Vespolate
Exploring the Novara-Vespolate Terrace
The Novara-Vespolate Terrace is an area of great geomorphological interest located in the municipalities of Novara, Garbagna Novarese, Granozzo con Monticello, Nibbiola, and Vespolate. Here, one can find a wide variety of elements, from surface waters to geological formations and the morphology of the territory.
Geomorphology of the Novara-Vespolate Terrace
Geomorphologically, the Novara-Vespolate Terrace is composed of a gravelly fluvio-glacial terrace which, over the years, has been modified by leveling works to promote rice cultivation. The area is characterized by large open spaces, interrupted by farms and clusters of rural origin.
The part bordering the southern area of Novara is particularly interesting due to the presence of large infrastructure and facilities such as the State road 703 Eastern Bypass of Novara, the urban wastewater treatment plant, the high voltage power lines junction area, and the landfill area.
The elevation of the terrace slopes gently southward, with a peak of 155 meters above sea level at Piazza d'Armi in Novara and a minimum of 123 meters above sea level at the southern limit in the municipality of Vespolate.
Surface Waters of the Novara-Vespolate Terrace
Surface waters consist mainly of the Agogna and Arbogna-Erbognone rivers and the network of artificial canals used for irrigation. Among these, we can mention the Quintino Sella canal, Prina, Ricca, Cattedrale, Pozzo, Boggiani, Dessi, Roggiani, and Ri cables, Olengo and S. Marta streams, Caccesca canal, and Roggiola fountain. In addition, there is the Germagnone, an important watercourse that runs through the area.
Geology of the Novara-Vespolate Terrace
The nature of the soil in the Novara-Vespolate Terrace consists exclusively of Quaternary continental sediments of fluvio-glacial and fluvial origin. In the territory, one can find deposits of recent and current fluvio-glacial and fluvial alluvium, fluvio-glacial alluvium dating back to the Riss glacial period, and fluvio-glacial and fluvial alluvium from the Würm glaciation period.
Deposits of recent and current fluvio-glacial and fluvial alluvium can only be found to the west of the Garbagna Novarese settlement and are linked to floods. These deposits are mainly composed of sandy-loamy material.
Deposits of fluvio-glacial alluvium dating back to the Riss glacial period are formed by yellow gravel, sand, and silt. The upper superficial limit consists of yellow-ochre clays. These deposits constitute the Novara-Vespolate plateau and the two sub-planar morphological plateaus of Garbagna Novarese and Nibbiola. Here, the risorgiva band runs north-south from the base of the Riss glacial terrace, from Olengo to Vespolate, then turns northwest-southeast.
Around the Riss glacial terrace, there are deposits of alluvium from the Würm glaciation period, formed by gravelly-pebbly fluvio-glacial and sandy-loamy fluvial materials, respectively upstream and downstream of the Risorgiva line.
The transition from fluvio-glacial to fluvial deposits corresponds to a decrease in soil granulometry and consequently a lower permeability, favoring the emergence of the water table.
Conclusion
Exploring the Novara-Vespolate Terrace is a fascinating experience that allows discovering the secrets of the morphology, surface waters, and geology of a unique area. The nature of the soil and the natural elements that compose it make this area a treasure trove of naturalistic riches full of history and culture.
