Earth Heritage Research Articles

Rock anchor testing on sandstone from the Botucatu Formation, Paraná River Basin, Brazil: Insights for climbing safety procedures at the Corumbataí Geopark Project

The Corumbataí Geopark Project, located in São Paulo state, southeast Brazil, features valuable geosites that represent Earth's heritage and attract visitors with geoturism activities such as climbing. Rock anchors are crucial for ensuring climbers' safety in case of falls. This study reveals that the load capacity performance of expansion rock anchors is influenced by the applied torque, the physical-mechanical properties of the rock, and the weathering-induced strength degradation over time. The sandstone of Botucatu Formation, the predominant lithotype at these geosites, was assessed through petrographic analysis, non-destructive testing, physical and mechanical assessments, and pull-out tests of the anchors. Our findings indicate that the sandstone generally meets the geotechnical properties requirements for load capacities outlined in international climbing guidelines, a threshold of 80 MPa is recommended for effective rock anchor performance. However, prolonged exposure leads to rock degradation, compromising safety. Consequently, anchors should not be used in weathered rock and regular maintenance is strong recommended for climbing safety, approximately every 6 six years. This study provides a novel approach to characterizing rock-anchor interactions, supporting the development of effective management plans for outdoor activities.

Energy saving and carbon reduction of the application of phase change materials in rammed earth heritage buildings

ABSTRACT The combination of conventional thermal insulation materials and phase change materials (PCMs) was proposed without damaging the appearance of REHBs, the internal insulation measures of four types of expanded polystyrene (EPS) and six kinds of PCM boards combinations were investigated, and 19 retrofit cases were obtained. By conducting detailed simulations of energy consumption and indoor temperature for different cases at different locations, and comprehensively comparing multi-objects (energy-saving, economic and low-carbon), the energy consumption, cost recovery period and carbon reduction of these cases are compared and analyzed. The results show that Case I (only EPS) has the best energy-saving performance, economy and carbon emission reduction, Case III (EPS and PCM) is the second and Case II (only PCM) is the worst. The energy-saving rate of Case I and Case III (16 ℃) differs by 5.65%, while the cost, incremental benefit and payback period differ by 9.34%, 10.2%, and 1.57 years, respectively. Case III is a new and better passive retrofit measure of the REHB. Its energy-saving, cost and carbon reduction are only about 10% lower than that of Case I, but it has better indoor comfort. The outcomes can provide a reference for the innovative energy-saving retrofit cases for REHBs.

Study on the salt-dissipating and settlement-preventing performance of composite modified cushion layers in the roof-propping body of earthen sites' basal sapping zone

Cushion layer replacement is currently an important method for preventing and treating salinized deterioration in the earthen sites' basal sapping zone. The water resistance, salt-dissipating property, and load-bearing capacity are key indicators for evaluating the effectiveness of capping replacement. In this study, gravel is an inorganic admixture for the calcareous soil base material. Prepared 19 soil samples through the cross-combination of gravel with three types of organic binders. These samples were subjected to tests on wave velocity, volume shrinkage, permeability, capillary rise, and consolidation. The suitability of the composite materials for reinforcing the rammed earth heritage capping layers was further studied using the AHP-CRITIC-TOPSIS method. The results show that: (1) The wave velocity and volume shrinkage rate of the samples increased over time and reached stability after 7 days. Moreover, the water resistance, salt dissipation, and load-bearing capacity of the samples were significantly enhanced; (2) Comprehensively evaluating the suitability of the composite materials for the capping layers in the earthen sites' basal sapping zone using six indicators: wave velocity, volume shrinkage rate, permeability coefficient, capillary water absorption rate, compression coefficient, and final settlement, it was found that the SMS-S: G7:3 mixture showed the best suitability. This study provides a reliable theoretical basis for the restoration of earthen sites in the arid areas of Northwest China.

Model media learning for disaster risk reduction in the Batur UNESCO Global Geopark

The development of tourism activities in the Batur UNESCO Global Geopark has brought many tourists to visit the area. Along with increasing tourism activities, the risk of disasters in the geopark area has also increased. One thing that can be done to reduce disaster risk in the Batur UNESCO Global Geopark area is to utilize geoheritage as a learning medium for disaster risk reduction. In this study, we quantitatively described geoheritage by looking at its relationship with the priority actions of the Sendai framework. The results of the assessment of geological heritage values that have been carried out in 21 geosites of the geopark area show an interrelated relationship. Scientific, educational, tourism and degradation values of geoheritage sites have an important role in conveying information and messages related to disaster mitigation, which is in line with the objectives of Sendai's priority actions. Geological heritage sites can later be developed as an educational medium because it not only has accessibility capital, supporting facilities, good geological conditions, geological diversity, but also contains geological informationthat can be used for education and research. Developing geological disaster information within geoheritage sites in geopark areas, may be in the form of geotrails and geotourism activities with the theme of disaster mitigation and earth heritage, picture books for children based on site geoheritage information, especially those related to the introduction of geological disasters, ares also ideal to develop. A geological information center at the Batur Volcano Museum and other educational acivities that can be made within the geopark area.

Deep learning models for monitoring landscape changes in a UNESCO Global Geopark

By identifying Earth heritage sites, UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGps) have promoted geo-tourism and regional economic prosperity. However, commercial and tourism development has altered the natural contexts of these geoparks, diminishing their initial value. Before implementing land use policies, spatial landscape parameters should be monitored in multiple dimensions and in real time. This study aims to develop Bilateral Segmentation Network (BiSeNet) models employing an upgraded U-structured neural network in order to monitor land use/cover changes and landscape indicators in a Vietnamese UGGp. This network has proven effective at preserving input image data and restricting the loss of spatial information in decoding data. To demonstrate the utility of deep learning, eight trained BiSeNet models were evaluated against Maximum Likelihood, Support Vector Machine, and Random Forest. The trained BSN-Nadam model (128x128), with a precision of 94% and an information loss of 0.1, can become a valuable instrument for analyzing and monitoring monthly changes in land uses/covers once tourism activities have been rapidly expanded. Three tourist routes and 41 locations in the Dak Nong UGGp were monitored for 30 years using three landscape indices: Disjunct Core Area Density (DCAD), Total Edge Contrast Index (TECI), Shannon's Diversity Index (SHDI), based on the results of the model. As a result, 18 identified geo-sites in the Daknong Geopark have been influenced significantly by agricultural and tourist activities since 2010, making these sites less uniform and unsustainable management. It promptly alerts UNESCO management to the deterioration of geological sites caused by urbanization and tourist development.

Surface Treatment of Rammed Earth Heritage Sites Using MICP Technology: An Investigation of Rainwater Erosion Resistance via Indoor Experiments and In Situ Testing

Rammed earth, a commonly used building material in ancient times, differs from natural sedimentary layers in that it is more compact. Buildings constructed from historical rammed earth sites frequently encounter the issue of rainwater erosion. Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) is commonly applied to sand soil treatment, yet reports on its use for stabilizing rammed earth are scarce. This study focused on the rammed earth of the Shanhaiguan Great Wall and explored the efficacy of MICP in mitigating rain erosion through permeation tests, splash experiments, and scouring trials. The findings indicate that the forms of rain erosion damage under MICP treatment vary across different operational conditions. In laboratory experiments, as the concentration of the cementation solution increases, the amount of calcium carbonate crystals also increases. However, the permeability, splash resistance, and rain erosion resistance initially increase and then decrease. When the cementation solution concentration is 1.0 mol/L, the penetration rate is the highest, lasting 712.55 s. The splash pit rate is the lowest, at only 1.2 mm, and the soil erosion rate is the lowest, at only 4.13%. The rain erosion resistance in the field test exhibit the same trend, and the optimal concentration is 1.2 mol/L. The optimal concentration mechanism involves the aggregation of calcium carbonate crystals at suitable cementation solution concentrations, which begin to fill the soil particle pores, effectively resisting rainwater erosion. At lower concentrations of the cementation solution, calcium carbonate crystals are merely adsorbed by soil particles without blocking the pores. Due to the high compressibility of rammed earth, which results in lower porosity, a higher concentration of the cementation solution leads to rapid pore clogging by excessive calcium carbonate crystals, which accumulate on the surface to form a white crust layer. The MICP technique can effectively alleviate rainwater erosion in rammed earth, and the optimal concentration needs to be tailored to the porosity of the rammed earth. This mechanism was also validated in field scouring experiments on the Shanhaiguan Great Wall’s rammed earth.

Rediscovering raw earth heritage of Champagne area (France): Cartography and typology of a specific adobe vernacular architecture

The building sector has a strong impact on the environment in terms of pollution, through its carbon footprint and waste generation. In this context, raw earth construction is experiencing a revival of interest in its ability to use a local, reusable, and low environmental impact material. Vernacular architecture reflects the evolution of particular know-how, which has been able to adapt to specific factors linked to a nearby environment. Champagne area is one of the last uninvestigated earth heritage territories in France, whereas it presents an original and rich rural, urban, and industrial earth architecture. To cartography raw earth heritage in the studied area and its surroundings, the various buildings and construction practices observed in the field were geolocated on a digital tablet using QGIS software. This work completes the partial inventory that had been started on Champagne territory and reveals local variations and other uses of raw earth never described in the national survey maps of earthen construction techniques. The presence of the adobe heritage corresponds quite well to the area of the chalky Champagne. We notice two different types of boundaries. A first type where adobe architectures are directly replaced by other building materials, and a second type where adobes are combined with and then replaced by other earth construction techniques (cob, wattle and daub). This reveals a dialogue between different constructive cultures. This survey seems to show a certain coherence as to the presence of adobes in the constructions regarding the geological substratum. Our work will allow to characterize the earth used, to valorize the excavated earth in this territory, as well as to raise awareness and promote local raw earth architecture. In addition, the discovery of the use of cob in the Seine valley reveals the richness of this heritage in this geographical sector.

The role of geodiversity and geoheritage in tourism and local development

Abstract Geodiversity and geoheritage play an increasingly important role in the tourism industry, although visitors’ interest in natural phenomena is much older than these two, relatively modern concepts. This chapter reviews several key issues emerging at the interface of geoheritage and the needs and expectations of the tourism industry, both tourists and service providers. Specific themes discussed include evaluation of geodiversity and geoheritage resources for tourism purposes, problems of interpreting Earth heritage for the general public, accessibility issues related to conservation, and the role of geoparks and allied initiatives in fostering local development. More general overviews are supplemented by case studies, illustrating each theme. These are taken from various localities globally, from Europe, South America and Oceania. It is concluded that the coverage of thematic studies at the interface between geoheritage resources and tourism science is uneven. Inventories and assessments of geoheritage and geodiversity sites for geotourism are widely reported and new resources for geotourism development are commonly explored, whereas much less is known about the actual perception of geoheritage values among visitors and the quality and effectiveness of their interpretation. Likewise, the positive impact of geotourism on local economies seems to be more hypothesized or anticipated than actually demonstrated.

Protective energy-saving retrofits of rammed earth heritage buildings using multi-objective optimization

The protective energy-saving retrofitting (PESR) of heritage buildings (HBs) is one of the essential aspects of building carbon-dioxide abatement. The present work validates and optimizes PESR measures for a typical rammed earth HB (REHB) based on multi-objective optimization and building information modelling (BIM). The addition of internal thermal insulation materials to the exterior wall and roof and the replacement of the exterior windows are investigated. Based on multiple factors (protection methods, U-value limit, and local materials), seven insulation materials and four window types are considered in 28 possible cases. The associated energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions (GGE) and life cycle cost (LCC) are estimated and compared through comprehensive multi-objective (energy savings, low-carbon and economy) comparison methods. The results indicate that the case involving expanded polystyrene (EPS) internal insulation and 80-series polyurethane windows is optimal, with energy consumption and GGE that are 72% and 50% lower, respectively, than those of the original system and with the lowest cost, wherein 15406 kW h energy, 264 t GGE and 7857 Chinese yuan (CNY) are saved over the entire life. The GGE and LCC at the operation stage account for approximately 90% of the total, of which the associated coal heating accounts for 80%. The optimization method can facilitate the development of innovative energy-saving and low-carbon retrofit methods for HBs.

The Fate of the Extended Genome

The Fate of the Extended Genome

Protective Energy-Saving Retrofits of Rammed Earth Heritage Buildings

Protective energy-saving retrofits (PESRs) of heritage buildings (HBs) are challenging. The present work identifies and optimizes PESR measures for rammed earth HBs (REHBs). Building information modelling (BIM) of the original state is performed with Revit software for PESRs. With the aim to preserve cultural and historical value, the addition of internal thermal insulation materials to the exterior wall and roof and replacement of exterior windows are investigated. Based on multiple factors (protection methods, U-value limit, and local materials), seven insulation materials and four window types are considered in 28 possible cases. The associated energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions (GGE) and life cycle cost (LCC) are estimated and compared through comprehensive multi-objective (energy savings, low-carbon and economy) comparison methods. The results indicate that the case involving expanded polystyrene (EPS) and 80-series polyurethane windows is optimal, with energy consumption and GGE that are respectively 72% and 50% lower than those of the original system, with the lowest cost. The GGE and LCC at the operation stage account for approximately 90% of the total, of which the associated coal heating accounts for 80%. This research can facilitate the development of innovative energy-saving and low-carbon retrofit methods for HBs.

The ABC Concept\u2014Value Added to the Earth Heritage Interpretation?

Holistic interpretation of Earth heritage is one of the most important tasks of UNESCO Global geoparks. The ABC (abiotic, biotic, and cultural interconnections) concept is a potential interpretive approach used in Earth heritage popularization through geotourism. Apart of the deeper understanding of this concept, this study explores the application of this concept in selected geoparks. The Colca and Volcanoes Andagua UNESCO Global Geopark (Peru) and Muroto UNESCO Global Geopark (Japan) served as a case study in the frame of this qualitative research conducted during the summer 2019. Results show that the ABC approach is nearly perfectly understood by both geoparks, however there are both internal and external factors which influence the extent and form of how this concept is applied in practice. Except for specific geographical settings, different stages of geopark product development, and different managerial approaches, they mainly include the level of scientific knowledge and general education in the given geopark, as well as level of knowledge management and networking with another UNESCO global geoparks. The more experienced Muroto Geopark interpretation exhibits a comparatively higher level of visible ABC application, while the Colca and Volcanoes Andagua Geopark can benefit in the future from the natural inclination and ability of the local people to integrate the cultural aspects into their Earth heritage interpretation.

Economic impact of UNESCO Global Geoparks on local communities: Comparative analysis of three UNESCO Global Geoparks in Asia

UNESCO Global Geoparks were established in 2015. With respect to sustainable development, there are numerous sites globally that have potential for immediate substantial economic development because of the diverse range of geological phenomena they offer including, among many others, structures, minerals and fossils. UNESCO Global Geoparks play an important role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. This study explored how UNESCO Global Geoparks have been contributing to the local economic development by promoting sustainable geotourism. Literature review was carried out to understand UNESCO Global Geoparks’ strategies on sustainable geotourism, and local community’s participation and involvement in economic activities in UNESCO Global Geoparks worldwide. A case study with three UNESCO Global Geoparks in Asia showed that the designation of UNESCO Global Geoparks vitalized economic activities by local communities and brought more visitors to the regions. Moreover, UNESCO Global Geoparks can be a brand with the image of treasured Earth heritage sites, and local communities can utilize the image as a marketing strategy as well as create their own brands along with geoparks.

Anthropogenic threats to evolutionary heritage of angiosperms in the Netherlands through an increase in high-competition environments.

Present biodiversity comprises the evolutionary heritage of Earth's epochs. Lineages from particular epochs are often found in particular habitats, but whether current habitat decline threatens the heritage from particular epochs is unknown. We hypothesized that within a given region, humans threaten specifically habitats that harbor lineages from a particular geological epoch. We expect so because humans threaten environments that dominated and lineages that diversified during these epochs. We devised a new approach to quantify, per habitat type, diversification of lineages from different epochs. For Netherlands, one of the floristically and ecologically best‐studied regions, we quantified the decline of habitat types and species in the past century. We defined habitat types based on vegetation classification and used existing ranking of decline of vegetation classes and species. Currently, most declining habitat types and the group of red‐listed species are characterized by increased diversification of lineages dating back to Paleogene, specifically to Paleocene‐Eocene and Oligocene. Among vulnerable habitat types with large representation of lineages from these epochs were sublittoral and eulittoral zones of temperate seas and 2 types of nutrient‐poor, open habitats. These losses of evolutionary heritage would go unnoticed with classical measures of evolutionary diversity. Loss of heritage from Paleocene‐Eocene became unrelated to decline once low competition, shade tolerance, and low proportion of non‐Apiaceae were accounted for, suggesting that these variables explain the loss of heritage from Paleocene‐Eocene. Losses of heritage from Oligocene were partly explained by decline of habitat types occupied by weak competitors and shade‐tolerant species. Our results suggest a so‐far unappreciated human threat to evolutionary heritage: habitat decline threatens descendants from particular epochs. If the trends persist into the future uncontrolled, there may be no habitats within the region for many descendants of evolutionary ancient epochs, such as Paleogene.

Towards an easy decision tool to assess soil suitability for earth building

In the European Union, most of the wastes from the building sector are composed of earths. Earth construction may be an interesting outlet for the re-use of these wastes, while meeting the challenge of circular economy: in particular, it involves low-embodied energy processes and earth material can be re-used for building by end-of-life. Nonetheless, the identification of suitable earths for construction remains an issue. To overcome this problem, an option may be to analyse earth building heritage, which is at least one-century old in Europe: indeed, earth employed in these buildings can be regarded as “time-tested”, and thus suitable for construction. In this paper, more than 20 different earths collected in rammed earth heritage building in France are presented. The results are confronted both to literature and to several classifications employed in soil sciences. A classification system based on granularity and clay activity will be relevant to address the convenience of earth for building purposes.

Chapter 7. Human colonies and the cosmos.

We have come far from the days when space activities were the monopoly of States. Henceforth, private actors, from the tech world, possess significant financial means which they intend to mobilise in order to exploit the resources of outer space commercially and, eventually, to inhabit outer space. As a result, the principle of non-appropriation of celestial bodies is seen by some as an impediment to the development of the exploitation of space.Is it really possible to envisage a human community inhabiting outer space without claiming exclusive rights on the surface of celestial bodies? Can the resources extracted from celestial bodies be appropriated and if so what legal regime could manage the said resources?This article attempts to answer these questions with a double approach focussing on the ownership of celestial resources and the ownership of celestial bodies.The recognition since the Obama Act that celestial resources can be appropriated imposes a model of management of the said resources in the interests of the whole of mankind.Likewise, without undermining the fundamental principle of non-appropriation, States should establish themselves as the managers and guarantors of the use of celestial bodies in that they constitute the common heritage of Earth’s community.

Experimental Investigation on the Bond Behavior of a Compatible TRM-based Solution for Rammed Earth Heritage

ABSTRACTDespite the current awareness of the high seismic risk of earthen structures, little has been done so far to develop proper strengthening solutions for the rammed earth heritage. Based on the effectiveness of TRM for masonry buildings, the strengthening of rammed earth walls with externally bonded fibers using earth-based mortar is being proposed as a compatible solution. In this context, the investigation of bond behavior was conducted by means of direct tensile tests, pull-out tests and single lap-shear tests. The specimens were prepared using earth-based mortars and two different types of meshes (glass and nylon) while considering different-bonded lengths. The direct tensile tests on TRM coupons showed the high capacity of the nylon mesh in transferring stresses after cracking of the mortar. The pull-out tests highlighted that in the case of glass fiber mesh, the bond was granted by friction, while the mechanical anchorage promoted by the transversal yarns granted the bond of the nylon mesh. Finally, the single lap-shear tests showed that the adopted earth-based mortar seems to limit the performance of the strengthening.

OBSERVATION AND REFLECTION OF THE COUNTRY PARK— NANCHANG RED EARTH HERITAGE PARK

Located in the suburb of Nanchang City in Jiangxi Province, the Nanchang Red Earth Heritage Park is positioned as a country park that features vast vermicular red earth and Pinus massoniana forest. The off-site review and on-site exploration suggested that the site was confronting with problems of severer soil erosion, biodiversity loss, and intensive human intervention. Both to preserve the symbolic red earth in the site and to reduce cost due to limited budget, a country park requiring low intervention and maintenance was proposed. The park would also engage citizens with geological and scientific education programs and create diverse interactive experience. The design strategies were optimized through continuous site observation and reflection, both with historical and existing data in a broader sense and individual feeling by on-site exploration. This way of dialogue and connection to the site finally gives birth to a natural country park that stays in harmony with nature.

Sustainability Management of Unesco Global Geoparks

UNESCO global geoparkUNESCO global geoparks dynamic initiative draws attention of both experts and public by its innovatively holistic approach to conservation, presentation and interpretation of the Earth heritage interrelating the geodiversity of the region with its biodiversity and cultural diversity. The objective of this contribution is to analyse the processes behind the sustainability management of the UNESCO global geoparks.The process analysis of the certification and revalidation schemes of the UNESCO global geoparks reveals a combined application of the interrelated approaches of the sustainability management, in particular the environmental quality management, knowledge management, strategic management and participative management. The environmental quality management, stimulating UNESCO global geoparks to implement their mission, is ensured through the system of initial certification and regular revalidations. The performance of the UNESCO global geoparks is coordinated on the continental and global levels. This networking facilitates an effective implementation of the knowledge management, which consists in the systematic sharing of knowledge and experience among individual geopark representatives. The participative management is implemented not only through the participation of the individual geoparks representatives in the decision making processes of the Global Geoparks Network and continental networks, but mainly through the participation of local actors in the activities of given UNESCO global geopark. The application of the strategic management ensures the long term balanced contribution of UNESCO global geoparks to the sustainable development and cultural identity of the given region. The analysis has shown a specific way in which the selected concepts of the sustainability management are implemented in the evaluation and revalidation procedures, networking and other pillars of the UNESCO global geoparks development.

A new methodology to identify and quantify material resource at a large scale for earth construction – Application to cob in Brittany

A new methodology based on the cross-referencing of spatialized pedological and heritage data is proposed to identify and quantify soil resources available for earth construction. The paper underlines the pedological particularities of areas containing earth heritage and uses these particularities to propose criteria to assess the suitability of soils for modern earth construction. The methodology applied at the regional scale in France (for a given area of 27,200 km2 in Brittany) enabled to specify five new texture classes (balance between clay, silt, sand and gravel content) of suitability for cob soils. This result calls into question recommendations available in the literature.The methodology also provides data on the scale of availability of the resource to repair earth built heritage (cob) or to build new low impact buildings with integrated modern cob walls. In the studied area the potential waste recovery of 2.8 Mt per year is measured, highlighting the large availability of materials for earth construction. At least 23% of earthwork wastes of Brittany are suitable for earth construction (0.7 Mt). However, earth remains a non-renewable material and this resource has to be properly managed, requiring an appropriate building design and maintenance in order to increase longevity and to avoid the use of admixture, preventing earth reversibility at end of life.