Links among rock thermal properties, climatic data and geomorphological processes in a high-elevation instrumented site (W-Alps, Italy)

The Bessanese glacial basin (Lanzo Valleys), has been chosen to become an “high mountain open-air laboratory” for the investigation of geomorphological processes in a context of climate change. In the present research several activities were carried out: investigation of rock and air temperature variability by 7 micro temperature data loggers and an Automatic Weather Station (AWS); identification of rockfall events by the analysis of different data sources; evaluation of glacier evolution considering both areal and thickness changes. It emerges that the study area is characterized by 3 main lithologies presenting different physical properties (colour, density and specific heat capacity) and showing differences in their thermal regime mainly affected by lithology and solar exposure. Moreover, during the AWS operation period, air temperature shows significant warming trends. On the other hand, rockfall events have been identified in the summer months and several geomorphological evidences highlight a considerable rockfalls activity mainly affecting the Bessanese rockwall. Finally, since the end of the Little Ice Age the Bessanese Glacier experienced a significant shrinkage (disappearance of the left lobe and important retreat of the right one) and maximum mass loss of about 60 m. Links among the different considered aspects have been found and their detailed study will help in enhancing the knowledge on the various effect of the climate change in high mountain areas.