Articles | Volume 77, issue 1 
            
                
                    
                    
                        
            
            
            https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-1-2022
                    © Author(s) 2022. This work is distributed under 
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
                the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Special issue:
                        
                    https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-1-2022
                    © Author(s) 2022. This work is distributed under 
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
                the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Evolution of fluvial environments and history of human settlements on the Ticino river alluvial plain
Dorota Czerski
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
                                            
                                    
                                            Institute of Earth Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts
of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI),   Campus Mendrisio, Mendrisio, 6850, Switzerland
                                        
                                    Daphné Giacomazzi
                                            Institute of Earth Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts
of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI),   Campus Mendrisio, Mendrisio, 6850, Switzerland
                                        
                                    Cristian Scapozza
                                            Institute of Earth Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts
of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI),   Campus Mendrisio, Mendrisio, 6850, Switzerland
                                        
                                    Related authors
No articles found.
Alessandro Cicoira, Samuel Weber, Andreas Biri, Ben Buchli, Reynald Delaloye, Reto Da Forno, Isabelle Gärtner-Roer, Stephan Gruber, Tonio Gsell, Andreas Hasler, Roman Lim, Philippe Limpach, Raphael Mayoraz, Matthias Meyer, Jeannette Noetzli, Marcia Phillips, Eric Pointner, Hugo Raetzo, Cristian Scapozza, Tazio Strozzi, Lothar Thiele, Andreas Vieli, Daniel Vonder Mühll, Vanessa Wirz, and Jan Beutel
                                    Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 14, 5061–5091, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-14-5061-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-14-5061-2022, 2022
                                    Short summary
                                    Short summary
                                            
                                                This paper documents a monitoring network of 54 positions, located on different periglacial landforms in the Swiss Alps: rock glaciers, landslides, and steep rock walls. The data serve basic research but also decision-making and mitigation of natural hazards. It is the largest dataset of its kind, comprising over 209 000 daily positions and additional weather data.
                                            
                                            
                                        Alessandro De Pedrini, Christian Ambrosi, and Cristian Scapozza
                                    Geogr. Helv., 77, 21–37, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-21-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-21-2022, 2022
                                    Short summary
                                    Short summary
                                            
                                                The Monte Crenone rock avalanche of 1513 is well known on the southern side of the Alps because in 1515 it generated  the largest inundation that has occurred in Switzerland in the Common Era, the Buzza di Biasca. New geological and historical observations allowed the setup of a numerical model of this major event, permitting a better definition of the chain of consequences that affected the alluvial plain of the river Ticino from Biasca to Lake Maggiore between the 16th and the 19th century.
                                            
                                            
                                        Cristian Scapozza, Chantal Del Siro, Christophe Lambiel, and Christian Ambrosi
                                    Geogr. Helv., 76, 401–423, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-76-401-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-76-401-2021, 2021
                                    Short summary
                                    Short summary
                                            
                                                Exposure ages make it possible to determine the time of weathering of a rock surface. They can be determined from rebound values measured with the Schmidt hammer and calibrated on surfaces of known age, defined in this study thanks to historical cartography and two mule tracks built in 300 and 1250 CE, which allowed us to reconstruct glacier fluctuations over the last 3 centuries in Val Scaradra and to define the time of deglaciation and rock glacier development in the Splügenpass region.
                                            
                                            
                                        Cristian Scapozza, Christian Ambrosi, Massimiliano Cannata, and Tazio Strozzi
                                    Geogr. Helv., 74, 125–139, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-74-125-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-74-125-2019, 2019
                                    Short summary
                                    Short summary
                                            
                                                A glacial lake outburst flood hazard assessment by satellite Earth observation and numerical modelling was done for the lakes linked to the Thangothang Chhu glacier, Chomolhari area (Bhutan), combining detailed geomorphological mapping, landslide and rock glacier inventories, as well as surface displacements quantified by satellite InSAR. Outburst scenario modelling revealed that only a flood wave can have an impact on the two human settlements located downslope of the glacier.
                                            
                                            
                                        C. Scapozza
                                    Geogr. Helv., 70, 135–139, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-135-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-135-2015, 2015
                                    Short summary
                                    Short summary
                                            
                                                In the scientific literature, “protalus ramparts” can designate both a nivo-gravitational landform (also called “pronival ramparts”) and a permafrost-related landform. Thanks to a selection of eight major diagnostic criteria defined from observations carried out in the Swiss Alps, it was highlighted that the structure, ice content and creep dynamics of protalus ramparts are the same as many rock glaciers. Protalus rampart were therefore defined simply as a (small) active talus rock glacier.
                                            
                                            
                                        C. Ambrosi and C. Scapozza
                                    Geogr. Helv., 70, 121–133, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-121-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-121-2015, 2015
                                    Short summary
                                    Short summary
                                            
                                                Some examples of 3-D digital mapping for Quaternary geological and geomorphological cartography are presented in this paper. Examples concern in particular the Quaternary geological cartography around the well-know Flims rockslide area (Graubünden), performed in the framework of the GeoCover project launched by the Swiss Geological Survey, and the landslide and glacial/periglacial landform mapping and inventorying in the southern Swiss Alps (Ticino) for assessing the slope tectonic activity.
                                            
                                            
                                        Related subject area
            Physical Geography
            
                    
                        
                            
                            
                                     
                                Patrimoine géologique et géomorphologique : base pour le géotourisme et la création d'un géoparc UNESCO dans le Dahar (Sud-est tunisien)
                                
                                        
                                            
                                    
                            
                            
                        
                    
                    
                        
                            
                            
                                     
                                Chancen, Herausforderungen und Risiken der Inwertsetzung des regionalen Geo-Erbes: Geotopschutz und Geotourismus im Spannungsfeld unterschiedlichster Interessen
                                
                                        
                                            
                                    
                            
                            
                        
                    
                    
                        
                            
                            
                                     
                                The potential of fragipans in sustaining pearl millet during drought periods in north-central Namibia
                                
                                        
                                            
                                    
                            
                            
                        
                    
                    
                        
                            
                            
                                     
                                The 1513 Monte Crenone rock avalanche: numerical model and geomorphological analysis
                                
                                        
                                            
                                    
                            
                            
                        
                    
                    
                        
                            
                            
                                     
                                Schmidt hammer exposure-age dating of periglacial and glacial landforms in the Southern Swiss Alps based on R-value calibration using historical data
                                
                                        
                                            
                                    
                            
                            
                        
                    
                    
                        
                            
                            
                                     
                                Assessing the ecological value of dynamic mountain geomorphosites
                                
                                        
                                            
                                    
                            
                            
                        
                    
                    
                        
                            
                            
                                     
                                Assessing hillslope sediment generation potential by tree throw: a preliminary field study along a small river valley in the Jura Mountains, northwest Switzerland
                                
                                        
                                            
                                    
                            
                            
                        
                    
                    
                        
                            
                            
                                     
                                Glacial lake outburst flood hazard assessment by satellite Earth observation in the Himalayas (Chomolhari area, Bhutan)
                                
                                        
                                            
                                    
                            
                            
                        
                    
                    
                        
                            
                            
                                     
                                Reconstruction and actual trends of landslide activities in Bruust–Haltiwald, Horw, canton of Lucerne, Switzerland
                                
                                        
                                            
                                    
                            
                            
                        
                    
                    
                        
                            
                            
                                     
                                Monitoring the crisis of a rock glacier with repeated UAV surveys
                                
                            
                        
                    
                    
                        
                            
                            
                                     
                                Regional-scale inventory of periglacial moving landforms connected to the torrential network system
                                
                            
                        
                    
                    
                        
                            
                            
                                     
                                Piecing together the Lateglacial advance phases of the Reussgletscher (central Swiss Alps)
                                
                            
                        
                    
                    
                        
                            
                            
                            
                                     
                                A study of the Würm glaciation focused on the Valais region (Alps)
                                
                                        
                                            
                                    
                            
                            
                            
                        
                    
                    
                        
                            
                            
                            
                                     
                                Last Glacial Maximum precipitation pattern in the Alps inferred from glacier modelling
                                
                            
                            
                        
                    
                    
                        
                            
                            
                            
                                     
                                Avalanche fatalities in the European Alps: long-term trends and statistics
                                
                                        
                                            
                                    
                            
                            
                            
                        
                    
                    
                        
                            
                            
                            
                                     
                                Challenges and solutions for long-term permafrost borehole temperature monitoring and data interpretation
                                
                                        
                                            
                                    
                            
                            
                            
                        
                    
                    
                        
                            
                            
                            
                                     
                                Introduction to the special issue of Geographica Helvetica: "Mapping, measuring and modeling in geomorphology"
                                
                                        
                                            
                                    
                            
                            
                            
                        
                    
                    
                        
                            
                            
                            
                                     
                                Methods for detecting channel bed surface changes in a mountain torrent – experiences from the Dorfbach torrent
                                
                                        
                                            
                                    
                            
                            
                            
                        
                    
                    
                        
                            
                            
                            
                                     
                                Risiko des Eintrags von Phosphor in den Hallwilersee durch Bodenerosion
                                
                            
                            
                        
                    
                    
                        
                            
                            
                            
                                     
                                The use of a raindrop aggregate destruction device to evaluate sediment and soil organic carbon transport
                                
                            
                            
                        
                    
                    
                        
                            
                            
                            
                                     
                                Investigation on protalus ramparts in the Swiss Alps
                                
                                        
                                            
                                    
                            
                            
                            
                        
                    
                    
                        
                            
                            
                            
                                     
                                Improvements in 3-D digital mapping for geomorphological and Quaternary geological cartography
                                
                                        
                                            
                                    
                            
                            
                            
                        
                    
                    
                        
                            
                            
                            
                                     
                                Ground temperature variations in a talus slope influenced by permafrost: a comparison of field observations and model simulations
                                
                            
                            
                        
                    
                    
                        
                            
                            
                            
                                     
                                The influence of terracettes on the surface hydrology of steep-sloping and subalpine environments: some preliminary findings
                                
                                        
                                            
                                    
                            
                            
                            
                        
                    
                    
                        
                            
                            
                            
                                     
                                Experimentelle Erkundung von Wildbächen, Murgängen, Hangrutschungen und Steinschlag: Aktuelle Beispiele der WSL
                                
                            
                            
                        
                    
                    
                        
                            
                            
                            
                                     
                                Editorial Publishing physical geography papers in Geographica Helvetica
                                
                            
                            
                        
                    
                    
                        
                            
                            
                            
                                     
                                Implications of climate change on Glacier de la Plaine Morte, Switzerland
                                
                            
                            
                        
                    
                    
                        
                            
                            
                            
                                     
                                Auswirkungen der Klimaänderung auf die schweizerische Wasserkraftnutzung
                                
                            
                            
                        
                    
                    
                        
                            
                            
                            
                                     
                                Topoclimatological case-study of Alpine pastures near the Albula Pass in the eastern Swiss Alps
                                
                            
                            
                        
                    
                    
                        
                            
                            
                            
                                     
                                A spatial and temporal analysis of different periglacial materials by using geoelectrical, seismic and borehole temperature data at Murtèl–Corvatsch, Upper Engadin, Swiss Alps
                                
                            
                            
                        
                    
                    
            
        
        Emmanuel Reynard, Tarek Ben Fraj, Aziza Ghram Messedi, Hédi Ben Ouezdou, Mohamed Ouaja, and Yves Matthijs
                                    Geogr. Helv., 77, 97–119, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-97-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-97-2022, 2022
                                    Short summary
                                    Short summary
                                            
                                                The study is a geomorphological analysis of Djebel Dahar, in south-eastern Tunisia, carried out as the basis for a UNESCO Global Geopark. We made a synthesis of the geographical, geological and geomorphological context of the area, proposed a delimitation for the future geopark, based on geological and geomorphological characteristics, and established a preliminary list of geosites, indicating their scientific value and their potential for geotourism.
                                            
                                            
                                        Heidi Megerle, Simon Martin, and Géraldine Regolini
                                    Geogr. Helv., 77, 53–66, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-53-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-53-2022, 2022
                                    Short summary
                                    Short summary
                                            
                                                In the field of regional geo-heritage promotion, this paper presents some opportunities, challenges and risks for geotope protection and geotourism.
                                            
                                            
                                        Brice Prudat, Wolfgang Fister, Lena Bloemertz, Juliane Krenz, and Nikolaus J. Kuhn
                                    Geogr. Helv., 77, 39–51, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-39-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-39-2022, 2022
                                    Short summary
                                    Short summary
                                            
                                                Soil quality depends on water availability for plants. Sandy soils with a poorly permeable layer (fragipan) are considered inept for agriculture. However they are cultivated in Namibia as they secure a minimum harvest during droughts. In order to understand the hydrological influence of fragipans in these soils, soil moisture content was measured. The results illustrate that the combination of sandy topsoil and shallow fragipan has beneficial effects on plant-available water during dry periods.
                                            
                                            
                                        Alessandro De Pedrini, Christian Ambrosi, and Cristian Scapozza
                                    Geogr. Helv., 77, 21–37, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-21-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-21-2022, 2022
                                    Short summary
                                    Short summary
                                            
                                                The Monte Crenone rock avalanche of 1513 is well known on the southern side of the Alps because in 1515 it generated  the largest inundation that has occurred in Switzerland in the Common Era, the Buzza di Biasca. New geological and historical observations allowed the setup of a numerical model of this major event, permitting a better definition of the chain of consequences that affected the alluvial plain of the river Ticino from Biasca to Lake Maggiore between the 16th and the 19th century.
                                            
                                            
                                        Cristian Scapozza, Chantal Del Siro, Christophe Lambiel, and Christian Ambrosi
                                    Geogr. Helv., 76, 401–423, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-76-401-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-76-401-2021, 2021
                                    Short summary
                                    Short summary
                                            
                                                Exposure ages make it possible to determine the time of weathering of a rock surface. They can be determined from rebound values measured with the Schmidt hammer and calibrated on surfaces of known age, defined in this study thanks to historical cartography and two mule tracks built in 300 and 1250 CE, which allowed us to reconstruct glacier fluctuations over the last 3 centuries in Val Scaradra and to define the time of deglaciation and rock glacier development in the Splügenpass region.
                                            
                                            
                                        Jonathan Bussard and Elisa Giaccone
                                    Geogr. Helv., 76, 385–399, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-76-385-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-76-385-2021, 2021
                                    Short summary
                                    Short summary
                                            
                                                In mountain environments, active geomorphological processes have a strong influence on plant diversity because they act as renovators for habitats of pioneer species. In this paper, we propose criteria to assess the ecological value of dynamic mountain geomorphosites. We show that the interest of plant communities and the influence of geomorphological processes on plant communities are fundamental criteria for assessing ecological value in an exhaustive and objective way.
                                            
                                            
                                        Philip Greenwood, Jan Bauer, and Nikolaus J. Kuhn
                                    Geogr. Helv., 76, 319–333, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-76-319-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-76-319-2021, 2021
                                    Short summary
                                    Short summary
                                            
                                                Soil erosion by wind and water is a commonly recognized phenomenon on agricultural land. Erosion in forests is studied less and generally considered to be limited because of the soil protection by vegetation. However, trees, when toppled because of old age or wind, loosen a considerable amount of soil when their roots are pulled from the ground. In addition, the holes left in the ground act as collectors for water and concentrated runoff, causing significant soil loss on forested slopes.
                                            
                                            
                                        Cristian Scapozza, Christian Ambrosi, Massimiliano Cannata, and Tazio Strozzi
                                    Geogr. Helv., 74, 125–139, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-74-125-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-74-125-2019, 2019
                                    Short summary
                                    Short summary
                                            
                                                A glacial lake outburst flood hazard assessment by satellite Earth observation and numerical modelling was done for the lakes linked to the Thangothang Chhu glacier, Chomolhari area (Bhutan), combining detailed geomorphological mapping, landslide and rock glacier inventories, as well as surface displacements quantified by satellite InSAR. Outburst scenario modelling revealed that only a flood wave can have an impact on the two human settlements located downslope of the glacier.
                                            
                                            
                                        Philippe Burkhalter, Markus Egli, and Holger Gärtner
                                    Geogr. Helv., 74, 93–103, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-74-93-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-74-93-2019, 2019
                                    Short summary
                                    Short summary
                                            
                                                A spatiotemporal reconstruction of slope movements on the edge of Lake Lucerne near the municipality of Horw, canton of Lucerne is presented. The reconstruction was realized by analyzing growth reactions of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and fir (Abies alba Mill.) trees growing on this slope. Results show that the area has been moving at least since 1948. A significant concentration of events was observed between 1990 and 2000 as well as after 2006.
                                            
                                            
                                        Sebastián Vivero and Christophe Lambiel
                                    Geogr. Helv., 74, 59–69, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-74-59-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-74-59-2019, 2019
                            Mario Kummert and Reynald Delaloye
                                    Geogr. Helv., 73, 357–371, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-73-357-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-73-357-2018, 2018
                            Max Boxleitner, Susan Ivy-Ochs, Dagmar Brandova, Marcus Christl, Markus Egli, and Max Maisch
                                    Geogr. Helv., 73, 241–252, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-73-241-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-73-241-2018, 2018
                            Patrick Becker, Martin Funk, Christian Schlüchter, and Kolumban Hutter
                                    Geogr. Helv., 72, 421–442, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-72-421-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-72-421-2017, 2017
                                    Short summary
                                    Short summary
                                            
                                                This article studies the ice flow in the Valais region during the last glaciation (Würm) in detail. The numerical modelling shows a discrepancy of the height of the ice cap compared to the geomorphological evidence based on trimlines. However, geomorphological evidence at the Simplon Pass indicating an ice flow from the Rhone valley into the valley of Toce was confirmed. Furthermore it is shown that for this confirmation a sufficient ice thickness is obligatory.
                                            
                                            
                                        Patrick Becker, Julien Seguinot, Guillaume Jouvet, and Martin Funk
                                    Geogr. Helv., 71, 173–187, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-71-173-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-71-173-2016, 2016
                            Frank Techel, Frédéric Jarry, Georg Kronthaler, Susanna Mitterer, Patrick Nairz, Miha Pavšek, Mauro Valt, and Gian Darms
                                    Geogr. Helv., 71, 147–159, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-71-147-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-71-147-2016, 2016
                                    Short summary
                                    Short summary
                                            
                                                During the last 45 years, about 100 people lost their lives in avalanches in the European Alps each year. Avalanche fatalities in settlements and on transportation corridors have considerably decreased since the 1970s. In contrast, the number of avalanche fatalities during recreational activities away from avalanche-secured terrain doubled between the 1960s and 1980s and has remained relatively stable since, despite a continuing strong increase in winter backcountry recreational activities.
                                            
                                            
                                        Rachel Luethi and Marcia Phillips
                                    Geogr. Helv., 71, 121–131, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-71-121-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-71-121-2016, 2016
                                    Short summary
                                    Short summary
                                            
                                                Long-term borehole temperature monitoring in mountain permafrost environments is challenging under the hostile conditions reigning there. On the basis of data measured in the SLF borehole network we show situations where ground temperature data should be interpreted with caution. A selection of recently observed problems are discussed, and advantages and possible drawbacks of various solutions including data correction, measurement redundancy or alternate instrumentation are presented.
                                            
                                            
                                        P. Greenwood, M. Hoelzle, and N. J. Kuhn
                                    Geogr. Helv., 70, 311–313, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-311-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-311-2015, 2015
                                    Short summary
                                    Short summary
                                            
                                                Editorial introducing the special issue of Geographica Helvetica: Mapping, Measuring and Modeling in Geomorphology.
                                            
                                            
                                        C. Willi, C. Graf, Y. Deubelbeiss, and M. Keiler
                                    Geogr. Helv., 70, 265–279, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-265-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-265-2015, 2015
                                    Short summary
                                    Short summary
                                            
                                                The erosion of and depositions on channel bed surfaces are instrumental to understanding debris flow processes. We present different methods and highlight their pro and cons. Terrestrial and airborne laser scanning, erosion sensors, cross sections and geomorphological mapping are compared. Two of these approaches are tested and applied in a torrent. The results indicate that the methods are associated with variable temporal and spatial resolution as well as data quality and invested effort.
                                            
                                            
                                        S. Müller and D. Schaub
                                    Geogr. Helv., 70, 193–198, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-193-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-193-2015, 2015
                            L. Xiao, Y. Hu, P. Greenwood, and N. J. Kuhn
                                    Geogr. Helv., 70, 167–174, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-167-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-167-2015, 2015
                            C. Scapozza
                                    Geogr. Helv., 70, 135–139, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-135-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-135-2015, 2015
                                    Short summary
                                    Short summary
                                            
                                                In the scientific literature, “protalus ramparts” can designate both a nivo-gravitational landform (also called “pronival ramparts”) and a permafrost-related landform. Thanks to a selection of eight major diagnostic criteria defined from observations carried out in the Swiss Alps, it was highlighted that the structure, ice content and creep dynamics of protalus ramparts are the same as many rock glaciers. Protalus rampart were therefore defined simply as a (small) active talus rock glacier.
                                            
                                            
                                        C. Ambrosi and C. Scapozza
                                    Geogr. Helv., 70, 121–133, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-121-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-121-2015, 2015
                                    Short summary
                                    Short summary
                                            
                                                Some examples of 3-D digital mapping for Quaternary geological and geomorphological cartography are presented in this paper. Examples concern in particular the Quaternary geological cartography around the well-know Flims rockslide area (Graubünden), performed in the framework of the GeoCover project launched by the Swiss Geological Survey, and the landslide and glacial/periglacial landform mapping and inventorying in the southern Swiss Alps (Ticino) for assessing the slope tectonic activity.
                                            
                                            
                                        B. Staub, A. Marmy, C. Hauck, C. Hilbich, and R. Delaloye
                                    Geogr. Helv., 70, 45–62, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-45-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-45-2015, 2015
                            P. Greenwood, S. Kuonen, W. Fister, and N. J. Kuhn
                                    Geogr. Helv., 70, 63–73, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-63-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-63-2015, 2015
                                    Short summary
                                    Short summary
                                            
                                                Alpine and mountain slopes represent important pathways that link high-altitude grazing areas to meadows and rangelands at lower elevations. Given the acute gradients associated with such environments, we hypothesize that terracettes act as efficient runoff conveyance routes that facilitate the movement of runoff and associated material during erosion events. This hypothesis was partially disproved during a series of rainfall/runoff simulations on a well-developed terracette system, however.
                                            
                                            
                                        M. Stähli, C. Graf, C. Scheidl, C. R. Wyss, and A. Volkwein
                                    Geogr. Helv., 70, 1–9, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-1-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-1-2015, 2015
                            M. Hoelzle and E. Reynard
                                    Geogr. Helv., 68, 225–226, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-225-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-225-2013, 2013
                            M. Huss, A. Voinesco, and M. Hoelzle
                                    Geogr. Helv., 68, 227–237, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-227-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-227-2013, 2013
                            R. Weingartner, B. Schädler, and P. Hänggi
                                    Geogr. Helv., 68, 239–248, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-239-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-239-2013, 2013
                            P. Michna, W. Eugster, R. V. Hiller, M. J. Zeeman, and H. Wanner
                                    Geogr. Helv., 68, 249–263, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-249-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-249-2013, 2013
                            S. Schneider, S. Daengeli, C. Hauck, and M. Hoelzle
                                    Geogr. Helv., 68, 265–280, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-265-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-265-2013, 2013
                            Cited articles
                        
                        Académies suisses des sciences: Coup de projecteur sur le climat suisse,
Etat des lieux et perspectives, swiss academies reports, 11/5, p. 218, available at: https://proclim.scnat.ch/fr/activities/brennpunkt/downloads (last access: 21 December 2021), 2016. 
                    
                
                        
                        Arnaud, F., Revel, M., Chapron, E., Desmet, M., and Tribovillard, N.: 7200 years of Rhône river flooding activity in Lake Le Bourget, France: a
high-resolution sediment record of NW Alps hydrology, Holocene, 15, 420–428, https://doi.org/10.1191/0959683605hl801rp, 2005. 
                    
                
                        
                        Arnaud-Fassetta, G., and Landuré, C.: Hydroclimatic hazards, vulnerability of societies and fluvial risk in the Rhône Delta (Mediterranean France) from the Greek period to the Early Middle Ages, in:
The Mediterranean World Environment and History, Proceedings of the International Conference “Environmental Dynamics and History in
Mediterranean Areas” held in Paris, 24–26 April 2002, edited by: Fouache
E., Elsevier, Paris, France, 51–76, 2003. 
                    
                
                        
                        Bravard, J. P. and Petts, G. E.: Human impacts on fluvial systems, in: Fluvial hydrosystems, edited by: Petts, G. E. and Amoros, C., Chapman & Hall, London, UK, 233–256, 1996. 
                    
                
                        
                        Bravard, J.-P., Verot-Bourrely, A., and Salvador, P.-G.: Le climat d'après les informations fournies par les enregistrements sédimentaires fluviatiles étudiées sur des sites
archéologiques, Les nouvelles de l'Archéologie, 50, 7–14, 1992. 
                    
                
                        
                        Bronk Ramsey, C.: Development of the Radiocarbon Program OxCal, Radiocarbon,
43, 355–363, https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033822200038212, 2001. 
                    
                
                        
                        Bronk Ramsey, C.: OxCal 4.4 Manual, Radiocarbon Accelerator Unit, Oxford,
United Kingdom, available at: https://c14.arch.ox.ac.uk/oxcal/OxCal.html (last access: 21 December 2021), 2020. 
                    
                
                        
                        Burga, C., Perret, R., and Zoller, H.: Swiss localities of early recognized
Holocene climate oscillations – characterisation and significance, Vier.
Natur. Gesell. Zürich, 146, 65–74, 2001. 
                    
                
                        
                        Cailleux, A. and Tricart, J.: Initiation à l'étude des sables et des
galets, 3 vol., Centre de Documentation Universitaire, Paris, France, 1963. 
                    
                
                        
                        Cardani Vergani, R.: Ricerche archeologiche in Cantone Ticino nel 2017, Boll. Ass. Archeol. Ticin., 30, 30–37, https://doi.org/10.5169/seals-737980, 2018. 
                    
                
                        
                        Cardani Vergani, R.: Ricerche archeologiche in Cantone Ticino nel 2018, Boll. Ass. Archeol. Ticin., 31, 21–35, 2019. 
                    
                
                        
                        Cardani Vergani, R.: Ricerche archeologiche in Cantone Ticino nel 2019, Boll. Ass. Archeol. Ticin., 32, 26–33, 2020. 
                    
                
                        
                        Cardani Vergani, R.: Ricerche archeologiche in Cantone Ticino nel 2020, Boll. Ass. Archeol. Ticin., 33, 24–31, 2021. 
                    
                
                        
                        Carlevaro, E.: Dinamiche del popolamento nell'area sudalpina dal Bronzo
finale alla romanizzazione, Università di Zurigo, Zurigo, Svizzera, 343 pp., available at: https://zora.uzh.ch/id/eprint/164250/ (last access: 21 December 2021), 2013. 
                    
                
                        
                        Carlevaro, E., Colombaroli, D., Conedera, M., Krebs, P., Morales-Molino, C.,
Scapozza, C., Tinner, W., and Vescovi, E.: Claro e il suo territorio, Archeol. Schweiz, 40, 24–29, https://doi.org/10.5169/seals-768568, 2017. 
                    
                
                        
                        Conedera, M. and Tinner, W.: Ferro e fuoco: una ricostruzione paleoecologica
dell'approccio territoriale nella Regione Insubrica in età preistorica,
in: I Leponti, tra mito e realtà, edited by: de Marinis, R. C. and
Biaggio Simona, S., Armando Dadò, Locarno, Svizzera, 63–70, 2000. 
                    
                
                        
                        Crivelli, A.: Atlante preistorico e storico della Svizzera italiana, Ristampa anastatica dell'edizione del 1943 e aggiornamento a cura di P. A. Donati, Casagrande, Bellinzona, Svizzera, p. 156, 1990. 
                    
                
                        
                        De Marinis, R. C. and Biaggio Simona, S.: I Leponti, tra mito e realtà,
2 vol., Armando Dadò, Locarno, Svizzera, 419 + 489 pp., 2000. 
                    
                
                        
                        Documentazione IVS Cantone Ticino: Percorso TI 1.2.3: Strada francesca (sponda sinistra), Bellinzona/Ravecchia – Giubiasco, Inventario delle vie
di comunicazione storiche della Svizzera (IVS)m Bern, Schweiz, p. 2, 1999. 
                    
                
                        
                        Donati, P.: Bellinzona a Castel Grande: 6000 anni di storia, Archeol. Schweiz, 9, 94–109, https://doi.org/10.5169/seals-8233, 1986. 
                    
                
                        
                        Glaser, R., Ammann, B., Brauer, A., Heiri, O., Jacobeit, J., Lotter, A. F.,
Luterbacher, J., Maisch, M., Magny, M., Pfister, C., Tinner, W., Veit, H.,
and Wanner, H.: Palaeoclimate within the River Rhine Catchment during Holocene and Historic Times, Erdkunde, 59, 251–275, 2005. 
                    
                
                        
                        Grant, J., Gorin, S., and Fleming, N.: The archaeology coursebook: an
introduction to study skills, topics and methods, Routledge, London, UK, p. 692, 2015. 
                    
                
                        
                        Grossi, P.: Vita di un fiume. Consorzio correzione fiume Ticino dalla Moesa
al Lago Maggiore 1886–1986, Salvioni, Bellinzona, Svizzera, 395 pp., 1986. 
                    
                
                        
                        Holzhauser, H., Magny, M., and Zumbühl, H. J.: Glacier and lake-level
variations in west-central Europe over the last 3500 years, Holocene, 16,
789–801, https://doi.org/10.1191/0959683605hl853ra, 2005. 
                    
                
                        
                        Hormes, A., Beer, J., and Schlüchter, C.: A geochronological approach to
understanding the role of solar activity on Holocene glacier length variability in the Swiss Alps, Geogr. Ann. A, 88, 282–294,
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0435-3676.2006.00301.x, 2006. 
                    
                
                        
                        James, L. A. and Marcus, W. A.: The human role in changing fluvial systems:
Retrospect, inventory and prospect, Geomorphology, 79, 152–171,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2006.06.017, 2006. 
                    
                
                        
                        Joerin, U. E., Stocker, T. F., and Schlüchter, C.: Multicentury glacier
fluctuations in the Swiss Alps during the Holocene, Holocene, 16, 697–704,
https://doi.org/10.1191/0959683606hl964rp, 2006. 
                    
                
                        
                        King, C. A.: Techniques in geomorphology, Arnold, London, UK, p. 342, 1966. 
                    
                
                        
                        Laigre, L., Reynard, E., Arnaud-Fassetta, G., Baron, L., and Glenz, D.:
Caractérisation de la paléodynamique du Rhône en amont de Martigny (Valais, Suisse) à l'aide de la tomographie de résistivité électrique (TRE), Géomorphologie, 4, 405–426,
https://doi.org/10.4000/geomorphologie.10020, 2012. 
                    
                
                        
                        Mann, M. E., Zhang, Z., Rutherford, S., Bradley R. S., Hughes, M. K., Shindell, D., Ammann, C., Faluvegi, G., and Fenbiao, N.: Global signatures
and dynamical origins of the Little Ice Age and Medieval Climate Anomaly,
Science, 326, 1256–1260, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1177303, 2009. 
                    
                
                        
                        Martinoli, G.: La correzione del fiume Ticino dal riale di Sementina al Lago
Maggiore, Benzinger & Co., Einsiedeln, Svizzera, p. 63, 1896. 
                    
                
                        
                        Miall, A. D.: A review of the braided river depositional environments, Earth
Sci. Rev., 13, 1–62, https://doi.org/10.1016/0012-8252(77)90055-1, 1977a. 
                    
                
                        
                        Miall, A. D.: Lithofacies types and vertical profile models in braided river
deposits: a summary, in: Fluvial Sedimentology, edited by: Miall, A. D.,
Geological Survey of Canada, Calgary, Canada, 597–604, 1977b. 
                    
                
                        
                        Minor, H.-E., Hager, W. H., Filippini, L., Pellandini, S., and Gheri-Pusch, A.: Ingegneria fluviale in Svizzera: sviluppo e prospettive, Società
dell'arte e dell'ingegneria civile, Zurigo, Svizzera, p. 140, 2004. 
                    
                
                        
                        Morales-Molino, C., Vescovi, E., Krebs, P., Carlevaro, E., Kaltenrieder, P.,
Conedera, M., Tinner, W., and Colombaroli D.: The role of human-induced fire
and sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) cultivation on the long-term
landscape dynamics of the Southern Swiss Alps, Holocene, 25, 482–494,
https://doi.org/10.1177/0959683614561884, 2015. 
                    
                
                        
                        Moscato, S. (Ed.): Treccani 2000 Il mondo dell'archeologia, Vol. 1, Istituto della Enciclopedia Italiana, Roma, Italia, p. 1906, 2002. 
                    
                
                        
                        Patterson, W. P., Dietrich, K. A., Holmden, C., and Andrews, J. T.: Two
Millennia of North Atlantic seasonality and implications for Norse colonies,
P. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 107, 5306–5310, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0902522107, 2010. 
                    
                
                        
                        Pfister, C.: Klimageschichte der Schweiz 1525–1860. Das Klima der Schweiz
von 1525–1860 und seine Bedeutung in der Geschichte von Bevölkerung und
Landwirtschaft, 2 Bd., Haupt, Bern, Schweiz, 245 + 174 pp., 1984. 
                    
                
                        
                        Piffaretti, P. and Luchessa, C.: Lo scorrere del fiume, l'opera dell'uomo.
125 anni di attività del Consorzio Correzione Fiume Ticino (1886–2011),
Salvioni, Bellinzona, Svizzera, 164 pp., 2011. 
                    
                
                        
                        Reimer, P. J., Austin, W. E. N., Bard, E., Bayliss, A., Blackwell, P. G., Bronk Ramsey, C., Butzin, M., Cheng, H., Edwards, R. L., Friedrich, M., Grootes, P. M., Guilderson, T. P., Hajdas, I., Heaton, T. J., Hogg, A. G., Hughen, K. A., Kromer, B., Manning, S. W., Muscheler, R., Palmer, J. G., Pearson, C., van der Plicht, J., Reimer, R. W., Richards, D. A., Scott, E. M., Southon, J. R., Turney, C. S., Wacker, L., Adolphi, F., Büntgen, U., Capano, M., Fahrni, S. M., Fogtmann-Schulz, A., Friedrich, R., Köhler, P., Kudsk, S., Miyake, F., Olsen, J., Reinig, F., Sakamoto, M., Sookdeo, A., and Talamo, S.: The IntCal 20 Northern Hemisphere Radiocarbon Age Calibration Curve (0–55 cal kBP), Radiocarbon, 62, 725–757, https://doi.org/10.1017/RDC.2020.41, 2020. 
                    
                
                        
                        Salvador, P.-G., Berger, J.-F., Fontugne, M., and Gauthier, E.: Etude des
enregistrements sédimentaires holocènes des paléoméandres du
Rhône dans le secteur des Basses Terres (Ain, Isère, France),
Quaternaire, 16, 315–328, https://doi.org/10.4000/quaternaire.517, 2005. 
                    
                
                        
                        Scapozza, C.: L'evoluzione degli ambienti fluviali del Piano di Magadino
dall'anno 1000 a oggi, Arch. Stor. Ticin., 153, 60–92, 2013. 
                    
                
                        
                        Scapozza, C.: Appunti climatici e glaciologici sulle descrizioni della Valle
di Blenio tra Settecento e Ottocento, Arch. Stor. Ticin., 155, 38–63, 2014. 
                    
                
                        
                        Scapozza, C.: Evidence of paraglacial and paraperiglacial crisis in Alpine
sediment transfer since the Last Glaciation (Ticino, Switzerland), Quaternaire, 27, 139–154, https://doi.org/10.4000/quaternaire.7805, 2016. 
                    
                
                        
                        Scapozza, C.: Esempi di corrispondenze della suddivisione formale della
Serie/Epoca dell'Olocene nella Svizzera italiana, Boll. Soc. Ticin. Sci. Nat., 107, 83–88, 2019. 
                    
                
                        
                        Scapozza, C. and Ambrosi, C.: Between glaciers, rivers and lakes: the
geomorphological landscapes of Ticino, in: Landscapes and Landforms of Switzerland, edited by: Reynard, E., Springer Nature, Cham, Switzerland,
325–336, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-43203-4_22, 2021. 
                    
                
                        
                        Scapozza, C. and Czerski, D.: Geomorfologia della Svizzera italiana/Die
Geomorphologie der Südschweiz, Archeol. Schweiz, 42, 8–13,
https://doi.org/10.5169/seals-860436, 2019. 
                    
                
                        
                        Scapozza, C. and Oppizzi P.: Évolution morpho-sédimentaire et
paléo-environnementale de la plaine fluvio-deltaïque du Ticino
pendant l'Holocène récent (Canton du Tessin, Suisse), Géomorphologie, 19, 265–286, https://doi.org/10.4000/geomorphologie.10289, 2013. 
                    
                
                        
                        Scapozza, C., Riff., F., and Schoeneich, P.: Stratigraphie, paléogéographie et dynamique tardiglaciaire du Quaternaire ancien de
la Côte entre Gilly et Bursins (VS), Bull. Soc. Vaud. Sc. Nat., 91,
343–361, https://doi.org/10.5169/seals-282157, 2009. 
                    
                
                        
                        Scapozza, C., Castelletti, C., and Czerski, D.: Nuove datazioni per la storia dell'evoluzione olocenica degli ambienti fluviali del Piano di Magadino (Cantone Ticino, Svizzera), Boll. Soc. Tic. Sci. Nat., 105, 97–102, 2017. 
                    
                
                        
                        Schoeneich, P.: Le retrait glaciaire dans les vallées des Ormonts, de
l'Hongrin et de l'Etivaz (Préalpes vaudoises), Travaux & Recherches, 14, Institut de Géographie de l'Université de Lausanne, Lausanne, Suisse, p. 483, 1998.  
                    
                
                        
                        Sormani, M. A.: La necropoli leponzia di Gudo: le tombe golasecchiane (VI–V
sec. a. C.), Boll. Stor. Svi. It., 110, 113–134, 2007. 
                    
                
                        
                        Sormani, M. A.: La necropoli protostorica di Gudo: dall'epoca del Bronzo alla seconda età del Ferro, Boll. Ass. Archeol. Ticin., 24, 4–7,
https://doi.org/10.5169/seals-391551, 2012. 
                    
                
                        
                        Sormani, M. A.: La necropoli protostorica di Gudo: dall'epoca del Bronzo alla seconda età del Ferro, Rivista archeologica dell'antica provincia e diocesi di Como, 193/194, 5–160, 2013. 
                    
                
                        
                        Strunk, A., Olsen, J., Sanei, H., Rudra, A., and Larsen, N. K.: Improving the reliability of bulk sediment radiocarbon dating, Quaternary Sci. Rev., 242, 106442, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quascirev.2020.106442, 2020. 
                    
                
                        
                        Tinner, W., Hubschmid, P., Wehrli, M., Ammann, B., and Conedera, M.: Long-term forest fire ecology and dynamics in southern Switzerland, J. Ecol., 87, 273–289, https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2745.1999.00346.x, 1999. 
                    
                
                        
                        Tinner, W., Lotter, A. F., Ammann, B., Conedera, M., Hubschmid, P., van Leeuwen, J. F., and Wehrli, M.: Climatic change and contemporaneous land-use phases north and south of the Alps 2300 BCE to 800 CE, Quaternary Sci. Rev., 22, 1447–1460, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0277-3791(03)00083-0, 2003. 
                    
                
                        
                        UFAM: Rivalutare i corsi d'acqua – per l'uomo e la natura, UFAM – Ufficio federale dell'ambiente, Berna, Svizzera, p. 32, 2017. 
                    
                
                        
                        Wirth, S. B., Glur, L., Gilli, A., and Anselmetti, F. S.: Holocene flood frequency across the Central Alps – solar forcing and evidence for variations in North Atlantic atmospheric circulation, Quaternary Sci. Rev.,
80, 112–128, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quascirev.2013.09.002, 2013. 
                    
                
                        
                        Zumbühl, H. J. and Holzhauser, H.: Glaciers des Alpes du Petit âge
glaciaire, Les Alpes, 3, 1–322, 1988. 
                    
                Short summary
            The paper presents the results of recent geoarchaeological studies on the Ticino river alluvial plain. The sedimentological descriptions are combined with archaeological observations and constrained with radiocarbon dating. This approach, together with data from previous research and historical sources, provides an interesting overview of the eveolution of Ticino river morphosedimentary dynamics in relation to human settlements since the Neolithic.
            The paper presents the results of recent geoarchaeological studies on the Ticino river alluvial...
            
        Theme issue