The hidden glacial landscape of the Monti della Laga (central Apennines, Italy)

The geological and geomorphological record of the Last Glaciation in the Apennines is extensively documented, except for the Monti della Laga sector, where limited indicators of glacier extension have been reported. This study presents field evidence of glacial deposits and landforms from two specific sites within the Monti della Laga Range: Monte Pelone and Tordino Valley head. Although limited, this evidence suggests glaciation within a structural and lithological setting that facilitated rapid slope evolution. The post-glaciation paraglacial processes in the area erased most glacial traces, but our geomorphological and stratigraphical investigations identified specific landforms of glacial origin. Notably, at Monte Pelone, a semi-circular depositional landform exhibiting a significant presence of coarse clasts and distinctive rotational features has been identified as a moraine. Additionally, a smaller moraine ridge with evidence of diamicton deposition was observed in the Tordino Valley head. These observations align with an Equilibrium Line Altitude estimated at 1750 m a.s.l. in the central Apennines in the Last Glacial Maximum and, considering the favourable topographic conditions of the area, significantly contribute to the understanding of glaciations within the central Apennines.