A methodological proposal for the assessment of cliffs equipped for climbing as a component of geoheritage and tools for Earth Science education: the case of the Verbano-Cu- sio- (Western Italian Alps)

Bollati I., Fossati M., Zanoletti E., Zucali M., Magagna A., Pelfini M.

Journal of the VIRTUAL EXPLORER, Electonic Edition, volume 49, Paper 1, In: (Eds) Emma- nuel Skourtsos and Gordon Lister. General Contributions, 2016. boll

Download from: http://virtualexplorer.com.au/journal/2016/49

Click http://virtualexplorer.com.au/subscribe/ to subscribe to the Virtual Explorer Email [email protected] to contact a member of the Virtual Explorer team

Copyright is shared by The Virtual Explorer Pty Ltd with authors of individual contributions. Individual authors may use a single figure and/or a table and/or a brief paragraph or two of text in a subsequent work, provided this work is of a scientific nature, and intended for use in a learned journal, book or other peer reviewed publication. Copies of this article may be made in unlimited numbers for use in a classroom, to further education and science. The Virtual Explorer Pty Ltd is a scientific publisher and intends that appropriate professional standards be met in any of its publications. Journal of the VIRTUAL EXPLORER

A dynamic review electronic Earth Science journal publishing material from all continents A methodological proposal for the assessment of cliffs equipped for climbing as a component of geoheritage and tools for Earth Science education: the case of the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola (Western Italian Alps)

Bollati I.1, Fossati M.1, Zanoletti E.2, Zucali M. 1, Magagna A. 3, Pelfini M.1

1Department of Earth Sciences “Ardito Desio”, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Mangiagalli, 34-20133, Milan, 2 Geoexplora - Geologia & Outdoor, Via Mussi, 5-28831, , Italy 3 Department of Earth Sciences, Università degli Studi di Torino, via Tommaso Valperga Caluso, 35-10125, , Italy

ARTICLE INFO IN THIS ARTICLE

Citation Bollati I., Fossati M., Zano- Subduction-collision mountain chains are regions where complex geological and geomorphologi- letti E. , Zucali M. , Magag- na A. , Pelfini M. 2016. A cal features due to several Earth-forming processes are exposed. They are characterized by high ge- methodological proposal odiversity with respect to other geological regions. The sites representing the best examples of these for the assessment of cliffs features are referred to as “geodiversity sites”, and, if assessed as valuable for geoconservation and/ equipped for climbing as a or popularization, are called “geosites” and form the “geoheritage” of a region. In particular cases, as component of geoheritage and tools for Earth Science cliffs equipped for climbing, the observations of geological and geomorphological elements are highly education: the case of the favored by the cleanliness of the outcrops and site accessibility. At these sites, the popularization of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola Earth Science may be mediated by a sport activity that is strictly dependent on their physical features. (Western Italian Alps). In: The Verbano-Cusio-Ossola Province (VCO; Western Italian Alps) is a region characterized by a long (Eds.) Emmanuel Skourt- sos and Gordon Lister, mountaineering tradition and occurrence of several cliffs equipped for climbing located in a relatively General Contributions, narrow area. In the present paper, the most suitable climbing sites to be considered part of the geoher- Journal of the Virtual Ex- itage of the VCO have been detected through a quantitative assessment. The 14 identified geodiver- plorer, Electronic Edition, sity sites were evaluated using a methodology already tested on other geosites and slightly modified volume 49, paper 1. to fit the aim of the present analysis. In order to test the efficacy of the assessment procedure, a pilot Correspondence to: educational project aimed at lower secondary school students was developed at three specific climb- [email protected] ing sites, based on the ranking results. The test of the applied methodology has been inserted in a wider educational application that considers the use of rock samples and virtual strategies that intro- duce students to the three major families of rocks (igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary) and land- scape modeling. The educational project results confirm the efficacy of the assessment methodology Keywords proposed here for selecting the most valuable climbing geosites suitable for Earth Science education. Geodiversity; Geoheritage; Climbing crags; Verbano-Cusio-Ossola Province (Western Italian Alps); INTRODUCTION Earth Science education perspective of geoconservation and/or popular- Sites of geological interests (geosites sensu Wim- ization (Grandgirard, 1999). A common meth- bledon, 1996) are increasing in importance as an odology for assessing their value, accepted by the object of scientific research, as reported by Ruban scientific community, has not yet been defined (2015). The key point consists in the quantitative (Reynard and Coratza, 2013), even though this evaluation of the attributes of geosites from the is fundamental when the selection of geosites is Journal of the VIRTUAL EXPLORER Volume 49, Paper 1

related to specific targets or projects. Moreover, Among the richest areas in terms of EG and no specific studies have addressed potential sites RIG, the subduction-collision mountain chains of geological interest equipped for climbing. represent one of the best examples because of The assessment of the value of sites of geologi- the complexity of geological situations exposed, cal interest constitutes a subject within the wider in terms of the number of lithologies alternating research field of geodiversity. Several definitions in relatively narrow areas and of landforms and of the term “geodiversity” have been proposed superficial processes that are triggered by relief in the literature since the 1990s (see a review in energy (e.g., Brock and Semeniuk, 2007; Beni- Brock and Semeniuk, 2007). According to the one to-Calvo et al., 2009). According to Grandgirard most frequently used, by Gray (2004, p. 8), and (1999) and Reynard et al. (2007), in such areas, even previously by Dixon (1996), geodiversity the detection of geosites may be carried out with may be considered as “the natural range (diver- two aims (Fig. 1, A and B): sity) of geological (rocks, minerals, fossils), geo- A. Geosite conservation, when the site is sci- morphological (landform, processes) and soil fea- entifically important but not suitable for popu- tures. It includes their assemblages, relationships, larization due to the difficulty of the topic and properties, interpretations and systems”. Usually, when the site is rare and subject to degrada- geodiversity analysis is applied to a given area at tion due to both natural processes and human a regional scale (Semeniuk, 1997), but considera- pressure. In these cases, the scientific criteria tions at the level of single sites are common (i.e., should be considered more important than the Pereira and Pereira, 2010). The scale-of-analysis other features used in evaluation procedures; issue requires a clarification of the terms adopted B. Earth Science dissemination, when the in the geodiversity framework. For this reason, we site is ideal for educational purposes or pop- will propose and use the following terminology: ularization in terms of topic and accessibility i. geodiversity of a region in comparison and its usage will not compromise scientific in- with other regions (extrinsic geodiversity, EG) tegrity. In this case, additional values are con- (sensu Panizza, 2009); sidered in the evaluation procedures. ii. geodiversity within a region (regional in- trinsic geodiversity, RIG) (e.g., Benito-Calvo et In both cases, a quantitative procedure to define al., 2009); the most valuable sites is mandatory. Since the iii. geodiversity at the level of a single site 1990s, several methodologies for the ranking and (e.g., a rock cliff; site intrinsic geodiversity, SIG) selection of sites according to specific criteria have (e.g., Pereira and Pereira, 2010) (Fig. 1). been proposed by researchers all over the world (e.g., Brilha, 2015, and references therein) and, At regional scale (RIG), the “geodiversity sites”, as as already mentioned, a univocal methodology defined by Brilha (2015), are exemplary locations has not been yet defined (Reynard and Coratza, for this kind of geodiversity. Among them, those 2013). Considering and analyzing all the propos- that are “sites, locations, areas and territories in als, in 2012 we developed a specific method (Bol- which it is possible to identify a geological or lati et al., 2012) that addresses geomorphosites geomorphological interest for conservation” are (i.e., sites of geomorphological interest sensu referred to as “geosites” (Wimbledon, 1996) and Panizza, 2001) and is suitable for detecting sites constitute the “geoheritage” of a region. Geoher- for both aims, A and B. The method was modi- itage, in fact, “consists of all the significant Earth fied by Bollati et al. (2014) due to problems faced features and continuing processes that we wish to when dealing with the quantitative assessment of keep sustain, conserve, manage and interpret for the value of geosites in general (i.e., not only those their natural heritage value” (Osborne, 2000) and in which the primary interest is geomorpholog- that are “important to our understanding of Earth ical) and in the specific case of geodiversity sites history” (Bradbury, 1993). In addition, the geoher- equipped for climbing. Recently, only marginal itage of a region may be intended as constituted by interest has been directed towards the assessment “those components of natural geodiversity which of cliffs equipped for climbing as a component of are of significant value to humans for purposes” geoheritage and tools for Earth Science education that “may include scientific research, education, (e.g., Garlick, 2009; Motta & Motta, 2005; Panizza aesthetics and inspiration, cultural development and Mennella, 2007). We decided to focus on this and contribution to the sense of place experienced special category of geodiversity sites for several by human communities” (Dixon, 1996). reasons:

BOLLATI ET AL.A methodological proposal for the assessment of cliffs equipped for climbing 2 Journal of the VIRTUAL EXPLORER Volume 49, Paper 1

Figure 1 i) they are sites where rocks, structures, The assessment methodology used herein has al- Sequence of steps in and landforms developed by different geo- ready been applied for evaluating a test site. This detecting geosites in the logical and geomorphological processes, are site was one of the most famous climbing sites in framework of geoheritage usually well exposed and the outcrops are kept the Western Italian Alps: the Montestrutto cliff and final aims of assess- clean by the local communities of climbers, located in the Eclogitic Micaschist Complex (Se- ment (A and B). The analysis of geodiversity who feel a strong sense of place (sensu Dixon, sia-Lanzo Zone, Austroalpine Domain). It is a at regional level (RIG) 1996); wide rocky outcrop in the Piemonte Region and is and at local scale (SIG) is ii) due to this favorable rock exposure, sci- scientifically relevant as the outcropping of litho- reported. entific research at rock walls often provides a types shows the high-pressure–low-temperature vast amount of geological and geomorpholog- metamorphism that is typical of subduction (see ical information testifying to their importance Bollati et al., 2014, and references therein). The in the understanding of Earth history (sensu site is easily accessible and characterized by rocks Bradbury, 1993); where structures and minerals are well visible and iii) the most relevant climbing cliffs are usu- the geomorphological modeling due mainly to ally wide and their spatial extent attracts peo- glacial action is evident. ple; This research has the main goal of exporting iv) in such places, sports activities repre- to a regional scale the methodology of quanti- sent a strong link between lay people and the tative assessment tested at Montestrutto, with world of geological research, acting as a vehi- a few further modifications. Within this scope, cle for transmitting Earth Science concepts to for our research we considered the Verbano-Cu- the general public. Climbing is a sports activity sio-Ossola province (VCO), in the Western Italian that elicits deep involvement of the emotional Alps, a district that has a strong mountaineering sphere (e.g., astonishment, fear; Trend, 2001) tradition and features about one hundred rock for both practitioners and spectators of this walls equipped for climbing and characterized by sport. diverse styles of progression (Fig. 2). The area is located in the Alpine chain region and is easily ac-

BOLLATI ET AL.A methodological proposal for the assessment of cliffs equipped for climbing 3 Journal of the VIRTUAL EXPLORER Volume 49, Paper 1

Figure 2 cessible and characterized by geological complexi- STUDY AREA Example of different ty and hence by a high RIG, which has been object styles of progression of abundant scientific research for a long time. The study area is located in the Italian Alps and within the VCO region. In order to test the efficacy of the method covers the entire Province of VCO. It is an easily a) Sharp vertical cracks in proposed to evaluate the most suitable climbing orthogneisses; b) canne- accessed area not far from Milan, connecting Italy lures and hanging cliffs in crags for Earth Science education, a pilot project and Switzerland via the Simplon National Road. limestones; c) technical addressed at a lower secondary school was de- The construction of the during climbing on rock notches veloped. The whole educational project had the the early twentieth century contributed to the in calcschists; d) grip and main educational aim of reinforcing some con- comprehension of the deep structure of the Alps. rounded crack climbing cepts related to different families of rocks (i.e., The VCO Province has been the object of scien- on granite. sedimentary, magmatic, and metamorphic) and tific researches (Bigioggero et al., 2006, and refer- the connections between progression and (micro) ences therein) since its south–north development morphology deriving from the lithology, struc- makes it possible to cross, in a relatively narrow tures, and landforms related to both exogenous area, a great part of the structural domains of the and endogenous processes. The proposed initial Italian Alps (the Southern Alps, Austroalpine, and “remote” approach includes both traditional and Lower to Upper Pennine units), as far as the deep- innovative tools, since the combination of labora- est ones (the “Zero Element” by Argand, 1911). torial activities (e.g. with rock samples) with mul- Moreover, the VCO Province may be split into timedia (e.g. visualization and analysis of virtual two main portions: i) the area located south of tours, videos, photos, Web-based source of infor- the Insubric Line, here called Canavese Line (CL), mation) within classrooms has been recently dis- which belongs to the Southern Alps and is charac- cussed as a potential tool to improve knowledge terized by a low dominant alpine deformation; ii) through innovation and curiosity (e.g., Harris and the area located north of the CL and pervasively Rea, 2009; Sherer and Shea, 2011; Magagna, 2013; characterized by an Alpine tectonic imprint that 2016). restructured the whole rocks. The region is also Summarizing, the main aim of the research was known as one of the most important quarrying ar- to assess the value of the potential geodiversity eas of the Italian Alps (Cavallo et al., 2004; Zucali sites equipped for climbing in the VCO area and et al., 2014). to test the efficacy of the procedure for ranking In order to include rocks of a sedimentary ori- and selection of the sites through a pilot educa- gin in the study area, the analyzed region was wid- tional project for future applications. ened to the eastern coast of the Maggiore Lake,

BOLLATI ET AL.A methodological proposal for the assessment of cliffs equipped for climbing 4 Journal of the VIRTUAL EXPLORER Volume 49, Paper 1

Figure 3 Simplified structural model of the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola Province including a part of the Varese Province. The model was obtained by combin- ing the information from the Structural Model of Italy (1:500000; CNR) and the Geological Map of Switzerland (1:500000; Service géologique national). The limit of the M-Chk unit is dashed in the area of interest. Black dots indicate the positions of the 59 analyzed climbing sites, indi- cating the presence of more than one sector. Their numbers correspond to the list in Table 2.

where a representative sedimentary coverage of representing the upper to intermediate conti- the Southern Alps outcrops. nental crust: phyllites, micaschists, and minor In Figure 3, a simplified structural model paragneisses (Phy-SA) of the pre-Upper Car- summarizes the main geological units, herein de- boniferous and the Hercynian orthogneisses scribed from south to north. (Ogn-SA); The Southern Alps, representing a portion of • the Ivrea Verbano zone, which is related to the the African passive continental margin, which in- lower continental crust and upper mantle: me- clude: tabasites (Mb-IV) and metapelites (Mp-IV) in granulite to amphibolite facies and mantle-peri- • the sedimentary coverage of the Lombardy dotite slices (Per-IV); Basin: Mesozoic basinal and pelagic deposits • the late and post Hercynian igneous rocks: (M-Chk); Permian granitoids: (P-Gr). • the Southern Alpine crystalline basement,

BOLLATI ET AL.A methodological proposal for the assessment of cliffs equipped for climbing 5 Journal of the VIRTUAL EXPLORER Volume 49, Paper 1

bodies was identified along the Vigezzo and the The Canavese Line (CL), separates the Southern Cannobina valleys (Fig. 3). Alps from the axial part of the Alpine chain and The VCO province has a particular climatic re- specifically from the Austroalpine system of the gime and is known for the intense rainfall events Sesia-Lanzo, here including the II- Dioritic–Kin- that repeatedly characterize the area, as recently zigitica zone (II-DK; granulite to amphibolite fa- happened in 1978, 1987, 1993, and 2000 (Cat Ber- cies micaschists, gneisses, and metabasites) and ro et al., 2014). In addition, the geological features the Sesia-Lanzo zone (Ogn-SL, orthogneiss). The (lithologies and regional setting) locally favor in- product of the deformation along the CL is local- tense slope processes (Hankte, 1988) and debris ly represented by the unit of the Fobello-Rimella flow events such as the severe one that happened mylonitic schists (FR-Sch). during 1978. Among the most important hazard- The Piemont-Ligurian ophiolite nappe system, ous events, the Antrona landslide happened in which is derived from the closure of the Piemont– 1642 in the valley of the same name (see Fig. 3); it Ligurian basin, is represented by the metabasalts involved 12 million cubic meters of rocks and was of the Antrona oceanic unit (AMb-Ant). responsible for the creation of the Antrona Lake The Pennine Units consist of an Upper Unit, by damming. A more recent landslide occurred the Monte Rosa nappe, mainly constituted by in 2005 and dammed the Val Fredda stream with metagranitoids (Mgr-MR) and the intermediate 500,000 milion cubic meters of rocks, near one of Gran San Bernardo nappe, constituted by parag- the evaluated climbing sites (no. 13 in Fig. 3). neisses (Pgn-GSB). The Valais Calcschists Units From geological and geomorphological points (Cls-Val) are metamorphic sedimentary sequenc- of view, the VCO area is characterized by sites of es intervening within the Lepontine nappes of the interest and a sites listing project has recently been basement, derived from the closure of the Valais concluded (i.e., Interreg Italy–Switzerland 2007– trough. Lepontine basement nappes include ul- 2013 “SITINET –Progetto per il censimento, la tramafics of the Cervandone–Geisspfad unit (Per- messa in rete e la valorizzazione turistica di siti CG). The lower Pennine nappes are constituted geologici e archeologici nella Regione Insubrica” by orthogneisses (Monte Leone, Pioda di Crana, [“Project for the census, networking and touristic and Antigorio nappes) (Ogn-LP) and by schists of valorization of the geological and archeological the Lebendun nappe (Sch-LP). The Infrapennine sites of the Insubric Region”]). In the framework basement nappes of the micaschists (MSch-BV) of this project, a website (http://www.sitinet.org/ and the Verampio orthogneisses (Ogn-Ver; the glist) including all the information on geosites “Zero Element” of Argand, 1911), are exposed was built, a geolab was created in munic- within the two tectonic windows of and ipality (see Fig. 3), and different publications are Varzo,. freely available to people for visiting glaciological The VCO province reveals important signs of and geological trails in the area (e.g., Pirocchi, glaciation; several rock slopes along the main Os- 2012; Zanoletti, 2012). Moreover, the interest in sola Valley and in the tributary valleys show clear the quarrying activities in terms of valorization evidences of glacial modeling since the region led to the development of projects like: “Pietre was characterized by a pulsating glacial history. del VCO” (http://www.pietredelvco.it/) and “Pie- Hankte (1988) reconstructed the evolution of the tre del Cusio, del Mottarone e della Valle Strona” Glacier and Toce River flows since the Mio- (http://pietredelcusio.weebly.com/). cene. According to the author, in fact, during that The great naturalistic value of the VCO district period the northern watershed was located be- is testified by the presence of two main protect- tween and the Anza River and the ed areas, the “Aree Protette dell’Ossola” and the Toce paleodrainage was towards the north. Only “Val Grande National Park”, and by the numer- after intense tectonic movements and the uplift of ous faunistic regions and wetlands present in the the Aar massif in Switzerland, during the lower territory. Moreover, in 2013 the Sesia-Val Grande Miocene, this drainage setting changed, with the Geopark was officially recognized by the UNE- watershed moving towards the north and leading SCO Committee and the geological value of the to the present day flows of the Toce towards the southern part of the Ossola Valley was recognized. south-southeast. The history of the Toce Glacier A geolab was created in the municipality was characterized by several episodes of transflu- (see Fig. 3) and thematic paths focusing on geo- ence and interaction with the Ticino Glacier, lo- logical and geomorphological features of the area cated to the east. The contact between these glacial were developed.

BOLLATI ET AL.A methodological proposal for the assessment of cliffs equipped for climbing 6 Journal of the VIRTUAL EXPLORER Volume 49, Paper 1

METHODS in the VCO area as potential geodiversity sites. In this step the published climber guide for the area Cliffs equipped for climbing represent ideal situ- (Manoni et al., 2014, and previous editions) was ations for analyzing lithology because of the wide analyzed, and the information was completed by and well-exposed surfaces and, in some exempla- adding personal reports of local people and nail- ry cases, their immediate accessibility. Neverthe- ers. less, since not all the cliffs may be considered ideal The geological context of each site was detailed for educational purposes, a quantitative assess- according to the simplified structural model re- ment was necessary. A methodology addressed ported in the map in Figure 3. Since no outcrops specifically to this category of geodiversity sites of sedimentary rocks occur in the VCO area the has not yet been proposed. The whole workflow climbing guide of Varese Province, on the op- adopted during the research is reported in Fig. 4 posite side of the Maggiore lake (Mazzucchelli, and described in the following paragraphs. 2011), was also analysed, to add a climbing site on sedimentary rocks and broaden the educational field,. The locations of the identified cliffs for the following analyses are reported in Figure 3. The numbering of the sites on the map corresponds to the list in Table 3.

First qualitative selection of the climb- ing sites according to macrocriteria (Step 2, Fig. 4)

The geodiversity sites equipped for climbing were then qualitatively selected according to the macrocriteria indicated in Table 1. A first phase of pre-selection of potential geosites is common but often no clear and defined criteria are adopted (Reynard et al., 2016). In fact, some of the sites considered, on first analysis, are not characterized by suitable features at all from the perspective of future educational projects. Examples of the ap- plied macrocriteria are reported in Figure 5. This first phase of evaluation of the climbing walls was based on personal experience of the authors and on the knowledge previously gained on the area. Some specifications may be set out: • Criterion E (Table 1): none of the analyzed sites can be considered absolutely safe from natural hazards and consequent risk scenarios. Therefore the ones where the hazard was de- fined and clearly indicated by signals were not Figure 4 taken into consideration; The analysis workflow. • Criterion F (Table 1): this is strictly linked The main outputs of each Identification of the climbing sites from with the definition of “geodiversity site” and the step are shown in dark the technical book guides and contex- corresponding “climbing diversity site” (Bollati gray; the step of testing tualization in the geological framework the methodology for et al., 2014), which refers to the difference in the quantitative assessment is (Step 1, Fig. 4) style of progression required by the climbers. shown in light gray Considering relatively close sites characterized The first phase of the work consisted in the collec- by the same rocks and the same styles of pro- tion of technical reports on climbing cliffs located gression, the most accessible and representative

BOLLATI ET AL.A methodological proposal for the assessment of cliffs equipped for climbing 7 Journal of the VIRTUAL EXPLORER Volume 49, Paper 1

Table 1. Macrocriteria adopted during the first qualitative selection of the climbing to the total was considered during the evalua- sites. tion of this feature. FIRST EVALUATION MACROCRITERIA The output of this qualitative selection is a certain number of geodiversity sites that can undergo the A PRIMARY ACCESSIBILITY (difficulty and safety of the path) quantitative assessment phase. A1 PRESENCE OF CHAIRLIFT OR CABLELIFT TO REACH THE SITE

B SECONDARY ACCESSIBILITY (difficulty of the climbing routes) Quantitative assessment of the geodi- versity sites equipped for climbing (Step C ROCK CLIFF QUALITY (e.g., fracturing, cleanliness) 3, Fig. 4) ADEQUATE SPACE AT THE BASE OF THE CLIFF FOR GROUPS OF PEOPLE D (about 20-25) After the first qualitative selection, a restrict- E PRESENCE OF EVIDENT AND ACTIVE HAZARDS ed number of sites emerged for the quantitative F SIMILARITY OF GEOLOGY AND CLIMBING WITH OTHER BETTER SITES assessment. As mentioned before, Bollati et al. G HUMAN INTERVENTION ON THE CLIFF (2012) proposed a methodology originally ad- dressed to sites of geomorphological interest ones were considered; and later extended to the specific category of • Criterion G (Table 1): as a rule, but not in geodiversity sites equipped for climbing, which general, human intervention on the cliff (i.e., brought some modifications (Bollati et al., 2014). excavation of holds) was not considered posi- This methodology was applied herein, with slight tively, as it led to confusion in the identification modifications (details are given in Table 2). Macr- of human versus naturally derived micro- and ocriteria (Scientific Value, Additional Values, Po- meso-landforms. The pervasiveness of the in- tential for Use, Global Value, Educational Index, tervention with respect to the width of the cliff Scientific Index, Total Score; Table 2) are calculat- and the number of routes involved with respect ed considering single attributes according to the

Figure 5 Examples of cliff features of the region that were considered during the first qualitative selection using the macrocriteria reported in Table 1. a) Low rock quality in terms of cliff cleanliness and old equipment (see yellow ellipse) at La Pineta cliff (no. 22, Fig. 3); b) adequate space at the base of the cliff for groups of people at San Giano (no. 1, Fig. 3); c) low difficulty of the climbing routes and adequate space at the base of the cliff for groups of people in the “Baby” sector of the Valletta cliff (no. 28, Fig. 3); d) the hazards made manifest in the Nibbio main sector (no. 13a, Fig. 3).

BOLLATI ET AL.A methodological proposal for the assessment of cliffs equipped for climbing 8 Journal of the VIRTUAL EXPLORER Volume 47, Paper 7

see abbreviations in Table 2). formulas reported in Table 2 and some specifica- The output of the quantitative assessment was tions of the attributes are reported as follows. the ranking of the sites according to the different Among the Additional Values (AV), the Aes- calculated parameters. Then these parameters thetic Value (Ae) was evaluated considering not could be analyzed to choose the best sites accord- only the site itself but also the landscape view ing to different purposes. from the site. Potential for Use (PU) increas- In order to test the efficacy of the assessment es since Sport Activities (SA) are linked directly methodology from the perspective of educational with the rocks features. The PU was analyzed by projects, the most valued geosites for each cate- considering the Spatial Accessibility (SAc) and gory of rocks (metamorphic, magmatic, and sed- evaluating the access to the site for the on-foot imentary) were selected for a pilot educational itinerary (Calculated Accessibility, CA). When project the trail was characterized by a section of different difficulty, the “worst case” approach was adopted. The presence of Tourist Information (TI), that is, indications regarding the climbing site or, at least, RESULTS the trail, such as signposting in loco, was consid- ered positively, especially for on-foot itineraries. Analysis and qualitative selection of the Moreover, the Presence of Geosites in the Sur- geodiversity sites equipped for climbing roundings (SGs) attribute was evaluated by con- sidering the official geosites database of Regione (Steps 1 and 2) Piemonte (http://www.geoportale.piemonte.it/ geocatalogorp/) and other official initiatives (i.e., Cliffs equipped for climbing are abundant in the Sesia Val Grande Geopark; SITINET project) that VCO (more than 80 walls over about 2261 km2). have defined other sites of geological interest. In Table 3, a complete list of the 59 analyzed crags, Some specific indexes were created that may be subdivided into sub-sites (i.e., single walls), is re- useful according to the scope of the final selection ported. (e.g., educational or strictly scientific): i) Educa- In Figure 9, the cliffs are grouped according tional Exemplarity (EE); Ae and SAc contribute to the rock genesis process (Fig. 9a) and, in more to the calculation of the Educational Index (EIn) detail, according to the lithology (Fig. 9b). The (see formulas in Table 2); ii) Representativeness sedimentary site (1) is included in the calculation. of Geomorphological Processes (RGmP), Repre- The greatest part of the cliffs is constituted by met- sentativeness of Geological Processes (RGP), and amorphic rocks derived from an acid magmatic Geohistorical Importance (GI) concur with the protolith (43%), mainly orthogneisses. The sec- calculation of the Scientific Index (Sin) (see for- ond category in order of abundance is constituted mulas in Table 2). by metamorphic sedimentary rocks (33%) includ- Some examples of uses of attributes are report- ing micaschists, calcschists, coarse metaclastic ed in Figures 6, 7, and 8. schists and paragneisses. Fieldwork was performed at the selected sites Five per cent of the total number of cliffs (Fig. to detail all the required geological and geomor- 9b) are located in correspondence with the contact phological information regarding the cliffs using between two units that may be intercalated more dedicated field forms. The correspondence be- or less rhythmically at regional scale (e.g., metape- tween geo(morpho)logical and climbing elements lites/metabasites of the Ivrea-Verbano Unit). was analyzed in detail. For example, the different The output of the first qualitative selection ac- resistances to erosion/dissolution of lithotypes cording to the criteria listed in Table 1 was a list of and minerals (e.g., quartz lenses, garnets, chert 14 geodiversity sites out of 59 (23.72%) (light blue nodules) or the different typologies of fractures in Table 3) that were suitable for the quantitative and the products of exfoliation (e.g., deriving assessment. from the unloading and exhumation of granitic As can be seen in Figure 9c, among the 14 plutons) were described and associated with the cliffs the percentages of lithotypes are more ho- climber progression. An image analysis of pictures mogeneously distributed, the largest fraction of taken along the routes was then performed in the cliffs (22%) is characterized by the contact of two laboratory. The information helped in evaluating units, 15% are constituted by metagranites, 14% specific parameters (mainly SA, RGmP, and RGP; are constituted by the micaschists of the Veram-

BOLLATI ET AL.A methodological proposal for the assessment of cliffs equipped for climbing 9 Journal of the VIRTUAL EXPLORER Volume 49, Paper 1

Table 2. List of parameters and formulas adopted according to the methodology of Bollati et al. (2014) with adaptations.

BOLLATI ET AL.A methodological proposal for the assessment of cliffs equipped for climbing 10 Journal of the VIRTUAL EXPLORER Volume 49, Paper 1

Figure 6 Examples of some of highest valued situations concerning the attributes used in the assessment of the scientific value. The abbreviations of at- tributes are reported in parentheses in Table 2. a) Representativeness of the differential erosion process in micaschists (RGmP; EE) (no. 41a, Fig. 3); b) chert nodules within calcilutites and differential erosion (RGmP; RGP; In) (no. 1, Fig. 3); c) folding of a quartz vein in orthogneiss (RGP) (no. 28, Fig. 3); d) representativeness of both geological and geomorphological processes (RGmP; RGP; EE) of the flux structures and unloading fractures in granite (no.3a, Fig. 3); e) contact between portions of different lithological compositions and differential modeling (RGmP; Gd) (no. 8, Fig. 3).

pio Infrapennine basement nappes and of Lower The quantitative assessment allows a score to Pennine orthogneisses, and 7% are constituted by be assigned to each of the 14 cliffs according to very fine grained massive limestones (calcilutites), the different attributes listed with the correspond- Permian granites, metapelites and metabasites of ing abbreviations in Table 2. In Table 4, the results the Ivrea-Verbano Unit, and calcschists. of the site ranking are reported. The average Sci- entific Value (SV) of the climbing sites is higher Quantitative assessment of the geodi- than the average value between 0 and 9 (5.18) and versity sites equipped for climbing (Step in particular the average value of the RGP is high (0.91 out of 1), as are the EE and Integrity (In) 3) of the sites (0.84 and 0.93 out of 1). The total SV is penalized by the low Ecological Support Role After the qualitative assessment, 14 sites emerged (ESR) and the low Rarity (Ra) of these kinds of (24% of the total). landforms in the area. In fact, the area is charac- terized by several outcrops shaped by glaciers that

BOLLATI ET AL.A methodological proposal for the assessment of cliffs equipped for climbing 11 Journal of the VIRTUAL EXPLORER Volume 49, Paper 1

Figure 7 Examples of some of the highest valued situations concerning the attributes used in the assessment of the additional values. The abbreviations of attributes are reported in parentheses in Table 2. a) Strong contrast of color and width characterized the cliff of Ponte Campo (no. 36, Fig. 3) in calcschists (Ae); b) the “Strada Cadorna”, one of the vestiges of the First World War defense lines of the Alps, which confers a high cultural value to the cliff Nibbio (no. 13b, Fig. 3) located along it; c) the Madonna del Sasso Santuary is a cultural asset (Cu) located on a granitic spur equipped for climbing (no. 2, Fig. 3) and is located in an area that is highly developed from a touristic and economic point of view (SEc), namely the Orta lake district.

are not all nailed due to the low geotechnical qual- In Table 5 and Figure 10 some geo-climbing ity of rock. The average SIn, which takes into ac- sites stand out with respect to others, especially count RGmP, RGP, and GI, is relatively high (0.63 for some parameters. According to SV, GV, and out of 1). PU, for example, no site obtains the same score as The AV reaches an average of 1.23 out of 3, another one, because the number of parameters which is quite low due to the very low value of involved in their definition is greater than that Cu (Cultural Asset) that stands out only at two of the AV, allowing a clearer distinction among sites located along the “Strada Cadorna” cultural the sites. In particular, in Figure 10 the relation trail (sites no. 8, 12b; Table 3 and Fig. 3). The So- between SIn and EIn of the 14 evaluated sites is cio-Economic (Sec) value of the Ossola region is reported. relatively high (0.62 out of 1) due to both tourism Some specific observations will be made re- and the extraction of construction and ornamen- garding some relevant sites. tal materials. The maximum values of TS (19.47 out of 25), The Global Value (GV) of the cliffs is clearly af- SV (0.89 out of 1), EI (0.93 out of 1), and PU (11.05 fected by the low AV (6.41 out of 12). out of 13) were obtained by the -Balmafre- The Index of Use (IU) concurs with the calcu- gia (no. 41a, Tables 3 and 5 and Figs. 3, 6a, and lation of the PU and has a mean value of 1.64 out 11), a cliff consisting of metasedimentary rock. It of 3. The PU average is quite high (8.45 out of 13), is a very accessible site, with climbing routes for especially due to the following attributes: i) Visi- both beginners and experts. bility (Vi) (0.87 out of 1), which is linked with the The micaschists of the Verampio Infrapennine intrinsic definition of the cliff; ii) Services (Se) (1 basement nappes (Msch-BV) display an intense out of 1), because all the sites selected after step 2 foliation, with outstanding garnets (Fig. 11a), are located near to restoration points or accom- that are also present in the debris at the base of modation (approximately 5 km away); ii) SA (1 the cliff; interlayered quartz levels, are boudinaged out of 1), which is strictly dependent on the geo- (Fig. 11b). Moreover, amphibolitic boudins are in- logical and geomorphological features of the sites; terlayered (Fig. 11b). The glacial and fluvial his- and iv) SGs (0.79 out of 1), due to the SITINET tory of the gorge of Balmafregia is clearly visible project for valorization of geosites in this region. from the shape of the cliff. The proximity of the The EIn average is 0.60 out of 1 and the SIn av- Uriezzo potholes glaciological trail (i.e., SGs) al- erage is 0.63 out of 1. lows development of wider educational activities Finally the average Total Score (TS) of the sites, (Fig. 11c). The climbing style is largely dependent depending on all the considerations made so far, on differential erosion, that acted on the mineral- is 14.89 out of 25. ogical layers taking advantage of conjugate frac-

BOLLATI ET AL.A methodological proposal for the assessment of cliffs equipped for climbing 12 Journal of the VIRTUAL EXPLORER Volume 49, Paper 1

Figure 8 Examples of some of the highest valued situations concerning the attributes used in the assessment of the potential for use. The abbreviations of attributes are reported in parenthe- ses in Table 2. a) and, b) Examples of information addressed to tourists and climbers (TI) and excellent visibility from the path (Vi) of the cliff of Codelago (no. 56a, Figure 3); c) and d) examples of information addressed to tourists and climbers (TI) and easy accessibility on foot to the rock wall of (no. 18a, Fig. 3); e) the rock fall in the Val Fredda represents a site of geomorphological interest located in the surroundings (SGs) of the rock climbing area of Nibbio (no. 13, Fig. 3).

BOLLATI ET AL.A methodological proposal for the assessment of cliffs equipped for climbing 13 Journal of the VIRTUAL EXPLORER Volume 49, Paper 1

Table 3. The list of the 59 analyzed climbing cliffs within the VCO Provinceincluding, in italics, the site identified in Varese Province (1). The numbering used in the lithology column corresponds to the numbers indicated in the legend of lithotypes in Figure 2, while the letters in the column of criteria for exclusion are those reported in Table 1. The cliffs resulting from the first phase of macro- selection are shown in light blue, while the three sites used for the educational project are reported in dark blue.

BOLLATI ET AL.A methodological proposal for the assessment of cliffs equipped for climbing 14 Journal of the VIRTUAL EXPLORER Volume 49, Paper 1 . Results of the quantitative assessment of the cliff values. In the first column the code for the attribute is reported according to the codes listed in Table 2. Table to in the listed codes reported according is attribute forthe the code column In first the values. the cliff of assessment the quantitative of . Results Table 4

BOLLATI ET AL.A methodological proposal for the assessment of cliffs equipped for climbing 15 Journal of the VIRTUAL EXPLORER Volume 49, Paper 1

Figure 9 ly by the parameter Sac, which indicates the need Percentages of the cliffs to walk along a path rather than offering direct grouped according to access by car as for the Premia site. The climbing genetic process (a) and style is very peculiar and strictly linked with the lithology (b). In graph presence of smooth cracks and grooves and a grip (c) the percentage of rocks constituting the 14 progression. analyzed cliffs is reported. Other sites obtained ranking values that are The codes in (b) and (c) slightly lower than those of the two previously correspond to those in described sites, in some cases relative to specific Figure 3. parameters. For example, Nibbio–La Panoramica (no. 13b, Table 3 and Figs. 3 and 7,b) obtained a TS value of 17.13 out of 25, especially due to PU (9.12), which exceeds the corresponding value for the Mottarone cliff (8.63). The Cultural Value (Cu) associated with the cliff due to the presence of the “Strada Cadorna” and the corresponding Use of Additional Value (UAI) contributes to this difference. This climbing cliff consists of metaba- sites of the Ivrea-Verbano Zone (Mb-IV). Other highly valued cliffs (i.e., TS above at least 15) are (16.36 out of 25; no. 8; Table 3 and Figs. 3 and 6e) and Ponte Campo (16.70 out of 25; no. 36, Table 3 and Figs. 3 and 7a), of which the first is characterized by the contact between the metape- lites (Mp-IV) and the metabasites (Mb-IV) of the Ivrea-Verbano Zone and the second is modeled in the calcschists of the Valais Units (Cls-Val). The first site gains high values of SIn (0.78 out of 1) and SV (6.18 out of 9) for the importance of the site as an object of scientific research within the Ivrea-Verbano Zone (i.e., GI and Gd) both due to the contact between the two lithotypes. The sec- ond site is characterized by high values of both SIn and EIn (0.78 and 0.73 out of 1, respectively). The Sangiano site (1 in Fig. 3 and 5b) was cho- sen as representative of sedimentary rocks. The rocks are calcilutites with chert nodules of the sed- imentary covers of the Southern Alps (M-Chk), ture systems, offering smooth edges. characterized by very noteworthy sedimentary The second most valued site is represented by structures (e.g., prominent bedding and stylolites) the Mottarone cliff (no. 3, Table 3 and Figs. 3 and and a modeling mainly due to CaCO3 dissolution 6d). The cliff is constituted by the Permian gran- (e.g., alveolar landforms) or deposition (e.g., col- ites of the Southern Alpine Domain (P-Gr). They umns). The cliff obtained values above the mean are well known in Northern Italy as Baveno pink values for almost all of the composite attributes: granite, because the k-feldspar confers a charac- SV (6.00 out of 9), GV (6.50 out of 12), PU (8.18 teristic pink color to the rock. The Mottarone area out of 13), SIn (0.67 out of 1), EIn (0.61 out of 1), is a good representative of a granitic landscape and finally TS (14.68 out of 25). The geological (i.e., RGmP; RGP; Fig. 6d), with all the landforms and geomorphological features clearly influence deriving from the unloading of the pluton, the ex- the difficulty of the climbing routes. For example, foliation joints and planes, and hydrolysis of the the section is characterized by deposition rather feldspars. The Mottarone cliff reached the follow- than dissolution of CaCO3 and the formation of ing values: TS = 17.22 out of 25, SIn = 0.89 over cannelures is almost overhanging, with harder 1, EIn = 0.80 out of 1, and PU = 8.63 out of 13. In climbing grades in comparison to those of the particular, EI and PU are slightly penalized main- other sections of the cliff.

BOLLATI ET AL.A methodological proposal for the assessment of cliffs equipped for climbing 16 Journal of the VIRTUAL EXPLORER Volume 49, Paper 1

-Fs) and “Lo spigolo” (4b, Fs); ii) Mottarone: “O sole mio” (5b, Fs) and “Via col vento” (6a, Fs); iii) Premia Balmafregia: “Tango” (5b, Fs) and “Joshua tree” (5c, Fs). Figure 12 shows the sample outputs of the im- age analyses connecting geo- and climbing fea- tures for dissemination purposes. The pilot project, structured as reported in Ta- ble 6, was aimed at a third year lower secondary school (100 students, 13-14 aged), where, in ac- cordance with the teaching programs, the families of rocks are studied during the third year. The pro- ject was implemented in four classes of a school located about 80 km far away from the study region. The classes had slightly different back- grounds in Earth Sciences but all the students had been previously involved in indoor climbing expe- riences. The educational project was welcomed by Figure 10 students during all phases of the experience. This Relation between SIn and EIn of the analyzed sites. Bold lines indicate the average was articulated at different moments of the test, values of SIn an EIn. All sites are in the middle and upper bands of the Scientific In- whose results are reported in Figure 13. It must be dex. The three sites selected for the educational experience are indicated (San Giano, Mottarone, and Premia) and are located in the uppermost part of the graph, testifying specified that even though the main goal of this their high value. work was to test the efficacy of the site evaluation method, an educational project usually requires TEST OF THE METHOD: A PILOT more goals and a more articulate structure. We report the result of all the tests as a tool to better EDUCATIONAL PROJECT ON address future applications. CLIMBING SITES FOR EARTH The pilot project was based on the use of both SCIENCES DISSEMINATION traditional/laboratorial (e.g. with rock samples) and innovative/digital (e.g. visualization and anal- ysis of virtual tours, videos, photos, Web-based A pilot educational project was designed includ- source of information), that are currently highly ing 3 out of 14 of the most valued sites (dark blue appreciated by the young people and demonstrat- in table 3) to test the efficacy of the assessment ed great efficacy in the learning experience (Har- methodology. In fact, for the educational project, ris and Rea, 2009; King, 2008 and reference here- a climbing crag was chosen for each main fami- in; Sherer and Shea, 2011; Magagna, 2013). They ly of rocks. For the magmatic and metamorphic were used to arise curiosity about and interest in rocks, the choice was completely guided by the re- the study of Earth Science through focusing on sults of the quantitative evaluation methodology. the sense of observation (Mayer, 2009). Moreover, Instead, for the sedimentary rocks the crag was the combination of digital with traditional activ- first selected and then assessed to verify its high ities has been recently discussed as a potential quality by comparison with the results obtained tool to improve students’ interest and knowledge by the other evaluated crags. Reconsidering Fig- through innovation and inquiry-based activities ure 10, the three climbing crags that are the most (Magagna, 2016 and reference therein). representative of the three families of rocks are lo- Videos of climbers progressing along the three cated in the uppermost part of the graph. Among selected routes were shot in the field (https://www. the analyzed climbing routes in the three sites se- dropbox.com/sh/p4835xns81ouonr/AABQCn- lected for the educational project, those that are 1PPWuXVE5jLuGyvs5Ia?dl=0). It was hoped that also easy and suitable for beginners and may best the “remote” approach, based on the use of rock represent the geological and geomorphological samples and simple amatorial videos of climbers features of the rock were identified. The selected progressing along the selected routes, would help routes were: students direct their attention towards the foot- i) Sangiano: “La valanga” (3a, French scale and hand-holds used by climbers and as a conse-

BOLLATI ET AL.A methodological proposal for the assessment of cliffs equipped for climbing 17 Journal of the VIRTUAL EXPLORER Volume 49, Paper 1

Figure 11 The climbing cliff of Premia. a); b) The Baceno micaschists geological and geomorphological features. They are well exposed and display garnets (a), quartz lenses (a), and amphibolite boudins (b). The glacial modeling of the cliff is evident too. All these attributes are used for calculating the scientific value (e.g., RGmP, RGP, Se, Gd, In; see Table 6), additional values (e.g., Ae; see Table 6), and potential for use (e.g., Vi, SA; see Table 6); c) example of panels located along a geotouristic path starting near the climbing wall that contribute to the assessment of both additional value and potential for use (e.g., Sec, UGI, SGs; see Table 6)

quence encourage them to observe their shapes ing the following marking scheme: a score of 0 for and ask questions about their genesis. Web-based the wrong answer, 1 for the correct answer but the virtual tools (i.e., sources: Youtube and Vimeo wrong terminology, and 2 for the correct answer. videos) were also selected and proposed. The ad- The percentages were then calculated with respect ditional use of the Web-based videos as an educa- to the maximum value. Also, questions that may tional tool allowed to: be influenced by subjectivity were included in the i) stimulate the curiosity of students by vir- tests but were considered separately and described tually visiting spectacular places; qualitatively. ii) virtually visit climbing locations that Globally, the percentage of correct answers of were far from the study area or not easy accessible the first test on previous knowledge was between and thereby include more climatic contexts and 29 and 44% (Fig. 13b). The detailed results for rock types each class are reported in Figure 13a. It is interest- ing that the question that was answered correctly Results of the pilot educational project by a higher percentage of students among all the classes was the one on the mutability of rocks over time. The open questions concerned personal ex- The elaboration of tests data was performed us- perience with rocks (i.e., What is a rock? Where

BOLLATI ET AL.A methodological proposal for the assessment of cliffs equipped for climbing 18 Journal of the VIRTUAL EXPLORER Volume 49, Paper 1

students in each class. Everyday objects were rec- Table 5. Example of evaluation of the Premia rock cliff using the proposed ognized more easily than rocks. Anyway, in some methodology. particular cases, the personal experience that stu- dents had acquired during previous journeys or, in the specific case of one student, during climbing outdoors, helped them to identify not only rock in general but the specific lithotype (e.g., granite). The third test concerned the analysis of the cliffs through virtual tools like home-made and Web-based videos. Correct answers were given in 39.2 to 59.8% of cases (Fig. 14a). The questions on the Mottarone cliff had the best scores, with an av- erage of 58% of questions being answered correct- ly (Fig. 14b). Students observed and recognized the different forms characterizing the illustrated portions of the cliff along the proposed climb- ing route. For both Premia and Sangiano, 37% of questions were answered correctly on average. On observing the Premia cliff, students detected the presence of elongated holes and portions of different materials because they were differently colored and shaped (i.e., quartz, micaceous layers, amphibolitic boudins) and also perceived the con- sequential differing difficulty levels of the routes. A difference between Mottarone and Premia was detected in terms of the different scales of rough- ness of the surfaces and a consequent higher dif- ficulty in progression along the granitic routes was perceived. The stratification and differential erosion present and visible on the Sangiano cliff led students to believe that the cliff was composed of different rocks, neglecting the possibility that different portions of a rock may be generated in a single sedimentary environment. The next test, proposing the association of a hand sample with the rocks observed in the video, gave, instead, scarce results. The final test, which reconsidered almost the same questions as the pre-knowledge test, was correctly completed by a greater percentage of students than the pre-test (Fig, 15): 49–75.8% (29–44% before the learning experience). The have you seen one before?), and many students as- improvement in the students’ knowledge on the sociated them with mountains and rocky beaches. proposed Earth Science topics with respect to the In general, from the second test it emerged that pre-test may be considered evident (the percent- minerals and rocks are something different: the age of correct answers approximately doubled). former are considered something precious, but not always thought to be natural; the latter may be of different origins. In the class that had already been introduced to the topic, the distinctions be- DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS tween the three main categories (magmatic, sedi- mentary, and metamorphic) emerged. According to Gray et al. (2013), geodiversity, in The second test regarded the identification of the form of geodiversity sites equipped for climb- everyday objects (cotton, wood, tin; see Table 6) ing, provides cultural services to society in terms and was completed successfully by more than 60%

BOLLATI ET AL.A methodological proposal for the assessment of cliffs equipped for climbing 19 Journal of the VIRTUAL EXPLORER Volume 49, Paper 1

Figure 12 Examples of image analysis of three of the six selected routes. The yellow dashed lines indicate the path of the climbing route. The other colored lines indicate the geological and geomorphological elements identified and involved in climbers progressions (green: structural landforms due to foliation or stratification; red: flow structures and unloading fractures; orange/light blue: holes/notches for various types of physical and chemi- cal weathering on minerals).

Figure 13 Results of the educational experience of all four classes involved in the project expressed as the percentage of correct answers. a); b) Detailed and global results of the test on the previous knowledge for each question.

BOLLATI ET AL.A methodological proposal for the assessment of cliffs equipped for climbing 20 Journal of the VIRTUAL EXPLORER Volume 49, Paper 1

Figure 14 key starting point in the dissemination of Earth Results of the educational experience of all four classes involved in the project ex- Science. In the VCO region, the analyzed geodi- pressed as the percentage of correct answers. a); b) detailed and global results of the versity sites equipped for climbing are a compo- test using videos for each cliff. nent of the regional geoheritage and in particu- lar some of them have been demonstrated to be of high value; they offer dominantly metasedi- mentary and metaigneous rocks. The qualitative selection carried out among all these climbing sites indicated about 24% of the total number of analyzed geodiversity sites as valid for quantita- tive assessment. They were ranked according to macrocriteria (SV, AV, PU, GV, EIn, SIn, TS). The obtained values are similar to those determined for the pilot sites of Montestrutto (see details in Bollati et al., 2014). The three cliffs selected for the pilot educational application and the results ob- tained from student tests (based on distinguishing major families of rocks) confirmed the efficacy of the assessment methodology used to identify sites for different purposes, in this specific case an ed- ucational one. In this first experimentation “from remote”, the results of the educational experience are promising since students achieved an increase in knowledge about rocks, especially among Figure 15 of “geotourism and leisure” and indirectly “edu- students who had not yet dealt with this topic. Results of the educa- cation and employment”. Moreover, climbing has Moreover, the results of the educational tests were tional experience of all been demonstrated to be very helpful in promot- promising and suggested further field experimen- four classes involved in ing social relationships among young people (De tations. In fact, the terminology mistakes, which the project expressed Leseleuc et al., 2002). It follows that the phase of were one of the negative aspects emerging from as the percentage of selection of the most suitable climbing geosites the final tests, could be mitigated through a wider correct answers. The final comparison between the for educational purposes as a way of popularizing and more articulated project that includes field- results of the pre-test and Earth Sciences is very important. Climbing geo- work experience at sites (i.e., climbing experience the post-test. sites represent both an instrument for climbing under the supervision of Earth Science specialists progression and also a bedrock that allows people and mountain guides). Moreover, field trips could to get in touch with geological structures, lithol- allow students to get a wider landscape view, con- ogy, and landforms formed by geomorphological sidering possible hazards and risks along the trail modeling (e.g weathering, glacial erosion). A cor- (see, e.g., Bollati et al., 2013). rect and precise methodology is, consequently, a The involvement of the secondary school stu-

BOLLATI ET AL.A methodological proposal for the assessment of cliffs equipped for climbing 21 Journal of the VIRTUAL EXPLORER Volume 49, Paper 1

dents in the region in these kinds of experiences, 951-967. where indoor multimedia activities, field work, Bollati, I., Zucali, M., Giovenco, C., Pelfini, M., open laboratories, and cultural itineraries are 2014, Geoheritage and sport climbing activi- proposed, may nurture the growth of the sense ties: using the Montestrutto cliff (Austroalpine of place in students. The use of multimedia tools domain, Western Alps) as an example of scien- in the field of Earth Science education is demon- tific and educational representativeness: Italian strated to be a valid support, rather than a sub- Journal of Geosciences, 133 (2), 187-199. stitute, for the traditional learning method (e.g., Bradbury, J., 1993, A Preliminary Geoheritage Magagna, 2013; 2016). Inventory of the Eastern Tasmania Terrane. A Finally, the assessment methodology may be Report to Parks and Wildlife Service, Tasma- considered valid for ranking geodiversity sites nia. equipped for climbing and may represent good Brilha, J., 2015, Inventory and quantitative assess- practice for detecting the most suitable sites for ment of geosites and geodiversity sites: a re- different purposes. view: Geoheritage, 1-16. Brock, M., Semeniuk, V., 2007, Geoheritage and geoconservation-History, definition, scope and ACKNOWLEDGMENTS scale. Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia, 90-2, 53-87. The authors would like to thank: Guido Gosso Cat Berro, D., Mercalli, L., Bertolotto, P. L., Mo- for improvements of the manuscript structure; sello, R., Rogora, M., 2014, Il Clima dell’Ossola students and teachers of the Cadorago lower sec- superiore: Nimbus, 72, XXII-2, 46-129. ondary school of first level in Como Province; Cavallo, A., Bigioggero, B., Colombo, A., Tunesi, Federico Tomasella and Davide Tagliabue for per- A., 2004, The Verbano Cusio Ossola province: mitting the authors to be filmed during climbing a land of quarries in northern Italy (): activities. The authors are also grateful to A.S.D. Periodico di Mineralogia, 73(3), 197-210. Geam Climbing for sharing information and De Leseleuc, E., Gleyse, J., Marcellini, A., 2002, climbing pictures and for assistance during the The practice of sport as political expression? search for new climbing crags over many years. Rock Climbing at Claret, France: International sociology, 17(1), 73-90 Dixon, G., 1996, Geoconservation: An Interna- REFERENCES tional Review and Strategy for Tasmania; A Re- port to the Australian Heritage Commission, Occasional Paper No. 35, Parks and Wildlife Argand, E., 1911, Les nappes de recouvrement des Service, Tasmania Alpes Pennines et leur prolongement structur- Garlick, S., 2009, Flakes, Jugs and Splitters. A rock aux: Mat. carte géol. Suisse, N.S., XXXI livr. climber’s guide to geology. Falcon Guides Ed., Benito-Calvo, A., Pérez-González, A., Magri, O., Helena, Montana, p. 224. Meza, P., 2009, Assessing regional geodiversity: Grandgirard, V., 1999, L’évaluation des géotopes: the Iberian Peninsula: Earth Surface Processes Geologia Insubrica, 4, 59-66. and Landforms, 34(10), 1433-1445. Gray, M., 2004, Geodiversity: valuing and con- Bigioggero B., Colombo A., Cavallo A., Aldighieri serving abiotic nature (1st Edition). John Wiley B., Tunesi A., 2006 Schema geologico-strut- and Sons Ed., Oxford, p. 448. turale dell’area val d’Ossola-Sempione in scala Gray, M., Gordon, J. E., Brown, E. J., 2013, Geo- 1:50.000. diversity and the ecosystem approach: the con- Bollati, I., Pelfini, M., Pellegrini, L., 2012, A geo- tribution of geoscience in delivering integrated morphosites selection method for educational environmental management: Proceedings of purposes: a case study in Trebbia Valley (Emil- the Geologists’ Association, 124(4), 659-673. ia Romagna, Italy): Geografia Fisica e Dinami- Hantke R., 1988, La formazione delle valli tra ca Quaternaria, 35(1), 23-35. Domodossola e Locarno: la Val d’Ossola, la Val Bollati, I., Smiraglia, C., Pelfini, M., 2013, As- Vigezzo (prov. di Novara) e le Centovalli (Ct. sessment and selection of geomorphosites and Ticino): Bollettino della Società Ticinese di trails in the Miage Glacier Area (Western Ital- Scienze Naturali, 76, 123-139, ian Alps): Environmental Management, 51(4), Harris, A. L., Rea, A., 2009, Web 2.0 and virtual

BOLLATI ET AL.A methodological proposal for the assessment of cliffs equipped for climbing 22 Journal of the VIRTUAL EXPLORER Volume 49, Paper 1

world technologies: A growing impact on IS 2007, A method for assessing “scientific” and education: Journal of Information Systems Ed- “additional values” of geomorphosites: Geo- ucation, 20(2), 137. graphica Helvetica, 62(3), 148-158. King, C., 2008, Geoscience education: an over- Reynard, E., Coratza, P., 2013, Scientific research view: Study in Science Education, 44(2),187– on geomorphosites. A review of the activities 222. of the IAG working group on geomorphosites Magagna, A., Ferrero, E., Giardino, M., Lozar, F., over the last twelve years: Geografia Fisica Di- & Perotti, L., 2013, A selection of geological namica Quaternaria, 36, 159-168. tours for promoting the Italian geological her- Reynard, E., Coratza, P, Hobléa, F., 2016, Current itage in the secondary schools: Geoheritage, research on Geomorphosites. Geoheritage, doi: 5(4), 265-273. 10.1007/s12371-016-0174-3. Magagna, A. 2016, Educational tools for spread- Ruban, D. A., 2015, Geotourism—a geographical ing knowledge of geodiversity and awareness of review of the literature:Tourism Management geoscience. University of Turin, Unpublished Perspectives, 15, 1-15. PhD Thesis. Semeniuk, V., 1997, The linkage between biodi- Manoni, F., Pellizzon, M., Stoppini, P., 2014, Osso- versity and geodiversity. In: R Eberhard (ed), la Rock. Versante Sud Ed., Milan, p. 400. Pattern and Processes: Towards a Regional Mazzucchelli, D., (Ed.), 2011, Varese e Canton Approach to National Estate assessment of ge- Ticino Falesie. Versante Sud, Ed., Milan, p. 352. odiversity. Technical Series No. 2, Australian Mayer, R.E., 2009, Multimedia learning, 2nd Edn. Heritage Commission and Environment Forest Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, p. Taskforce, Environment Australia, Canberra, 320. 51-58. Motta, L., Motta, M., 2005, Valutazione della po- Sherer, P., Shea, T., 2011, Using online video to tenzialità d’uso turistico-sportivo di un sito support student learning and engagement. naturale: l’esempio delle pareti rocciose usate College Teaching, 59(2), 56-59. per l’arrampicata, in: La valorizzazione turisti- Trend, D. R., 2001, Deep Time Framework: A Pre- ca dello spazio fisico come via alla salvaguardia liminary Study of U.K. Primary Teachers’ Con- ambientale edited by Terranova, R., Brandolini, ceptions of Geological Time and Perceptions P., Firpo, M., 263-278. of Geoscience: Journal of Research in Science Osborne, R.A.L., 2000, Geodiversity: Green geol- Teaching, 38(2), 191-221. ogy in action - Presidential address for 1999- Wimbledon, W. A. P., 1996, Geosites - A new con- 2000: Proceedings of the Linnaean Society of servation initiative: Episodes, 19, 87-88. New South Wales, 122, 149-173. Zanoletti, E., 2012, L’impronta dei ghiacci: oss- Panizza, M., 2001, Geomorphosites : concepts, ervazioni glaciologiche lungo il percorso methods and example of geomorphological dell’Alpe Veglia / Varzo, Ente di gestione delle survey: Chinese Science Bulletin, 46, Suppl. Aree protette dell’Ossola Ed., Varzo, p. 44. Bd, 4-6. Zucali, M., Voltolini, M., Ouladdiaf, B., Manci- Panizza, M., 2009, The geomorphodiversity of the ni, L., Chateigner, D., 2014. The 3D quantita- Dolomites (Italy): a key of geoheritage assess- tive lattice and shape preferred orientation of ment: Geoheritage, 1(1), 33-42. a mylonitised metagranite from Monte Rosa Panizza, V., Mennella, M., 2007, Assessing geo- (Western Alps): Combining neutron diffrac- morphosites used for rock climbing: the exam- tion texture analysis and synchrotron X-ray ple of Monteleone Roccadoria (Sardinia, Italy): microtomography: Journal of Structural Geol- Geographica Helvetica, 62(3), 181-191. ogy, 63, 91–105. Pereira, P., Pereira, D., 2010, Methodological guidelines for geomorphosite assessment: Géo- morphologie: relief, processus, environnement, 2/2010, 215-222. Pirocchi, P., 2012, Rocce e natura senza frontiere: meraviglie geologiche tra Valle Antigorio, Valle Devero e Binntal, Ente di gestione delle Aree protette dell’Ossola Ed., Varzo, p. 120. Reynard, E., Fontana, G., Kozlik, L., Scapozza, C.,

BOLLATI ET AL.A methodological proposal for the assessment of cliffs equipped for climbing 23