Abiotic Nature Research Articles

Scale Influence on Qualitative–Quantitative Geodiversity Assessments for the Geosite Recognition of Western Samoa

Spatial scale in modeling is one of the most important aspects of any kind of assessment. This study utilized previously studied assessments of geodiversity through a qualitative–quantitative methodology for geosite recognition. Our methodology was developed based on geodiversity as a complex description of all elements of abiotic nature and processes, influencing it. Based on this definition, geodiversity can be divided into main elements: geology and geomorphology, creating a core of abiotic nature; and additional elements including hydrology, climate, and human influences. We include this description of geodiversity here to emphasize the data which were used in the assessment. The methodology was based on an evaluation system, subject to improvements informed by previous research, and map-based models showing the area of spreading of calculated elements. Except for additional changes in the assessment, this article primarily addresses the problem of scale, by comparing two different methods of scale in the research: grid and non-grid. Grid types of assessment are considered a widely useable method, requiring definitions of areas of research with a potential variety of polygons, and calculating elements inside the cell and applying values to each cell. In contrast, non-grid assessment utilizes the natural borders of all elements (e.g., map view pattern of geological formations), and including them in calculations. The union of layers from different elements creates shapes which highlight regions with the highest values. Hence, the goal of this article is to demonstrate differences between grid and non-grid assessments of geodiversity in Western Samoa. In our results, we compare the methods and emphasize specific tasks most suitable for each method.

Geodiversity and Tourism Sustainability in the Anthropocene

Geodiversity has recently emerged as a key idea for recognizing the value of abiotic nature. The concept has vital implications for informing tourism sustainability research; however, to date, tourism scholarship has not shown adequate engagement with this concept. The issue also assumes further significance in the Anthropocene, where our species has become a geological force. Here, through a review of key works related to geodiversity and Anthropocene, their interface is analyzed, and implications for tourism sustainability are presented. It is argued that, in the Anthropocene, it is no longer enough for tourism sustainability research to remain preoccupied with the human predicament in the Anthropocene or the decline of biotic nature at some prominent tourism destinations, and it is imperative that tourism scholars embrace the concern for abiotic diversity and dynamic earth processes that provide vital resources and services for tourism planetwide.

A methodological guide to observe local‐scale geodiversity for biodiversity research and management

Abstract Current global environmental change calls for comprehensive and complementing approaches for biodiversity conservation. According to recent research, consideration of the diversity of Earth's abiotic features (i.e. geodiversity) could provide new insights and applications into the investigation and management of biodiversity. However, methods to map and quantify geodiversity at local scale have not been developed although this scale is important for conservation planning. Here, we introduce a field methodology for observing plot‐scale geodiversity, pilot the method in an Arctic–alpine tundra environment, provide empirical evidence on the plot‐scale biodiversity–geodiversity relationship and give guidance for practitioners on the implementation of the method. The field method is based on observation of geofeatures, that is, elements of geology, geomorphology and hydrology, from a given area surrounding a location of species observations. As a result, the method provides novel information on the variation of abiotic nature for biodiversity research and management. The method was piloted in northern Norway and Finland by observing geofeatures from 76 sites at three scales (5, 10 and 25 m radii). To explore the relationship between measures of biodiversity and geodiversity, the occurrence of vascular plant species was recorded from 2 m × 2 m plots at the same sites. According to the results, vascular plant species richness was positively correlated with the richness of geofeatures (Rs = 0.18–0.59). The connection was strongest in habitats characterized by deciduous shrubs. The method has a high potential for observing geofeatures without extensive geological or geomorphological training or field survey experience and could be applied by conservation practitioners. Synthesis and applications. Consideration of geodiversity in understanding, analysing and conserving biodiversity could facilitate environmental management and ensure the long‐term sustainability of ecosystem functions. With the developed method, it is possible to cost‐efficiently observe the elements of geodiversity that are useful in ecology and biodiversity conservation. Our approach can be adapted in different ecosystems and biodiversity investigations. The method can be adjusted depending on the abiotic conditions, expertise of the observer(s) and the equipment available.

Geoturist Evaluation of Geosites in the Tuchola Forest Biosphere Reserve (N Poland)

The geotourist evaluation of 32 geosites, including mineral deposits occurrence (1), petrological (12), sedimentological (2), and geomorphological (9), as well as hydrological and hydrogeological (8) sites, located in the area of Tuchola Forest Biosphere Reserve (TFBR), has been carried out. The study aims to provide a qualitative assessment of geodiversity via the evaluation of abiotic nature objects, as well as propose modifications in geotourist valuation criteria, for the purpose of applying it to the areas located in the Central European Plains. The evaluated geosites represent both perfect examples of typical features for the physiography of the TFBR, as a young glacial landscape, e.g., erratic boulders, glaciofluvial landforms, postglacial landforms, and lakes or peatbogs, as well as values proving the uniqueness of the area on both regional and international scales, e.g., disused underground lignite mine “Montania”. High scores of geotourist attractiveness (between 36 and 44 points) have been received by 14 evaluated geosites (1 mineral deposits occurrence geosite, 4 petrological geosites, 1 sedimentological geosite, and 5 geomorphological geosites, as well as 3 hydrological and hydrogeological geosites). The remaining 18 geosites have received a medium score (between 25 and 34 points). Three areas of high concentration of geosites, which overlap with the boundaries of Tuchola, Wdecki, and Zaborski (area of the greatest diversity of highly-ranked geosites) landscape parks, were distinguished. The authors proposed geosites that require improving their accessibility to enhance the geotourist attractiveness, recognized the necessity of marking out geotourist trails in the most attractive and diversified areas, and noticed the influence of extreme weather phenomena (whirwinds) on changes in the geotourist attractiveness of some geosites. It is believed that the results of the conducted evaluation may favorably affect the importance, position, and publicity of the whole area by supplementing the well-recognized biodiversity with the geodiversity presented in the study.

Screening of biological activity of phytopreparations based on secondary metabolites of plants on the culture of Phaseolus vulgaris

Relevance. Currently, the use of secondary plant-orgin metabolites with high biological activity is becoming an important part of a comprehensive plant protection program. The mechanism of their action is aimed at activating molecular biological and physiological systems that increase the ability of the plant organism to withstand the adverse effects of biotic and abiotic nature. The purpose of these studies is to screen the selectivity of the physiological activity of phytoregulators in relation to different varieties of vegetable beans.Methodology. Plants of two mid-ripening varieties of vegetable beans were twice sprayed with solutions of plant biological products of different chemical composition, isolated from 12 plant species of different families. Control – treatment with water, standards - solutions of Pharmayod and Fitolavin. During the growing season, an analysis of the development of diseases of various etiologies on seed crops was carried out. Seed productivity of plants was taken into account after harvesting and threshing the beans, the sowing qualities of the obtained seeds were studied in accordance with the relevant recommendations and GOST 12042-80, and the biological effectiveness (BE) of the action of phytopreparations was calculated.Results. Two-fold treatment of beans with most of the tested preparations reduced the total percentage of affected plants by more than 25%. The protective effect of the studied glycosides differed significantly depending on their chemical structure, disease etiology and cultivar responsiveness. Among them, there are preparations based on steroidal glycosides - Moldstim and Mestim, which have the most pronounced immunomodulatory effect on the resistance of vegetable beans to phytopathogens. Treatment with Mestim in the selected concentration led to a decrease in seed productivity of plants. Other phytopreparations showed a neutral or stimulating effect on this trait, increasing the proportion of germinating seeds in the yield structure by 3-26% relative to control. The certain varietal specificity has been identified by the total effectiveness of the action. Irioid glycosides from Linaria genistifolia and the sum of iridoids and flavonoids from Linaria vulgaris showed the greatest activity on the responsive cultivar Lika. On the SiBemol variety, there is Moldstim, a steroidal glycoside of the furostanol series, isolated from Capsicum annuum. Their biological effectiveness was higher than that of Fitolavin and Pharmayod standards.

Quantitative-Qualitative Method for Quick Assessment of Geodiversity

The article demonstrates a method for quantitative-qualitative geodiversity assessment based on core elements of abiotic nature (geology and geomorphology) according to a proposed weight multiplied by the area of spread through the studied region. The territory of the Coromandel Peninsula was selected as a case study due to its diverse geology and geomorphology. The north part of the Peninsula (Port Jackson, Fletcher Bay and Port Charles districts) was chosen because of the variety of rock types (sedimentary and volcanic groups) covering the region, while historical stratovolcano remnants and old sediments provide a good variety of meadow hills and weathered coastal cliffs. Meanwhile, the method utilizes easily accessible data (topographical and geological map) to assess slope angle (morphometry) and rock groups, including their age (geology) to identify areas in the sample region with significant geodiversity values. Moreover, the aim of this research is to make the assessment of geodiversity simpler and more accessible for various parts of the world with minimal required information. In this paper, we provide access to improve and utilize this method in geologically diverse territories to select the best areas for geotourism, geoeducation and geconservation planning.

Plant–soil feedback during biological invasions: effect of litter decomposition from an invasive plant (Sphagneticola trilobata) on its native congener (S. calendulacea)

AbstractPlant invasions can affect soil properties in the invaded habitat by altering the biotic and abiotic nature of soils through positive or negative plant–soil feedback. Litter decomposition from many invasive species enhanced soil nutrients, thereby decreasing native plant diversity and leading to further plant invasions. Here, we examined the impact of litter decomposition from an invasive plant (Sphagneticola trilobata) in a range of soils at varying depths on growth and physiology of its native congener (Sphagneticola calendulacea). We added litter from S. trilobata to each soil type at different depths (0, 2, 4 and 6 cm). Plants of S. calendulacea were grown in each treatment, and morphological and physiological parameters were measured at the end of the growing period. All soils treated with litter displayed increases in soil nutrients at depths of 2 and 4 cm; while most growth traits, leaf chlorophyll and leaf nitrogen of S. calendulacea decreased at the same soil depths. Therefore, litter decomposition from invasive S. trilobata resulted in a positive plant–soil feedback for soil nutrients, and a negative plant–soil feedback for growth in native S. calendulacea. Our findings also suggest that the effects of litter decomposition from an invasive plant on soils and native species can vary significantly depending on the soil depth at which the litter is deposited. Future studies should focus on plant–soil feedback for more native and invasive species in invaded habitats, and the effects of invasive litter in more soil types and at greater soil depths.

Refinement Proposals for Geodiversity Assessment—A Case Study in the Bakony–Balaton UNESCO Global Geopark, Hungary

Geodiversity is the variety of natural elements that are excluded from biodiversity, such as: geological, geomorphological, and soil features including their properties, systems, and relationships. Geodiversity assessment measures these features, emphasising the characteristics and physical fragility of the examined areas. In this study, a quantitative methodology has been applied in Bakony–Balaton UGGp, Hungary. The Geopark’s area was divided into 2 × 2 km cells in which geodiversity indices were calculated using various data: maps, spatial databases, and elevation models. However, data sources differ significantly in each country: thematic information may not be entirely public or does not have the appropriate scale and complexity. We proposed to use universal data—geomorphons and a watercourse network—derived from Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) to calculate geomorphological diversity. Making a balance between the base materials was also an aim of this research. As sources with different data densities are used, some abiotic elements may be overrepresented, while others seem to have less significance. The normalisation of thematic layers solves this problem: it gives a proportion to each sub-element and creates a balanced index. By applying worldwide accessible digital base data and statistical standardization methods, abiotic nature quantification may open new perspectives in geoconservation.

A Qualitative Analysis of UK Wetland Visitor Centres as a Health Resource.

The health benefits associated with spending time in natural environments have been highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdowns and restrictions to safeguard public health have exacerbated the pre-existing mental health crisis and rise of non-communicable diseases. Thus, the importance of nature as a health resource has been elevated, hastening calls for a better understanding of how health benefits might differ across user groups and nature provisions. In this regard, urban green spaces have become the greatest research focus; however, blue spaces, especially inland freshwater (e.g., wetlands), remain less studied. First-hand user experiences are also under-represented. This exploratory study examines the motivations and benefits of active wetland centre users in the UK, both during and after visits. Responses to three open-ended questions were collated online from 385 participants, and a qualitative content analysis was conducted based on an existing taxonomy from users of urban green spaces. The results showed strong motivations to visit due to the biodiversity at the site (mainly the birdlife), while less tangible nature (e.g., fresh air) and amenities were also important. In contrast to other studies on natural environments, physical activity was a less influential motivation. Salient derived effects included positive and intensely positive emotions, relaxation and mental restoration. After visits to wetland centres, feelings of vitality and satisfaction were the most prominent effects that emerged. For decision-makers looking to leverage inland blue spaces for public health benefit, our results highlight the broad range and relative prominence of the reasons for use and the associated perceived health benefits derived by users of UK wetland centres. They highlight how biodiversity, abiotic nature and good amenities are important qualities to consider when planning, managing and encouraging people to use natural environments for health benefit, qualities that may also provide important environmental co-benefits.

The role of individual components in tea plant (Сamellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) antioxidant system in adapting to stressors of an abiotic nature

The role of individual components in tea plant (Сamellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) antioxidant system in adapting to stressors of an abiotic nature

From Cultural Landscape to Aspiring Geopark: 15 Years of Community-Based Landscape Tourism in Fengnan Village, Hualien County, Taiwan (2006–2021)

Geoconservation plays a key role in valuing and conserving abiotic nature, while geotourism can be an effective means of achieving this objective. Connectivity between biophysical and socio-economic components and a community-based perspective on appreciation and interpretation of landscape resources are important yet not well understood. This study is a retrospective analysis of 15 years (2006–2021) of integrated landscape management in Fengnan Village, Hualien County, Taiwan, with a focus on the evolution of multi-stakeholder perception of local geodiversity and emergence of geotourism as part of community-based landscape tourism in the area. A qualitative multiple-method approach to data collection and analysis was based on the “know–cherish–show” interpretation model and the theory of collaborative planning. The results demonstrate that (a) geoconservation and geotourism have evolved to become an integral part of the Fengnan living landscape, while connectivity between nature–culture attributes has strengthened over the years; (b) multi-stakeholder collaboration and knowledge-bridging are characteristic features of the institutional arrangement; and (c) facilitating the role of the bridging stakeholder (the authors) was central to the timely introduction of various landscape concepts for long-term geoconservation in the area.

Plant-Microbiome Crosstalk: Dawning from Composition and Assembly of Microbial Community to Improvement of Disease Resilience in Plants.

Plants host diverse but taxonomically structured communities of microorganisms, called microbiome, which colonize various parts of host plants. Plant-associated microbial communities have been shown to confer multiple beneficial advantages to their host plants, such as nutrient acquisition, growth promotion, pathogen resistance, and environmental stress tolerance. Systematic studies have provided new insights into the economically and ecologically important microbial communities as hubs of core microbiota and revealed their beneficial impacts on the host plants. Microbiome engineering, which can improve the functional capabilities of native microbial species under challenging agricultural ambiance, is an emerging biotechnological strategy to improve crop yield and resilience against variety of environmental constraints of both biotic and abiotic nature. This review highlights the importance of indigenous microbial communities in improving plant health under pathogen-induced stress. Moreover, the potential solutions leading towards commercialization of proficient bioformulations for sustainable and improved crop production are also described.

Design vocabulary and schemas for biophilic experiences in cold climate schools

This research explores a design approach for biophilic experiences applied to children’s learning environments in cold climates. The primary research gaps addressed are the confusion among principles, experiences and architectural characteristics in biophilic design literature; the lack of common terminology for referencing spatial patterns that induce biophilic responses; and limited design methods and generative approaches for designers due to the focus on empirical validation and broad theoretical generalisations. A visual biophilic design vocabulary, including spatial enclosure and adjacencies, is developed for experiences of abiotic and biotic nature. A framework is proposed for biophilic design schemas. In the context of renovating primary schools in Quebec, Canada, 38 schemas for cold climates are developed within this framework. Using these tools in an architectural design studio course showed that this common graphic language integrates experiences of nature in design processes, enabling researchers and architects to describe biophilic spaces with shared terms and logic.

A social practice approach to nature-based tours: the case of the Marble Caves in Northern Patagonia, Chile

ABSTRACT Chile’s Northern Patagonia attracts thousands of tourists, who every summer venture to undertake a range of outdoor activities. In this article, we explore the local production of outdoor activities, by conceptualizing small-scale nature-based tours as a social practice. The study is based on empirical research, taking as a case study the development of the Marble Caves tour, an iconic destination in Northern Patagonia, Chile. The touring practice is analyzed based on the interplay of its material components, required competences and symbolic meanings. Our findings demonstrate that the persistence of the practice is particularly reliant on the competences of the tour operators, and on the abiotic nature of the tourist attraction. Fostering tour guide competences therefore contributes to the sustainability and performance of the practice. We contend that tourism policy interventions that aim to harmonize local development and environmental protection need to carefully analyze and take into account existing social practices.

ОЦЕНКА ВЛИЯНИЯ ФАКТОРОВ АБИОТИЧЕСКОЙ ПРИРОДЫ НА ФЕРМЕНТАТИВНУЮ АКТИВНОСТЬ ПОЧВЫ

Аn attempt is made in this work to establish correlations between the level of enzymatic activity of the soil and factors of an abiotic nature. It was found that the activity of invertase and urease in the soils of more southern territories is higher than that of northern ones. In soils with a pH value of the soil environment close to neutral reaction, the level of enzymatic activity is higher than in more acidic ones. The most sensitive to soil acidity among the studied urease enzymes. In relation to zinc, an inverse correlation was established between its content in the soil and the level of invertase activity. According to the degree of resistance to salinity, the enzymes are arranged in the following order: catalase> invertase> urease. An increase in the mineralization of the soil solution leads to an increase in the activity of urease. Of the studied enzymes, the most labile are representatives of the class of hydrolases (invertase and urease), less labile are oxidoreductases (catalase). Thus, when diagnosing the state of the soil by the level of enzymatic activity, it is necessary to take into account the main abiotic factors affecting the activity of enzymes: the average annual air temperature; pH and mineralization of the soil solution; the content of substances that inhibit microorganisms and block exozymes.

INFLUENCE OF LOW DOSE GAMMA-IRRADIATION ON THE ELECTROKINETIC POTENTIAL OF WHEAT SEEDLINGS CELLULAR NUCLEI

During ontogenesis, plants are exposed to various stress factors of biotic and abiotic nature. The nucleus and mitochondria are the most sensitive to ionizing radiation cell elements of all living organisms. The effect of ionizing radiation on the electrokinetic potential of isolated nuclei of wheat seedlings was studied, which allows us to judge the changes in the magnitude of the surface charge and its role in the functioning of the cellular nuclei. Changes were obtained in the values of the electrokinetic potential in isolated seedlings of irradiated seeds in a electric field. As a result of chain reactions, ionizing radiation changes the content of nuclear fractions, which in turn leads to a decrease in the surface charge and a decrease in the electromobility of nuclei.

Cities and geodiversity: coexistence of humans and abiotic nature in urban territories

Urbanization is an irreversible global process. Natural elements and systems present in city territories or at non-city sites attend to the demands for natural assets from urbanization processes. Renewed attention to the impacts of the urban organization of societies is essential to promote the harmonious survival of urbanization with natural processes. Although the presence of humans on the planet represents just a small fraction of the Earth’s history, human agglomeration in cities has caused impacts on a global scale. Cities demand services and products from natural areas that are sometimes located in faraway rural areas, affecting geological environments such as beaches, rivers and aquifers, and other processes such as hydrological cycles or atmospheric circulation. The anthropogenic impact on urban catchment areas may induce unexpected environmental degradation in urban areas that affects the hydrological cycle. Although relative newcomers in terms of the Earth’s lifetime, cities are a privileged human habitat, with intrinsic maintenance mechanisms that form the basis of the modern organization of the world’s societies and economies. The present article adopts a geological perspective and a land ethic paradigm to discuss alternatives for a harmonious existence between cities and abiotic nature.

The limits of a Lockean Environmentalism: God, Human Beings, and Nature in Locke's philosophy

God gave us the Earth, to use and enjoy. So says the Bible, and so says John Locke (1632-1704). The individualism and liberalism in Locke’s philosophy makes it decidedly modern and appealing to us today. However, he often uses God as a source of truth and premises in his arguments. This undermines the modern appearance and leaves us with a philosophy that is at times contradictory, at times brilliant, and at all times fixed to the anthropocentric rail that guides his philosophy. In this article, the element of Locke’s philosophy that concerns humanity’s relationship with the natural world is examined. Particular attention is paid to the value and nature of both biotic and abiotic nature. I argue that the religious aspects of Locke’s philosophy cannot be fully purged in an effort to create a pure rationalist, and this leads me to focus on how the religious aspects relate to Locke’s rationalism, and in particular what implications his combination of philosophy and theology carries for the prospects of a Lockean environmentalism. I conclude that such environmentalism has clear limitations, while still providing certain foundations for the idea of sustainability and scientific conservationism.

Ecosystem Services and Typology of Urban Geodiversity: Qualitative Assessment in Natal Town, Brazilian Northeast

Natal is a city located in northeastern Brazil that has a geodiversity composed of different landscapes, flanked by beaches, dunes, cliffs, rivers, mangroves, and lagoons. Throughout the city’s history, which spans more than 400 years, geodiversity has always been present since the early days of local cartography, dating back to the Dutch occupation period, on the seventeenth century, in which the natural environment had been faithfully portrayed. The studies developed in this work approach the geodiversity of Natal City that occurs naturally, in situ. The identification of the main places in which the abiotic nature is highlighted was performed, allied to a geological-geomorphological description. The occurrences were classified according to their area extension and the ecosystem services of abiotic nature, in a system divided into five services (cultural, regulating, provisioning, supporting, and knowledge). In the study area, all services were identified, and of the subclassification in geodiversity goods and processes, 16 out of 25 were observed, which reaffirms the importance of the local abiotic nature. On the tipology of these occurrences, they were identified as sections, areas, point, and viewpoints. Due to its extension and variety, it can be used for science, culture, sports, and tourism, in order to promote, jointly, the dissemination of the natural and cultural beauties of the city and geosciences, helping the geoconservation process.

The Tragic Death of a Utah Goblin: Conservation and the Problem of Abiotic Nature

ABSTRACT Biocentric (life-centered) and ecocentric (ecosystem-centered) ethics offer a rich discourse on protecting biotic communities – defending conservation with inherent value tied to life. A problem arises from these views if mountains, glaciers, canyons, and other abiotic natural objects (often foci of conservation efforts) matter in and of themselves. Abiotic nature helps demonstrate and delineate the boundaries of environmental ethics grounded in life-based axiology. A series of thought experiments suggest that orienting conservation as a question of obligation offers an additional avenue to explore and defend the protection of abiotic nature; agreements and property rights plausibly ground moral obligations to conserve abiotic nature.