Geoeducational assessments in Khon Kaen National Geopark, Thailand: implication for geoconservation and geotourism development

Abstract

Khon Kaen Geopark (KKGp), located on the Mesozoic sandstone syncline of the Khorat Plateau, northeastern Thailand, is distinguished by spatially small-scale (100–10,000 m2) forms of geodiversity (rocks, fossils, structures, landforms, landscapes, and minerals). Field investigations and classification suggest that paleontological sites present the first dinosaur species in Thailand and confirm the existence of five dinosaur species: Phuwiangosaurus sirindhornae, Kinnareemimus khonkaenensis, Siamotyrannus isanensis, Siamosaurus suteethorni, and Phuwiangvenator yaemniyomi. The geomorphological sites feature representative sandstone landforms, including waterfalls, cliffs, caverns, honeycombs, pedestal rocks, and rugged surfaces with irregular features. In addition, the mineralogical site has a Uranium Field (Cu–U-related ore deposit). This work proposes four geoeducation models: a geodiversity one-day trip, a geomorphological study trail, a geoethical study site, and the Phu Wiang Dinosaur Museum for geoconservation development for school and university students. According to the geoeducation assessment, KKGp has considerable educational value based on the Accessibility, Safety, Invulnerability, Observation condition, and Didactic (ASIOD) framework for geology and geography. Our findings suggest ways to broadly transform and enhance the geoeducation concept through a storytelling narrative of the geopark.