The role of Ecological Value in Geomorphosite assessment for the Debris-Covered Miage Glacier (Western Italian Alps) based on a review of 2.5 centuries of scientific study

Abstract

Ecological attributes of geomorphosites play a significant role as one of the characteristic components of their scientific value, hence influencing their global value. Ecological attributes can, however, act independently and inform other attributes which characterise scientific and additional values and the sites potential for use. Within the framework of active geomorphosites, environmental changes and recent dynamics can be reconstructed through tree-ring analysis. Glacial geomorphosites are one of the most significant examples of this biotic–abiotic relationship. Among glacial geomorphosites, debris-covered glaciers represent key sites at which to evaluate an ecological attribute. The Miage Glacier, the most representative Italian debris-covered glacier, is an important site for multidisciplinary scientific research, enhancing its global value as a complex geomorphosite. The Miage Glacier has been selected as a study site, firstly to characterise the evolution of scientific research across the last 250 years and then to quantify the ecological support role (ESR) and its influence on the other attributes. The ESR’s importance in assessing global geomorphosite values was estimated by studying its variation and the variation of the related attributes as a consequence of an increase in scientific knowledge over time. The ESR variation displays a positive effect on scientific value, in particular, and generates more differentiation between defined sites and visitor trails, thus influencing site selection.