11 - The “U-shape” section

11 The “U-shape” section (1088 m a.s.l.) - Panoramic view between Terza Pala and Agnèr

Slightly upstream from the crossroads between the CAI path and the military road to Pont, the visitor can admire a postcard-perfect portion of the San Lucano Valley with its quaint U-shaped profile, tucked between the Terza Pala and Agnèr. The section is 3000 metres wide and 2100 metres deep.

It has a slightly asymmetric build, its left side being steeper as its strata are running counter to the slope, whereas its right side is less inclined thanks to its dip slope strata and the landslide deposits at the base.

A picturesque view over the San Lucano Valley with its classic “U” shape is revealed just before reaching Pont; Pale di S. Lucano on the left and Agnèr on the right (Photo DG).

Geological sketch of the San Lucano Valley between Terza Pala and Mount Agnèr (ill. DG).

Geological section of the San Lucano Valley between Lastia de Gardes and Mount Agnèr. The shows the general distribution of the layers aligned with a slight NW trending. A substantial stata block lies at the foot of Agnèr which is part the Contrin Formation. Such layers are missing completely at Lastia where they are replaced by the Morbiac Limestones (ill. DG).