Possible interactions between recent tectonic activity and the evolution of mountain relief have been investigated in the Germanasca Valley (Cottian Alps, NW-Italy), an area of strong heterogeneity of drainage features and slope instabilities. Analyses by remote sensing (satellite/aerial DEM and orthophoto) and field survey allowed creation of a geodatabase managed by standardized procedures into a GIS environment. Morphometric analyses have been performed for interpreting the particular geomorphological setting. Alignment and/or coincidence of significant structural and morphological features (ridges, incisions, scarps) and preferred stream orientations indicates possible structural/tectonic controls on the onset and evolution of the drainage network.
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