Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Enrico Cannao, Marco Scambelluri, Othmar Muentener, Benita Putlitz, Samuele Agostini
Summary: The trace element and isotopic compositions of exhumed high-pressure mafic rocks provide important information on chemical processes in subduction zones. In this study, the boron isotopic composition of eclogitic mafic rocks from the Voltri Massif, Italy, was investigated to understand oceanic inheritance and subduction-related processes. The results suggest that the negative 811B signatures in eclogites are mainly caused by dehydration processes during subduction, while positive 811B signatures are likely inherited from oceanic sources or influenced by fluids released by serpentinites.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Edoardo Sanita, Maria Di Rosa, Jean-Marc Lardeaux, Michele Marroni, Luca Pandolfi
Summary: The Moglio-Testico Unit is considered a fragment of oceanic cover whose sedimentary evolution reflects part of the oceanic lithosphere approaching the subduction zone. Structural analysis combined with thermobarometry suggests that this unit underwent polyphase deformation history under High Pressure-Low Temperature metamorphic conditions during its underthrusting, accretion into the Alpine wedge, and subsequent exhumation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Markos D. Tranos, Petros G. Neofotistos, Sotirios A. Kokkalas, Ghislain L. Tourigny
Summary: One of the most critical stages in fault-slip data stress analysis is separating the fault data into homogeneous subsets and selecting a suitable analysis method for each subset. This study aims to improve the paleostress reconstruction of the Voltri Massif in the Ligurian Alps using already published fault-slip data and best-fit stress inversion methods.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Andrew J. Smye, Spencer M. Seman, Marco Scambelluri, Paul G. Starr, Laura Federico
Summary: The study in the Western Alps reveals important information about the Alpine orogeny and exhumation in the Voltri Unit and adjacent Tertiary Piedmont Basin. Petrological and geochemical data from Fe-Ti metagabbros and quartzite samples show a record of prolonged high-pressure metamorphism and the timing of its formation and exhumation. The contemporaneous sedimentation and metamorphism processes indicate a new model for lithospheric tectonics, with the assemblage of high-pressure material and the exhumation mechanism being better understood.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO MINERALOGY AND PETROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
A. Nouibat, R. Brossier, L. Stehly, J. Cao, A. Paul
Summary: By utilizing ambient-noise wave-equation tomography, a high-resolution velocity model of the Alpine and Ligurian seas has been constructed, providing insights into the deep structure of the crust and upper mantle. The study emphasizes the importance of precise seismic mapping for understanding the orogenesis of the western Alps and the opening of the Ligurian-Provence back-arc basin.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Danilo Morelli, Michele Locatelli, Nicola Corradi, Paola Cianfarra, Laura Crispini, Laura Federico, Sebastien Migeon
Summary: Recent research on bathymetric and geophysical data has allowed for a detailed understanding of the morpho-structural setting and tectonic evolution of the Alpine and Apennine margins of the Ligurian Sea in Italy. The correlation between active tectonics and the evolution of the Ligurian Margin is evident in erosion and sediment movement along the continental slope and submarine canyons. This correlation is more significant in the western sector of the Ligurian Sea, where uplift and seismic activity are prominent.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Geology
Matteo Assanelli, Manuel Roda
Summary: This contribution presents a geological and structural study of the Val d'Ala metaophiolite complex (Lower Piemonte Zone) at the southern boundary of the Gran Paradiso Massif. The study includes a structural map at 1:10,000 scale and a microstructural analysis, revealing the dominant lithologies and the presence of four groups of superposed structures.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Paolo S. Garofalo, Marco Scarsi, Alexander Gundlach-Graham, Gunnar Schwarz, Detlef Guenther
Summary: The Bisciarelle fault is a brittle thrust that interacts with a hydrothermal fluid, resulting in the deposition of gold and other minerals. The fault formed rapidly through cycles of fluid pressure build-up, opening, and mineral precipitation.
MINERALIUM DEPOSITA
(2023)
Review
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Fabrizio Piana, Luca Barale, Carlo Bertok, Anna d'Atri, Andrea Irace, Pietro Mosca
Summary: The study of SW Piemonte suggests the presence of a regional transfer zone (SWAT) recording Oligocene-Miocene activity and the development of GVZ/SWAT and PF/IBF structures. The postcollisional evolution of the SW Alps is recorded by the TPB basin, influenced by transpressive faults and Apennine thrusts stacking Ligurian units. This correlation between the Alps and the Apennines highlights their kinematics and tectonic control on the same syn-orogenic basin.
Article
Geography
F. Faccini, L. Federico, S. Torchio, A. Roccati, G. Capponi, L. Crispini
Summary: Deep-seated gravitational slope deformation (DsGSD) is an important geological-geomorphological feature that has attracted scientific attention. Through detailed fieldwork and integration of various analyses, typical DsGSDs were identified, which may have caused large-scale landslides in the area. Further investigation is needed to understand the mechanisms and implications of these DsGSDs.
Article
Ecology
Carmelo Macri, Davide Dagnino, Maria Guerrina, Frederic Medail, Luigi Minuto, John D. Thompson, Gabriele Casazza
Summary: The study suggests that geographical limits of species' distributions may not always coincide with ecological margins. Floral trait variation is influenced by local environmental conditions, with different factors limiting seed production in central and peripheral populations.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Thien-Anh Nguyen, Benjamin Kellenberger, Devis Tuia
Summary: Forest maps are crucial for understanding forest dynamics, and with the availability of remote sensing data and machine learning models, they can now be created on a large scale with high accuracy. However, current methods lack interpretability and fail to explicitly consider intermediate semantic concepts. This research proposes an explainable deep learning model that leverages prior knowledge to provide explanations for its decisions. By quantifying intermediate variables and considering forest definitions, the model successfully predicts forest maps that reflect the desired criteria.
REMOTE SENSING OF ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Geology
Marco Brandano, Laura Tomassetti
Summary: The study reveals the influence of long-term cooling and transient warming events on the evolution of carbonate ramps during the Eocene. The reworking of skeletal components and the crisis of carbonate producers are found to be associated with environmental deterioration. The drowning of the ramp is attributed to reduced light and inefficiency of the carbonate factory.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Qiurong Wu, Jian Huang, Xiao Fan, Kan Wang, Xueqin Jin, Gaoxingyu Huang, Jiaao Li, Xiaojing Pan, Nieng Yan
Summary: This article reports the high-resolution cryo-EM structures of human Na(v)1.7 bound to drugs and lead compounds, revealing the binding mode of these compounds on Na-v channels. The study demonstrates that different drugs can bind to different locations on the channel, providing a 3D structural map of known drug-binding sites.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Geography
Andrea Loprieno, Alessandro Ellero
Summary: The detailed geological mapping of the Urtier Valley in the Western Alps has led to the realization of a new geological map at 1:10,000 scale. The study focused on the lithostratigraphic approach and structural analysis, revealing an anomalous stacking order in the nappe pile compared to the generally proposed model for the Western Alps.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Juan Carlos de Obeso, Peter B. Kelemen, James M. Leong, Manuel D. Menzel, Craig E. Manning, Marguerite Godard, Yue Cai, Louise Bolge
Summary: Completely carbonated peridotites can provide insights into the reactions between carbon-rich fluids and mantle rocks. This study examined listvenites and serpentinites from the Samail ophiolite and found that they have significantly higher Sr-87/Sr-86 values and δ13C values compared to mantle values and other peridotite hosted carbonates in Oman. The underlying Hawasina sediments have even higher Sr-87/Sr-86 values. These results suggest that carbon-rich fluids derived from decarbonation of sediments migrated updip during subduction and influenced the composition of the peridotites.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
P. Cianfarra, M. Locatelli, G. Capponi, L. Crispini, C. Rossi, F. Salvini, L. Federico
Summary: In this study, we investigated the structural characteristics and geodynamic evolution of the Rennick Graben Fault system (RGF) using a multi-methodological approach. The results revealed the existence of two geotectonic provinces in the region, with the Bowers Mountains province exhibiting more intense deformation.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Evandro Balbi, Gabriele Ferretti, Andrea Ferrando, Francesco Faccini, Laura Crispini, Paola Cianfarra, Davide Scafidi, Simone Barani, Silvano Tosi, Martino Terrone
Summary: Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) is a powerful tool for identifying and monitoring surface deformations. This paper proposes a new method called CAPS (Correlation Analysis on Persistent Scatterers) to enhance the capability of PSI in recognizing and characterizing areas influenced by complex ground deformations.
Article
Engineering, Marine
Danilo Morelli, Michele Locatelli, Nicola Corradi, Paola Cianfarra, Laura Crispini, Laura Federico, Sebastien Migeon
Summary: Recent research on bathymetric and geophysical data has allowed for a detailed understanding of the morpho-structural setting and tectonic evolution of the Alpine and Apennine margins of the Ligurian Sea in Italy. The correlation between active tectonics and the evolution of the Ligurian Margin is evident in erosion and sediment movement along the continental slope and submarine canyons. This correlation is more significant in the western sector of the Ligurian Sea, where uplift and seismic activity are prominent.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Giovanni Grieco, Alessandro Cavallo, Pietro Marescotti, Laura Crispini, Evangelos Tzamos, Micol Bussolesi
Summary: Ophiolite magnesite deposits in Evia Island, Greece, are closely associated with chromitite within the same peridotite massif. This study reveals the relationship between ultramafic rocks and late magnesite veins. The spinel mineral chemistry is crucial for understanding the lithological relationships, and the stable isotope composition of magnesite suggests a meteoric origin of oxygen and an organic source of carbon. The findings provide insights into the evolution of Kymasi ultramafic rocks.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Simon C. Cox, Belinda Smith Lyttle, Samuel Elkind, Christine Smith Siddoway, Paul Morin, Giovanni Capponi, Tamer Abu-Alam, Matilda Ballinger, Lauren Bamber, Brett Kitchener, Luigi Lelli, Jasmine Mawson, Alexie Millikin, Nicola Dal Seno, Louis Whitburn, Tristan White, Alex Burton-Johnson, Laura Crispini, David Elliot, Synnove Elvevold, John Goodge, Jacqueline Halpin, Joachim Jacobs, Adam P. Martin, Eugene Mikhalsky, Fraser Morgan, Phil Scadden, John Smellie, Gary Wilson
Summary: The GeoMAP Action Group and GNS Science have constructed a dataset describing the exposed bedrock and surficial geology of Antarctica. This dataset captures existing geological map data, refines its reliability, harmonizes classification, and improves the representation of glacial sequences and geomorphology. It is the first detailed geological map dataset covering all of Antarctica.
Article
Geography
Danilo Morelli, Michele Locatelli, Laura Crispini, Nicola Corradi, Paola Cianfarra, Laura Federico, Pierluigi Brandolini
Summary: Seismic lines and sediment cores were used to reconstruct the characters and distribution of late Quaternary transgressive littoral deposits along the shelf between Albenga and Loano in Liguria, NW Italy. Multiple datasets and stratigraphic logs were managed within a GIS-based software, enabling the merging, analysis, and interpretation of different methods. This approach revealed the presence of five paleo shorelines at various depths below sea level, indicating episodic retreats and terraced distribution of the coastal system during the Late Quaternary period.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Pierre Mueller, Silvia Tamburelli, Niccolo Menegoni, Michele Perozzo, Chiara Amadori, Laura Crispini, Laura Federico, Silvio Seno, Matteo Maino
Summary: The present research investigates a range of soft sediment deformation structures (SSDS) combined with clastic dykes and shear deformation bands in an Early Miocene-age coastal wedge in Ligurian coast (NW Italy). These structures provide compelling evidence for previously undocumented tectonic episodes associated with seismic activity in the area.
MARINE AND PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Ludovico Manna, Michele Perozzo, Niccolo Menegoni, Silvia Tamburelli, Laura Crispini, Laura Federico, Silvio Seno, Matteo Maino
Summary: This study reports on a transtensive fault network in the metamorphic units of the Ligurian Alps. The main fault zone is up to 250 m thick and consists of various rock types. The fault zone exhibits dilation features and contains multiple slip surfaces. The findings of this study are important for understanding the tectonic evolution of the Alps.
SWISS JOURNAL OF GEOSCIENCES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
Amin Beiranvand Pour, Arindam Guha, Laura Crispini, Snehamoy Chatterjee
Article
Geology
Valentin Basch, Laura Crispini, Caterina Battifora, Elisabetta Rampone
Summary: The Oman ophiolites provide valuable insights into the formation and evolution of oceanic lithosphere. Through field mapping, the position of ancient spreading segments has been reconstructed. There is still debate regarding the geodynamic setting, with some suggesting a mid-ocean ridge and others a back-arc setting. Petrochemical studies of mantle samples from the Wadi Tayin suggest processes such as melt percolation, mantle cooling, and reactive porous flow. Further geochemical studies will help determine the magmatic affinity and geodynamic setting of the Oman lithosphere.
Article
Environmental Studies
Pietro Marescotti, Giulia Castello, Antonino Briguglio, Maria Cristina Caprioglio, Laura Crispini, Marco Firpo
Summary: The inventory and assessment of geosites are crucial for highlighting their scientific, geotouristic, and geoeducational potential, as well as identifying vulnerabilities. Within a geopark, these activities are essential for developing strategies that protect geological heritage and promote sustainable economic development. This study evaluated 10 geosites in the Beigua UNESCO Global Geopark and analyzed the educational, tourist, and land management activities from 2011 to 2021. The results showed their high scientific value and tourism potential, emphasizing the importance of managing geological heritage within a geopark.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Molly O. Patterson, Richard H. Levy, Denise K. Kulhanek, Tina van de Flierdt, Huw Horgan, Gavin B. Dunbar, Timothy R. Naish, Jeanine Ash, Alex Pyne, Darcy Mandeno, Paul Winberry, David M. Harwood, Fabio Florindo, Francisco J. Jimenez-Espejo, Andreas Laufer, Kyu-Cheul Yoo, Osamu Seki, Paolo Stocchi, Johann P. Klages, Jae Il Lee, Florence Colleoni, Yusuke Suganuma, Edward Gasson, Christian Ohneiser, Jose-Abel Flores, David Try, Rachel Kirkman, Daleen Koch
Summary: The response of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) to future warming presents a challenge for numerical models in predicting sea level rise. The SWAIS 2C Project aims to improve projections of ice sheet changes under greenhouse gas levels, and a virtual workshop was held to plan for an International Continental Drilling Program (ICDP) project. The workshop outlined research objectives and the challenges associated with retrieving geological records from beneath the ice sheet.
SCIENTIFIC DRILLING
(2022)
