Natural and artificial waters of North-Eastern Piedmont (PROGEOPIEMONTE Project - Geothematic AREA 5)

The multidisciplinary research project "PROGEOPiemonte" aims to achieve a new conceptual and operational discipline in the management of the geological heritage of the Piemonte Region by means of the development of techniques for recognizing and managing its rich geodiversity at the local and regional scale. Geodiversity in Piedmont is characterized by high potential for scientific studies, enhancement of public understanding of science, recreation activities and for economic support to local communities. The recognition of the economic value of geodiversity will lead to the production of regional guidelines for Geoconservation integrated quality management system, suitable for tourism and sustainable development strategies. The fifth geothematic area of PROGEOPIEMONTE PROJECT is represented by a sector of fluvial plain of in North - Eastern Piedmont (Po basin). Landforms, agents, processes and factors have been described and mapped for reconstructing the evolution of the fluvial plain. The change of Quaternary landscape and climate in the fluvial plain have been studied by pedological, geomorphological, paleoenvironmental and paleontological data. Waters (natural and artificial waters), are seen as an agent in both landscape evolution and anthropic land use. Geosites and nature trails will show relationships between landscape and anthropic activity.