Tag Archives: Italy

Together with Corsica and Sardinia, the Mediterranean island of Elba is a classical location for tafoni weathering. On a recent trip, I made some observations of tafoni forms and weathering activity, especially in the young Monte Capanne granite that makes up the western tip of the island. Large-scale tafoni, often forming small caves and shelters, prevail at higher altitudes as “relict” features with generally low current weathering activity. Some of the features are likely very old, perhaps initially developed in the Pleistocene. Simultaneously, tafoni weathering rates now appear very high just by the shoreline, presumably governed by sea salts. Understanding the development of tafoni is difficult, and we need to look at geological history, as well as long-term climate and landscape development to approach it. This article offers a glimpse of tafoni at three sites on Elba, humble attempts at interpretation – and many questions. Continue reading →