Geoheritage最新文献

Due to their rarity, scientific, and aesthetic value, or being a part of an important geological process, some natural formations (like calc tufa) on Earth have to be protected. While the formation and development processes of the microbialites in Lake Van continue, the microbiolites in Adilcevaz remained outside the lake and became fossils. These structures are arranged approximately 200 m wide and 800 m long, reaching heights of 6 m in places. In this study, the area where the Adilcevaz tufa microbialites, surviving to the present day as a remnant of the level change stages of Lake Van as well as their aesthetic appearance and scientific importance, was evaluated according to the conservation approach. Phenomenology research design, one of the qualitative research designs, was used in the study. Although the research is basically a field study, secondary sources were used and face-to-face interviews were conducted. The semi-structured interview technique, one of the qualitative research techniques, was used for the interviews that were held with the participants on the basis of pre-prepared questionnaire forms. Following the interviews, the data were evaluated with descriptive and interpretive analyzes. As a result of the field observations and interviews, the area was suggested to be evaluated as a “natural monument” to protect it and carry out activities for tourism purposes. It is understood that the area has an important potential in terms of ecotourism, and should be proposed to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List together with the Lake Van microbialites, the largest microbialites in the world.

This research delves into the determinants influencing tourists’ intentions to visit Mount Ijen, a prominent volcanic destination in Indonesia. The study incorporates several predictive factors, which include destination image, self-congruity, sensation-seeking, perceived value, and destination personality. Two hundred sixteen participants were totally engaged in the study, selected through a convenient sampling approach. The data analysis encompassed exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modelling. The comprehensive analysis of the findings unveiled significant results: destination image notably impacts self-congruity, novelty-seeking, perceived value, and destination personality. Besides, a perceived value influences visit intention significantly. However, the fifth hypothesis concludes a significant effect of self-congruity, novelty-seeking, and destination personality on the visit intention. The research results enhance the understanding of volcano, crater, and geothermal tourism. The research deepens insights into the intricate dynamics between tourists’ perceptions of destination attributes and their intent to visit. Thorough exploration contributes to the discourse on geotourism and nature-based tourism, furnishing insights to steer destination management strategies and inspire further scholarly inquiries in this domain.

In spite of wide distribution, the phenomenon of mud volcanism is fragmentarily studied by geoscientists, saying nothing about the role of the mud volcanoes as the geopark components or the independent geoheritage objects. In Azerbaijan (the eastern part) and the adjacent water area of the South Caspian basin, the mud volcanism has its most development in comparison with the rest parts of world. The mentioned area is considered as the host for over 350 mud volcanoes onshore and offshore, differing in type, morphology, dimensions, eruption activity and intensity of fluids’ emitting and even possible risks for the environment. Here, the mud volcanoes, being the unique and noticeable units of the local landscape, claim the attention of not only the geoscientists but also the domestic and foreign tourists. Consequently, it represents a good enough potential for promoting the future geotourism development of the region not only as the geopark component, but also as independent geoheritage units. The study characterizes the provinces of mud volcanoes distribution, their specific features, definitions and classification. Seven remarkable mud volcanoes from various provinces in Azerbaijan had been selected in the present paper. They are described not only as geological objects but also as the landscape units, scenic attraction and local landmarks. The detailed description as well as the images of the volcanoes can give the comprehensive view about the target of research. The study concludes that following the example of the described mud volcanoes, these geological edifices have the good enough potential to gain the status of geoheritage.

The far north part of Coromandel Peninsula can be considered a good place for geoeducation and geotourism, which is justified by the remnants of Miocene-Pleistocene volcanic integration with marine environment. These processes in collaboration with old Jurassic and quaternary sediments create a diverse geological and geomorphological constructions forming the abiotic environment of areas surrounding Port Jackson and Fletcher Bay. These two locations have been chosen as two main campsites of the north Coromandel Peninsula, which are maintained by the Department of Conservation (DOC) of Coromandel Peninsula. Hence, the campsites should be considered as main places for camping for the trips of different purposes. They provide an access costal way and/or trails leading to the main geologically important locations presenting some knowable features like Pinnacles and Sugar Loaf spread through the region. To highlight these locations of interests, “geosites,” we developed qualitative-quantitative assessment of geodiversity for geosite recognition based on 8-m DEM and 1:1250,000 scale geological map and QGIS (3.28 “Firenze”) software. The methodology utilizing 8-point evaluation system applied for geological formations of the studied region and its multiplication with morphological slope degree. The result of assessment has been expanded and justified with geological, cultural, and geomorphological database acquired from literature review and direct field trips of the studied areas. The conclusion demonstrates the main geological knowledge of recognized geosites together with description of drawbacks and possible obstacles for tourism and education in the region of the northern Coromandel Peninsula.

Abstract

The Ordovician red karst forest is a core geoheritage site in the Xiangxi UNESCO Global Geopark and is of world-class value. However, the chromogenic factors and microgeomorphology of it have not been systematically studied, and the dissolution rate of the rocks remains unclear. The geopark contains the Sanbaidong profile, which completely traverses the bedrock of the red stone forest. We collected 355 samples from the strata within the profile for high-density geochemical analysis and found that the red stone forest contains more than one chromogenic factor. The TFe₂O₃ content in the lower boundary of red carbonate rocks increases significantly, controlling the occurrence of red beds. The proportion of Fe³⁺ controls the degree of red colouration. The proportions of Fe²⁺ and Cu²⁺ control the appearance of the greyish-green layer, and Mn²⁺ may control the darkness of the rocks. According to the study on the coupling between elements, TFe₂O₃ and Cu²⁺ are mainly supplied from continental sources, and Mn²⁺ is restricted by both marine and continental factors. The elemental distribution in layers obviously controls the concave and convex microgeomorphology. The clearest reason for this phenomenon is the CaO-SiO₂ proportions in adjacent layers, which are independent of the absolute values. According to an ideal model and comparisons with the Dalongdong area in Xiangxi and the Shilin UNESCO Global Geopark, it is calculated that the dissolution of the red stone forest may occur at a rate of 130.63 mg/a. The dissolution difference between the concave and convex surfaces is 1.3978 mg/a. This means that the compositional difference between the concave and convex surfaces may lead to an annual quality difference of approximately 1.07% between the layers. After tens of thousands of years, the microgeomorphology finally formed.

Protected natural areas have become important tourist destinations around the world, and in Spain, national parks are the most representative figure of this type of enclave, having as one of its objectives to make conservation compatible with public use. One of its objectives is to make conservation compatible with public use. However, its restrictive legal regime prevents sustainability from being achieved. In this sense, UNESCO Global Geoparks emerges as an alternative figure with a vision more focused on socio-economic development. This paper compares the perception of sustainability in these two types of protected areas. For this purpose, a questionnaire was sent to the highest representatives of the municipalities closest to all the national parks and geoparks in Spain. The data analysis was carried out using structural equation modeling. The results of this study show a higher perception of sustainable development in geoparks than in national parks. In conclusion, very strict regulation of protected areas can be detrimental to tourism development and the population’s quality of life.

 Numerous challenges are associated with scientific collection management including available resources, strategy development, communication, conservation plans, incorporation policies and other issues arising in day-to-day operations. All of these actions are part of ex situ geological and paleontological collections each with their own problems and solutions. This study carries out a comparative investigation of integrative strategies (databases and networks) in Brazilian geology and paleontology collections related to the university environment. A survey submitted to curators from 41 collections at 23 different institutions from Brazil allowed gathering information about their curatorial practices. The collected data used quantitative and qualitative methodologies, drawing parallel to the literature when appropriate. The analysis of these Brazilian collections shows how transdisciplinary innovation transforms museological environments, based on networks and database systems, enabling best practices. Whether through collection networks, systems or databases, interdisciplinary work permeates the entire life of the scientific object and, therefore, is considered a fundamental action in its maintenance and management. It became clear that the national reality, permeated with museological solutions, could easily be interpreted and adapted for similar collections, agreeing on best practices to the preservation of ex situ paleontological and geological heritage.

The Bijoliya region of Bhilwara district, Rajasthan, is bestowed with good quality sandstone. The Menal-Bijoliya-Bhimlat terrane dominantly composed of Vindhyan Supergroup sandstone. This sandstone forms a plateau-like feature with two important waterfalls, namely Menal and Bhimlat. This terrane exhibits sandstone sedimentary features and mediaeval Menal, Kaner ki Putli, Bijoliya Shiva and Jain temple monuments. The large sized rock inscriptions of 1170 AD are marked on the Bijoliya sandstone. Due to high durability and resistant to weathering quality of the sandstone, these rock inscriptions are still intact. Several Prehistoric cave art, stone tools and rock shelters paintings are present in the Bijoliya region. These signify early human social development and life style. Bijoliya sandstone is an important Heritage Stone Resource, which was used for shelter and rock art by the prehistoric human dwellers, and later on during the ancient, mediaeval and present time. Mandakini Kund, Hazaresvara Mahadeva or Hazaralinga temple, Kaner ki Putli, Menal Shiva temple and other historic monuments were constructed from the Bijoliya sandstone. Archaeological Survey of India listed these monuments and declared protected. Presently, widespread mining and poor preservation of sites causing distortion of geoheritage from the region. These sites require attention of society and the government for conservation, and should be developed for geotourism.

Geosciences teaching and geoheritage education (or geoeducation) possess specific characteristics in their teaching–learning process. This is especially because many focused objects and phenomena are three-dimensional and occur at a geological timescale. Traditional practical teaching tools involve carrying out fieldworks, presenting Earth dynamics on-site, and handling mineral/rock samples in classroom (ex situ). This paper explores how geology collections within a university context, as components of geodiversity, not only serve as teaching tools but also receive simultaneous geoconservation measures. The necessary stages to form ex situ geoheritage collections encompass identification, inventory, conservation, protection, promotion, exhibition, and dissemination. This work exemplifies how these actions were implemented in the collection of the Department of Geography at the Federal University of Pelotas, in Rio Grande do Sul state, southern Brazil.

Geodiversity assessment provides a reliable basis for land planning and management at national and regional levels. The present study was conducted with the aim of evaluating and analyzing the geodiversity in Iran and comparing the two methods of kriging and hotspot analysis in creating a geodiversity map. To this end, five main factors, including, geology, geomorphology, soil, hydrography, and climate were used to generate a geodiversity map. The number of features was counted for each index of each grid. The values of each index and the sum of these values ​were analyzed using Kriging and Getis-Ord Gi* statistics methods. According to the Getis-Ord Gi* statistic, 16.2% of Iran’s area is located in hotspot clusters with a confidence level of more than 95%. The Zagros folded belt, Alborz mountains, Sanandaj-Sirjan zone, Zagros thrust belt, Uromieh-Dokhtar zone, mountains north of Kerman (Central of Iran), and Maku-Baneh zone were identified as the most important geodiversity hotspots in Iran. The results showed that the Getis-Ord Gi* method with a higher coefficient of determination and classification of clusters based on Z-score and P-value is more accurate than the kriging method for classifying hot spots of geodiversity.