The Puli Pugliesi, or the karst sinkholes of the Murgia plateau

The term “pulo” is specific to the Murge region to designate sinkholes, while in other areas of Puglia, such as Gargano, the term “dolina” is used. The etymology of the toponym “pulo” remains uncertain, but is attested from the seventeenth century. Some scholars have noted a possible assonance with the Slavic term “polje”, which indicates large flat areas in the context of karst formations, suggesting a linguistic connection or a common origin, although the two words may have different meanings. The geological formation is dated between 250 and 60 million years ago, with walls that clearly show sedimentary stratifications.

Il Pulo di Altamura è la più grande dolina carsica dell’Alta Murgia, situata a circa 477 metri sul livello del mare e a 6 chilometri a nord della città di Altamura, in Puglia. Questa formazione geologica è caratterizzata da un perimetro di circa 1800 metri e un diametro massimo di poco superiore ai 500 metri, con un dislivello che varia tra i 70 e i 75 metri. Il Pulo di Altamura, oltre alla sua rilevanza geologica, rappresenta anche un importante ecosistema e un’area di interesse naturalistico, contribuendo alla biodiversità della Murgia e attirando l’attenzione di geologi e appassionati di natura.

Pulo di Molfetta is a karst sinkhole of considerable geological and historical importance, located about 1.5 km from the center of Molfetta. This sinkhole was formed due to the collapse of the vault of one or more caves and tunnels, generating a unique environment that is part of a complex karst system. Its maximum depth is about 30 meters, with a diameter that varies from 140 to 180 meters.

Il Pulicchio di Gravina It is a significant karst sinkhole located near Gravina in Puglia, about 10 km north of the town, at an altitude of 535 meters above sea level. With a depth of 87 meters, it is one of the largest karst cavities in the region, distinguished by its ovoid-shaped profile and the presence of steep walls, although less accentuated than other sinkholes in Puglia.

The sinkhole has a maximum diameter of 530 meters and a surface area of ​​approximately 175,000 square meters. Its formation is attributable to karst processes that led to the erosion and dissolution of the Murge limestones over the millennia. The most accredited explanation for the origin of Pulicchio is that it is a collapse sinkhole, generated by the collapse of the vault of an underground cavity.

Pulicchio di Toritto is an interesting collapse sinkhole located in the municipality of Toritto, in the province of Bari, Puglia. This particular geological formation has a depth of about 10 meters and an ovoid shape. Its central part is characterized by a circular basin of 50 meters in diameter, described as “bowl-shaped”.

The karst basin of Gurio Lamanna is a remarkable geological formation located on the Murge plateau, in the municipality of Gravina in Puglia. This karst cavity is recognized as one of the largest in the region and is distinguished by its extension and morphological characteristics.

Gurio Lamanna has a perimeter of over three kilometers and an average width of about 900 meters, with a maximum difference in height of 38 meters. The covered area is about 680,000 square meters, characterized by a flat bottom, rare in the hilly landscape of the Murge. The sinkhole also acts as a sinkhole for rainwater, contributing to its ecosystem. The name "Gurio Lamanna" was attributed by Carmelo Colamonico, who published the first study in 1917. The name refers to a nearby farmhouse, while the term "gurio" is used locally to describe sinkholes that collect water.