Geoheritage最新文献

The idea of Africa Alive Corridors (AAC) evolved from Gondwana geological mapping to a comprehensive, more inclusive and dynamic approach to transdisciplinary research known as Earth Stewardship Science. Twenty designated corridors explore the geo-biological and cultural heritage of different regions of Africa over various periods, from deep time to the Anthropocene. Each corridor reveals a specific lens through which to investigate some of the rich scientific narratives embedded within it. The concept also facilitates learning and knowledge exchange across numerous disciplines: archeology, geology, geophysics, oceanography, glaciology, biology, botany, ecology, agriculture, engineering, spatial statistics, social sciences, and the humanities. This contribution analyses ten selected corridors in southern and western Africa, the Congo Basin, East Africa, and Madagascar. The various research themes explored include Earth impact hazard, origins of humankind, Snowball Earth, coastal food systems and conservation, the biogeography of lemurs, human settlement dynamics in Cameroon, tectonically linked earthquake occurrences in Algeria and Morocco, modelling land-use changes in the Western Rift Valley, trades and civilizations of the Mali Empire, Mbira music, and contemporary art. The ongoing work on these—and ten other—corridors has considerable potential to host new international collaborations to develop the links between society and natural sciences in Africa. Ultimately, AAC will benefit all stakeholders, especially the youth, in understanding and responding to societal needs and current global challenges.

Geosites are significant geological heritage areas that serve as field laboratories for researchers. They offer insights into geological processes that have occurred from the past to the present and hold high potential for geotourism. To preserve and make geosites sustainable, their accessibility is a prerequisite. For this purpose, a model consisting of various parameters was developed in accordance with the Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) method, identifying 183 geosite areas that have been determined by experts and are subjects of literature. As a result, four evaluation criteria were established, including accessibility, access to service/attractiveness areas, scientific importance, and geomorphological features. Taking these parameters into account, a collective evaluation map was obtained using GIS-based AHP, drawing upon literature and expert opinions. The study concluded that the most critical parameter for accessibility to geosites is accessibility itself, accounting for 50% of the importance. Other parameters have influenced the accessibility of geosites in the following order of importance: 25% land, 15% scientific importance, and 10% service/attractiveness. Consequently, the areas where accessibility to geosites in Türkiye is most convenient are those with the highest road density. Road density, in turn, exhibits a pattern based on the characteristics of topography, population, and trade factors. Additionally, a parallel outcome emerged between areas that are more suitable in terms of these factors and the density of geosites. As a validation of the newly created model, the accessibility of Türkiye's areas recognized by UNESCO was found to be very high, indicating that the model is a suitable and convenient method that can be applied to different areas.

Since outcropping rock units are key to understanding earth’s history and rock records, there is a need to preserve the geological sites where these rocks are seen for future accessibility. Numerous individuals, institutions and fieldtrip groups visit accessible, classic geologic outcrops every year across some key Nigeria’s inland sedimentary basins. As professionals, we must care for important outcrops so they can continue to enlighten and educate earth scientists well into the future. The aim of this study is to take an inventory of these elements (geological features) with the view of grouping them in various geological sites (tectonic/structural, stratigraphical, geomorphological, mineralogical, petrological, hydrological, and palaeontological geosites) of interests, thereby popularizing and documenting them for future use. Hence, this paper describes some of the classic geologic outcrops (faults and anticlinal fold structures, litho-stratigraphic boundaries, channel fills, valleys and caves, cliffs with plunging waterfalls, mineralized host rocks/zones, igneous emplacements and index fossils) in the southeastern province of Nigeria. Emphasis was on the inventory and photo-documentation of these striking geologic features. Possible preservation policies that could aid in the conservation of these geological sites have been suggested. In addition, a geosite map that captures the location of these outcrops was generated using field information. This will serve as a field guide for individuals, institutions, and companies interested in geological studies and exploration, geotourism and recreational activities.

Deccan volcanic units cover vast region in west-central India and host some of the monumental geoheritage sites. These basalt units are not suitable either for excavation or sculpturing, because of inherent cooling cracks. Weathering of iron minerals also reduces their utilization for work of art. From the beginning of first century, ancient artisans have identified thermally baked zones in the vicinity of lava tubes, channels and effusive centres. Newly formed rocks within these zones are indurated, hardened and excellent for excavation, sculpturing and polishing. The degree of induration is also skilfully utilized, black basalt has acquired vibrant shades of red by amalgamating iron minerals. Depending on religious believes, Hindus excavated enormous Kailash temple from the top of the hill with intricate sculpturing of idols and statues, while Buddhists excavated large meditation halls (Vihars) with columns and arches. We identified hidden effusive centre in the vicinity of Ellora cave complex. Physical volcanic feature such as portal portion of lava tube is utilized for locating large Saptashrungi temple. Silica rich agglomerate basalt, with large fragments is used for coarse carving of tall Buddha statue, corresponding with the sixth-century Bamiyan caves in Afghanistan, while exceedingly fine-grained agglomerate is preferred for intricate carving of Shiva idol in Elephanta caves. Damage by invaders and erosion are usually repaired by cement and concrete, losing aesthetic sense. We recommend matching rocks for restoration and use of red ochre, blue and green (azurite and malachite) from copper and brown from bark extract for cave paintings.

This research emphasizes the vital role of geoeducation in fostering a deeper appreciation of palaeovolcanic geoheritage in the Kratovo-Zletovo palaeovolcanic area, which is in the northeastern part of North Macedonia. In this paper a sophisticated and objective evaluation of the palaeovolcanic geoheritage for future proclamation as a protected area is provided. Various programs can be implemented to promote geoeducation at different educational levels, making the concepts of palaeovolcanic geoheritage, geoeducation, and geoconservation more accessible and understandable to the local community and visitors. The study applies the Brilha’s method as a means to evaluate the geoeducational potential of specific geosites within the Kratovo-Zletovo palaeovolcanic area. This method, designed to assess a wide spectrum of criteria, provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating the scientific, educational, and touristic potential of the identified geosites. This research contributes to our understanding of the multifaceted significance of palaeovolcanic geosites from scientific, educational, and touristic perspectives. It serves as a valuable reference for decision-makers, educators, and conservationists working to preserve and promote the geoheritage of the Kratovo-Zletovo palaeovolcanic area. The study underscores the need for a method for the inventory of geosites, considering their scientific value. Four key criteria—representativeness, integrity, rarity, and scientific knowledge—are proposed for selecting geosites. Although the method used is based on numerical data, it was supported by a heuristic approach and field research.