Geomorphology and geoheritage in the Piana Crixia Natural Park (NW Italy)

This research presents a set of geomorphological and geoheritage evidence from the Piana Crixia Natural Park, located in the northwest part of Italy. The Natural Park, which covers an area of just under 8 km2, was established for the conservation and enhancement of two geosites: the Piana Crixia mushroom, a 15 m high earth pyramid shaped in conglomerates representing an example of runoff erosion, and badlands landforms that crop out in the area, representing a regional uniqueness and characterize a landscape defined the 'Langhe of Liguria'. The methodology includes bibliographic research, aerial photographs, fieldwork and analysis of the data provided by the Park's archives. The main maps were realized by combining lithological and geomorphological data with geoheritage elements and information about hiking and tourism. The 1:10,000 map represents the main area of the Piana Crixia Natural Park, while the 1:3000 map was designed to characterize the Piana Crixia mushroom.