Publications
Cultural diplomacy as an emergent and uneven process: The cultural olympiad in the veneto dolomites ahead of Milano cortina 2026
Cultural diplomacy in the context of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics emerges as an uneven and emergent process, shaped by local governance, grassroots capacity, and the ability to engage external audiences. While over half of initiatives are led by community-based organizations, only 35% of stakeholders plan new Olympiad-related activities due to fragmented coordination and limited funding. The study, conducted through territorial mapping, policy analysis, and stakeholder surveys in Belluno—a peripheral Alpine province and UNESCO World Heritage site—reveals that diplomatic functions remain indirect and weakly institutionalized, largely embedded in territorial promotion. This research contributes to debates on subnational cultural diplomacy by highlighting the conditions and limits of such efforts.
Essere “World Heritage Site”. Rischi e opportunità del marchio UNESCO per le destinazioni alpine
The UNESCO World Heritage designation of the Dolomites, while highlighting its exceptional characteristics, has also triggered complex dynamics between conservation needs and increasing human activities. This study reveals that overtourism in natural sites can reduce landscapes to consumable and exhaustible global products, raising critical questions about the sustainability of such designations. It suggests that a radical rethinking is necessary to prevent these sites from becoming purely extractive locations. Conversely, it also explores opportunities presented by World Heritage status, including innovative governance models and integrated territorial management policies. The research adopts an interdisciplinary approach, integrating spatial practice, landscape ecology, and tourism studies, to critically interrogate the role of natural heritage in the 21st century amidst climate change and unsustainable tourism models.
The regional effects of UNESCO heritage on property values: a synthetic control approach
UNESCO World Heritage Site designation significantly boosts residential property values, with the Dolomites seeing a 17.4% increase for ordinary dwellings and 13.4% for luxury properties after inscription in 2009—a persistent effect lasting over a decade. No such impact was observed for commercial properties. The study used a synthetic control approach on municipality–semester panel data from 2005 to 2022, comparing actual trends with counterfactual scenarios to isolate the heritage effect.
A Sentinel-1 Based Hybrid Interferometric Approach to Complement EGMS for Landslides Identification
A novel Hybrid Interferometric Approach (HIA) using Sentinel-1 satellite data significantly enhances the detection of landslides, particularly those moving faster than current thresholds. This method outperforms the European Ground Motion Service (EGMS), providing a more comprehensive mapping of slope instabilities in the Dolomites. The HIA integrates multi-baseline interferometric analysis with radar signals from both point-like and distributed targets, reducing temporal decorrelation effects by limiting observation windows to six months. By analyzing ten datasets spanning 2017–2021, the study demonstrates that this approach broadens detectable landslide ranges, offering critical advancements for hazard assessment and risk reduction efforts.
Assessing the Conservation Priority of Alpine Carabid Beetle Communities by Mapping the Index of Natural Value (INV) in Natura 2000 Habitats in the Brenta Dolomites (Italian Alps)
Alpine carabid beetle communities in the Brenta Dolomites exhibit heightened vulnerability to extinction at higher altitudes, particularly in limestone cliffs, screes, and alpine grasslands. This finding emerges from a study that mapped the Index of Natural Value (INV) across Natura 2000 habitats, revealing a positive correlation between vulnerability and altitude. The research used INV—a metric based on specialized species' frequencies—as a proxy for disturbance sensitivity. While alkaline fens hosted the least vulnerable communities, intermediate levels were observed in bush and forest habitats. This study underscores the critical conservation priority of high-altitude carabid beetle assemblages within UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Dolichens: An Information System on the Lichens of the Dolomites
A comprehensive digital platform, Dolichens, has been developed to aggregate and centralize lichen diversity data from the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Dolomites. This innovative system addresses longstanding gaps in data accessibility by consolidating fragmented historical records into an interoperable format compatible with global repositories. By leveraging decades of lichenological research since the 19th century, Dolichens provides researchers, conservationists, and policymakers with a robust tool for monitoring and preserving lichen biodiversity. The platform's design prioritizes usability while ensuring seamless integration with international databases, marking a significant advancement in environmental data management.
L'arte o la morte
Dolomiti Contemporanee (DC) revitalizes abandoned or underused sites within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Dolomites, transforming them into dynamic hubs for art, culture, and environmental research. These forgotten spaces—such as ex-factories, villages, or hilltop hamlets—are repurposed to foster innovation, challenging conventional tourist exploitation by creating 'mountains that think.' The initiative hosts hundreds of anti-mimetic artists, architects, designers, ecologists, scientists, astrophysicists, and mountaineers annually, prioritizing artistic practice. By merging aesthetics with environmental inquiry, DC projects these sites into a meaningful future, emphasizing depth over superficial engagement. This approach opposes the reductionist view of landscapes as mere recreational spaces, instead championing their potential for intellectual and creative resonance.
Maintenance of flower color dimorphism in Ophiorrhiza japonica (Rubiaceae): responses to fluctuating temperatures in a dolomite Karst region
Fluctuating temperatures, not pollinators, are the primary driver of flower color dimorphism in Ophiorrhiza japonica within the UNESCO-listed dolomite karst region of Shibing. Research compared pink and white flower morphs, finding no significant difference in pollinator visitation but a marked shift in their ratio between spring and winter. Temperature experiments revealed that pink flowers maintained higher temperatures at moderate ranges (0–24°C), while white flowers dominated at extreme cold (-4°C). These findings challenge traditional hypotheses linking color polymorphism to pollinator selection, instead supporting the pleiotropic effect hypothesis—where temperature directly influences flower coloration. The study provides a model for understanding such traits in karst ecosystems.
Rethink education and skills in outdoor education: “on the door” approach emerging from Dolomiti-Unesco project
A novel 'on the door' approach to outdoor education emerges from the Dolomiti-UNESCO project, bridging indoor and outdoor learning methodologies to enhance educational outcomes. This innovative model fosters teacher expertise and student engagement in the natural environment of the Dolomites, demonstrating its potential to drive bottom-up systemic change and influence educational policies. The approach emphasizes sustainability, community involvement, and the development of personal and social agency, offering a workable framework for achieving ecological transition goals. By integrating explorative experiences with traditional classroom settings, the project redefines outdoor education's role in shaping responsible, future-oriented communities.
Rispetta la montagna – Risparmia l’acqua e riduci i rifiuti quando visiti le Dolomiti WHS
The Dolomites, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009 for their natural beauty and geological significance, face increasing environmental challenges due to rising tourism. A recent initiative, 'Respect the Mountain' (Rispetta la montagna), launched in 2021, addresses this by promoting sustainable behavior among visitors, locals, and tourism professionals. The project focuses on water conservation and waste reduction through awareness campaigns coordinated by the Autonomous Province of Bolzano-South Tyrol, IDM South Tyrol, and local tourism associations. This collaborative effort aims to mitigate environmental impacts while preserving the Dolomites' unique ecosystem for future generations.
Biodiversité végétale, valeurs naturelles et sauvegarde du paysage dans le domaine dolomitique
A significant increase in geobotanical knowledge of the Dolomites has been documented, particularly at the floristic level, with new taxa discovered since early studies in the 1970s. The research highlights the importance of biodiversity and landscape conservation in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized in 2009 for its geological and natural values. It emphasizes the need for a robust network of protected areas to safeguard these unique ecosystems from tourism-driven exploitation. The study underscores the central role of geobotanical knowledge in guiding conservation efforts amid evolving environmental dynamics.
Le tourisme œno-gastronomique dans la Piana Rotaliana Königsberg : des perspectives de développement
A strategic approach to developing oenogastronomic tourism in the UNESCO-listed Dolomites, specifically within the Piana Rotaliana Königsberg region, demonstrates significant potential for sustainable growth. This study highlights how collaborative initiatives, such as the 'Incontri Rotaliani' series and the creation of gastronomic and wine guides, can leverage local viticultural heritage to attract diverse audiences—from amateur enthusiasts to industry professionals. By integrating cultural exchanges with European wine regions (e.g., Burgundy) and promoting eco-friendly itineraries like cycling and hiking routes connecting local producers, the region has begun to position itself as a unique destination for both wine tourism and gastronomic exploration. These efforts underscore the importance of synergy between local stakeholders—producers, administrators, and cultural associations—to unlock the economic and cultural value of small, heritage-rich territories.
Moving Dolomites
A new perspective on heritage value emerges from the study of Vallesina, a village at the periphery of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Dolomites.' The research challenges traditional notions of landscape conservation by highlighting the significance of lived, ordinary landscapes shaped by mobilities—material, practical, and cultural. Through rediscovering past and present mobilities, the study reveals how these dynamics contribute to the heritage value of living alpine landscapes, positioning Vallesina as a case study for broader reflections on mobility's role in defining heritage.
Religious Tourist Attractions and Ecological Concerns in the Italian Dolomites: The Case of the Trekking of the Thinking Christ
A religious attraction, the Trekking of the Thinking Christ, has successfully integrated into the Dolomites' mountain tourism landscape while raising ecological concerns. This case study demonstrates how such attractions can redefine tourist spots near UNESCO World Heritage Sites, blending spiritual significance with environmental sensitivity. The research employs a mixed-methods approach to explore the social dynamics behind the creation and reinvention of religious places outside traditional liturgical contexts. It highlights the tension between the growing demand for non-liturgical religious experiences and the preservation needs of fragile ecosystems, offering insights into sustainable tourism practices in protected areas.
The “obsolete structures” in the outstanding landscape of the UNESCO Dolomites World Heritage Site
Research challenges the assumption that 'obsolete structures' must be removed to preserve the landscape integrity of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, using the Dolomites as a case study. The study identifies preconceived narratives—such as renaturalization, restitution, and restoration—that often justify removal without considering alternative values these structures may hold. By analyzing ethical compensation, eco-aesthetics, and other perspectives, it argues that obsolete structures can serve as opportunities for innovative landscape management rather than solely as indicators of degradation.
Topographic Memory and Victorian Travellers in the Dolomite Mountains: Peaks of Venice
Victorian travelers' perceptions of the Dolomite Mountains played a pivotal role in shaping its later recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study reveals how 19th-century exploration and aesthetic appreciation of these peaks, particularly their dramatic landscapes, contributed to their cultural significance. Ferrario's research analyzes the 'topographic memory' embedded in Victorian travel accounts, highlighting how early descriptions emphasized the Dolomites' unique geological features and scenic beauty—qualities that aligned with UNESCO’s criteria for natural heritage (VII: exceptional natural beauty; VIII: outstanding contributions to human knowledge). The approach combines historical analysis of travelogues with a critical examination of how these narratives influenced later conservation efforts. This work underscores the enduring impact of early scientific and aesthetic discourse on global heritage recognition.
Harnessing artificial intelligence technology and social media data to support Cultural Ecosystem Service assessments
A user-friendly AI-based approach, combining computer vision and text mining, successfully links photographers' preferences from 640,000 Flickr images to four key Cultural Ecosystem Services (CES) categories—aesthetic value, outdoor recreation, cultural heritage, and symbolic species—with over 90% accuracy. The study demonstrates that these preferences can be spatially predicted using environmental and infrastructural variables, revealing CES hotspots in high-tourism and residential areas of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site. This method offers a rapid, flexible, and transferable alternative to traditional resource-intensive assessments, providing valuable insights for sustainable environmental management.
Hydrochemical Characteristics and Controlling Factors of Typical Dolomite Karst Basin in Humid Subtropical Zone
A unique hydrochemical profile distinguishes dolomite karst basins in humid subtropical zones, marked by HCO3-Ca·Mg type water, unlike the HCO3-Ca type found in limestone or shale areas. A study of 215 water samples from the Shanmuhe and Huangzhouhe Basins within China's Shibing Dolomite Karst World Natural Heritage Site revealed that ion concentrations like EC, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, HCO3⁻, and their ratios increase as water transitions from allogenic upstream regions to dolomite karst areas downstream. Seasonal variations show minimal fluctuation in ion concentration, with slight dilution during rainy seasons, while rainfall import remains low, indicating limited human impact on hydrochemistry. The research highlights that geological factors, particularly lithology, primarily control water chemistry through rock weathering and water-rock interactions.
In-Situ and Proximal Sensing Techniques for Monitoring Naturals Hazards to Mitigate Risk in Tourism Activities: A Case Study in the Geoparc Bletterbach, Italy
A novel approach using wearable long-range transceivers and ground sensors, combined with proximal sensing techniques, effectively monitors natural hazards such as floods, rockfalls, and tree falls in the Geoparc Bletterbach, a UNESCO World Heritage Site within the Dolomites. This study demonstrates that real-time tracking of tourism activities can significantly mitigate risks for visitors, who are increasingly drawn to the region's spectacular landscapes and geological formations. By integrating these technologies, researchers achieved proactive hazard detection, reducing the likelihood of dangerous incidents in this high-traffic area with 60,000 annual visits.
Tourism Peaks on the Three Peaks. Using big data to monitor where, when and how many visitors impact the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site
A groundbreaking study leverages big data analytics to quantify and analyze tourist behavior at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Dolomites, Italy. By utilizing telco data, researchers successfully monitored daily visitor numbers and their impact on this natural site, offering unprecedented insights into tourism flows. The research introduces a heritage usage rate and new indicators for measuring overtourism, which can aid in controlling tourism growth and mitigating negative externalities. This approach bridges the gap between theoretical understanding and practical solutions to overtourism challenges, providing a data-driven framework for sustainable tourism management.
Visitor management in world heritage sites: Does overtourism-driven traffic management affect tourist targets, behaviour and satisfaction?
Traffic management measures aimed at mitigating overtourism can significantly alter tourists' targets, behaviors, and satisfaction levels. A study focusing on the Passo Sella, a scenic mountain pass near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Dolomites, found that two policy mixes introduced in 2017 and 2018 led to notable changes in visitor segmentation, behavior, and satisfaction. The research revealed that the organization and communication of these initiatives were more influential on tourist satisfaction than their restrictiveness. This suggests that effective overtourism management requires not only regulatory frameworks but also innovative destination visioning, product development, and marketing strategies.
Assessing the tourism-traffic paradox in mountain destinations. A stated preference survey on the Dolomites’ passes (Italy)
A balanced mix of incentives and restrictions on private mobility can effectively address the tourism-traffic paradox in ecologically sensitive yet tourism-intensive areas, such as the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site. This study quantifies the impact of traffic management measures on tourist demand through a stated preference survey, revealing that alternative transportation must be highly performing—cheap, frequent, integrated, and with extended daily schedules—to mitigate negative side effects. Clear and unavoidable restrictions on private mobility are also crucial. The findings suggest a re-design of tourism and transportation systems as integrated domains to minimize environmental impact while sustaining economic benefits.
Manicured landscapes: a video exploration of the Dolomite mountains as memoryscapes
The Dolomites, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009, are celebrated for their intrinsic beauty and global appeal. However, a new study challenges the notion that their aesthetic value is purely inherent to nature, arguing instead that it arises from complex human entanglements with the landscape over time. By redefining 'manicured landscapes' through the lens of memoryscape theory and non-representational ideas, researchers reveal how inhabitants—through both harmonious and discordant interactions—shape these iconic mountain parks. This relational perspective shifts the focus from natural beauty alone to the dynamic interplay between people and place, offering a nuanced understanding of heritage landscapes.
Provincia di Belluno. Tracce di contemporaneità / Province of Belluno. Traces of contemporaneity
Despite efforts to promote contemporary architecture, the Dolomites region, particularly Belluno Province, grapples with widespread 'false alpine models'—repetitive, historically disconnected designs that dominate its architectural landscape. These structures, often favored by institutions due to regulatory constraints and limited innovation, overshadow genuine contemporary achievements. However, scattered examples of high-quality architecture demonstrate that when research, enlightened patronage, and modern design converge, they can elevate Belluno's standing in national and international architectural discourse. This study highlights the tension between traditional resistance and regulatory hurdles, contrasting them with pockets of successful innovation.
Feasibility and preliminary design of a new railway line in the Dolomites area of Veneto Region
A new railway line, spanning 45 km and designed to connect Calalzo to Cortina d’Ampezzo via Auronzo, could significantly enhance mobility and economic development in the Dolomites region of Veneto, Italy. This proposed single-track infrastructure, capable of supporting two passenger trains per hour at speeds up to 80 km/h, aims to integrate rail and road transportation more effectively while reducing noise pollution by at least half compared to road alternatives—eliminating level crossings and offering environmental benefits. However, further detailed environmental impact assessments are required due to the region's UNESCO World Heritage status, which encompasses complex geological and scenic features. The estimated cost of approximately 500 million euros underscores its potential as a strategic investment for sustainable tourism and regional connectivity.
The Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage: visitors’ mobility behaviour and acceptance of regulatory measures
Tourists visiting the UNESCO-listed Dolomites exhibit mixed willingness to adopt sustainable mobility practices, with significant variation in acceptance of regulatory measures depending on travel patterns and motivations. The study reveals that while many visitors are open to adjustments like reduced car use or timed access, others prioritize convenience over conservation, particularly during peak seasons. Researchers analyzed modal choice motivations—such as preference for private versus public transport—and assessed tourists' willingness to comply with regulations aimed at mitigating environmental pressure. Conducted by EURAC Research in response to IUCN recommendations, the findings underscore the need for targeted strategies that balance visitor experience with ecological preservation, highlighting both opportunities and challenges in sustainable tourism management.
The effects of local context on World Heritage Site management: the Dolomites Natural World Heritage Site, Italy
UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS) designation in the Dolomites, Italy, appears to exacerbate socio-economic divides between areas inside and outside the site, driven by tourism development disparities. While stakeholders within the WHS—where tourism-driven prosperity is already high—show increased indirect participation in decision-making and higher expectations for further development, those outside the WHS or in marginal destinations experience no significant benefits in terms of governance, economic growth, or tourism as a development tool. Despite strong belief in the value of WHS status and minimal opposition to regulations, there is a call for reduced reliance on financial incentives and improved business culture. The study used mixed methods at Italy's lowest administrative level to analyze stakeholder engagement and governance, offering preliminary recommendations for more effective stakeholder involvement.
Transport Infrastructure and Systems
A proposed 45 km single-track railway line from Calalzo to Cortina d’Ampezzo, designed to serve the Dolomites region, could significantly enhance mobility and economic development while reducing environmental impact. This new infrastructure aims to connect key areas, including historical, natural, and tourist sites, by integrating rail with road transport systems. Preliminary designs suggest noise levels could be halved compared to road alternatives, eliminating level crossings and offering a sustainable solution for this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The proposed line would accommodate two passenger trains per hour at speeds of up to 80 km/h, with a total estimated cost of 500 million euros. However, further environmental impact assessments are necessary due to the region's complex morphology and geology.
A Monitoring Network to Map and Assess Landslide Activity in a Highly Anthropized Area
A comprehensive hazard map of the Mortisa landslide, located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Dolomites, was successfully created using integrated monitoring techniques. This approach combined multitemporal aerial photo interpretation, A-DInSAR analysis, GNSS surveys, and inclinometric measurements to precisely measure displacement rates in a highly anthropized area. The study highlights the critical importance of such mapping for informing urban development plans, particularly in regions facing significant landslide risks that threaten infrastructure and future events like the 2021 Alpine Skiing World Championship. The research demonstrates the effectiveness of multi-technique integration in assessing landslide activity and supporting evidence-based decision-making for local authorities.
Debatable Peaks and Contested Valleys: Englishness and the Dolomite Landscape Scenery
The Dolomites were shaped by 19th-century English travelers who elevated their unique mountain forms into aesthetic symbols while overshadowing the region's contested cultural narratives. This study reveals how the 'bizarre' peaks were appropriated through an English gaze, transforming them into sublime abstractions of landscape space, while valleys were reduced to picturesque cultural places. The research employs historical analysis and critical discourse to examine how this foreign perspective contributed to obscuring the Dolomites' complex borderland identity, despite their globalized heritage status.
Important geosites and parks in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Dolomites
The Dolomites, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009, stand out for their exceptional beauty and unique geological significance. A key discovery highlighted in this study is the identification of critical stratotypes that mark the Permian/Triassic boundary, a fundamental period in Earth's history. The research focuses on three notable geosites: the Bula Geotrail, which showcases one of the best-preserved sedimentary series and an important stratotype; the Siusi-Alpe di Siusi Geological Trail, known for its unique basaltic columnar formations and significant outcrops from the Lower to Middle Triassic periods; and the Bletterbach Geopark, which contains a 5 cm thick layer of dark organic matter representing the boundary stratotype, along with unique paleobotanical evidence. These sites not only contribute to scientific understanding but also promote geotourism by offering guided trails that educate tourists about the region's geological heritage, fostering a deeper appreciation and discovery of nature.
Visitor preferences toward scheduled bus use in natural and protected areas
A combination of incentives for alternative transportation systems (ATS) and disincentives against car use effectively promotes sustainable mobility in natural areas, according to a study conducted in the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site. The research found that integrating 'carrot and stick' approaches—rewarding ATS while penalizing automobile access—significantly influences visitor behavior, leading to more balanced visitation patterns. Using a stated preference survey, the study analyzed how visitors responded to various management strategies, providing actionable insights for administrators aiming to reduce car dependency in protected landscapes.
From tourism to multilocal residence?
A shift from tourism to multilocal residence is underway in the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites, driven by selective population growth in urban and periurban areas. This transformation reflects broader trends in the Alpine arc, where agglomeration advantages and institutional settings play a pivotal role. While permanent residents are increasing in economically stable regions, declining areas attract mainly multilocal residents. The study highlights that second homes are not uniformly complementary to tourism, signaling a transition toward a residential economy. Despite the Dolomites' joint UNESCO application, demographic and economic disparities persist across provincial borders, underscoring the path-dependent nature of development. Institutional differences and agglomeration advantages are more influential than local tourism strategies in shaping the region's future.
Dolomite formation in the shallow seas of the Alpine Triassic
Recent research on the Dolomites reveals that some dolomite formations, previously thought to be late diagenetic or hydrothermal, actually formed during or shortly after sedimentation under specific ancient depositional environments. Three distinct Triassic systems—Latemar Platform in Northern Italy, San Giorgio Basin in Southern Switzerland, and the Dolomia Principale Formation—demonstrate contrasting palaeoenvironmental conditions for dolomite formation, including shallowing-upward lagoonal cycles, anoxic deeper water settings, and hypersaline sabkha-like environments. These findings challenge modern dolomitization models, suggesting that Triassic processes differed significantly in distribution and scale from contemporary ones. Advanced stable-isotope geochemistry and high-resolution geochemical probing provide new insights into Triassic palaeoceanographic conditions, advocating for a non-actualistic approach to better understand these ancient formations.
Le Dolomiti del futuro nello sguardo dei ragazzi
A unique perspective on the future of the Dolomites emerges from the reflections of Italian children aged 5 to 18, who participated in a competition to envision the sustainable management and values of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study reveals that young participants, through their personal experiences, engaged deeply with issues such as resource management, economic interests, and cultural significance, offering fresh insights into how future generations perceive and interact with protected landscapes. This research highlights the potential for youth involvement in shaping conservation strategies and underscores the importance of integrating generational perspectives into scientific discussions on heritage management.
The pale mountain – a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Dolomites, known as the Pale Mountains, achieved UNESCO World Heritage status in 2009, marking a significant milestone for their recognition as a natural treasure. This distinction highlights the region's unique geological and cultural significance, home to iconic landmarks such as Dòna Dindia, Ey de Net, Dolasilla, and King Laurin. The journey toward this status underscores the importance of preserving such diverse and culturally rich landscapes. The study reflects on the historical process and implications of this recognition, emphasizing the Dolomites' global importance in conservation efforts.
Formation of dolomite at 40–80 °C in the Latemar carbonate buildup, Dolomites, Italy, from clumped isotope thermometry
Replacement dolomite in the Latemar carbonate buildup of the Dolomites formed at temperatures between 42–72 °C, with a fluid δ^(18)O(H_(2)O) averaging –0.3‰, mirroring conditions of modern mid-ocean ridge fluids. This finding aligns with prior hypotheses about dolomitizing fluid origins but introduces clumped isotope thermometry as a precise method to independently estimate temperature and fluid composition. The study reveals that while calcite preserves original δ^(18)O, its clumped isotope temperatures suggest a reset during dolomitization, highlighting the method's potential for unraveling burial and diagenetic processes with uncertainties as low as ±5 °C and ±0.75‰.
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.
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