The hills of the central Piedmont are famous throughout the world for their renowned wine production.
The soil and climate are important resources for the development of so fine vineyards, whose protection is closely linked to the study of the recent geological evolution of the territory. In particular, it is important to know and monitor the instability and accelerated erosion faced by the slopes of these hills, to prevent the risks involved.
According to many authors, this territory is the boundary between the Alps and the Apennines ranges: this hypothesis makes the scientific research regarding this area of Piedmont even more interesting.
What you can see:
- The Torrente Traversola Deformation Zone. It separate the Asti reliefs from the Plateau of Poirino, creating landscapes with different geomorphological characteristics and affecting the drainage network of the Tanaro and Po rivers.
- The geosite of Passerano-Marmorito. In this area one of the first described examples of carbonate rocks interpreted as the geological record of methane-rich emission on the sea floor has been recognized. Here you can see also Lucina limestones and Macroconcretions (former Marmoritolimestone).. In this area one of the first described examples of carbonate rocks interpreted as the geological record of methane-rich emission on the sea floor has been recognized. Here you can see also Lucina limestones and Macroconcretions (former Marmoritolimestone).
- The gypsum quarries and the Upper Pleistocene fossil deposits. They represent an important asset in terms of cultural and geological heritage for the Monferrato hills. Examples are the quarries of Murisengo, Castelnuovo Don Bosco and Moncucco, studied to improve both the geological knowledge of the gypsum deposits and the valorization of the local traditional activities for the exploitation of this resource.
- The Bardellamineral spring. Typical example of fossil seawater with a clear chloride-sodium chemistry, the source constitutes an important testimony of the geological evolution of this area.
- The Freisad’Asti terroir. One of the nine areas proposed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the Langhe – Roero and Monferrato Hills
Image gallery (click to enlarge)
[Not a valid template]
