TYPOLOGY OF GEOCONSERVATION OBJECTS IN MOUNTAINOUS ADYGEYA

Abstract

Geological heritage constitutes a precious natural resource, its studies are dynamically evolved research direction, and its protection and use are subjects of geoconservation. Mountainous Adygeya in the southwest of Russia has already become a locus for testing the related methods, but some questions about its geological heritage remain open. The present work aims at establishing typology of the objects of geoconservation in this territory. The method is establishment of the presence of standardized types of geological heritage in 17 objects. The geological peculiarities are attributed to dominant, auxiliary, and supplementary types. It is found that all objects of geoconservation of Mountainous Adygeya are complex and include no less than three dominant and auxiliary types. The Granite Gorge is distinguished by the biggest internal diversity. Among the types of geological heritage, the stratigraphical, sedimentary, and palaeogeographical types should be noted because they present in all objects as dominant or auxiliary types. The palaeogeographical type is found as the dominant type most frequently. The results of the undertaken establishment of typology are of practical importance because they indicate the possibility of more effective use of the geological heritage of this territory for the educational and touristic purposes, as well as allow better planning of geoconservation activities.