Gorno
Discovering Gorno, a municipality in Lombardy: physical geography, geology, and hydrography
Hello friends! Today, I want to introduce you to Gorno, a small municipality in the province of Bergamo in Lombardy, located in the val del Riso, a lateral valley of the val Seriana. With its 1494 inhabitants, Gorno covers an area of 9.87 km² and borders on the municipalities of Ponte Nossa, Premolo, Oneta, Casnigo, and Colzate. Let's take some time to discover the physical geography, geology, and hydrography of this enchanting municipality.
Territory
Gorno is characterized by very pronounced differences in altitude, which create an irregular geometric profile. The altitude of the municipal territory varies from a minimum of 475 m above sea level in the vicinity of Centrale, the entrance to the village, to a maximum of 1,775 m above sea level in the locality of Preda Balaranda, with a difference in elevation of 1,300 m. In the high areas, you can enjoy a very suggestive panorama offered by the surrounding Orobie mountains.
Geology
The territory of Gorno is part of the Formation of Gorno, a geological formation found in central-western Lombardy. This formation was created between 230 and 181 million years ago, in the Late and Middle Triassic periods. The Bergamo metallic limestone is found between these formations, named after the presence of various minerals, such as sphalerite, Calamine, galena, as well as other minerals in lower percentages.
According to the latest geological theories, these metallic layers would have formed on the seabed following volcanic phenomena. During an influx of lead and zinc lava and sulfurs in the water, they were deposited with the limestone. Subsequently, the movements of the earth's crust lifted the bottom of the sea, forming the mountains that surround the village, such as Mount Grem, Grina, Belloro, and Mount Golla. Today, these mountains are rich in minerals, which also come to the surface due to secular erosion.
The Carnian or Raiblean rocks are particularly interesting and extensive in the municipal territory. They are rich in fossil remains, and the characteristics of the Formation of Gorno indicate a shallow, protected marine environment with muddy bottoms and abundant fine terrigenous contributions. Gorno's fossils are on par with those of Dossena and Esine. The most frequent findings are small shells of the bivalve family, especially Myophoria kefersteini and Curionia curionii. Small ammonites can also be found.
Hydrography
The Riso, a stream that originates from a natural cavity on the slopes of Mount Grem, flows through the municipal territory of Gorno. The source is located northeast of the Cantoni fraction, in the municipality of Oneta. The Riso flows for 9.6 km through the val del Riso before flowing into the Serio River, the main waterway of the Seriana Valley.
Conclusion
Here is a brief description of the physical geography, geology, and hydrography of Gorno. The municipal territory is characterized by steep slopes and a succession of mountains and valleys, which makes it very charming for a walk or trekking. There are also specific routes for Nordic Walking enthusiasts. Furthermore, for geology enthusiasts, Gorno is a very interesting place, thanks to the Formation of Gorno and its metallic layers. And if you want to enjoy a relaxing holiday, why not consider Gorno as an ideal destination? You won't regret it!
