Geoheritage最新文献

One of the main missions of the Geoparks is to sensibilize the inhabitants of the protected territories to the rich geoheritage that surrounds them through numerous educational activities, such as guided tours of geological sites, thematic workshops on Quercy paleontology, or training courses for schoolchildren and professionals. However, it can sometimes be difficult to convey important concepts and information without adapted educational material. The paleontological heritage of the Geopark UNESCO Causses du Quercy is extremely rich, but also extremely fragile, with many unique and precious fossils that are difficult to valorize. 3D printing of these exceptional pieces after being scanned is an efficient method to overcome this problem. 3D printing is now regularly used in educational operations on the geopark territory. In a span of a year, we have already observed several positive outcomes from the use of these prints. In particular, the public, both scholars and general public, is more receptive and more active during the educational activities offered by the Geopark teams, and the information is thus more easily transmitted. Also, the prints allow us to illustrate concepts or information that is otherwise more difficult to explain. Finally, this technique allows us to put a fragile and previously inaccessible geoheritage within reach of everyone, which is an ideal window to make the public understand its value and richness.

Tuwaiq Mountain is in the central portion of Saudi Arabia and is characterised by several denuded landscapes and geological features. A total of 10 geosites have been identified for the quantitative assessment. Scarp, cuesta, mesa, butte, pinnacles, gully network, wadi, and cave are the geomorphological features, and Jurassic fossil remains are part of the geological features. Geoheritage score was prepared based on scientific, educational, tourism, and degradational values. The study indicates that most of the sites fall within moderate to high scores. Low to high degradation risk of the geosites suggests the need for geoconservation. Geoethics is also a significant aspect of generating local awareness of the value of geomorphological and geological features with outstanding values and potential for tourism development.

Geoscience, as a discipline, is deeply rooted in field-based learning, depending greatly on real-world observations. Geological outcrops are essential for effective learning and scientific advancement. Crafting educational initiatives centred around essential geological sites carries immense significance. Hence, imparting geological knowledge to future generations becomes paramount by actively safeguarding precious geological sites from irreversible loss. The Kachchh Rift basin holds a wealth of knowledge about Mesozoic sediments, showcasing remarkably well-preserved fossil-rich layers. The notable Jaramara geostation has gained substantial acclaim as a prominent tourist hotspot. Owing to its historical and cultural heritage as a battleground site, referred to as “kutch jo Kurukshetra,” it attracts significant tourists. Identifying proposed geo-education stations in these tourist sites will improve geo-education for the general public. Promoting this region as a vital geosite serves a dual purpose: preserving and nurturing the area for geoscience enthusiasts while contributing to the local community’s growth and development. Since general awareness mainly revolves around Jaramara’s cultural aspects, the current work advocates for integrating Jaramara as a Geoeducation station by complimenting 14 additional sites unique to the general public and geoscience professionals. These sites offer an enriching outdoor classroom to grasp the Mesozoic geological history of the Jhurio, Jumara, and Jhuran formations of the Kachchh Basin. Among these sites, the Jaramara cliff stands out with its gracefully curving escarpment and distinct Jara and Jumara domes. This geological wonder exhibits a seamless sequence of the Jhurio, Jumara, and Jhuran Formations. Thus, these sites and the suggested locations are pivotal in unravelling the intricate story of the Mesozoic succession.

Mexico has a diverse fossil record which ranges from the Paleozoic to the Pleistocene, depicting both marine and continental environments. Some of these paleontological sites are exploited by ordinary people to obtain rocks for the construction industry. These non-professionals whom we refer as “the hidden faces for paleontological studies” have enabled the preservation, conservation, and study of many fossils. The effort and compromise that these people show when collecting fossils is widely unknown; their names and faces are barely exposed in publications or reports. This work pretends to tribute their enormous commitment to conserve the paleontological heritage of Mexico, by showing some examples of their contributions, and the way we partially acknowledge their invaluable help. Likewise, the importance of private fossil collections and the creation of local museums is commented.