Dolomian

Dolomian is an adjective and, less commonly, a noun used to describe things associated with the Dolomites, a mountain range in northeastern Italy, or with the rocks and geology characteristic of that region. In geology, Dolomian can refer to dolostone rocks composed primarily of the mineral dolomite, and more broadly to carbonate rocks formed in the Dolomites during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras. The term also appears in discussions of regional culture, ecology, and tourism tied to the Dolomites.

The name derives from the Dolomite Mountains, which in turn lend their name to the mineral dolomite. The rock type dolostone is named after the mineral, which was named for the 18th-century French geologist Déodat Gratet de Dolomieu.

Geography and geology: The Dolomites span parts of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, Veneto, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, with notable peaks such as the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. The landscape is characterized by pale dolostone cliffs, spires, and high plateaus; the range is renowned for its dramatic rock formations and light-colored walls.

Conservation and culture: In 2009 the Dolomites were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their geological significance and landscape. The region supports diverse flora and fauna and hosts outdoor recreation, including hiking, via ferrata, climbing, and skiing. The local cultural landscape includes German, Italian, and Ladin-speaking communities.

See also: dolomite, dolostone, Dolomites.