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Recognition and assessment of sinkholes as geosites: lessons from the Island of Gozo (Malta) Cover

Recognition and assessment of sinkholes as geosites: lessons from the Island of Gozo (Malta)

Open Access
|Apr 2012

Abstract

There is a wide literature on sinkhole or doline classification, formation and evolution. However, despite the fact that they are often characterised by spectacular morphological features, sinkholes are not normally described as geological resources which might be valuable for the society and worth of being promoted for their geomorphological importance. A series of sinkholes have been investigated in the Island of Gozo (Malta), some of which of notable size and high aesthetic interest. These sinkholes have been assessed applying a methodology which has been specifically set up with the aim of verifying whether any of them could be considered as geosites according to their scientific, additional (ecological, aesthetic, cultural) and use values. The paper shows the geosite assessment procedure and discusses its outputs, according to which 6 out of the 17 investigated sinkholes can be considered as geosites of geomorphological interest (geomorphosites). Finally, issues related to their enhancement and fruition are taken into account in the frame of potential geotourism strategies.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/v10117-012-0006-8 | Journal eISSN: 2081-6383 | Journal ISSN: 2082-2103
Language: English
Page range: 25 - 35
Published on: Apr 3, 2012
Published by: Adam Mickiewicz University
In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services
Publication frequency: 4 issues per year
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© 2012 Paola Coratza, Jorge Galve, Mauro Soldati, Chiara Tonelli, published by Adam Mickiewicz University
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons License.

Volume 31 (2012): Issue 1 (March 2012)