Scientific results of monitoring objects of geological heritage in Dnipropetrovsk oblast

Abstract

We studied the peculiarities of the geological structure of Dnipropetrovsk oblast and the extent of its provision with mineral and raw material resources. We defined the connection between the structural-tectonic, lithological-petrographic and geomorpho- logical factors of geological diversity in the territory and the number and condition of geological relics i.e. of geosites. We have shown that the geological relics have a decisive role in the formation of the Nature Reserve Fund of Ukraine and underlined the necessity for monitoring the objects of geological heritage. The article provides a comparative analysis of quantative estimation of the geological heritage of Dnipropetrovsk oblast, which was done using different sources from different years. We emphasize that geological relics can be central objects for geotourism and also highlight their value as the main components of future geoparks. On the basis of monitoring the geological heritage between 2005 and 2015, we have identified potential new geosites, the list of which is published here for the first time. This paper provides a brief geological characteristic of each new geosite, its chronostratigraphic and administrative location. The active part taken by Ukrainian representatives in the work of the European Association for the Conservation of the Geological Heritage (ProGEO), the will to create a European list of geosites and the realization of the necessity of preserving the geological heritage has allowed us to develop and implement for the first time in the history of the movement for preserving the natural environment the course “Monitoring the objects of geological heritage” for students who are studying in the sphere “ Earth Sciences”. The article describes the determinants of the practical component of the subject and suggests routes for geological field studies for students both with their tutors and independently.Key words: geosite, geological monument, ProGEO, monitoring, geopark, geotourism, Earth Sciences