Una prima datazione lichenometrica per la determinazione dell’epoca di riesposizione del paleostrato impresso

Abstract

A first determination of the value of the annual growth factor (0.766 mm/yr) of Aspicilia cinerea has been done through the application of a lichenometric system calibrated in the surroundings of the “Devil’s Trails” palaeontological site (Roccamonfina volcano). The application of this parameter to some samples within this site allowed researchers to know that the re-exposure of the surface preserving fossil human and animal footprints did not start before the early 1800s. This seems perfectly compatible with the archive witnesses. This chronological convergence has not only helped to understand the dynamics and timing of the re-exposition of these valuable mid-Pleistocene ichnites but has also revealed the usefulness and effectiveness of the interaction of several disciplines in the analysis of palaeoichnological and palaeogeographical contexts, where invasive investigations are not allowed or impossible to be carried out.