Recognition and assessment of sinkholes as geosites: lessons from the Island of Gozo (Malta) There is a wide literature on sinkhole or doline classification, formation and evolution. However, despite the fact that they are often characterised by spectacular morphological features, sinkholes are not normally described as geological resources which might be valuable for the society and worth of being promoted for their geomorphological importance. A series of sinkholes have been investigated in the Island of Gozo (Malta), some of which of notable size and high aesthetic interest. These sinkholes have been assessed applying a methodology which has been specifically set up with the aim of verifying whether any of them could be considered as geosites according to their scientific, additional (ecological, aesthetic, cultural) and use values. The paper shows the geosite assessment procedure and discusses its outputs, according to which 6 out of the 17 investigated sinkholes can be considered as geosites of geomorphological interest (geomorphosites). Finally, issues related to their enhancement and fruition are taken into account in the frame of potential geotourism strategies.

The paper focuses on a site of outstanding scenery located along the NW coast of the Island of Gozo (Malta, Central Mediterranean Sea), which was included in the Malta's UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 1998 on the basis of the four criteria related to natural properties. The aim of the study is to bridge scientific and cultural values of the Dwejra area by examining in particular its geological and geomorphological features, which have been fundamental in shaping such a spectacular scenery and determining its historical and cultural importance. The coast of the Maltese Islands, with a series of occupiers over the last ten millennia, has led to the development of a high density of coastal uses. Such uses superimpose on both a diverse range of aesthetic natural qualities and also different cultural properties that have changed over time. Sinkholes were a source of shelter on rectilinear coasts and are now areas that attract visitors due to their outstanding natural beauty. Low sloping limestone coast provided an ideal geological setting for salt panning production, whereas today these are main areas for recreational activities. Along the years, the investigated area has however suffered the pressure of diverse human activities, often leading to conflicting interests and resultant landscape damage. As a result, geo-conservation aspects of this site have often been at the centre of national debates. In the light of these issues, this work aims at providing a better understanding of the geological and geomorphological value of the Dwejra area, in order to strengthen the basis for the setting up of sustainable geo-conservation plan, which includes geotourism issues. Response to Reviewers:We revised the manuscript following the suggestions of the reviewers. In particular, according to reviewers' comments and observations we have: 1) Re-worked section 1 (Introduction)2) Reorganized section 2 (Geographic and cultural setting) Powered by Editorial Manager® and ProduXion Manager® from Aries Systems Corporation Manuscript Click here to download Manuscript: Text.doc Click here to view linked References 1. Introduction 40 Cultural landscape, its relationship with environmental components and its enhancement are topical issues nowadays 41 in many countries since they represent a new way to construct the relationship between Man and Nature and can 42 favour new insights for the tourism development of a territory. The Maltese archipelago can be considered as a 43 natural laboratory for the study of the relationship between cultural components of the rich heritage of the islands 44 and the geological and geomorphological context in which they are located. Culture is a complex concept and 45 therefore no single definition of it has achieved consensus in the literature. Hofstede (1980) defines culture as "the 46 collective programming of the mind which distinguishes the members of one group from another", which is passed 47 from generation to generation but which is also changing all the time because each generation adds som...

A study has been carried out on the relationship between the composition, poling condition and piezoelectric properties of thick film layers. Pastes based on lead‐titanate‐zirconate (PZT) powders, with either PbO or a lead‐alumina‐silicate glass frit as binder, were prepared. Microstructure, electrical and mechanical properties were analysed. Processing and poling conditions modify these properties; then a wide latitude of opportunities is offered in the choice of ferroelectric/piezoelectric characteristics of the layers used as sensing elements for sensors. A pressure sensor was realised where a circular diaphragm of alumina supports two piezoelectric layers obtained by screen printing and firing a PZT/PbO‐based ferroelectric paste. The design and the performance characteristics are described.

The large palaeosinkholes located in the NW of Gozo (central Mediterranean Sea, Malta) offer excellent exposures that provide information on the geometry and kinematics of large karst-related collapse structures. Detailed geological analysis of these peculiar palaeosinkholes indicates that deep-seated evaporite dissolution is the most feasible hypothesis to explain their formation, according to the following evidence. (1) Several structures have been formed by progressive foundering of cylindrical blocks with limited internal deformation as revealed by the synsedimentary subsidence recorded by their Miocene sedimentary fill. This subsidence mechanism is more compatible with interstratal dissolution of evaporites than karstification and cave development in limestone formations. (2) The dimensions and deformation style of the palaeosinkholes are similar to those of other collapse structures related to deep-seated dissolution of salt-bearing evaporites. (3) The arcuate monocline associated with some of these collapse structures is also a characteristic feature of subsidence related to dissolution of evaporites.\ud However, no major evaporite formations have been documented so far in the subsurface of the Malta Platform

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