The Geoecological Evaluation of the Heritage Interest of Polygonal Soils Inherited in Alpine Mountains. The Example of the Col du Noyer (Massif du Dévoluy, Hautes Alpes, France)

At an altitude of 1664 m, the Col du Noyer in French Dévoluy Mountains, which is accessible summer by road, one most popular Alpine passes. It was located unglaciated area during last Quaternary ice age and suffered effects severe frost. Polygonal grounds formations have recently been discovered. Our study presents results identification characterisation these as well floristic assemblages that currently occupy them. The analyses, carried out a multidisciplinary team, consist photo-interpretation, geomorphological, sedimentological pedoanthracological studies. They confirm presence inherited polygonal grounds. Floristic surveys reveal periglacial constitute original habitats, favouring strong local heterogeneity. whole constitutes natural complex requiring protection. Enhancing heritage value this site would means protecting complex, rare geomorphological landscape Alps: educational both terms its understanding paleoenvironmental interpretation.