Pulo di Molfetta
Pulo di Molfetta is a significant doline situated on the Murge plateau in southern Italy. Its formation is attributed to the collapse of subterranean caves, a process common to other large dolines in the Apulia region, which share the local toponym 'pulo'.
Key Facts
- ›Located on the Murge plateau in Apulia, southern Italy.
- ›Situated approximately 1.5 kilometers southwest of Molfetta.
- ›Formed by the collapse of one or more cave ceilings.
- ›Shares the local term 'pulo' with other large dolines in the region.
- ›Its geological classification is a doline.
- Its Formation By Cave Ceiling Collapse
- Its Toponym 'Pulo' Shared With Other Regional Dolines
About Pulo di Molfetta
What is Pulo di Molfetta?
Pulo di Molfetta is a geological formation known as a doline, situated on the Murge plateau in Apulia, southern Italy. This significant sinkhole lies approximately 1.5 kilometers southwest of the city of Molfetta. Its existence is a direct result of geological processes involving subterranean caves.
Geological Formation and Significance
The formation of Pulo di Molfetta is attributed to the collapse of the roof of one or more underground caves. This type of sinkhole is characteristic of karst landscapes, where the dissolution of soluble rocks by water leads to the formation of underground voids that can eventually lead to surface collapse. The doline shares its local name, 'pulo', with other substantial dolines found in the Apulia region, such as Pulicchio di Gravina and Pulicchio di Toritto, highlighting a common geological phenomenon and naming convention in the area.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pulo di Molfetta?
Pulo di Molfetta is a doline, which is a type of sinkhole, located on the Murge plateau in Apulia, southern Italy. It is a significant geological feature of the region.
How was Pulo di Molfetta formed?
The doline was formed due to the collapse of the ceiling of one or more underground caves. This process is characteristic of karst topography where soluble rocks are present.
Where is Pulo di Molfetta located?
It is located in southern Italy, on the Murge plateau, approximately 1.5 kilometers southwest of the city of Molfetta.
Are there other similar geological features in the region?
Yes, Pulo di Molfetta shares the local toponym 'pulo' with other large dolines in the region, such as Pulicchio di Gravina and Pulicchio di Toritto. These features are indicative of the karst landscape of Apulia.
Related Sinkholes

Gurio Lamanna
Gurio Lamanna is a large doline, often referred to as a "karst basin," located in the Murge plateau of southern Italy, near Gravina in Puglia and Altamura. Its significant size, shallow depth, and flat, fertile bottom distinguish it from typical dolines, making it a notable example of karst landforms in the region. Despite its size, it was largely unknown to scientists until the early 20th century.

Pulicchio di Gravina
Pulicchio di Gravina is the second-largest doline on the Murge plateau in Apulia, southern Italy, distinguished by its regular, egg-like shape and significant depth. Its formation is primarily attributed to karst processes, specifically the erosive and chemical actions of rainwater on the region's fractured limestone, though debate exists regarding the exact balance between superficial erosion and potential subsurface collapse.
Pulo di Altamura
Pulo di Altamura is a significant doline, or sinkhole, located on the Murge plateau in Apulia, Italy. As the largest doline in the region, it plays a crucial role in the karst landscape, formed by the erosive action of rainwater on the fractured limestone. Its immense size and the unique microclimate within its walls support diverse flora and fauna, making it a site of scientific and ecological interest.