The Dolomites and their geomorphodiversity

The Dolomites exhibit a unique and highly diverse geomorphology, setting them apart from other mountain ranges globally. This distinction is characterized by pronounced extrinsic geomorphodiversity, particularly in morphostructural landforms such as morphotectodynamics, morphotectostatics, and morpholithology. Additionally, they display significant intrinsic geomorphodiversity on a regional scale, encompassing polygenic landforms shaped by pre-or interglacial, glacial, periglacial, fluvial, relict, dormant, or active processes. Such diversity makes the Dolomites an invaluable geoheritage site and a high-altitude field laboratory for advancing geomorphological theories. Their inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List underscores their scientific significance, fostering further research and theoretical development in geomorphology.

Panizza, M. (2011). The Dolomites and their geomorphodiversity. Geographia Polonica, 84(Special Issue Part 2), 107–115. https://doi.org/10.7163/gpol.2011.s2.8