Trompole

A trompole is a type of short, temporary landform, often found in intertidal zones or recently flooded areas. Trompoles are typically composed of fine-grained sediments like silt and clay, and are characterized by their small size and ephemeral nature. They are formed by the deposition of sediment carried by water currents, such as tides or river overflows.

The size of a trompole can vary, but they are generally only a few centimeters to a few decimeters in height and diameter. Their shape is often irregular and dependent on the flow patterns of the water that deposited the sediment. Trompoles are inherently unstable due to their loose composition and vulnerability to erosion from subsequent water flows or wind action. As such, they are short-lived features, typically disappearing within a few days or weeks of their formation.

Trompoles are of interest to sedimentologists and geomorphologists as indicators of recent sedimentary processes and local flow dynamics. They can also provide habitat for small invertebrates and microorganisms, contributing to the biodiversity of intertidal and riparian environments. The term "trompole" is not widely recognized in all scientific literature and may be considered a regional or informal term in some contexts.