Historical archives data for the reconstruction of geomorphological modifications in the urban area of Turin (Nw-Italy)

Abstract

The use of historical archives data is a fundamental tool for better reconstruction of evolutionary stages in the geomorphological history of urban areas. Often historical data constitute the unique testimony of past geomorphological phenomena: in fact, as in the case study of Turin (NW-Italy), many landforms have been partially or completely destroyed during historical times by increasing urbanization. In the investigated area, evidences of ancient landforms (river channels, aeolian dunes, morainic ridges) have been derived from various historical sources (papers, maps and images). They proved to be particularly meaningful for the reconstruction of palaeo-environmental and palaeo-climatic conditions and for the enhancement of preservation measures of the local geodiversity. Moreover, historical data about ancient trends of main rivers crossing the urban area allowed exploration of fluvial morphodynamic scenarios, useful for hazards assessment, risk management and town planning.