Abstract
Abstract The preparation of a proper zoning plan or landscape-ecological plan requires taking into account recognition of the natural values of an area covered by the plan and evaluating its abiotic and biotic diversities. The aim of the paper is to present the new approach to the procedure of geodiversity and biodiversity assessment. This procedure is used to characterise abiotic and biotic heterogeneity of the postglacial landscape modified by a man, tested on Dębnica River catchment (Western Pomerania, Poland). This catchment is a representative example illustrating the landscape of Central European Plain. The analytical algorithm of the geodiversity assessment is based on appropriate selection of the evaluation criteria: lithological, relative heights, landform fragmentation, hydrographical elements and mesoclimatic conditions. Biodiversity was assessed on the basis of real vegetation, potential natural vegetation and the degree of anthropisation of the natural vegetation with respect to syngenesis of plant associations. Seven factor maps were obtained: five for the diversity of abiotic elements, and two for the diversity of biotic elements, which became the basis for the creation of total geodiversity and biodiversity maps. Maps produced in accordance with given methodology may find a wide range of applications.
Highlights
Natural environment consists of a variety of correlated abiotic and biotic systems, which are responsible for diversity in nature (Serrano, RuizFlaño 2009)
The preparation of a proper zoning plan or landscape-ecological plan requires taking into account recognition of the natural values of an area covered by the plan and evaluating its abiotic and biotic diversities
The aim of the paper is to present the new approach to the procedure of geodiversity and biodiversity assessment
Summary
Natural environment consists of a variety of correlated abiotic and biotic systems, which are responsible for diversity in nature (Serrano, RuizFlaño 2009). This is reflected in the development of the assessment methods of biodiversity, while the research on geodiversity is neglected (Najwer, zwoliński 2014a, Borysiak 2015, speak et al 2015). Duff (1994) defines geodiversity as abiotic variability and argues that certain elements of the geological substrate are reflected in the richness and diversity of plant species in a given research area. Jedicke (2001: 60) defines geodiversity as variability in the abiotic elements and components in a hierarchical ecological system, such as geology, topography, surface water and groundwater, weather conditions and soil cover. They form spatially functioning relational systems (physiotops), and together with biodiversity, create an ecodiversity. The role of geodiversity for geotourism is, underestimated (Ollier 2012, Thomas 2012), and its potential not fully utilised
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