Assessment Of Geodiversity Research Articles

Geodiversity meanings in global geoparks: an empirical study

Geodiversity is a complex environmental idea describing a spectrum of geological (together with some other natural) phenomena on a given territory. Experts have offered several opinions on what is geodiversity, and, expectedly, this multiple vision of the same idea has become challenging for practitioners, including those involved in the international geopark movement. The content of the official descriptions of 140 UNESCO global geoparks is analyzed to establish the context, in which the term “geodiversity” is used. It is established that official descriptions of only 41 of geoparks use this term. It is established that many geopark practitioners prefer to treat geodiversity either as a kind of equivalent of geological heritage (41%) or as the entity of types of unique geological phenomena (59%). In many geoparks, geodiversity is judged locally. These findings imply the existence of a gap between conceptual and practical meanings of geodiversity. Interestingly, a “simplistic” treatment of geodiversity is typical for geoparks of Europe. It is recommended to executive bodies of geopark networks and other international and national organizations to facilitate a broad vision of geodiversity in geoparks. Similarly important is to avoid full replacement of approaches for (semi-)quantitative assessment of geodiversity with general models putting geodiversity into the context of environmental philosophy.

An Essential Tool for Natural Heritage Management: The Geomorphological Map of Valderejo Natural Park

This study supports the usefulness of geomorphological mapping as a tool for gaining an understanding of the landscape and assessing natural heritage. Mapping provides an essentially scientific document with great potential for the diffusion of geomorphological knowledge in that it provides a guide to the user of natural protected areas as well as serving as a tool for its management regarding geotourist itineraries, geodiversity, and geomorphosites. The example of the Valderejo Natural Park is presented, which is located in Álava (Spain) and whose geomorphology has been mapped following a methodology based on fieldwork, desktop work, and the use of Geographic Information Systems. The map’s applications are presented in the areas of tourism, geotourist maps, and for the assessment of natural heritage, geodiversity, and geomorphosites.

Kernel Density Applied to the Quantitative Assessment of Geodiversity

Acknowledgements This work is co-funded by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund, based on COMPETE 2020 (Programa Operacional da Competitividade e Internacionalizacao), project ICT (UID/GEO/04683/2013) with reference POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007690 and national funds provided by Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia. The first author received a PhD grant from Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia (REF. SFRH/BD/ 64533/2009).

Geodiversity assessment of Moldova catchment in the mountain area

Geodiversity is represented by the uniformity of physical properties of the earth and is considered an important landscape feature in its assessment. Due to the multitude of identified abiotic physical elements (66 elements) in the mountain area of Moldova catchment, the geodiversity index was computed, ranging from 0.30 to 8.72. The area with the largest number of elements overlaps on Câmpulung Moldovenesc with 12 identified abiotic elements, followed by Pojorâta, Moldova – Sulița, Breaza and Fundu Moldovei with values of the geodiversity index above 2. These localities form a compact area that should be considered in future conservation and promotion strategies.

A New Methodological Contribution for the Geodiversity Assessment: Applicability to Ceará State (Brazil)

The concept of geodiversity aggregates the abiotic elements of nature and promotes the geoconservation. The main objective of this work is to contribute to the upgrade of the method for the assessment and quantification of geodiversity proposed by Pereira et al. (2013). The method is based on the superposition of a regular grid of 12 × 12 km on different maps (lithology, geomorphology, soil, paleonthology, mineral and geological energy resources) at scales of 1:250,000 to 1:600,000. In addition to other upgrades, the water resources are regarded here as a new component to consider when quantifying geodiversity. The sum of these maps generated the quantitative Map of Geodiversity Indices and the Map of Geodiversity Assessment, ranging from very low to very high geodiversity. The analysis of the geodiversity map of the State of Ceara (Brazil) shows the applicability and advantage of this method, highlighting two regions with higher levels of geodiversity (Northwest and South) and another region with the lowest levels (Sertoes Cearenses). The results also allowed the characterization of the State of Ceara concerning the individual components of the geodiversity, especially the water resources. Geodiversity indices and maps are comprehensive and user-friendly data in the territorial planning, considering the geodiversity either as a whole, or each of its components, especially the more sensitive such as fossil conservation, and water, mineral, and non-renewable energy resources management.

Quantitative assessment of geodiversity and urban growth impacts in Armação dos Búzios, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The concept of geodiversity, which refers to the diversity of abiotic elements of nature, is passing through a period of methodological development. The concept has a great potential of becoming an efficient territorial management tool as the physical environment is the basis in which biodiversity and human societies develop. However, this potential has not yet been achieved because the methodologies of practical application are not consistent enough. This work aimed to contribute to this issue by applying a method of quantitative mapping of geodiversity at a landscape scale and integrating it to an urban growth map in Armação dos Búzios municipality, located in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. On the basis of some of the most important previous proposals, a Geodiversity Index Map of Armação dos Búzios was created, which shows the richness and distribution of the elements of geodiversity (geology, geomorphology, soils, and hydrology) throughout the territory. With this product, it was possible to identify the most geodiverse areas of the municipality. After that, an Urban Growth Map of Armação dos Búzios was created by the photointerpretation of aerial photographs from 1976 to 2006, in which the urban areas in both dates were mapped, allowing the observation of how much the urban area grew during this time. By integrating these two maps, we were able to quantify the impacted areas in relation to the geodiversity. The results showed that urbanization impacted a significant portion of the areas classified with high and very high geodiversity indices, highlighting that the physical environment, and consequently the biodiversity, are under serious threat, and it must be taken into account in public policies and territorial management. In addition, this work aimed to contribute to the methodological development of the concept of geodiversity, which still needs more tests and discussions to be improved and widely applied, especially in nature conservation issues.

ASSESSMENT OF GEODIVERSITY AS TOOL FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT OF PROTECTED NATURE AREAS IN SOUTH-EASTERN LATVIA

The environmental management and nature protection policy in Latvia is mainly focused on biodiversity and protected species, while a geodiversity is ‘forgotten side’ of nature conservation work. Such situation is associated with an absence of a unified methodology for assessment of geodiversity, which is a shortened version of the term ‘geological and geomorphological diversity’. The concept of geodiversity, as well the quantitative assessment of abiotic nature values is successfully used in the last decade. However, it has not yet been applied in Latvia for purposes of environmental management. Considering that the aim of this study was to apply the methodology described in the scientific literature for the assessment of geodiversity index in the GIS environment. The estimating of geodiversity was performed in two protected nature areas in south-eastern Latvia, i.e. nature reserve “Pilskalnes Siguldiņa” and geological nature monument “Adamovas krauja”. The calculations of geodiversity index were done based on the components as geological data, landform units, morphogenetic processes, hydrological features and terrain roughness. The input data were processed, and numerical methods that analyze spatial data in regular grid format were applied in ArcGIS. The output data on the spatial variability of geodiversity index were reclassified in three classes in order to identify areas with low, medium and high geodiversity respectively. The assessment of geodiversity by quantifying the spatial distribution of geodiversity index can be used as a tool for environmental management of protected nature areas and spatial planning, allowing to identify places with high potential value and to prevent their transformations.

Geodiversity assessment in the Ganos (Isıklar) Mount (NW Turkey)

Geodiversity is considered important for protecting, planning, and managing the environment. Recently developed new methods allow us to identify geodiversity in a more concrete way. An increased number of studies have assessed mountainous and especially rural regions in recent years. This study assessed geodiversity of the Ganos (Isiklar) Mount. The assessment included calculating the degree of geodiversity, mapping its distribution, and associating that distribution with habitats. In this study, we utilized GIS techniques and the method developed by Serrano and Ruiz-Flano. Statistical analyses were used to explain the relationship between the obtained results and habitats. The geodiversity index value of the Ganos Mount was found to be 14.8, which places it within a very high geodiversity class. The richness of the Ganos Mount’s geodiversity results from the diversity of natural environmental features. Since the density distribution of abiotic elements in the Ganos Mount varies, very low (32%) and medium (30%) geodiversity classes cover the widest area. The method developed by Serrano and Ruiz-Flano using GIS data produced accurate results. It was preferred because of its applicability and convenience. This study also confirmed the ability of GIS to integrate spatial and attributed data and offer a quick and reliable method of geodiversity assessment with high accuracy. This research method may be used in natural environmental planning. In this way, natural environment can be used in a more appropriate and sustainable way.

Application of the geodiversity index for the assessment of geodiversity in urban areas: an example of the Belgrade city area, Serbia

Considering the fact that urbanization is one of the most serious threats to geodiversity, it is important that this issue is taken into account in spatial development plans and georesource management strategies in urban areas. This paper presents the application of a geodiversity evaluation method by using the geodiversity index, based on the quantity of abiotic elements and relief roughness within a spatial unit. Geodiversity assessment, usually used for remote, protected and sparsely populated natural areas, is now carried out in an urban environment – the city of Belgrade, capital of Serbia, with a population of about 1.7 million inhabitants and very strong urbanization in the last few decades. The area of 3227 km2 is processed with the spatial resolution of 1 x 1 km. The acquired results from the geodiversity index are analyzed in the context of sustainable use of georesources and the threats to which geodiversity is exposed due to the territorial expansion of the city. The mapping of specific categories of geodiversity on the basis of quantitative assessment with the use of Geographic Information Systems can help decision makers and managers to take further steps that would reduce threats and protect the natural value of Belgrade.

Geodiversity and Biodiversity of the Postglacial Landscape (Dębnica River Catchment, Poland)

Abstract The preparation of a proper zoning plan or landscape-ecological plan requires taking into account recognition of the natural values of an area covered by the plan and evaluating its abiotic and biotic diversities. The aim of the paper is to present the new approach to the procedure of geodiversity and biodiversity assessment. This procedure is used to characterise abiotic and biotic heterogeneity of the postglacial landscape modified by a man, tested on Dębnica River catchment (Western Pomerania, Poland). This catchment is a representative example illustrating the landscape of Central European Plain. The analytical algorithm of the geodiversity assessment is based on appropriate selection of the evaluation criteria: lithological, relative heights, landform fragmentation, hydrographical elements and mesoclimatic conditions. Biodiversity was assessed on the basis of real vegetation, potential natural vegetation and the degree of anthropisation of the natural vegetation with respect to syngenesis of plant associations. Seven factor maps were obtained: five for the diversity of abiotic elements, and two for the diversity of biotic elements, which became the basis for the creation of total geodiversity and biodiversity maps. Maps produced in accordance with given methodology may find a wide range of applications.

Geodiversity beyond material evidence: a Geosite Type based interpretation of geological heritage

Geosites can be organized in Geosite Types based on genetic, compositional and structural characteristics, with each Geosite Type (e.g. geomorphological, paleogeographical, structural) being defined and identified by a corresponding feature or set of features as evidence of geological processes. This evidence must be accessible and well-conserved for a Type to be considered interpretable and must be meaningful and suitable for wider correlations for a geosite to be considered an expressive example of a particular Type. The quantitative assessment of geodiversity provides a general overview of an area's potential heritage for research and education by measuring the number of geosites, Geosite Types, geosites per Geosite Type and geodiversity loci (i.e. areas with high concentrations of geosites). The qualitative assessment considers each geosite as actual heritage. The Interpretation Score (IS) establishes how accessible and meaningful in situ geological evidence is and whether wider geological connections are possible. The Heritage Value (HV) measures how common or unique geosites are in a particular area. The Bucegi Natural Park in Romania's Southern Carpathians hosts a high number of geosites, but proper use of geological resources is overshadowed by economic interests. Some geological heritage sites hold valuable evidence of pre-glacial conditions and glacial stages having occurred on both a local and regional scale. These geosites could be successfully used for geotourism purposes and could help increase knowledge and appreciation of the park's geological history among national and international visitors.

Potencial geoparque de Uberaba (MG): geodiversidade e geoconservação

O município de Uberaba apresenta grande potencialidade geoturística quando considerado aos seus patrimônios geológicos. As rochas ígneas da Formação Serra Geral são encontradas em 12 atrativos geoturísticos, com destaque para as cachoeiras de Ponte Alta (40 metros de altura) e Peirópolis III (sete metros de altura). As rochas sedimentares da Formação Uberaba foram descritas em 11 pontos, destacando-se Cachoeira e Gruta do Giovane (doze metros de altura). Nas rochas sedimentares da Formação Marília destaca-se o afloramento da Caieira (gruta de três metros com estalactites e estalagmites) e a Cachoeira do Vale Encantado (oito metros de altura), entre outros 8 locais. Após o levantamento da geodiversidade foi realizado um diagnóstico ambiental nos potenciais atrativos geoturísticos, sendo utilizado o Método Visitor Impact Management. Os resultados indicam que somente a Cachoeira do Vale Encantado apresenta impacto moderado, o menor quando comparado aos 22 sítios com impacto alto ou preocupante, e 7 com impacto muito alto. Além de definir as estratégias de manejo e monitoramento dos indicadores de impacto ambiental, o presente trabalho serve de base para que as atividades do potencial Geoparque de Uberaba (MG) sejam realizadas com responsabilidade ambiental e/ou geoconservação.

Geodiversity Assessment of Paraná State (Brazil): An Innovative Approach

Geodiversity is considered as the natural range of geological, geomorphological, and soil features, including their assemblages, relationships, properties, interpretations, and systems. A method developed for the quantitative assessment of geodiversity was applied to Paraná, a Brazilian state with an area of about 200,000km(2). The method is based on the overlay of a grid over different maps at scales ranging from 1/500,000 to 1/650,000, with the final Geodiversity Index the sum of five partial indexes calculated on a 25×25km grid. The partial indexes represent the main components of geodiversity, including geology (stratigraphy and lithology), geomorphology, paleontology, and soils. The fifth partial index covers mineral occurrences of geodiversity, such precious stones and metals, energy and industrial minerals, mineral waters, and springs. The Geodiversity Index takes the form of an isoline map that can be used as a tool in land-use planning, particularly in identifying priority areas for conservation, management, and use of natural resources at the state level.

Geodiversity assessment of the Xingu drainage basin

Geodiversity is a recent concept that refers to the abiotic variety of nature. It is defined as the range of geological (rocks, minerals, fossils), geomorphological (landforms, processes) and soil features, including their assemblages, relationships, properties, interpretation and systems. In this work, a method of quantitative assessment of geodiversity was applied to the Xingu drainage basin (Amazônia – Brazil). The method is based on the quantification and integration of abiotic features represented on thematic maps at scales ranging from 1:250,000 to 1:2,500,000, overlaid by a 1:25,000 systematic grid. In order to calculate the final geodiversity index, five partial numerical indices representing the main components of geodiversity were drawn compiled: geology, geomorphology, soil, palaeontology and mineral occurrences. The resulting Geodiversity Index map is presented in the form of five isoline classes. The objective of this method is to present such a mapping technique as a tool for environmental planning, particularly for the identification and definition of priority areas for conservation.

Geodiversidade: Considerações Sobre Quantificação e Avaliação da Distribuição Espacial

The geodiversity term has been used to attend the needs of geosciences researchers to refer the complex's physical landscape, covering the abiotic elements such as rocks, landforms, soils and rivers, for example, configured as an analogue to the biodiversity term. The various components of geodiversity and biodiversity, combined, make up different physical environments, which allow a quantitative analysis of space, wealth and abundance. This paper aims to identify the main aspects of convergence between the geodiversity and biodiversity, paying attention to the relationships sample in each case, spatial distribution, richness of diversity and the relationship between rate of geodiversity and geological heritage. By establishing general guidelines on the quantitative interpretation of geodiversity and biodiversity, it is clear that both use a pre-defined spatial area. Biodiversity is generally based on sampling units of several sizes due to the impossibility of direct quantification of diversity in all area. In the case of geodiversity is necessary to establish a maximum and minimum scale of assessment, and based on this scale of reference, establish a spatial distribution of elements through the mapping (geological, geomorphological and pedological) and instrumental tool. The quantitative assessment of geodiversity, whose methods are still being evaluated, can supports a better understanding of the physical environment and can also provides results for the identification and assessment of geological, geomorphological and paleontological heritage. However, it is necessary to know that the diversity of life or abiotic elements of an environment represents a very complex context and therefore must be understood beyond a mere numerical index that spatializes the diversity of the constituent parts of the whole.

Quantifying the geodiversity of a study area in the Great Hungarian Plain

Geodiversity is understood as the diversity of the abiotic nature. It expresses the variety of stones, minerals, fossils, places, landforms, processes, soils and elements of hydrology. As geodiversity assessment is a rather new research area, the number of publications concerning geodiversity is growing fast. In this paper we quantified the geodiversity of a study area located at the Danube-Tisza Interfluve in the Great Hungarian Plain using the method worked out by Hjort and Luoto (2010). We wanted to know how the diversity varies in space at low-land areas applying different indexes. Geodiversity was represented by three different indexes. Total geodiversity was calculated by summariz-ing the geologic features, the landforms and the elements of hydrology found in each unit. Then we grouped the landforms by the (exogenic) processes which formed them, and the number of these processes gave the value of the geomorphologic process diversity. Finally we calculat-ed the geodiversity index by Serrano-Canadas and Ruiz-Flano (2007). The absolutely homogenous units (totally waterlogged areas and the flat sand sheets) have the lowest geodiversity. It is higher at the border of the sandy, peaty and waterlogged areas. At this lowland area there is no relationship between the geodiversity and the relief. This is the first work applying this method in Hungary, so the results are yet not com-parable.

A potential geoconservation map of the Las Lagunas area, northern Peru

SUMMARYThe Andean páramo ecosystems host geodiversity of global importance, but also have important societal functions, including agricultural production and delivery of water to people and industry. Páramo geo-ecosystems are highly susceptible to environmental degradation because of their alpine relief, extreme climate and fragile soils. In contrast to other parts of the world, geodiversity assessment studies in the Andes are scarce. A geodiversity assessment method was adapted and used to produce a potential geoconservation map of the Andean páramo. The Las Lagunas area (Cajamarca, Northern Peru) has a rich archive of climate proxy data and landscape reconstruction, and plays a key role in the functioning of regional geo-ecosystems. Undisturbed proxies for climate change are contained in four Late-Glacial recessional complexes of its former local ice cap and in pollen records preserved in the post-glacial peat cover. These new findings were used to develop a refined chronostratigraphy of the Late-Glacial warming period in the Andes of Northern Peru. Geo-ecosystem functions (for example water and carbon storage) depend on the environmental vulnerability and disturbance of the landforms and deposits. Therefore, potential geoconservation areas that combine a high scientific value and environmental vulnerability with a low disturbance and low frequency of occurrence should be prioritized for geoconservation. Such a strategy should also optimize sustainable use of resources and development of these areas. Mountainous countries like Peru require future management strategies that recognize and incorporate potential geoconservation information in regional planning, to prevent unnecessary loss of irreplaceable soils, climate proxies and geo-ecosystem functions upon future changes in land use and climate.

Geodiversity research problems in geotourism

The richness and diversity of physical features of nature known as geodiversity is a new issue of research in geosciences. Increasingly, it is analyzed in terms of usefulness in the study of the natural environment and impact of geology and geomorphology on biodiversity. The definition and methodology of geodiversity is ambiguous and still subject to discussion. The article summarized current knowledge in this field and presents the application of the assessment of geodiversity in geotourism emphasizing research problems associated with it.