Geoheritage
DOI 10.1007/s12371-015-0144-1
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
A Deductive Method for the Selection of Geomorphosites:
Application to Mont Ventoux (Provence, France)
Dominique Sellier
Received: 24 March 2014 / Accepted: 29 January 2015
# The European Association for Conservation of the Geological Heritage 2015
Abstract The popularisation of geomorphology requires the
selection of sites of scientific and educational interest. Several
methods can be used for such geomorphosite selection. The
method set out here is based on two stages. The first is an
integrated analysis of landforms (from main geomorphologi-
cal properties to geomorphotypes). It includes three parts: (i)
characterisation of the general geomorphic properties of the
area concerned, (ii) identification of the major geomorpholog-
ical components, equal in size but varying in nature and (iii)
definition of the basic geomorphological units, within major
geomorphological components, called here geomorphotypes
and possibly divided into several minor components. The sec-
ond stage is a deductive selection of geomorphosites
consisting of two parts: (i) selection of geomorphosites con-
nected with each geomorphotype or each minor component of
geomorphotypes (what to see) and (ii) choice of the observa-
tion stations or viewpoints related to each geomorphosite
(from where to see it). This method, previously tested in other
places is applied here to Mont Ventoux in Provence, which is
one of the most visited places in south-eastern France but
without means to popularise geomorphology at present. It
leads to the selection of 11 geomorphosites of equal size and
significance, representative of each property of the relief at
every scale level and on each side of Mont Ventoux. Then,
visitors are given the opportunity to assess the links between
sites, to understand the reasons for their selection and, finally,
to try to observe the landscape by themselves. This method
enables not only the choosing of sites to be visited but also
their conservation, which are the two objectives of establish-
ing geoheritage.
D. Sellier (*)
Institut de Gographie de lUniversit de Nantes, Laboratoire CNRS
UMR 6554 LETG-Golittomer, Nantes, France
e-mail: dominique.sellier@univ-nantes.fr
Keywords Geomorphosite selection . Popularisation .
Provence . Mont Ventoux
Introduction
The popularisation of geomorphology, which always involves
a relief, a populariser, a public, a method and means, can have
two main objectives. The first is to communicate scientific
knowledge to a non-specialist public, i.e. to describe and ex-
plain reliefs as simply and accurately as possible. The second
is to provide this public with the major principles to observe
the reliefs by themselves, to interest them in relief develop-
ment and to help them make sense of the spatial and temporal
relationships between these reliefs (Ambert 2004; Portal
2010; Sellier 2009, 2010a, b, 2011, 2013a, b; Sellier and
Portal 2013).
These objectives first require the selection of sites of scien-
tific and practical interest, subsequently identified as
geomorphosites (Grandgirard 1997; Joly 2000; Martin 2012;
Panizza 2001; Reynard 2005, 2009a, b, c; Pralong 2006;
Regolini 2011). The interest of a geomorphosite may involve
the exemplarity of the relief itself according to scientific
knowledge, its educational value or its accessibility and ob-
servation conditions. However, it can also be derived directly
from the curiosity of the public or from the popularisers in-
dividual initiative, because of his former research and personal
interest in a relief (Sellier 2009; Regolini 2011).
Several methodsor wayscan be used for
geomorphosite selection. One of the most popular is a classi-
fication based on a site assessment according to various prop-
erties (Reynard 2005, 2009a; Serrano and Gonzalez Trueba
2005; Pereira 2006; Gonzalez Trueba 2007). This inevitably
requires a previous definition of the assessment criteria (basic
values, added values) as well as a preliminary inventory of
potential sites within the given area. This method is frequently
 Geoheritage

used and provides a greater awareness of geoheritage.
Alternatively, a systematic process can be based on the idea
that any relief is worth describing in terms of morphology,
morphogenesis and paleogeography features, including reliefs
that seem rather ordinary at first sight, using a simple obser-
vation method.
The method set out here is based, as for it, on a deductive
selection of geomorphosites. It emphasises the relationships
between these sites at different scales. More precisely, it high-
lights the interactions between components of a relief in space
and in time according to different scale levels. Then, it pro-
vides the public with the opportunity to consider the links
between sites and, consequently, to understand the reasons
for their selection. It can be applied to every relief regardless
of size.
A Method and an Example
A Deductive Method for the Selection of Geomorphosites
This method includes two stages: an integrated analysis of
landforms of complementary scale levels and a deductive se-
lection of geomorphosites, from representative relief types
(Fig. 1).
The integrated analysis of landforms consists of three parts.
The first is the characterisation of the general geomorphic
properties of the area concerned (for example, a natural area
such as a mountain, a valley or a coast or an institutional area
such as an administrative territory or a nature reserve). The
second is the identification of major geomorphological
components, of equal size but of various properties (division
of the considered area into several main units, usually between
two and five, to make their perception by the public easier).
The third part is the definition of distinct basic geomorpho-
logical units, within each major geomorphological compo-
nent. These basic units are called here geomorphotypes. As
far as possible, these geomorphotypes should be of similar
size and complementary significance. They can be subdivided
into several subordinate elements or minor components, no
more than about ten to remain perceptible by the public. This
integrated analysis of landforms mostly requires the expertise
of scientists.
The deductive selection of geomorphosites includes two
parts. The first concerns the selection of geomorphosites con-
nected with each geomorphotype (what to see). It involves
scientific criteria such as specific scientific value, educational
value, exemplarity or rarity. The second concerns the choice
of viewpoints related to each geomorphosite (from where to
see it): natural viewpoints, artificial belvederes, simple stops
before a section or a slope, observation stations during a
planned trip. This involves practical and tourist criteria (acces-
sibility, observation conditions, aesthetic value and renown).
Geomorphosite and viewpoint selection can both use the usual
assessment method based on scientific values and additional
values (Reynard 2009b). These depend on each site, each
populariser and each public (Sellier 2010b, 2013a; Sellier
and Portal 2013). The deductive selection of geomorphosites
is within the scope of scientists too but can incorporate advice
from inhabitants or local experts.
A relief observation method is required before the practical
way to show that geomorphosites is chosen. This method
depends once again on each populariser. It appears essential,
however, to consider that a relief always includes several

Fig. 1 Integrated analysis of

landforms and deductive selection
Main geomorphological properties of related area
of geomorphosites

Integrated Major geomorphorphological Major geomorphorphological

component component*
analysis of

landforms
1 2...* 3 4...*

Geomorphotype Geomorphotype Geomorphotype Geomorphotype

Possible Possible Possible Possible

minor components minor components minor components minor components

Deductive
Geomorphosites Geomorphosites...* Geomorphosites Geomorphosites...*
selection of
geomorphosites
Observation stations Observation stations Observation stations Observation stations
Geoheritage
elements easily identifiable in the landscape by any visitor:
basic landforms (such as thalwegs or divides, surfaces or
slopes), visible structural features (such as outcrops and obvi-
ous rock deformations), evidence of erosion processes (active
or inherited), superficial formations and accumulation reliefs.
This approach requires the recognition of the morphological
characteristics of a relief, its dynamic and its inherited charac-
teristics. It takes into account the interlocking of features (ma-
jor, medium and minor reliefs) and the sequences responsible
for their genesis, i.e. the various spatial and temporal scales
involved.
Application to Mont Ventoux (Provence)
Mont Ventoux (Vaucluse) is suitable for applying the method
mentioned above because of the simplicity of its relief and
because of the connections between its components at each
scale level. Mont Ventoux is a famous mountain in France,
emblematic of the natural and cultural heritage of Provence
(Fig. 2). Its stature accounts for its nickname of the Giant of
Provence while its location in northern Provence justifies it
being the legendary source of the Mistral. Petrarch was the
first to climb to its summit in 1336. The diversity of its envi-
ronments makes it a study area favoured by naturalists such as
Jean-Henri Fabre. Its slopes and summit are locations for ma-
jor sports meetings, one of the most famous being a stage of
the Tour de France. Mont Ventoux is one of the most visited
tourist places in France, in both summer and winter, and is
clearly a very popular site.
The mountain rises to 1910 m and is located close to the
northern borders of Provence and Mediterranean regions from
which it derives its vegetation and summer temperatures. It is
situated near the Baronnies mountains in the Prealps, with
which it has altitudes and winter temperatures in common.
Fig. 2 Aerial view of Mont
Ventoux from the eastern side
As it lies near the Rhne Valley, in front of the Alps, it is
particularly exposed to the Mistral. In this way, Mont
Ventoux appears as a Mediterranean mountain, an Alpine
mountain and a Rhodanian mountain.
Mont Ventoux is a ridge that can be seen from everywhere
in Provence and farther away (Fig. 3). It is a major landmark in
the landscape because of its elevation, site and shape, as well
as its white crestline, due to limestone blockfields. This
uniqueness really explains its name, derived from Ventor,
meaning high isolated mountain (Barruol et al. 2007; Peyre
2012). Moreover, the top of Ventoux affords one of the
broadest panoramas in France, to the south (limestone ridges
of Provence, such as Montagne de Lure, Monts de Vaucluse,
Lubron, Alpilles, Sainte-Victoire and then the Rhne Valley
and Delta, the Camargue, the Mediterranean coast, Etang de
Berre and Languedoc lagoons), to the north (the Prealps such
as Baronnies, Diois and Vercors and the Alps such as
Mercantour, Queyras and Pelvoux) and to the west (Mont
Aigoual and Mont Lozre in the Cvennes, Mont Mzenc in
the Vivarais). All the south-eastern part of France can thus be
observed from Mont Ventoux; it represents one of the most
important geomorphosites in France at this scale level.
In addition, Mont Ventoux benefits from several labels
intended to guarantee its conservation. It belongs to the
Grands sites de France network and to the Rserves de la
biosphere association. Two panoramic tables are set north
and south of its summit. Hikes are organised there. The land-
scape, relief and geology of Mont Ventoux have been
popularised in some books (Barruol et al. 2007), in booklets
distributed by the Office National des Forts (Kornig et al.
2001) and in articles published in local journals (e.g. Carnets
du Ventoux).
Conversely, a description and explanation of the specific
geomorphological features of Mont Ventoux for the general

Fig. 3 Location of Mont Ventoux
(Provence)
public and visitors have yet to be provided. Today, people look
at Mont Ventoux in the background because of its great pres-
ence. They climb the mountain to look at the landscape be-
cause of the exceptional viewpoint from the top. However,
very few really look at Mont Ventoux while climbing it, and
no information exists in the field about its relief. Nevertheless,
Mont Ventoux is an example of a simple relief, useful for
pointing out the geomorphology of a site and potentially for
an integrated analysis of landforms.
Integrated Analysis of Landforms: from Main
Geomorphological Properties to Geomorphotypes
The Main Geomorphological Properties of Mont Ventoux
All these properties concern what can be seen from the sur-
rounding plains and what is useful to know before climbing
Ventoux. Mont Ventoux is a ridge of 25 km, extending from
the Montagne de Lure (1826 m). It follows an east-west di-
rection, like all Provenaux folds, due to its origins during
the Alpine Orogeny (Lubron, Alpilles). Consequently, the
south slope is sunny and dry (adret) while the north slope is
classically shaded, cold, wet and wooded (ubac). The
Ventoux-Lure alignment is well defined by a long overriding
anticline, faulted and overturned to the north. It comprises
pale, thick, Cretaceous limestones, mainly Urgonian facies
and similar to those making up the largest part of the prealpine
massifs from Bornes to Sainte-Baume. This overriding anti-
cline creates the monoclinal structure of Mont Ventoux and its
asymmetrical transverse profile, characterised by a steep slope
to the north and a monoclinal slope to the south.
Geoheritage
The foot of Mont Ventoux is situated at an altitude of 300 m
to the south (Carpentras Basin) and to the north (Toulourenc
Valley). Its slopes are 1600 m high, and the Mediterranean
climate present in the surrounding plains obviously deterio-
rates with altitude. The result is an exemplary belt arrange-
ment to the south (adret), characterised by a Mediterranean
lower belt with Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) to 500 m, then
with evergreen oak (Quercus ilex) to 800 m, a supra-
Mediterranean belt with truffle oak (Quercus humilis) to
1000 m, a mountain belt with beech (Fagus sylvatica) to
1700 m, a subalpine belt with common pine (Pinus sylvestris)
and wild mountain pine (Pinus uncinata). A final pseudo-
alpine belt is partly covered by scrub, blockfield and alpine
flora (including Papaver alpinum and Saxifraga
oppositifolia). This arrangement was disrupted by deforesta-
tion in the nineteenth century, then later by afforestation,
which is only obvious to the south (adret). A wholly wooded
slope, steep and dark, extends to the north (ubac), covered by
beech close to the summit (Ozenda et al. 1970; Barbero et al.
1978; Girerd 1978; Merle and Guende 1978). This strong
bioclimatic adret-ubac contrast adds to the structural asymme-
try of Mont Ventoux. Thus, the summit crestline of Ventoux is
a major geographical contact in south-eastern France between
the Mediterranean domain (south slope) and the alpine do-
main (north slope).
Pleistocene periglacial remnants occupy a fundamental po-
sition in the present landscape of Mont Ventoux. These fea-
tures are representative of limestone mountains of the
Mediterranean domain. They probably originate from several
successive cold periods but mostly from Weichsel glaciation,
when alpine glaciers extended close to the Sisteron site in the
Durance Valley (Couterand 2011). Subsequently, the whole of
Geoheritage
Provence was subjected to absolute periglacial conditions.
Pleistocene periglacial processes induced an intensive frost
shattering of Cretaceous limestone, which generated a huge
fragmentation of the limestone outcrops and strata, to several
metres in depth and at an altitude lower than 500 m on the
south slope.
Current erosional effects are in accordance with the
double influence of the Mediterranean climate and the
mountain climate. The rainfall pattern shows a main max-
imum in autumn and a second in spring, which are related
to the Mediterranean influence. The mean annual rainfall
is about 17001800 mm at the top, which is related, how-
ever, to the mountain influence. Rainfall makes small ter-
races on vegetation-covered areas, and small debris flows
on stony areas. Thunderstorms are recurrent at the top;
they make small craters and, at times, ephemeral rills,
several metres long and several decimetres deep.
Nevertheless, torrential activity is the major erosion pro-
cess on the slopes of Mont Ventoux, but it depends on
rainfall and is, therefore, quite episodic. Moreover, there
is no permanent stream on the southern slope (adret) and
only a few on the northern slope (ubac), because of the
irregularity of rainfall and the permeability of limestone,
which is more favourable for karstic run-off. Snowfalls
occur mostly from December to February but show sig-
nificant interannual variation. The mean duration of snow
cover is 140 days per year but is discontinuous in time.
The direct snow effects are avalanches on the ubac slope
and parallel rills produced by snowmelt in spring on the
adret slope.
The transition between the Mediterranean climate at the
bottom and the mountain climate at the top results in a
drop in mean annual temperatures of about 10 C. This
mean is 3.3 C at the top, where a weather station was in
operation from 1931 to 1967. Only 2 months show mean
temperatures above 10 C, and 4 months show mean tem-
peratures below 0 C. The mean number of frost days is
178 per year, and the mean number of freeze and thaw
cycles is 86 per year. There is an active periglacial belt
from 1780 m to the top based on cryoturbation and
congelifluction evidence (Sellier 2015). It sits above wild
mountain pines and common juniper cushions and ex-
tends over 130 m in height.
Strong winds are frequent at the summit: the Mistral,
cold and dry, blowing from the north, and the Marin,
bringing rain from the south. Winds stronger than
60 km/h blow for 242 days a year, coming from the
north-north-west (Mistral) on 151 of them. Eolian effects
are warping the wild mountain pines near the summit of
the ubac slope and causing deflation of vegetation and
soils and wind terraces. Deflation also strips the snow
cover, increasing the duration of bare soil and frost and
thus frost and thaw cycles.
Major Geomorphological Components of Mont Ventoux:
Escarpment (Northern Side) and Back Slope (Southern Side)
Mont Ventoux, as it results from a huge overturned anticline to
the north, consists of two major geomorphological compo-
nents: a northern slope and a southern slope, both distin-
guished in terms of slope direction and dip direction, i.e. ac-
cording to structural features.
The northern slope of Mont Ventoux faces the Baronnies
Massif and the Southern Alps. It is more than 1500 m high,
overlooking the Toulourenc Valley and the Montagne de
Bluye. It is an escarpment because of the stratal dip into
the slope (in the opposite direction of the slope). It is steep
and prone to rock-fall and shows a straight profile but with a
topographic gradient of about 35, with small free faces
cutting across limestone layers and a rocky crest on the
topthese features help characterise Ventoux when viewed
from a distance from the north (the Ventoux balconies).
These features are now widely covered by scree, especially
in the mountains highest part. Obsequent ravines furrow the
mountain, cutting it into wide triangular divides that end in
large alluvial fans at their confluence with the Toulourenc
Valley.
The southern slope of Mont Ventoux looks down towards
the Carpentras Basin. It is the back slope of the asymmetri-
cal anticline because of stratal dip out of the slope (i.e. in a
similar direction to the slope). It is a straight but gentle
slope, 10 km long from top to bottom, with a regular topo-
graphic gradient of about 8, lower than the structural dip,
which is about 12. It can thus be regarded as an attenuated
slope, cutting the Urgonian limestone strata, the outcrops of
which are increasingly older from the bottom to the summit.
Such an attenuated slope constricts mass movements and
explains the stopping of huge blockfields in situ, identifying
Mont Ventoux from the coast because of their white colour.
This back slope is gullied by consequent drainage made of
channels and vales which become deeper at the bottom and
are locally called combes.
Geomorphotypes and Minor Components
Each of the two major geomorphological components of
Mont Ventoux, escarpment (northern side) and back slope
(southern side), includes two sets of geomorphotypes ac-
cording to erosion features: more exactly, ablation slopes
and reliefs. The whole range thus determines four
geomorphotypes: Richter slopes and obsequent ravines to
the north, attenuated dip slopes and consequent drainage
relief to the south. Such balanced features are easily under-
standable by the public. To complement these, each of these
four geomorphotypes includes two or three minor compo-
nents of the same size or, in any case, at the same scale
level.

Fig. 4 Geomorphotype 1:
Richter slopes on the northern
escarpment
On the Northern Escarpment
Richter Slopes Are the First Set of Geomorphotypes (Fig. 4)
The northern slope seems to be abrupt when observed from
the north, especially from the floor of the Toulourenc Valley or
when revealed from the summit crest when coming from the
south. In fact, it is mainly a great Richter slope, including three
minor components: rocky Richter slope sections, residual free
faces and scree. All are classic landforms, which can be point-
ed out to visitors.
Rocky Richter slope sections are, of course, the largest
component. They are perfectly rectilinear and several
hundred metres high. They cut limestone strata and are
well preserved overall because they are in the opposite
direction of the dip. Nevertheless, they are transversely
discontinuous because of catchment basins of obsequent
Fig. 5 Geomorphotype 2:
Obsequent ravines on the
northern escarpment
Geoheritage
ravines. They are discontinuous lengthwise too because
of a local series of rocky residual free faces.
The free faces are still upright but transversely irregular.
They are very small everywhere: several metres to several
decametres high. They have not yet been completely
destroyed by a still active frost shattering.
Screeslopes lie below the free faces or Richter slope sec-
tions and are associated with them. They are still partly
active, particularly near the summit and just beneath the
highest free faces. They are openwork everywhere and
normally grain-sorted towards the top. Consolidation of
a part of them explains the local presence of breccia.
Obsequent Ravines Are the Second Set of Geomorphotypes
(Fig. 5) These gully the Richter slopes in wide divides.
They run out in the opposite direction to the dip, making up
Geoheritage
Fig. 6 Geomorphotype 3:
Attenuated dip slopes on the
southern back slope
another trilogy: catchment basins at the top, outflow channels
in the middle and wide alluvial cones reshaping scree at the
bottom.
Torrential catchment basins are branched and deeply
embanked in free faces and Richter slope sections.
They are filled in places by scree and avalanche
deposits.
Outflow channels are straight because of the topographic
gradient of the northern slope of Ventoux. They are
embanked by some decametres separating long, narrow
and wooded divides, locally called serres.
Alluvial cones are made of reshaped scree deposits
coming from the upper slope. They are found at the
confluence of obsequent ravines and the Toulourenc
Valley.
Fig. 7 Geomorphotype 4:
Consequent drainage reliefs on
the southern back slope
On the Southern Back Slope
Attenuated Dip Slopes Are the Third Set of Geomorphotypes
(Fig. 6) These are straight but their gradient slowly decreases
from the summit to their contact with the Carpentras Basin.
They consist of two minor components: limestone outcrops
and blockfields.
Outcrops are derived from limestone strata cut by erosion
and look like minor monoclinal reliefs, comprising slabs
several metres long tilted to the south and an edge several
decimetres high, facing north. These outcrops demon-
strate the effects of two conflicting erosion processes:
karst features and frost shattering features.
Blockfields are overlying outcrops on the main part of the
back slope. They are made of frost-shattered blocks of
 Geoheritage

various sizes (from 10 cm to more than 1 m), mostly

resulting from Pleistocene cold periods. However,
periglacial processes are still active inside these
blockfields, in particular above 1800 m. Urgonian lime-
stone is very frost susceptible and prone to frost
shattering. In addition, limestone dissolution produces
clay, which plunges into regoliths. There is thus a strong
contrast in frost susceptibility between the superficial part
and the deep part of regoliths (some decimetres to 1 m).
This contrast is favourable for sustainable basic
periglacial features during current climatic conditions.
Congeliturbation features consist of earth patches, like
mudboils, small stone circles and frost-heaved blocks.
Gelifluction features include small terraces, gelifluction
lobes and sorted stone stripes.
Fig. 9 Location of Mont Ventoux geomorphosites

Consequent Drainage Reliefs Are the Last Set of

Geomorphotypes (Fig. 7) These deeply furrow the back slope Deductive Selection of Geomorphosites:
all along its profile, in the direction of the dip (consequent from Geomorphotypes to Geomorphosites (Fig. 8)
drainage). They unite vales, combes and glacis, all highly
visible in the landscape. Geomorphosite Selection Criteria

Vales are situated in the upper part of the slope and start
near the summit as wide catchment basins surrounded by
back slope blockfield cover. They become closer and
deeper afterwards, showing straight outlines and some-
times asymmetrical profiles, which are distinctive of
periglacial origin. In fact, these vales are the result of
several alternating frost and gullying sequences during
Quaternary times.
Combes succeed these vales downstream. They form nar-
row meandering and ramified gorges, between slopes and
free faces more than 100 m high in places, within the
limestone back slope.
Glacis, derived from huge alluvial fans, are the result of
successive correlative deposits of gullying actions during
the Quaternary. They spread to the borders of the
Carpentras Basin.
An integrated analysis of landforms, which means relief anal-
ysis at complementary scale levels, leads to the identification
of four geomorphotypes on Mont Ventoux in terms of slope
types and drainage features.
Subsequently, two or three minor components can be dis-
tinguished within each geomorphotype. It is important that the
public is aware that this distinction is related to erosion pro-
cesses (mainly periglacial processes for geomorphotypes 1
and 3 and concentrated drainage processes for
geomorphotypes 2 and 4). Similarly, the public needs to know
that each of these minor components refers to one of the ero-
sion stages: denudation, transport or deposition, except in the
case of attenuated slopes, associated with the back slope,
where blockfields, made in situ and without substantial move-
ment, do not enable transport and deposition features. This
systematic approach can show the public the shifting

Fig. 8 Deductive selection of

geomorphosites of Mont Ventoux
Geoheritage
Fig. 10 Geomorphotype 1.1: Richter slope sections on the Col des
Temptes
properties of reliefs, beyond their morphological properties. It
also enables them to distinguish past and present reliefs, to
understand the succession of various climatic sequences, and
thus relationships between reliefs and time. The public can
finally appreciate process shifts from which every
geomorphotype results, for example, Richter slopes coming
from cold Quaternary periods, gullied by postglacial channels,
or associated scree, reshaped by torrential deposits.
The geomorphosite selection then proceeds from the previ-
ous geomorphotype selection. Nevertheless, several
geomorphosites generally have to be chosen with regard to
each geomorphotype. Such a choice requires the definition
and use of criteria by popularisers. Three categories of main
criteria can be proposed relating to Mont Ventoux, as for other
cases. Scientific criteria are the first. They refer to the standard
value of natural features of the sites concerned, as revealed by
the integrated analysis of landforms. Educational criteria are
the second. They refer to the demonstration value of selected
Fig. 11 Geomorphotype 1.2:
Residual free faces, Coste Vieille
sites, to their adaptability with regard to different publics and
to their valorisation conditions. The third criteria are practical
ones. They refer to observation conditions related to sites and
their surroundings, access and parking facilities, especially if
observation stations are to be included in a tour. Mont
Ventoux, for instance, presents exceptional conditions, con-
tributing to its tourism success. Three roads reach the summit
from the south, north and east. Two public hiking paths are
marked out all along its slopes (GR4 and GR9). Footpaths
cross the scree, blockfields and combes.
Choice and Location of Geomorphosites and Observation
Stations (Fig. 9)
On the Northern Slope (Escarpment)
Richter Slopes Geomorphosite 1.1. Richter slope sections sit-
uated just below the summit crest, near the Col des Temptes,
at about 1840 m, are distinctive because of their straight out-
line and lateral continuation (44 10 24.6 N5 17 11 E).
They cut limestone layers making minor free faces some
decimetres high. They become overlain in places by thin and
discontinuous scree (Fig. 10).
Geomorphosite 1.2. Residual free faces are usually
scattered but become more numerous, more unbroken and a
little higher (5 to 15 m) just below the summit between Coste
Vieille and Les Serres Gros, on both sides of the GR9 path, at
the place rightly named the Ventoux balconies (44 10 28.5
N5 17 13.2 E). Their conservation is proof of limestone
toughness and perhaps of less frost susceptibility locally.
Nevertheless, cracks obviously opened by frost shattering on
outcrops and recent frost-shattered blocks at the foot of these
free faces are evidence of current frost shattering activity
(Fig. 11).

Fig. 12 Geomorphotype 1.3:
Scree slopes near the Combe de
Fonfiole
Geomorphosite 1.3. Scree slopes, well specified, can be seen
below the main limestone free faces (Fig. 12). These are talus
slopes (below rectilinear free faces) or scree cones (below in-
dented free faces and corridors). The site called the Grave
Faouletire, below the summit of Ventoux near the Combe de
Fonfiole and the GR9 path, is one of the best examples of active
scree slopes because of its openwork texture and its grain
sorting towards the top (44 10 44.4 N5 17 15 E). from the Tte de la Grave sited at 1645 m on the GR4 footpath,
Obsequent Ravines Geomorphosite 2.1. Torrential catchment
basins show the origin of ravines gullying the northern slope
of Ventoux. They scoop out its summit crest, making small
amphitheatres bordered with free faces or Richter slope sec-
tions (Fig. 13). The most outstanding ones are situated, once
again, near the top, between the Col des Temptes and Coste
Fig. 13 Geomorphotype 2.1:
Torrential catchment basins
between the Col des Temptes
and Coste Vieille
Geoheritage
Vieille, between the GR4 and GR9 footpaths (44 10 36.2
N5 17 7.2 E).
Geomorphosite 2.2. Outflow channels form deep, narrow
and sinuous vales furrowing the whole northern slope through
the beech forest (Fig. 14). These channels result from sporadic
but strong torrential erosion. Their thalwegs and sides are often
destroyed and filled with avalanche sediments, like those visible
north of Chalet Reynard (44 10 41.5 N5 18 18 E).
Geomorphosite 2.3. Alluvial cones have been built between
obsequent ravines and the Toulourenc Valley (Fig. 15). They
are all of small size and partly covered with vegetation. This
suggests the wide catchment basins situated upstream result
from Quaternary periods during which torrential processes
were especially powerful. The Mourets cone positioned
Geoheritage

Fig. 14 Geomorphotype 2.2:

Outflow channels, the Tte de la
Grave

downstream of the Combe de la Muretorrent, visible from Geomorphosite 3.2. Slope blockfields are among the most
Coste Vieille, is the best example of this alluvial feature (44 typical features of limestone mountain landscapes in
11 17.6 N5 19 21.9 E). Mediterranean countries. They are particularly widespread on
the back slope of Mont Ventoux. They constitute a sort of stone
On the Southern Slope (Back Slope) desert above 1700 m but are still widely preserved towards the
bottom, in the beech forest and then the truffle oak forest
Attenuated Dip Slopes Geomorphosite 3.1. Outcrops associ- (Fig. 17). They are made of white, angular stones, almost ev-
ated with rocky slabs are common beside the summit crest erywhere openwork. Some authors have mentioned active
down to 17001800 m, especially near a radar station built periglacial features (Dewolf and Joly 1978; Clauzon 1991).
west of the summit (44 10 27.3 N5 16 1.3 E). Minor Their survey recently revealed an active periglacial belt on the
karst features include diverse solution furrows and runnels top of Mont Ventoux (Sellier 2015). The range of periglacial
such as rinnenkarren and rillenkarren, deschenkarren and so- features within this belt was plotted along a transect south of the
lution basins obviously still active, in part. In situ frost Col des Temptes, between the tablet erected in memory of
shattering features comprise in situ split slabs, fissured edges Tom Simpson (1780 m) and the platform at 1820 m near this
and frost-shattered blocks wedged between the latter (Fig. 16). col (44 10 16.3 N5 17 9.4 E). This range is unvarying:

Fig. 15 Geomorphotype 2.3:

Alluvial cone of Mourets
downstream of the Combe de
Mure

Fig. 16 Geomorphotype 3.1:
Outcrops associated with the
rocky slabs and karst features,
west of Ventoux summit
rough earth patches and small flowing blocks at the bottom,
earth patches like mudboils, flowing blocks and congelifluction
terraces in the middle and interdependent earth patches, sorted
stripes and congelifluction at the top.
Consequent Drainage Reliefs Geomorphosite 4.1. Vales situ-
ated upstream are easily seen beside the D974 road that goes
to the summit of Ventoux, along the southern slope, particu-
larly around Les Herboux (44 9 25 N5 18 23.2 E). They combes enable walkers to go along the torrent beds and ob-
link the results of periglacial processes related to the
blockfields and those of concentrated drainage processes
working within the combes. Many of them give evidence of
at least three sequences between 1700 and 1500 m: (i) vale
cutting in the back slope by concentrated drainage and en-
largement of their slopes by periglacial processes during the
Fig. 17 Geomorphotype 3.2:
Slope backfield, east of Ventoux
summit
Geoheritage
Weichsel stage or before, (ii) partial warping of the vale beds
by congelifluction and run-off along adjacent slopes during
the Holocene and (iii) recent and current gullying of these
warping deposits along the thalwegs (Fig. 18).
Geomorphosite 4.2. Combes that furrow the back slope
downstream are among the main footpaths to reach the sum-
mit. Because of their embankment and narrowness and be-
cause of the lack of run-off except during heavy rain, the
serve every typical gullying feature in detail, such as rocky
beds, basins, grooves or notches. The Combe de Curnier is
one of the best examples for this purpose (Fig. 19, 44 8 22
N5 13 10.7 E).
Geomorphosite 4.3. Glacis are long and gentle slopes,
resulting from interdependent large alluvial fans, which
Geoheritage
Fig. 18 Geomorphotype 4.1:
Vale of Les Herboux, southern
slope
themselves come from the combes. They are extensively cov-
ered by vineyards (Fig. 20). Near Sainte-Colombe, longitudi-
nal sections beside the road to Mont Ventoux show that these
glacis are made of coarse and bulky deposits, lying in disarray
on Cretaceous marl (44 7 12.7 N5 13 36.7 E). station and disused military areas, which have affected its
Valorisation of Geomorphosites
Establishing a geoheritage requires its acquisition, conservation
and transmission (Sellier 2009, 2013a; Sellier and Portal 2013).
In the case of a geomorphosite, this, firstly, leads on from its
selection and its location, as applied above to Mont Ventoux
where 11 sites have been chosen. Their preservation and
valorisation for the public, which is a type of transmission, are
not within the scope of this paper but lead to some final remarks.
The preservation of geomorphosites is among their assess-
ment criteria for two reasons: Firstly, it concerns the present
Fig. 19 Geomorphotype 4.2 The
Combe de Curnier
condition of the site, which is often called its integrity.
Secondly, it concerns the measures adopted or to be adopted
in the future, to preserve its properties. At present, Mont
Ventoux is equipped with main roads, antennas, a civil radar
landscape for a long term. Several hundreds, or even thou-
sands, of tourists visit its summit every day in the summer
season. Extensive grazing of sheep still occurs above the for-
est limit, where alpine flora and active periglacial features are
found. Current measures are clearly insufficient to prevent an
excessive number of visitors and to protect the site.
The valorisation of Mont Ventoux needs first to emphasise
its outstanding general characteristics, before commenting on
any one site or panorama. Above all, Mont Ventoux is an
example of a Provenal fold because of its asymmetrical
profile and its thrust fault to the north. It is noteworthy for
its adret-ubac contrast, the transformation of its climate

Fig. 20 Geomorphotype 4.3
Glacis near Sainte Colombe,
between Mont Ventoux on the left
and the Carpentras Basin on the
right
according to altitude and its vegetation belts. It is related to
one ofthe Mediterranean mountain types because of its general
shape, limestone composition, karst features and both run-off
action on slopes and frost action uphill. It marks the limits of
the periglacial domain in the Alps and Mont Ventoux, partly
for this reason, is in direct contact with the Alps (ubac slope)
as well with Provence (adret slope). The panorama from its
summit alone makes it worth visiting, and although there are
other similarly outstanding panoramas in France, few are so
sunny, so clear and so easy to reach.
Subsequently, the choice of ways to transmit geomorpholog-
ical knowledge depends on the possibilities available to the
organisers of such materials and of the authors of the
popularisation. Clearly, the distribution of leaflets or guide-
books would be better than fixed panels, in order to prevent
more construction in the landscape. Because of the many and
varied hiking facilities on and around Ventoux, a better option
could be to plan circuits, using footpaths, with numbered ob-
servation stations and reference booklets. A first circuit could
follow the crestline, along the GR4 and GR9 footpaths, to dis-
cover geomorphosites 1.1 to 2.3, related to the summit and the
ubac slope. A second circuit could link geomorphosites 3.1 to
4.3, related to the adret slope. After that, educational material
has to be adapted to the reliefs, their distance, their origin, their
relationships in time and space and, of course, to the public.
Conclusion
The method presented here, based on an integrated analysis of
landforms of complementary scale levels and a deductive se-
lection of geomorphosites, is designed for geomorphologists to
select geomorphosites for a non-specialist public. As an exam-
ple, it is applied here to Mont Ventoux, but it has already been
Geoheritage
applied in other regions (Sellier 2010a, b, 2012, 2013a, b;
Sellier and Portal 2013).
It is basically a geomorphological method setting out land-
form analysis, taking into account scale levels and relation-
ships between reliefs. It is a systematic method, starting from
scientific knowledge and leading to geomorphosite and view-
point selection, with the objective of popularisation. It is in
accordance with the geomorphodiversity concept because of
the complementarity of selected geomorphosites within the
initial area concerned. It is a method for establishing
geoheritage as it enables the selection of sites not only to be
visited but also to be preserved. In practice, it can contribute to
preparing a way of presenting geomorphosites to the public.
This method must remain pragmatic. It enables the number
of taxonomic groups to be varied, in accordance with the
region concerned (large areas, geomorphotypes,
geomorphosites and components of geomorphosites). The
number of sites within each taxonomic group can also be
varied. Overall, it depends on the objectives and experience
of the populariser, on the visitors, on institutional authorities in
charge of the project and on the educational means available.
Acknowledgments Dr Riwan Kerguillec at the University of Nantes
prepared the Figs. 3 and 9 for publication. Comments by the two referees
and the editor-in-chief of the journal helped to improve the original
manuscript.
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