Panhole

Panholes on a granite surface near Corscia, Corsica

A panhole is a depression or basin eroded into flat or gently sloping cohesive rock.[1] Similar terms for this feature are gnamma[2] or rock holes[3] (Australia), armchair hollows, weathering pans (or pits) and solution pans (or pits).[1][4]

Some authors[4] refer to panholes also as potholes, which is a term typically used for similarly shaped riverine landforms. In fluvial geomorphology, the term pothole is typically used for a smooth, bowl-shaped or cylindrical hollow, generally deeper than wide, found developed in the rocky bed of a stream. This type of feature is created by the grinding action either of a stone or stones or of coarse sediment whirled around and kept in motion by eddies or the force of the stream current in a given spot.[5]

  1. ^ a b Twidale, C.R., and Bourne, J.A., 2018. Rock basins (gnammas) revisited. Géomorphologie: Relief, Processus, Environnement, Articles sous presse, Varia, mis en ligne le 08 janvier 2018, consulté le 01 juillet 2018.
  2. ^ "Gnamma Holes". Western Australian Museum. 2017. Retrieved 5 November 2021.
  3. ^ Jonscher, Samantha (3 June 2018). "SA students take to the bush to connect with land and Indigenous culture". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 9 January 2022.
  4. ^ a b Hughes, Kebbi A., 2012. Bacterial Communities and their Influence on the Formation and Development of Potholes in Sandstone Surfaces of the Semi-Arid Colorado Plateau University of Western Ontario - Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. Paper 543.
  5. ^ Neuendorf, K.K.E., J.P. Mehl, Jr., and J.A. Jackson, eds., 2011. Glossary of Geology (5th ed.). Alexandria, Virginia, American Geological Institute. 800 pp. ISBN 0-922152-89-6