mogote

A mogote is a type of residual hill or island mountain that forms in karst landscapes. These features are typically isolated, steep-sided, and often dome-shaped or conical. They are created through the differential erosion of soluble bedrock, such as limestone or dolomite. Over geological time, rainwater, which is slightly acidic, dissolves the rock, creating underground drainage systems like caves and sinkholes.

The process that forms mogotes begins with the development of a cockpit karst or karst plain. As erosion progresses, areas of more resistant rock remain standing while the surrounding soluble rock is dissolved and removed. These resistant remnants, often capped by a less soluble layer, become the mogotes. They are characteristic of tropical and subtropical karst regions where high rainfall accelerates the dissolution process.

Mogotes can vary significantly in size, from a few meters to several hundred meters in height. Their steep, often sheer sides are a result of undercutting by groundwater and subsequent collapse of the dissolved rock. The tops of mogotes may be relatively flat or rounded, depending on the original rock structure and the extent of weathering. These distinctive landforms are prominent features in areas like the Guilin region of China, Puerto Rico, and parts of Southeast Asia, contributing to unique and visually striking landscapes.