Not simply volcanoes – The Geoheritage of the Cretaceous System in the Land of the Extinct Volcanoes Geopark, West Sudetes (SW Poland)

Piotr Migoń,Edyta Pijet-Migoń

doi:10.7494/geotour.2020.60-61.3

Piotr Migoń, Edyta Pijet-Migoń

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.7494/geotour.2020.60-61.3

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Abstract

Volcanic geoheritage is emphasized as the main asset and distinctive characteristic of the Land of Extinct Volcanoes Geopark in the West Sudetes (SW Poland). However, the geoheritage values of the region are not limited to the legacy of ancient volcanism but include various other elements. This paper explores the contribution of geosites that expose sedimentary rocks of Cretaceous age and landforms developed upon these rocks. Six localities from the Geopark area, included in the comprehensive regional inventory of geosites, are presented. They represent natural and man-made sandstone outcrops and show, among others, lithological variations, small- and large-scale post-sedimentary deformation structures, landforms arising from differential weathering (rock shelters, honeycombs), boulder fields and a sandstone xenolith in volcanic rocks. Next, five localities from outside the Geopark, but still within the Pogórze Kaczawskie region, are described. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of both groups is attempted, and the results show that, in general, geosites within the Geopark rank higher. However at least two from the other group also have significant geotourist potential. Finally, a brief comparative analysis with other parts of the Sudetes, where Cretaceous sedimentary rocks occur, is offered.

Highlights

Among various rock complexes exposed in Central Europe, the Upper Cretaceous sedimentary succession of marine origin is known to host some of the most spectacular landscapes and landforms that occur in this part of the world
This paper aims to explore the geoheritage related to the Cretaceous system, both within the Land of Extinct Volcanoes (LEV) Geopark and its vicinity, in the following way
Cretaceous sandstone-related geosites in the Pogórze Kaczawskie region, not too numerous, add to the considerable geodiversity of the area and are important components of regional geoheritage, even if none of the features exposed at these geosites can be considered really unique in the wider context of the Sudetes

Summary

Introduction

Among various rock complexes exposed in Central Europe, the Upper Cretaceous sedimentary succession of marine origin is known to host some of the most spectacular landscapes and landforms that occur in this part of the world These have developed upon typically weakly deformed clastic rocks, which include quartz, arkosic and calcareous sandstones, mudstones, marls and claystones. The most distinctive sceneries are associated with quartz sandstones, ranging in age from Cenomanian to Coniacian and lying horizontally over long distances or tilted to form monoclinal structures These eye-catching landscapes include dissected tablelands, plateaus and mesas, cuesta ridges and deep canyons, whereas characteristic medium-size and minor landforms are rock labyrinths and towers, hoodoo rocks, and the outstanding variety of small-scale weathering features on the rock surfaces (Hettner, 1903; Vítek, 1979; Adamovič et al, 2006, 2010; Migoń et al, 2017, 2019). More far-field effects are recorded by the widespread occurrence of ironstones (local ferruginization due to iron precipitation from hydrothermal fluids), which, due to their hardness project from and above softer sandstone surfaces, often in the form of very complicated spatial patterns (Vařilová, 2007; Adamovič, 2016)

Objectives

Conclusion