Natural
Evaporitic Karst and Caves of Northern Apennines
Inscribed 2023
Photo : Basile Morin (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Located in the Northern Apennines of Italy, this natural site comprises a unique system of karst landscapes and cave networks formed in evaporitic rocks, primarily gypsum and salt deposits. The site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023 in recognition of its exceptional geological significance and the distinctive processes that have shaped its formation. The evaporitic karst represents a rare type of karst development compared to the more common limestone-based systems, offering important scientific value for understanding soluble rock dissolution and cave formation. The caves and surface features within the site display characteristic morphologies shaped by the dissolution of evaporitic minerals over geological time, creating an intricate network of underground passages and distinctive topography. This geological ensemble provides valuable insights into hydrogeological processes and paleoenvironmental conditions, while also serving as an important site for scientific research and education in karst geomorphology.
Inscription
2023
