DoloDis, the geodiversity of the Dolomites up close
The Festival of Earth Sciences “DoloDis” provides a special occasion to find all the answers to the thousands of questions arising in the face of the awe-inspiring splendour of the Dolomites. The event programme features a series of daily appointments, dedicated to discovering the astounding geodiversity of the Dolomites, scattered throughout the valley and addressed to an audience of all ages. One big, unique opportunity to get all the answers to your questions - even those you can't possibly imagine, revolving around the heaven of the Pale Mountains.
DoloDis, a week dedicated to Alta Badia’s Dolomites
What is the Italian Geological Society?
The Italian Geological Society was founded in Bologna on September 29, 1881. It’s the oldest and most significant Italian scientific association in the field of Earth Sciences. The “SGI” strives for the enhancement, promotion and dissemination of geological knowledge in both its theoretical and applied dimensions.
What is the “Enrosadira”?
The Enrosadira is an optical phenomenon whereby the dolomite - the rock of which the Dolomites are composed and which consists of calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate - acquires a reddish colour that gradually changes to shades of purple, especially at dusk and dawn.
Who was Déodat Dolomieu?
Déodat Guy Silvain Tancrède Gratet de Dolomieu, born in Dolomieu on June 23, 1750 and deceased in Châteauneuf in Burgundy was a French geologist. It was he who bestowed the rock of which the Dolomites are composed its name, “dolomia”.
What's the difference between stalactites and stalagmites?
Drops of calcite-rich water (calcium carbonate) continually fall from the vault of karstic caves. As time passes, these drops of water form calcareous concretions called “stalactites”, which grow from the vault downwards to the floor of the cave. “Stalagmites”, on the other hand, emerge from the floor upwards to the vault of the cave.
Who lived in the Conturines cave?
The Ursus ladinicus, whose fossilized remains date back to a period of sixty to thirty thousand years ago. It’s remains were discovered by Willy Costamoling from Corvara while hiking in the Conturines mountains on September 23, 1987. Today, you can admire these fossil remains at the Museum Ladin Ursus ladinicus which will also give you an insight into the origins and evolution of the Dolomites.
Why is it important to have geological knowledge when exploring the Dolomites?
Even the most basic information concerning the development of such a vast and significant territory as the Dolomites is important. Not only to adopt a more conscious and less superficial approach to what you are admiring, but also because it is from knowledge that respect for what surrounds us arises.