Geoheritage最新文献

Badlands are characterised by rugged landforms shaped through a combination of climatic, tectonic, and erosional processes with significant geomorphic value as near-surface sediments and bedrock geology unveil erosion and geomorphic evolution phases. The Chambal River basin harbours unique badlands renowned for their extensive geometry and development. These badlands result from fluvial activity in humid to sub-humid conditions, exhibiting considerable depth (~ 80 m), steep slopes, and high drainage density. The Chambal badlands are distinguished by their riparian vegetation, including grasses, shrubs, and trees, as well as the presence of aquatic plants and dry deciduous forests comprising teak, sal, babul, and acacia. The ecological richness extends to its inhabitants, featuring the Gharial, Indian Skimmer, Ganges River Dolphin, Mugger Crocodile, and various avian species like eagles, vultures, kingfishers, and waterfowl. The exceptional topography and diverse and endangered flora and fauna distinguish the Chambal badlands as a unique site. Recognising its significance, preservation efforts are crucial to safeguard this area as a geoheritage site. This study delves into a comparative analysis of selected morphometric parameters between badlands and non-badland regions, aiming to comprehend the disparities in plain and rugged terrains. The investigation explores how human-induced or natural activities contribute to the transformation of badlands into flat areas, potentially compromising the integrity of the natural ecosystem. Preserving the Chambal badlands is vital for maintaining its intrinsic geoheritage and sustaining the delicate balance of the region’s ecological systems.

An inventory and assessment of mountainous geoheritage sites based on solid and clear criteria is a first step for any geoconservation strategy. The study area (DPR Korea) has a complex geological setting and many mountains with geological significance, the reasons that justify the mountainous geoheritage inventory done in this work. The inventoried ten mountainous geoheritage sites were quantitatively assessed and clearly show that Mt. Paektu and Mt. Kumgang is the most important mountainous geoheritage sites in the DPR Korea due to its high international scientific value. Mt. Chilbo and Mt. Myohyang have a slightly low value than these geoheritage sites in scientific value, but a high educational value and a high touristic value. In addition, the majority of the other mountainous geoheritage sites are characterized by moderate scientific, high educational, and high touristic values and low degradation risk. This study may help in selecting the ranking of mountainous geoheritage sites for World Heritage registration and the development of a new geopark project in DPR Korea, a country where the geopark concept is still emerging.

In Southeast Arabia (i.e. the United Arab Emirates [UAE] and Oman), geoconservation is a budding initiative, but to date, there has been limited evaluation of geoheritage sites in this region. Many geoheritage evaluation methods have been developed over the last 20 years, but the most popular methods reflect experiences from experts in Europe. The representativeness of these methods for different regional, cultural, and social contexts requires scrutiny. This study developed the first parametric method for geoheritage evaluation focused on Southeast Arabia, using Fujairah, UAE as a case study. The study applied a novel approach based on questionnaires completed by regional geoscience academics, local nature tourism professionals, and local science teachers. The preferences they expressed for scientific value, educational value, and touristic value, respectively, were used to develop the evaluation method. To test the requirements for informed decisions by tourism professionals and science teachers, the study compared results of questionnaires from two occasions: after a seminar on regional geoheritage sites, and after site visits. The resulting method deviates from previous methods in the relative weight it places on various criteria, substantiating the need to target wider regional voices in methods for geoheritage evaluation in Fujairah and Southeast Arabia. It reflects the need to consider cultural and societal differences, as well as curricular requirements for the educational value, that are not highlighted in existing evaluation methods. The applicability of the method was tested and confirmed by ranking geosites in Fujairah, and the method could be used at a regional scale in the future.

Geodiversity has gained significant attention in the last three decades due to various research endeavouring to bridge the gap between geo- and biodiversity. This paper points at yet another parallel between the two disciplines: just as biodiversity expansion (i.e. biodiversification) can be evaluated through time, geodiversity change can also be observed on a timescale and referred to as ‘geodiversification’. The paper firstly reviews the biodiversification definition and some of its major events including the Cambrian explosion and Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event (GOBE) and suggests that being palaeontological, these can also be regarded as geodiversification events. In relation to that, the paper defines geodiversification and provides examples of important geodiversification events in the Earth’s history and some local-scale examples. The results show that major biodiversification events can occur due to the evolution of geodiversity.

Determining the quantitative values of geosites, which constitute the primary supply sources of geotourism, has an important role in developing geotourism. For this reason, the number of studies determining the values of geosites according to various factors is increasing daily. Although these studies make significant contributions to the literature, the problem of objectivity in geosite evaluation stages is still seen as an important issue. In particular, the fact that hesitant, uncertain, and ambiguous information from evaluators prevents objectivity in geosite evaluations is still controversial. In this context, this study aims to adapt fuzzy set-based MCDM (Multi-Criteria Decision Making) methods to geosite evaluation. For this purpose, SFSs (Spherical Fuzzy Sets), the new version of fuzzy sets, were used in integration with SWARA (Step-wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis)-COBRA (Comprehensive Distance-Based Ranking) methods. This methodological approach allows for minimising uncertain and ambiguous judgments arising from decision-makers. This proposed methodology was tested as a case study on six geosites selected from two districts of Aksaray province (Güzelyurt and Gülağaç) in Türkiye. According to the findings, significant differences were detected between traditional geosite evaluation approaches and the approach proposed in this study, both in weighting the criteria and ranking geosites. These results show that the proposed methodological approach can be a useful tool in reducing the objectivity problem frequently encountered in evaluating geosites. In this context, the proposed method is expected to contribute to the level of theoretical knowledge that will form the basis of geosites.

The Indian subcontinent is well known for its rich geological and cultural diversity. The Magadh region, with its plethora of heritage sites, stands as a living testament to the rich tapestry of India's cultural and geological history. The geodiversity of the Gaya-Rajgir area of Bihar, India comprises of volcano-sedimentary sequences juxtaposing with Rajgir meta-sediments and volcano sedimentary sequence of Bathani, anorthosite-gabbro and granites suites of Barabar-Nagarjuni area. The present report highlights some of the important geological and cultural sites of this region. The pillow basalt site of Churi Hill, Gaya is proposed to be classified as a geoheritage site which needs immediate conservation in addition to the already classified Barabar caves geoheritage site having been known for its remarkable architectural antiquities, relics and inscriptions of the rich historical past of Mauryan dynasty as engraved in the granite of the cave. The area is also characterized by the presence of its rich natural, geological, geomorphological, and significant historical and cultural heritage especially the Churi hills, Mahabodhi Temple, Vishnupad Temple, Nalanda University relict site, Caves of Barabar Hill, Rajgir area, cyclopean walls, hot water spring of Brahmakund, peace pagoda etc. From the ancient ruins of Nalanda to the spiritual sanctuaries like Vishnupad Temple and Mahabodhi Temple, each site narrates a unique story of the past. The Barabar Caves and Rajgir add further layers to this narrative, offering a glimpse into the diverse facets of the region's history. As we explore and celebrate these heritage sites, it is essential to prioritize their preservation and promote sustainable tourism, ensuring the livelihood promotion of the local indigenous people and also conserving the beauties and significance that endure for generations to come.

Humans live with our geological heritage, which forms by multi-stage processes throughout the Earth’s geological history, cannot be uncovered or reconstructed by human influence and exists in a very delicate balance. Ardanuç (Artvin, Türkiye) district is a region with great potential for geotourism due to its natural, historical and cultural assets. However, there are currently no comprehensive studies that fully evaluate this strong geotourism potential. Throughout the study, the aim is to use both scientific and traditional approaches to preserve this heritage on a scientific basis and pass it on to future generations. Comparative and future conclusions can be drawn by mankind about the geological processes affecting the canyons and their significance today. The details and morphological features of the Cehennem Deresi Canyon(s), which developed in two different directions, and their value in different areas were determined. As a result, the research concludes with information about the conservation-use balance and suggestions for the future.

The inhabitants of Natural Protected Areas are often unaware of the scientific and heritage value of the natural environment in which they live, although they are users and form part of its landscapes and landforms. The scientific community, in turn, does not always include the local population in research projects. Thus, it is necessary to implement mechanisms for participation and knowledge exchange. The scientific dissemination activity carried out at Castro de Ulaca, in the Sierra de la Paramera, in Ávila (Spain), was offered to the residents of the villages of the Natural Area and was focused on the relief, landscape and geomorphosites. The work, carried out through field work with the participants and surveys, shows the knowledge and opinions of the locals about the geomorphological heritage and the environmental protection of the area before the activity, and how it changes after it.

Volcano tourism has witnessed a notable growth in the last decades. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of destination reputation, destination personality, destination trust, and destination preference on destination visit intention, using Mount Anak Krakatau, an Indonesian volcano located between Java and Sumatera Island. Data collection was conducted in Jakarta and involved 241 participants selected using a convenient sampling method. The data were analysed using exploratory factor analysis and structural equation models. As a result, destination personality affects destination preference. In addition, destination trust and destination preference affect destination vision intention. However, destination reputation failed to influence destination trust. The results of this study sharpen research on volcano tourism and Public Relations for tourism destinations.

Taking Chinese geoparks as the research object, this study adopts mathematical, statistical, and ArcGIS spatial analyses, to investigate Chinese geotourism in 2010 and 2022. The results reveal the following: (1) The number and proportion of ‘Star’ and ‘Cash cow’ markets are decreasing, from 99 (36%) in the first period to 41 (15%) in the second. The number and proportion of ‘Question’ and ‘Dog’ markets are increasing; the distribution range of all other markets displays a trend of dispersion and no obvious distribution centre of gravity except for Dog markets. (2) The number of national geoparks in high-value clusters is reduced from 147 to 110, and their spatial distribution range is obviously on a narrowing trend, with the main distribution focus in east China. The number and proportion of national geoparks in low-value clusters are decreasing, and their distribution range is on an expanding trend, with their main distribution focus in southwest, central, north, and northeast China. (3) The problems in the development of Chinese geotourism are the obvious concentration of dog markets, the serious loss of the Star market, the declining trend of the Cash cow and question markets, and the low market share. Measures that can be taken include the increase of the proportion of ‘double-high’ markets, the acceleration of the transformation of ‘double-low’ markets, the focus on solving the problem of difficult transformation of and increasing the share of the ‘single-high’ markets, scientific analysis of tourist demand, the enhancement of the cultivation of key markets.