Geomorphosite located in the Loana hydrographic basin and inserted in official national and regional databases of geosites(ISPRA; Regione Piemonte). Finally, the ranking of Potential Geomorphosites allowed to select the most valuable ones for valorization or geoconservation purposes. In thisframework, examples of Geomorphological Boxes are proposed as supports to geo-risk education practices.
基金partly supported by "Accordo di Programma, affermazione in Edolo del Centro di Eccellenza Università della Montagna" MIURUniversità degli Studi di Milano, prot. no. 386 1293-05/08/2011 and by Fondazione della Comunità Bresciana- Onlus
文摘Saffron, obtained from the flower stigmas of Crocus sativus L., is one of the most expensive food spices. The introduction of saffron in alpine areas could help to broaden and diversify the activities of mountain multifunctional farms, with a positive impact on economy and land management. According to ISO 3632(2010/2011), saffron can be classified into three categories of quality(I, II, III) depending on the concentration of the three main metabolites responsible for its characteristic colour, flavor and aroma: Crocin, Picrocrocin and Safranal. This study represents the first investigation of the quality of saffron produced in the Italian Alps evaluated with spectrophotometry, HPLC, solid-phase microextraction(SPME), and gas chromatographic analysis combined with mass spectrometry(GC/MS). The experiments used Crocus sativus stigmas produced in 2012-2013 in different areas of the Central Italian Alps were located at an altitude between 720 and 1200 m a.s.l.. Results obtained were compared to commercial saffron. The analyses confirmed that all samples can be classified in the first quality category according to the ISO classification. This high quality is also confirmed by HPLC analysis. Moreover, the SPME-GC/MS analysis identified some differences in the aromatic profile of saffron samples, in particular regarding safranal concentration. A preliminary assessment of the economic viability of high quality saffron production for local markets was also performed. Our study provides valid information regarding the quality and economic sustainability of saffron production in the alpine area confirming this crop as a good candidate for a new source of income for multifunctional farms in mountain areas.
