Overlooked Geomorphological Component of Volcanic Geoheritage—Diversity and Perspectives for Tourism Industry, Pogórze Kaczawskie Region, SW Poland

Piotr Migoń,Edyta Pijet-Migoń

doi:10.1007/s12371-015-0166-8

Abstract

In the West Sudetes (SW Poland), volcanic activity of Oligocene and Miocene age has left a suite of landforms of considerable geomorphological interest. Besides being relevant to the subject of volcanology, they illustrate how volcanism influences interplays with landscape development in the long-term. Three main geomorphological themes are explored: structural geomorphology of ancient volcanic terrain, volcanic remnants as markers of long-term denudation and hillslope evolution under periglacial conditions of the Pleistocene. Volcanic geosites are used as a resource for geotourism and promotion of geoheritage has intensified recently, with the region branding itself as the ‘Land of Extinct Volcanoes’. Ten localities are evaluated as geomorphosites of significant educational potential, taking into account geomorphological values, added values as well as physical accessibility and information supply. Successful interpretation remains a key challenge in further geotourism development, and several associated practical issues are pointed out such as choice of terminology, uncertainties in scientific understanding and stand-alone attractiveness of geoheritage.

Highlights

Volcanic events and volcanic landforms represent natural phenomena which have long generated considerable interest amongst both scientists and general public, with examples appearing since the antiquity (Erfurt-Cooper 2010, 2014)
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the geomorphological significance of sites of past Cenozoic volcanism located in south-west Poland, in the region of Pogórze Kaczawskie (Kaczawskie Upland)
General public interest in volcanic heritage is usually limited to volcanic processes and landforms arising directly from eruptive or effusive activity

Summary

Introduction

Volcanic events and volcanic landforms represent natural phenomena which have long generated considerable interest amongst both scientists and general public, with examples appearing since the antiquity (Erfurt-Cooper 2010, 2014). Fascination with volcanism is exemplified by countless publications, scientific and popular science alike, dedicated websites, museums and exhibitions, marked volcanic trails, etc. Many volcanoes or their groups, with associated geothermal phenomena and often curiously shaped landforms, are considered as the most valuable national heritages and protected in national parks and nature reserves. The World Heritage List of UNESCO lists at least 16 volcanic sites (Wood 2009; Badman 2010), making contemporary volcanism the most represented theme amongst all Earth science themes (Dingwall et al 2005). Volcanic terrains feature prominently amongst National Parks and National Monuments in the USA, including such iconic sites as Crater Lake, Devil’s Tower and Hawaii Volcanoes

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