Dolino

Dolino, also referred to as dolina, is a geological term describing a closed depression in karst terrain. These depressions are typically funnel-shaped or bowl-shaped and vary in size from a few meters to hundreds of meters in diameter and depth. Dolinas are formed by the dissolution of soluble rocks, such as limestone, dolomite, and gypsum, by groundwater.

There are two primary mechanisms contributing to dolina formation: solution dolines and collapse dolines. Solution dolines form through the gradual dissolving of the surface rock by rainwater or slightly acidic groundwater. The water infiltrates cracks and joints in the rock, widening them over time and leading to a gradual subsidence of the surface.

Collapse dolines, on the other hand, form more abruptly. They occur when the roof of an underground cave or cavern collapses, creating a sinkhole. This can be triggered by natural processes like erosion or by human activities such as excessive groundwater extraction or construction.

The presence of dolinas is a key characteristic of karst landscapes, which are characterized by distinctive landforms such as caves, sinkholes, and underground drainage systems. Dolinas can significantly impact land use and infrastructure development due to the potential for subsidence and instability. They also serve as important conduits for groundwater recharge and can influence the distribution of water resources in karst regions.