In June 2004, one of the famous Five Towers in Italy’s Dolomites—the Trephor Tower—came crashing down quietly during the night. This stunning collapse, which involved over 10,000 cubic meters of rock, left both locals and visitors in disbelief. However, scientists have since discovered that this kind of event isn’t a one-off. Across the Dolomites, more peaks are beginning to crack and crumble.
The Mountains are moving
Geologists like Antonio Galgaro and Giovanni Crosta explain that the Dolomites sit on a soft clay base, causing the stone towers to tilt and rotate over time, much like slices of a panettone cake. As cracks develop, they eventually lead to collapse. Since 2015, there have been several significant rockfalls, and the trend seems to be picking up speed.
Climate and erosion
While erosion is a natural occurrence, experts are growing increasingly worried about climate-related triggers. Short, intense rainstorms and more frequent freeze-thaw cycles are speeding up the rock fracturing process. Water seeps into the cracks, freezes, expands, and pushes the rock apart. Galgaro compares the cracked rock to a radiator—heating and cooling more rapidly, which further weakens the structure.
Monitoring and adapting
Instead of trying to halt nature, scientists are now concentrating on monitoring it. Galgaro’s team even transforms seismic vibrations into sound for early warnings. Decision-makers are faced with tough choices: should paths and infrastructure be relocated? How can people safely live in and explore these beautiful landscapes?
Accepting change
As a UNESCO natural site, the Dolomites are meant to change over time. While this evolution can be emotional for those who cherish these mountains, geologists remind us that nature can’t be frozen in time. Embracing risk and adapting to nature’s rhythm might be the only sustainable way forward.
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