GeoheritagePub Date : 2024-09-11DOI: 10.1007/s12371-024-01008-x
Morten Smelror, Terje Solbakk
{"title":"A World Renowned Geoheritage from the Snowball Earth—The Bigganjarga Tillite (Northern Norway)","authors":"Morten Smelror, Terje Solbakk","doi":"10.1007/s12371-024-01008-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-024-01008-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The Bigganjarga Tillite on the Varanger Peninsula, northern Norway, was described by Hans H. Reusch in 1891 as one of the first evidence of a glaciation older than the Late Quaternary “real ice-age” in Europe. Since the late 1800s, considerable geoscientific research covering lithostratigraphy, sedimentology, paleontology and geochronology have been carried out in the Neoproterozoic and Early Paleozoic successions of East- Finnmark, and the Bigganjarga tillite (also referred to as the Reusch Moraine) is now recognized as a diamictite that correlates with global Marinoan glaciation in Cryogenian time. The Bigganjarga Tillite belongs to the Smalfjord Formation and marks the base of the Vestertana Group which rests on quartzite of the Veidnesbotn Formation with a significant unconformity. The site at Oaibáhčannjárga where Bigganjarga Tillite was first discovered became protected in 1967 and is today an international recognized Geoheritage from the Snowball Earth. New research studies are in progress at the site and the Bigganjarga Tillite is a prime example of how Geological Heritage is selected and recognized for its historic and potential future scientific values.</p>","PeriodicalId":48924,"journal":{"name":"Geoheritage","volume":"11 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142176218","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
GeoheritagePub Date : 2024-09-10DOI: 10.1007/s12371-024-01015-y
Omar Mejía-Agüero, Adolfo Quesada-Román
{"title":"Geoheritage Assessment for the Geoconservation and Geotourism Promotion of in the Altamira Sector of the La Amistad International Park, Costa Rica","authors":"Omar Mejía-Agüero, Adolfo Quesada-Román","doi":"10.1007/s12371-024-01015-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-024-01015-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p>In recent years, the study of geoheritage has gained global importance, and in the case of Costa Rica, the first investigations have been carried out to identify geosites, as well as the interest in establishing a geopark in the La Amistad-Pacífico Conservation Area. This research focuses on identifying, analyzing, and evaluating the geosites in the Altamira Sector of the La Amistad International Park (PILA, in Spanish) to understand their state of geoconservation and their potential for geotourism. The methodology consists of three steps: geosites identification through geomorphological mapping, fieldwork, and bibliographic research; historical-cultural characterization using documentation related to natural history, expeditions, art, and sacred sites; and geosites evaluation based on criteria such as form, condition, ecosystems, management, and conservation, as well as their relevance to geotourism and their impact on local communities. Four geosites were identified in the Altamira sector: Valley of Silencio, Kamuk Hill, Gemelo-Pittier Hills, and The Esperanza savanna. These geosites feature valleys dissected by channels due to fluvial processes, as well as landscapes shaped by steep volcanic slopes, river action, and periglacial processes. Historical-cultural references were found, including artistic documents, legends, and stories linking them to Costa Rican indigenous culture. Geosites evaluation revealed high scores in criteria related to intrinsic values that define these sites as highlights of geoheritage due to their unique characteristics. However, weaknesses were identified in the Use and Management criteria, primarily in terms of infrastructure to promote geotourism. It is concluded that the selected geosites are representative of their geological and geomorphological evolution, housing valuable information about the natural processes that shaped the territory and serving as evidence of the country's natural and cultural history. Additionally, they stand out as suitable places to promote geoheritage conservation through activities such as research, education, cultural events, and geotourism.</p>","PeriodicalId":48924,"journal":{"name":"Geoheritage","volume":"23 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142223257","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
GeoheritagePub Date : 2024-09-07DOI: 10.1007/s12371-024-00974-6
Yeison Mauricio Carrillo-Hernández, Carlos Alberto Ríos-Reyes, Carlos Alberto Villarreal-Jaimes
{"title":"Geotourism and Geoeducation: A Holistic Approach for Socioeconomic Development in Rural Areas of Los Santos Municipality, Santander, Colombia","authors":"Yeison Mauricio Carrillo-Hernández, Carlos Alberto Ríos-Reyes, Carlos Alberto Villarreal-Jaimes","doi":"10.1007/s12371-024-00974-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-024-00974-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p>This study emphasizes the untapped geotourism and geoeducation potential in the Mesa de Los Santos region, situated within the Chicamocha Canyon in Colombia, renowned for its abundant geoheritage. Despite the region's geological richness, geotourism development opportunities have been overlooked, leaving its geoheritage largely unexplored for tourism. Focused on the georoute Refugio La Roca—Los Santos, the study identifies key geosites with significant potential for future geotourism endeavors. The Mesa de Los Santos region boasts a complex geological history and diverse geodiversity shaped by various natural phenomena. However, its full geotourism potential remains undiscovered. The georoute, incorporating natural and cultural heritage, is strategically designed for geotourism and geoeducation, aiming at fostering geoconservation in rural areas. Educational and interpretive panels are employed as didactic resources to enlighten tourists about the natural phenomena shaping the landscape, enhancing their overall experience and understanding. By integrating geoethical considerations into geosite management, the study proposes achieving sustainable geoconservation in the Chicamocha Canyon territory. This approach not only contributes to preserving the region's geological uniqueness but also provides a platform for socio-economic development in rural areas. The study envisions creating meaningful experiences that attract tourists while benefiting local communities, thereby promoting holistic and sustainable rural development.</p>","PeriodicalId":48924,"journal":{"name":"Geoheritage","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142176221","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Chambal Badlands of Ganga River Basin, India: A Fading Geoheritage Odyssey","authors":"Rohit Kumar, Parv Kasana, Rahul Devrani, Shikha Panwar Devrani","doi":"10.1007/s12371-024-00998-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-024-00998-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p>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.</p>","PeriodicalId":48924,"journal":{"name":"Geoheritage","volume":"19 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142176220","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
GeoheritagePub Date : 2024-09-03DOI: 10.1007/s12371-024-00996-0
Won–Sok Jon, To–Jun Ryang, Myong–Chol Ri
{"title":"Inventory and Quantitative Assessment of Mountainous Geoheritage Sites in Democratic People’s Republic of Korea","authors":"Won–Sok Jon, To–Jun Ryang, Myong–Chol Ri","doi":"10.1007/s12371-024-00996-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-024-00996-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p>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.</p>","PeriodicalId":48924,"journal":{"name":"Geoheritage","volume":"43 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142176458","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
GeoheritagePub Date : 2024-09-03DOI: 10.1007/s12371-024-00995-1
Kenta Sayama, Adrian G Parker, Ash Parton, Heather Viles
{"title":"Reflecting Experiences of Regional Academic, Tourism, and Education Specialists in Geoheritage Evaluation for Southeast Arabia","authors":"Kenta Sayama, Adrian G Parker, Ash Parton, Heather Viles","doi":"10.1007/s12371-024-00995-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-024-00995-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p>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.</p>","PeriodicalId":48924,"journal":{"name":"Geoheritage","volume":"11 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142176460","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
GeoheritagePub Date : 2024-09-03DOI: 10.1007/s12371-024-00987-1
Borut Stojilković, Murray Gray
{"title":"Geodiversification: The Evolution of Geodiversity Through Time","authors":"Borut Stojilković, Murray Gray","doi":"10.1007/s12371-024-00987-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-024-00987-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p>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.</p>","PeriodicalId":48924,"journal":{"name":"Geoheritage","volume":"19 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142176243","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
GeoheritagePub Date : 2024-09-02DOI: 10.1007/s12371-024-00993-3
Kuttusi Zorlu, Mehmet Tuncer, Ali Yılmaz
{"title":"Assessment of Resources for Geotourism Development: Integrated SWARA-COBRA Approach Under Spherical Fuzzy Environments","authors":"Kuttusi Zorlu, Mehmet Tuncer, Ali Yılmaz","doi":"10.1007/s12371-024-00993-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-024-00993-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p>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.</p>","PeriodicalId":48924,"journal":{"name":"Geoheritage","volume":"129 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142176459","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
GeoheritagePub Date : 2024-09-02DOI: 10.1007/s12371-024-00994-2
K. Milankumar Sharma, Sapam Ranabir, N. Amardas Singh, Prafull Singh
{"title":"A Note on Spectacular Geodiversity and Cultural Sites In and Around Gaya-Rajgir Region of Bihar, India: Prospect for Geoheritage and Geotourism","authors":"K. Milankumar Sharma, Sapam Ranabir, N. Amardas Singh, Prafull Singh","doi":"10.1007/s12371-024-00994-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-024-00994-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p>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.</p>","PeriodicalId":48924,"journal":{"name":"Geoheritage","volume":"8 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142176461","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
GeoheritagePub Date : 2024-08-29DOI: 10.1007/s12371-024-00997-z
Fatih Köroğlu
{"title":"Cehennem Deresi Canyon(s): Outstanding Geomorphology, Geoheritage, and Geotourism Assets, Ardanuç (Artvin), Eastern Black Sea/NE Türkiye","authors":"Fatih Köroğlu","doi":"10.1007/s12371-024-00997-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-024-00997-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p>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.</p>","PeriodicalId":48924,"journal":{"name":"Geoheritage","volume":"9 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142176244","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}