Geoheritage最新文献

In Piemonte (north-western Italy), an intense extraction activity of ornamental stones widely used for historical buildings, developed throughout centuries. This is due to the wide geodiversity of the region, characterised by mostly metamorphic and magmatic rocks in the Western Alps and by terrigenous and carbonate sedimentary rocks in the Alps-Apennines syn-orogenic basins. The work presents the description and classification of the main Piemonte ornamental stones, referring to a simplified lithological Map Legend. To enhance the remarkable historical and contemporary stone heritage of the region a database (DB) was developed addressing a proper cataloguing of the ornamental stones and related quarries. The classified instances have been referred to the geologic units of a regional-scale, interactive geological map, in which each ornamental stone was attributed to few geo-lithological classes. The map was developed as a WebGIS service hosted on a geoportal (https://webgis.arpa.piemonte.it/agportal/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=6ea1e38603d6469298333c2efbc76c72) that allows interactive querying and download of the DB information, regarding the main rock types and the corresponding quarries, as well as their historical-architectural uses, to underline their value as witness of cultural heritage. The WebGIS service is progressively fed by new data, in order to become a relevant source of information for those working in the field of cultural heritage and geo-environmental sciences.

In India, Rajasthan, the northwestern part of India, possesses geological diversity comparable to its cultural richness. This paper focuses on evaluating a promising geological heritage site in Rajasthan, the Palaeo-Mesoproterozoic Stromatolite Park at Bhojunda (District Chittorgarh). The Bhagwanpura Limestone Formation of the Lower Vindhyan Group hosts well-preserved stromatolites at this geosite. The paper assesses, both qualitatively and quantitatively, the potential of this stromatolite-bearing site and based on the available data and analysis considers it to be a strong candidate for a potential geoheritage site. SWOT analysis also suggests that the site has immense potential but at the same time, is in urgent need of geoconservation. Stromatolites provide valuable insights into the early life on Earth; the Stromatolite Park at Bhojunda holds a significant potential as a Geoheritage site due to its extensive geological exposure. Stromatolites are layered sedimentary structures formed mainly by photosynthetic microorganisms that include cyanobacteria, sulfate-reducing bacteria, and Pseudomonadota. They produce cementing materials that bind sediments (sand and other rocky materials) to form “microbial mats”. In the present study, species from seven genera, namely Conophyton cylindricus, Baicalia baicalica, Collenia columnaris, and Kussiella kussiensis, Tungussia sp., Stratifera rara, and Weedia walcott are recorded suggesting a lower‒middle Riphean age. Petrographically, the Bhagwanpura Limestone is composed of fine grains of calcite and dolomite with dispersed grains of cryptocrystalline silica, iron oxide, chert fragments, and veinlets of quartz and calcite. Present analysis suggests that the Bhojunda Stromatolite Park meets all standards to become a Global Geopark. It is crucial to take the necessary actions to apply for UNESCO confirmation, advocating not just community-driven conservation of the region’s geological heritage but also fostering sustainable development by improving the native tribes’ standard of living.

Most historical structures that have survived to the present day are constructed from natural stones. One such natural stone is andesite. This study conducted a series of characterization studies on andesites used as building stones in Afyonkarahisar (Turkey). The building stones in question were determined by the petrographic-mineralogical (polarizing microscope, XRD, SEM), chemical, pore diameter distribution, and physico-mechanical properties. Although the İscehisar andesite is not as well-known as the İscehisar marble, it is a volcanic rock widely used in cultural heritage sites such as mosques, fountains, and bridges that have survived from the Seljuk and Ottoman periods to the present day in Afyonkarahisar. Despite the presence of pink, brown, and gray-black colors in the İscehisar andesite, it is evident that the preference in historical buildings is mainly for gray-black variants. Andesite, marble, and limestone, such as İscehisar Bridge from the Hellenistic period, Kırkgöz Bridge from the Byzantine era, Altıgöz Bridge from the Seljuk period, and Kanlı Göl Bridge from the Ottoman period, were used together in various combinations. Mosques are another group of structures in which andesite and other volcanic rocks are heavily used, such as bridges. While tuff is commonly used in examples of Seljuk and Ottoman architecture that have survived to the present day, andesite and other volcanic rocks along with bricks have also been used to construct dozens of mosques. Andesites found in the İscehisar region continue to be widely extracted, cut, and shaped using different surface processing techniques and are used today.

The medieval period Ahom dynasty which ruled Assam in North-East India from 13th to 19th century CE has unique Moidams (or Maidams) built all across the upper Brahmaputra valley in Assam. The Moidams and history of Ahom rulers with reference to their relationship with landscape of the region has been scantily studied till date. The Moidams were built on piedmont to alluvial zone of the colluvial deposits of the Naga Thrust, located in the North-East part of Assam in India. The transit of Ahom rulers from Yunnan (China borderlands to Charaideo, Assam, India), where the Ahoms established their first capital, via Burma (Myanmar) and Nagaland showcases a unique historical account of the region. The lifestyle, practices and the quest for newer land of the Ahoms, which would justify their long-term occupational goals, also highlighted their understanding of climate, tectonics and man-environment relationships. The architecture of Moidams and their sitting at the piedmont at Charaideo is unique in terms of their long-standing history of 600 years in the face of natural wrath of disasters like earthquakes and seasonal floods. Based upon detailed investigation and assessment carried out by several researchers for geoheritage sites and geoarcheosites, the Moidams at Charaideo, best exemplifies. The Moidam sites warrants detailed geological, geophysical and botanical investigation aspects for illuminating its rich cultural history in light of man-environment / anthropological landscape characteristics.

Archaeological investigations in the rural settlements of the Po Valley in the Piedmont region of Northern Italy, particularly in the Monferrato area, have revealed a wide range of structures dating from the Roman to the Early Medieval periods. This rural architecture is of great heritage value, as it provides insights into the historical development of Piedmont.

This paper focuses on the analysis of lime, one of the oldest and most important building materials, used as binder of bedding mortars of three archaeological rural buildings sites dating from the Early Roman imperial Period to the Late Antique phases of medieval fortified centers of Piedmont region.

A low-cost and efficient diagnostic geochemical-based method based on the characterization of two oxides present in the lime of mortars and in carbonate rocks of the area (MgO and CaO) is presented. Exploited limestone quarries exploited often have a fairly constant chemical composition and therefore a typical geological Mg/Ca ratio. The variation in this ratio is useful for the relative dating of building walls and for identifying of geological formations and quarries possibly used during the different architectural phases. This paper focuses on this second objective: the study of potential supply areas across the ages related to the ancient communication routes.

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.