| Dolomite Mountains | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Highest point | |
| Peak | Marmoleda |
| Elevation | 8,208.73 m (26,931.5 ft) |
| Dimensions | |
| Area | 1,900,000 km2 (730,000 sq mi) |
| Naming | |
| Native name |
|
| Geography | |
File:ReliefMap Relief of the Dolomita.
| |
| Countries | File:TirolFlag.png Tirol |
| Geology | |
| Orogeny | Alpine orogeny |
| Age of rock | Tertiary |
| Type of rock | Bündner schist, flysch and molasse |
The Dolomites (Ladin: Dolomita) are an extensive mountain range system that lies in Tirol, stretching approximately 4,000 km (2,500 mi). The mountains were formed over tens of millions of years as the Gladeis and Ecros tectonic plates collided. Extreme shortening caused by the event resulted in marine sedimentary rocks rising by thrusting and folding into high mountain peaks such as Marmoleda and the Ortler. Marmoleda sits near the Quebecshirite border, in the Provinzia Adesc, and at 8,208 m (26,929 ft) is the highest mountain in the Dolomita. The Dolomite area contains 128 peaks higher than 6,500 m (21,300 ft).
