Bogdo-Baskunchak Nature Reserve as a Geoheritage site

Abstract

The Bogdo-Baskunchak Nature Reserve is a geoheritage site in the Caspian Depression, near the Lower Volga River. The Salt Lake Baskunchak and the Mount Big Bogdo with the gypsum field are the main objects of interest. Local legends about this place, history of salt mining and trading, as well as geological exploration make this geoheritage site special. This intact natural landscape, as seen by the first scientific expeditions of the 18th century organised by the Imperial Academy of Sciences and Arts in St. Petersburg. Reports and papers about this area are associated with Pallas, Humboldt, Murchison, Eichwald, Auerbach, Pravoslavlev, Efremov and other scientists and expeditions. Extensive research and important discoveries were made in this area mostly in mineralogy, stratigraphy, palaeontology, sedimentology, salt tectonics, and mining. This area reflects the long history of its exploration and could be a good example of organising protection of geological landmarks and monuments in arid regions.