Glacial Geomorphosites and Related Landforms: A Proposal for a Dendrogeomorphological Approach and Educational Trails

Abstract

The educational value is an attribute characterising glacial geomorphosites and it can be classified as additional value or part of the scientific one. In recent years, Alpine geomorphosites —including glaciers, whose role as palaeogeomorphic landforms, models of evolution and climatic indicators is evident—are becoming increasingly common locations for excursions, hiking trails and educational trips. Two educational trails are presented here in order to (a) enhance the role of glacial and Alpine geomorphosites in education; (b) underline the importance of dating methods such as dendrochronology for assessing the ecological value of geomorphosites and for educational purposes; (c) outline the importance of fieldwork activities in improving knowledge of landscape evolution. The first trail itinerary leads to a debris-covered glacier used for winter skiing, explaining in ‘stops’ the geomorphological processes observable on the slope and in the surrounding landscape. It also introduces dendrochronology as a tool for dating past events and climatic variations. This includes providing examples of dendrochronological exercises related to the reconstruction of a mixed fan (debris-flow and avalanche fan) located near the trail, with the aim of reinforcing the theoretical method previously learned. The second trail itinerary leads to a glacial geomorphosite where dendrogeomorphological investigations were carried out in dating an ancient moraine system colonised by trees, with the aim of showing students the importance of tree rings as a natural archive of environmental and climatic data. Testing part of the first trail on 14-year-old students confirmed the usefulness of the associated fieldwork and provided evidence of the educational potential of glacial geomorphosites and dendrochronology.