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The earth pyramids in
The earth pyramids in South Tyrol
it, Provincia Autonoma di Bolzano – Alto Adige lld, Provinzia Autonoma de Balsan/Bulsan – Südtirol
, settlement_type = Autonomous province
, image_skyline =
, image_alt ...
are a special natural phenomenon that comes about in particular terrain, usually after a landslide or an unhinging of the earth.
The main cause of the formation of earth pyramids is the continuous alternation of periods of torrential rain and drought. These phenomena, in particularly friable terrain, over the years, increasingly erode the ground and form such earth pyramids. Usually the pyramids are formed in terrain very well sheltered from wind so that they cannot be damaged by it.
Moreover, the life of the earth pyramids is strongly dependent on the climate which reigns during the time in which it is shaped by the rock that covers it.
There are several earth pyramids that can be safely visited. Among the most famous and admired the following are the most outstanding:
* the earth pyramids of Ritten
The earth pyramids of Ritten (German: ''Erdpyramiden am Ritten''; it, Piramidi di terra del Renon ) are a natural monument that is located on the Ritten, a plateau not far from Bolzano in northern Italy. Earth pyramids are a fairly widespread p ...
, a plateau
In geology and physical geography, a plateau (; ; ), also called a high plain or a tableland, is an area of a highland consisting of flat terrain that is raised sharply above the surrounding area on at least one side. Often one or more sides ha ...
above Bolzano
Bolzano ( or ; german: Bozen, (formerly ); bar, Bozn; lld, Balsan or ) is the capital city of the province of South Tyrol in northern Italy. With a population of 108,245, Bolzano is also by far the largest city in South Tyrol and the third la ...
, which are divided into three distinct groups near the villages Klobenstein, Oberbozen, and Unterinn
* the earth pyramids of Platten near Percha
Percha (; it, Perca ) is a ''comune'' (municipality) in South Tyrol in northern Italy, located about northeast of Bolzano. This Percha is not to be confused with Percha of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Geography
As of 31 December 2015, it h ...
in the Puster Valley
The Puster Valley ( it, Val Pusteria ; german: Pustertal, ) is one of the largest longitudinal valleys in the Alps that runs in an east-west direction between Lienz in East Tyrol, Austria, and Mühlbach near Brixen in South Tyrol, Italy. The Sou ...
Other, less famous, earth pyramids are:
* in Terenten
Terenten (; it, Terento ) is a ''comune'' (municipality) in South Tyrol in northern Italy, located about northeast of Bolzano.
Geography
As of December 31, 2015, it had a population of 1,743 and an area of .All demographics and other statistics ...
, Puster Valley
The Puster Valley ( it, Val Pusteria ; german: Pustertal, ) is one of the largest longitudinal valleys in the Alps that runs in an east-west direction between Lienz in East Tyrol, Austria, and Mühlbach near Brixen in South Tyrol, Italy. The Sou ...
* in Mölten
Mölten (; it, Meltina ) is a ''comune'' (municipality) in South Tyrol in northern Italy, located about northwest of Bolzano.
Geography
As of 30 November 2010, it had a population of 1,622 and an area of .All demographics and other statistics: ...
* in Jenesien
Jenesien (; it, San Genesio Atesino ) is a ''comune'' (municipality) in the province of South Tyrol in northern Italy, located about northwest of the city of Bolzano.
Geography
As of 30 November 2010, it had a population of 2,952 and an area of ...
near Bolzano
* in the hinterland of Merano
Merano (, , ) or Meran () is a city and ''comune'' in South Tyrol, northern Italy. Generally best known for its spa resorts, it is located within a basin, surrounded by mountains standing up to above sea level, at the entrance to the Passeier V ...
, in Tirol, Kuens
Kuens (; it, Caines ) is a ''comune'' (municipality) in South Tyrol in northern Italy, located about northwest of the city of Bolzano in the Passeier Valley.
Geography
As of 30 November 2010, it had a population of 399 and an area of .All demog ...
, and Riffian
* in Karneid and Steinegg, one of its hamlets
* in Neustift in the Rigger valley
* in Segonzano
Segonzano (''Segonzàn'' in local dialect) is a ''comune'' (municipality) in Trentino in the northern Italian region Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, located about northeast of Trento
Trento ( or ; Ladin and lmo, Trent; german: Trient ; cim ...
in the Cembra valley in the adjoining province Trentino (not South Tyrol any more)
Further reading
* Gerhard Benl, ''Über Südtiroler Erdpyramiden und ihre Entstehung'' (''About the earth pyramides in South Tyrol and their formation''), in «Jahrbuch des Vereins zum Schutz der Alpenpflanzen und -tiere» (Yearbook of the Club for the protection of alpine plants and animals), Verein zum Schutz der Bergwelt (Club for the protection of the mountains), 31, Munich, 1966.References
External links
{{Commons category Geography of South Tyrol Erosion landforms