Geoheritage最新文献

This study focuses on the Sites of Geotouristic Interest (SGIs) on the volcanic island of La Palma, Spain. The objective is to identify, select, characterize and evaluate SGIs, for the first time on this island, in order to promote volcano tourism and diversify the tourist leisure offerings. A variety of methods have been used to identify, select and characterize the SGIs, including bibliographic review, topographic, geological and geomorphological mapping, and field work during the 2021, 2022 and 2023 surveys. To evaluate the SGIs, the criteria developed by Reynard et al. (Geoheritage 8:43-60, 2007, Geoheritage 8:43-60, 2016) have been used, which includes scientific (Vs), additional (Va) and “use and management” (Vum) values. The findings indicate that: 1) the 52 SGIs are well-preserved, many of them are protected; 2) they are easily accessible to tourists; 3) the SGIs are representative of the volcanic geoheritage and the erosion and sedimentary geoforms of the main geological units defined in this active volcanic island. The SGIs have an average Vs value of 0.60, higher than the Va value of 0.46. However, the Vum value needs improvement in terms of the touristic information provided and minimizing the impacts of touristic use. This work provides a comprehensive database for both the public administration and active tourism companies to develop initiatives for volcano tourism in La Palma, contributing to the promotion of geotourism and diversifying their offerings.

Graphical Abstract

Ice caves are characterised by specific microclimate, defined by the external climate as well as cave morphology (hence the location). They are unique components of Earth’s heritage. The ice formed there holds important paleoclimatic information and can be used to assess the global warming effect on the cryosphere in non-glaciated areas. We present an example from Wielka Śnieżna, the deepest cave system in the Polish Tatra Mountains, located in Tatra National Park (Tatrzański Park Narodowy). There have been no recent studies completed on the topic in this location. We provide the first contemporary results of temperature measurements by analysing microclimatic patterns and their response to global warming. There is ongoing ablation of the Ice Fall located in one of the lower entrances (Śnieżna) showing that the ice level has decreased by around 2 m in the last 10 years. The cave is under a minor human impact as it can be accessed only by professional cavers. However, some practices impact the balance of this fragile environment. By comparing our results with the outside temperature records, we aim to understand how dependent the cave microclimate is on the external fluctuations and changes. The ice in the Śnieżna is expected to be gone in the current century.

This paper presents research into the feasibility of using stone sawing sludge-based Alkali Activated Materials (AAMs) for conservation of Cultural Heritage. Sawing sludges are a stone processing waste product resulting from the mixing of rock powder with the water used to cool down the cutting blades. The chemical composition of the sawing sludges, when aluminosilicatic, is suitable for acting as a precursor to produce AAMs. AAMs are known for their low environmental impact and versatility since their existence is drawn from recycling waste materials. One of their possible applications is in the conservation of Cultural Heritage objects. This work presents a preliminary investigation into three sawing sludge-based AAMs with different mineralogical compositions and contributes to formulating guidelines for applying them as fillers on modern and archaeological ceramic pottery based on the evaluation of their workability, appearance and physical properties over time from the moment of application and up to 30 days. Dynamic Vapor Sorption and X-Ray Diffraction results provided an overview of the structural and mineralogical changes under high RH conditions, where the tested AAMs showed a type II isotherm curve, as expected for concrete-like materials, as well as disappearance of thermonatrite after one isothermal cycle. Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity test demonstrated the general homogeneity of the AAMs despite the lower velocity exhibited by one of the formulations, probably due to its internal pore distribution and possible presence of microstratification. The Oddy tests, application tests and colourimetric measurements evidenced the advantages and weaknesses of the AAMs, with overall encouraging results ensuing investment in further in-depth studies of these innovative conservation materials in view of their future use in the field of conservation of Cultural Heritage as a result of a circular economy model.

The Non Nuoc Cao Bang Global Geopark, located in the Cao Bang province of Vietnam, covers an area of 339,080 hectares. It is the largest Global Geopark in Vietnam, recognized by UNESCO in 2018. This study aimed to delineate the heritage value zones for conservation and management purposes within the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark. Employing survey methods, data collection, expert assessments, and hierarchical analysis, the heritage value of the Geopark was assessed and mapped for the first time using GIS (Geographic Information System) and remote sensing technology. The heritage zoning map identified three levels: low-value zones, medium-value zones, and high-value zones. The high-value heritage zone covered an area of 66,968.3 hectares, accounting for 19.75% of the total Geopark area. The study also conducted conservation zoning, functional zoning, and proposed conservation and development solutions for the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark. The research results have both scientific and practical significance for the conservation and management of Geopark systems.

The relationships between geodiversity and biodiversity are a topic of growing relevance. Understanding these relationships in different contexts and scales has the potential to increase conservation efforts, especially considering climate and environmental changes. Exploring this topic in educational activities is a way to make it more accessible to the society. Considering the relevance of geosites for education, the present work proposes a thematic inventory of geosites representing relationships between geodiversity and biodiversity. With the use of a descriptive file and a classification scheme, the proposal was applied in the project Geopark Costões e Lagunas (Cliffs and Lagoons), in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 19 geosites were identified, described, and classified, embracing different situations, and allowing approaches on several issues such as spatial and temporal scale of the relations, the influence of the diversity of elements or of specific elements, degradation risks etc. The results are intended to be applied to the educational activities that already take place in the geopark project but also to be an incentive for similar initiatives in other areas, contributing to the dissemination of the topic of relationships between geodiversity and biodiversity.

This study is dedicated to the application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for geological heritage conservation and exploration, with a specific focus on the Copper UNESCO Global Geopark. The primary objective is the acquisition of geological heritage data, involving the documentation of geological formations, such as rhyolite, andesite, red sandstone, and glacial sediments. These comprehensive datasets provide a foundation for the creation of immersive Virtual Reality (VR) models, with a primary emphasis on geological heritage preservation and educational dissemination. UAVs play an instrumental role in collecting this extensive dataset, enabling a level of detail and coverage that surpasses conventional data collection methods. Moreover, the study successfully identifies and confirms the presence of historical mining traces along inaccessible coastal areas from the 18th and 19th centuries, achieved through advanced drone remote sensing techniques. This revelation not only enhances the convenience of geohazard analysis but also underscores the immense potential of UAVs in the specialized field of geological heritage preservation, exploration, and communication.

Aspects of geoheritage have interested the general public for centuries. Since the global growth of geotourism and geoparks, the importance of geoheritage has become more evident, especially from the perspective of the development of (geo)tourism. From the perspective of sustainability, effective geoheritage presentation via geointerpretation and geoeducation is crucial. One of the most common and effective ways of presenting specific information in the field is an interpretive panel. This paper presents an assessment of geoheritage interpretation on interpretive panels in 11 UNESCO Global Geoparks. The proposed assessment methodology consists of six categories which include 39 assessment questions in total. The results show that the strongest feature of the evaluated panels is simplicity and clarity without losing scientific meaning, while minimal or no attention is paid to features increasing visitor’s enjoyment (e.g., questions or activities) and sustainability and conservation aspects. The approach presented in this paper may contribute to discussion and research in effective geoheritage interpretation for general public, fostering sustainable geotourism development and geoheritage management, use and protection.

The Bigganjarga Tillite on the Varanger Peninsula, northern Norway, was described by Hans H. Reusch in 1891 as one of the first evidence of a glaciation older than the Late Quaternary “real ice-age” in Europe. Since the late 1800s, considerable geoscientific research covering lithostratigraphy, sedimentology, paleontology and geochronology have been carried out in the Neoproterozoic and Early Paleozoic successions of East- Finnmark, and the Bigganjarga tillite (also referred to as the Reusch Moraine) is now recognized as a diamictite that correlates with global Marinoan glaciation in Cryogenian time. The Bigganjarga Tillite belongs to the Smalfjord Formation and marks the base of the Vestertana Group which rests on quartzite of the Veidnesbotn Formation with a significant unconformity. The site at Oaibáhčannjárga where Bigganjarga Tillite was first discovered became protected in 1967 and is today an international recognized Geoheritage from the Snowball Earth. New research studies are in progress at the site and the Bigganjarga Tillite is a prime example of how Geological Heritage is selected and recognized for its historic and potential future scientific values.

In recent years, the study of geoheritage has gained global importance, and in the case of Costa Rica, the first investigations have been carried out to identify geosites, as well as the interest in establishing a geopark in the La Amistad-Pacífico Conservation Area. This research focuses on identifying, analyzing, and evaluating the geosites in the Altamira Sector of the La Amistad International Park (PILA, in Spanish) to understand their state of geoconservation and their potential for geotourism. The methodology consists of three steps: geosites identification through geomorphological mapping, fieldwork, and bibliographic research; historical-cultural characterization using documentation related to natural history, expeditions, art, and sacred sites; and geosites evaluation based on criteria such as form, condition, ecosystems, management, and conservation, as well as their relevance to geotourism and their impact on local communities. Four geosites were identified in the Altamira sector: Valley of Silencio, Kamuk Hill, Gemelo-Pittier Hills, and The Esperanza savanna. These geosites feature valleys dissected by channels due to fluvial processes, as well as landscapes shaped by steep volcanic slopes, river action, and periglacial processes. Historical-cultural references were found, including artistic documents, legends, and stories linking them to Costa Rican indigenous culture. Geosites evaluation revealed high scores in criteria related to intrinsic values that define these sites as highlights of geoheritage due to their unique characteristics. However, weaknesses were identified in the Use and Management criteria, primarily in terms of infrastructure to promote geotourism. It is concluded that the selected geosites are representative of their geological and geomorphological evolution, housing valuable information about the natural processes that shaped the territory and serving as evidence of the country's natural and cultural history. Additionally, they stand out as suitable places to promote geoheritage conservation through activities such as research, education, cultural events, and geotourism.

This study emphasizes the untapped geotourism and geoeducation potential in the Mesa de Los Santos region, situated within the Chicamocha Canyon in Colombia, renowned for its abundant geoheritage. Despite the region's geological richness, geotourism development opportunities have been overlooked, leaving its geoheritage largely unexplored for tourism. Focused on the georoute Refugio La Roca—Los Santos, the study identifies key geosites with significant potential for future geotourism endeavors. The Mesa de Los Santos region boasts a complex geological history and diverse geodiversity shaped by various natural phenomena. However, its full geotourism potential remains undiscovered. The georoute, incorporating natural and cultural heritage, is strategically designed for geotourism and geoeducation, aiming at fostering geoconservation in rural areas. Educational and interpretive panels are employed as didactic resources to enlighten tourists about the natural phenomena shaping the landscape, enhancing their overall experience and understanding. By integrating geoethical considerations into geosite management, the study proposes achieving sustainable geoconservation in the Chicamocha Canyon territory. This approach not only contributes to preserving the region's geological uniqueness but also provides a platform for socio-economic development in rural areas. The study envisions creating meaningful experiences that attract tourists while benefiting local communities, thereby promoting holistic and sustainable rural development.