Abstract
East Kazakhstan is physiographically a diverse region of north-central Asia encompassing a broad array of geomorphic zones and geo-ecosystems from the western open steppes to the interior arid basins with wind-sculptured surfaces of the surrounding rocky highlands aligned by the high alpine mountain ranges. The complex regional geological history gave rise to a mosaic of impressive landforms located within a relatively small area. The extraordinary relief with many unique geo-sites was generated by dynamic processes associated with the late Cainozoic orogenesis in conjunction with the past climatic variations. The cyclicity of bedrock weathering and mass sediment transfer are manifested by Mesozoic fossiliferous formations, large sand dune fields, and loess-palaeosol-cryogenic series providing archives of the Quaternary evolution. Pleistocene glaciations followed by cataclysmic floods from the released ice-dammed lakes during the recessional glacier stages have produced an exceptional imprint in the mountain areas. Many archaeological localities and historic monuments, some being a part of the UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage, are associated with the most prominent topographic places. Geo-tourism focusing on the most exquisite landscapes and spectacular geological settings is the new trend in the country with still minor activities that take advantage of the region’s supreme geoheritage potential. The great geo-diversity accentuates the touristic value of this still marginally explored geographic area. Reconnaissance, documentation, and publicity of the most unique geo-sites and geo-parks provide an impetus for their registration in the national and international nature heritage protection programs under proper geo-environmental conservation policies.
Highlights
Contrary to overall awareness of cultural heritage, national conceptions of geoheritage aimed at the preservation of unique landscape forms and geological formations are still a relatively new trend (Brocx and Semeniuk 2007; Brocx 2008; Gray 2008; Robinson and Percival 2011; van der Ancker 2012; Reynard 2012; Ruban 2015; de Wever et al 2015; Fauzi and Misni 2016; Hose 2016; Crofts 2018; Gordon et al 2018, etc.)
The central part of East Kazakhstan is structured by low-elevation hills of the Kalba Mountains (1606 m) of the Central Kazakh Highlands adjoining in the east the Zaisan tectonic depression filled by lakes— the Zaisan and the Bukhtarma Basins (300–400 m asl) amidst a dry xerotheric landscape (Nekhoroshev 1967; Deviatkin 1981; Akhmetyev et al 2005)
The most fascinating cultural records, are associated with the Bronze Age and especially the early historical times. The latter are represented by the Iron Age “royal” stone burial mounds (Fig. 5c, d), isolated ceremonial structures, and rock-engraved petroglyphs found on in the mountain river valleys and on the high plateaus and assigned to the Scythian Period, leaving behind the most famous cultural relics registered in the UNESCO World Heritage in Eastern Kazakhstan as well as the neighbouring Russian Gorno Altai (Akishev 1978; Polosmak 2001; Samashev 2001, 2011; Gorbunov et al 2005)
Summary
Contrary to overall awareness of cultural heritage, national conceptions of geoheritage aimed at the preservation of unique landscape forms and geological formations are still a relatively new trend (Brocx and Semeniuk 2007; Brocx 2008; Gray 2008; Robinson and Percival 2011; van der Ancker 2012; Reynard 2012; Ruban 2015; de Wever et al 2015; Fauzi and Misni 2016; Hose 2016; Crofts 2018; Gordon et al 2018, etc.). The Republic of Kazakhstan, situated in the north of Central Asia (2,724,900 km2) inspires a lot of attention due to its spectacular landforms many of which are worldunique. There still has been a marginal activity promoting the country’s geoheritage potential (Saparov and Zhensikbayeva 2016; Zhensikbayeva et al 2018).
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