Geoheritage最新文献

{"title":"Creating a Geosite Inventory for some Classic Outcrops in Nigeria’s Southeastern Province","authors":"Chidozie Izuchukwu Princeton Dim","doi":"10.1007/s12371-024-00967-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-024-00967-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p>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.</p>","PeriodicalId":48924,"journal":{"name":"Geoheritage","volume":"9 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141148388","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":"Thermal Baking, Induration and Physical Volcanic Features in Deccan Volcanic Units and Their Suitability for Excavation, Sculpturing as well as Restoration of Geoheritage Sites in Western India","authors":"K. S. Misra, Anshuman Misra, Neela Misra","doi":"10.1007/s12371-024-00961-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-024-00961-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p>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.</p>","PeriodicalId":48924,"journal":{"name":"Geoheritage","volume":"67 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-05-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141063582","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":"Palaeovolcanic Geoheritage from Volcano Geology Perspective within Earth's Geosystems: Geoeducation of the Potential Geopark Kratovo-Zletovo (North Macedonia)","authors":"Bojana Aleksova, Djordjije Vasiljević, Karoly Nemeth, Ivica Milevski","doi":"10.1007/s12371-024-00960-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-024-00960-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p>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.</p>","PeriodicalId":48924,"journal":{"name":"Geoheritage","volume":"20 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140937674","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":"Banni Grassland, a Geoheritage Landscape of Western India: Endless Possibilities for Geo-Eco-Socio Tourism","authors":"Rupak Dey, Seema B. Sharma, M. G. Thakkar, Abhiroop Chowdhury","doi":"10.1007/s12371-024-00945-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-024-00945-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Awareness of geoheritage, geoconservation, and geotourism research has significantly increased globally during the past two decades. A peri-cratonic Kachchh rift basin in western India exposes varied geological formations and structures, from the Jurassic to Recent. Kachchh basin is characterized by rocky uplifts and pediments with deciduous and scanty forest, which suggest a semi-arid climate while hypersaline Rann and Banni plains show an arid to hyper-arid climate. The deteriorating grasslands of Banni were known as Savanna-type grasslands of Asia. Several natural and anthropogenic factors have led to its depletion. Owing to its unique geological, aesthetic, botanical and cultural values, the Banni Grasslands hold a potential candidature for a critical geo-observatory site status, both at national and international levels. The geological evolutionary history of this fragile eco-zone with a strong anthropological background calls for a holistic sustainable development that encompasses the socio-economical needs and ecological agility at the same time. The plains of Banni are unique geomorphic features with distinct ecology, traditional climate-human sustainable practice model and diverse folk arts and skills of making climate-tectonic resistive dwellings. The grasslands to the north merge into the marshes and uplifted mudflats as the Rann terrain. The present paper is an attempt to understand the socio-economic intricacies of Banni grassland in light of its unique geological origin and ecological vulnerabilities. It focuses on traditional and sustainable ecological knowledge of the local folks with distinct harmony of their art and architecture so interwoven with the activeness of the climate and tectonics of Banni. The inter-sectorial conflicting interests have redefined the fate of this terrain, in recent decades. It presents the <i>status quo</i> of its geological, anthropological and ecological facets and establishes the way forward that sustains the social, economic and above all ecological obligations in the long run.</p>","PeriodicalId":48924,"journal":{"name":"Geoheritage","volume":"208 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140937732","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":"Two high Value Geoheritage Sites on Sõrve Peninsula (Saaremaa Island, Estonia): A Window to the Unique Late Silurian Fauna","authors":"Olev Vinn, Mark A. Wilson, Mare Isakar, Ursula Toom","doi":"10.1007/s12371-024-00957-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-024-00957-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The Upper Silurian exposures on Saaremaa Island, mostly represented by small coastal cliffs, are the best in Estonia. Among these exposures are two coastal cliffs that are in many ways unique. The Pridoli crinoid fauna at Kaugatuma and the Ohesaare cliffs contains several endemic genera such as <i>Methabocrinus</i>, <i>Saaremaacrinus</i>, and <i>Velocrinus</i>, which occur exclusively in the Pridoli of Saaremaa Island. These localities have great potential for future studies of crinoid paleobiology and paleoecology. The fossil symbiotic associations have high value for studies devoted to evolutionary paleoecology. The Kaugatuma and Ohesaare cliffs yield the only symbiotic associations that are known from the Pridoli worldwide. Both cliffs are also famous localities of early vertebrates. The Kaugatuma and Ohesaare cliffs are places of scenic beauty, and the rarity of fossiliferous Pridoli outcrops in the Baltic Sea region makes these cliffs important destinations for European geotourism.</p>","PeriodicalId":48924,"journal":{"name":"Geoheritage","volume":"19 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140937735","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":"Quantitative Risk Assessment of Rock Instabilities Threatening Manazan Caves, Karaman, Türkiye","authors":"Mustafa Fener, Nehir Varol","doi":"10.1007/s12371-024-00951-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-024-00951-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Located in the southern part of Central Anatolia Region, Manazan Caves is situated in the east of Yeşildere Valley. It is a five-storey mass dwelling carved into a human-made high rock mass. Although there are no exact data to determine when the caves were carved, it is assumed that the caves were carved and settled in the Byzantine period during the 6th − 7th centuries. The geological and geotechnical data analyses were conducted in Manazan Caves. As a result of these analyses, it was observed that rock blocks of different sizes fell into the field in various times of the year, and there were instabilities in some individual rock blocks. In the study area, the movement mechanisms of rock slopes due to discontinuity were analysed by using various computer programs (DIPS, RockFALL, GEO5); and in order to ensure the safety of life and property and to protect this heritage cave, the current rockfall potential and risk along with slope instabilities were determined, and the fundamental prevention measures to be taken were discussed.</p>","PeriodicalId":48924,"journal":{"name":"Geoheritage","volume":"65 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140929681","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":"An Appraisal of Geoheritage Potential: From The Delhi-Aravalli Fold- and The Himalayan Fold-Thrust Belts to the Coastal Plains of India","authors":"Rajeeb Lochan Mishra","doi":"10.1007/s12371-024-00962-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-024-00962-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The concept of “geoheritage” that has emerged as a new discipline over the last few years has advocated for the preservation of geological features, such as landforms, towards a cultural perspective. It aims for the conservation of geological entities referred to as “geosites”, that are significant from geoscience education point of view, as well as for the development of local “geotourism”. In this paper, five potential geosites located across India have been identified. The “geosites” identified are located in the states of Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. These five geosites are located in five different geological terrains, and the idea of proposing these geosites is that they are uniquely significant from geological, geomorphological as well as cultural perspective. These geosites are significant for geoscience education, and have scope for the development of “geotourism”. Hence, these geological entities need to be conserved for the forthcoming generations of geoscientists, researchers, students and science enthusiasts, in addition to growth and development of the local tourism.</p>","PeriodicalId":48924,"journal":{"name":"Geoheritage","volume":"2 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140937612","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":"Geodiversity Assessment in the Midriff Islands Region of the Gulf of California (Northwest Mexico)","authors":"Jorge Alberto Miros-Gómez, Carles Canet, Thierry Calmus","doi":"10.1007/s12371-024-00946-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-024-00946-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p>A concurrent qualitative-quantitative assessment of geodiversity was carried out within the Midriff Islands, a priority region within the Gulf of California that stands out for its geological, ecological, and cultural importance. This study is carried out on the coast of central Sonora, where the Comcaac indigenous community has lived for more than a thousand years imbuing their territory with material and symbolic values. The objective of this study was to highlight the elements of geodiversity and contribute to the management and conservation strategies that are carried out in the area. The qualitative approach consisted of detailed fieldwork and a descriptive-documentary assessment of the geodiversity attributes of the study area, which led to the preparation of geomorphological and geological maps. The quantitative approach consisted of the elaboration of a geodiversity index map using an adapted methodology that considered some sites of cultural value due to their relationship with abiotic natural elements of geodiversity. As a result of both approaches, several localities and zones of high to medium geodiversity were identified mainly located along the mountain ranges and the coast. Coastal areas, although not having the highest geodiversity, could be considered the most relevant in terms of geological heritage and geoconservation, because they comprise a variety of rocky outcrops and extraordinary landforms with scientific interest, as well as cultural and aesthetic values. In addition, the concurrent assessment was favorable to recognize localities where geoconservation and sustainable use strategies, such as geotourism, can be implemented.</p>","PeriodicalId":48924,"journal":{"name":"Geoheritage","volume":"76 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140929678","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":"Calcite Precipitation on Excavated Andesite Surfaces from the Archaeological Sites of Aigai and Assos (Turkey)","authors":"Çağlayan Deniz Kaplan, Hasan Böke","doi":"10.1007/s12371-024-00952-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-024-00952-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The conservation interventions of crusts or patinas formed on the surfaces of stone monuments should be evaluated within a comprehensive approach in archaeological excavations, taking into account their material characteristics. In this study, the mineralogical, chemical and microstructural characteristics of whitish crusts formed on the surfaces of buried and later excavated andesite surfaces at the archaeological sites of Aigai and Assos (Turkey) were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM–EDS) analyses in order to establish a conservation approach at the archaeological sites. The whitish crusts formed on the excavated andesite surfaces are mainly composed of calcite with freshwater diatom species. Calcite is most likely formed by the alteration of plagioclase by carbon dioxide in the soil during the burial of the andesites. In the soil, CO₂ reacts with plagioclase to produce kaolinite and calcite which are precipitated on the andesite surfaces after excavation. The presence of freshwater diatom species in the whitish crusts may indicate that the andesite remains were buried in the waterlogged soil for many years and later excavated. Therefore, whitish crusts should not be cleaned from the andesite surfaces, as they are a sign of the burial history of the monuments and a protective layer against weathering.</p>","PeriodicalId":48924,"journal":{"name":"Geoheritage","volume":"40 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140882408","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":"Geomorphological Landscape Assessment in the Hismah Desert: A Possible Geopark in Link with NEOM Project","authors":"Subhajit Sen, Mohamed O. Abouelresh, Ali Almusabeh, Fahad S. Al-Ismail, Bruno Pulido, Thadickal V. Joydas","doi":"10.1007/s12371-024-00956-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-024-00956-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p>NEOM is a new regional development in Saudi Arabia with a strong focus on the environment and sustainable development. In the cultural aspect, NEOM represents an opportunity for urban development that considers the protection of natural heritage assets. The Hismah desert in the northeast part of NEOM is characterised by sandstone and aeolian landscapes which are important in terms of scientific, educational, tourism, archaeological, ecological, and cultural value. This paper aims to assess the geomorphological landscape in the Hismah desert and provides a sustainable development plan for geoconservation and geotourism. The assessment method considers the landscape’s scientific and economic value, mainly derived from fieldwork. Economic value is calculated from ecological, aesthetic, and cultural value. Scientific and economic value for the whole landscape is high. The prolonged weathering and denudation process leads to mesa, butte, pinnacle, scarp, yardang, wadi, and rock pedestal formation. Key aeolian features are nebkha, sand and gravel sheets. The geological features are honeycomb structures, sandstone crossbed, and sedimentary deformation. Historical and cultural features enhance economic value. Considering the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, geoconservation and geotourism can be developed sustainably to support regional development in an arid region. Therefore, in link with the NEOM Project, this paper proposes Hismah Desert as a geopark for conserving geomorphological landscape, geotourism and regional development.</p>","PeriodicalId":48924,"journal":{"name":"Geoheritage","volume":"43 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140882362","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}