Hydrogeology and Hydromorphology: a Proposal for a Dual-Key Approach to Assess the Geo-Hydrological Heritage Site of the San Lucano Valley (Belluno Dolomites, Italy)

Hydrological features are a fundamental element of the whole “geoheritage” of a site. It is, indeed, possible to identify the “water heritage” part related to the value of water and its phenomena. Recent studies were carried out in the San Lucano Valley (Belluno, Italy) and its geological, geomorphological and hydrological observations can help to perceive some natural occurrences as “hydrological heritage”. They are a solid background that helps us to analyse and bring into evidence the exceptionality of the hydrogeological features of this site. San Lucano Valley thanks to its numerous springs and to its particular morphology characterized by steep slopes and crest rising up above the valley floor, represents a unique “window” in the core of a karst carbonatic aquifer. This peculiar topographical setting enables a 3D view of the groundwater flow, from the recharge areas to the spring and alpine stream from its headwaters to where it becomes a tributary of a bigger river. To classify the springs of the valley and to underline their peculiar hydrogeological features, several surveys were performed, discharge in streams and springs was regularly measured using current meters, and the water level was monitored on site in reference cross sections (this activity is still in progress). In order to assess the stream hydromorphology, the geomorphic method of Rosgen (Catena 22:166–199, 1994) (RSC) has been adopted collecting a series of detailed survey datasets along the entire watercourse. Following the path indicated by Simić et al. (Carpathian J Earth Environ Sci 9(4):19–30, 2014), adapted to the specific case, the whole hydrological and hydromorphological system has been assessed. For all the above reasons, San Lucano Valley could be proposed as a Hydrological Heritage Site “valuable” for geo-tourism in the Dolomite’s UNESCO Area 3.