Dolomites: The spectacular landscape of the "Pale Mountains"

The geomorphological features of the Italian Dolomites are shown, with special emphasis on the aspects that make this mountain region unique from both the scenic and scientific viewpoint. The Dolomites are characterised by outstanding light-coloured dolomite cliffs, shaped in the form of platforms, towers, peaks and pinnacles, which overlie gentle slopes made up of dark clayey and volcanoclastic rocks. The geological factors which have influenced the origin of a wide variety of landforms, in terms of rock and tectonic control, and the geomorphological processes which have acted during the Quaternary, are discussed. Furthermore, the most significant structural, glacial, periglacial, karst and gravity-induced landforms of the Dolomites are presented, making it clear that this region can be considered a geoheritage open-air laboratory.