Geodiversity Values Research Articles

Effectiveness of Adjacent and Bivariate Maps in Communicating Global Sensitivity Analysis for Geodiversity Assessment

This study compares adjacent and bivariate maps in communicating variance-based global sensitivity analysis (GSA) results for a geodiversity assessment spatial multi-criteria model and examines the influence of prior exposure to geodiversity and map reading skills on interpretation. It analyzes the quality of map interpretation, confidence levels, and map communication effectiveness. The findings indicate that there is no significant difference in the quality of map interpretation or confidence levels between the two map types. However, there are nuanced differences in interpretive patterns, suggesting the need for further investigation into factors affecting map interpretation. Adjacent maps are more effective in identifying factors linked to uncertainty in high geodiversity values, while bivariate maps excel in understanding spatial variability. Prior exposure to geodiversity and map reading skills do not significantly impact interpretation quality or confidence levels. Future research could explore other factors influencing map effectiveness and explore the cognitive processes underlying map interpretation. Understanding these processes could lead to more effective strategies for communicating the results of a GSA for spatial models through maps.

Fire and geodiversity

Geodiversity elements contribute significantly to local and global hydrological, biogeochemical and ecosystem services and as such, fire is a potentially disruptive force with long-term implications. from limiting karstic speleothems formation, to compounding impacts of peat-fire-erosion cycles. Geodiversity elements additionally possess important cultural, aesthetic, and environmental values, including the support of ecosystem services. Hence, assessments of potential fire damage should consider implications for land users, society, and culture, alongside the geomorphic impacts on geodiversity elements. With a view to providing a concise set of descriptors of the response of geodiversity elements to fire, we qualify and in places, quantify, how fire may degrade geosystem function. Where possible, we highlight the influence of fire intensity and frequency gradients, and cumulative fire, in the deterioration of geodiversity values. Geoconservation is integral to protected areas with implications from fire effected geodiversity functions and values presenting issues for management, with potential consequences extending through to delisting, degazetting, and resizing of protected areas. Future research in reserve systems should concentrate on understanding the synergistic and compounding effects of fire on the geophysical landscape.

Non-Uniform Distribution of Geoheritage Resources in Geoparks—Problems, Challenges and Opportunities

Geoparks are territorial organizations, whose primary aim is to foster sustainable local development through the promotion of geoheritage, geotourism and geoeducation. Sites of significant interest from the perspective of geosciences (geosites), as well as the overall geodiversity of the territory, are the fundamental resources for geopark activities. The distribution of these resources in the geographical space of geoparks may, however, be uneven. We first review four cases of UNESCO Global Geoparks from different European countries (Czechia, Germany, Hungary, Portugal) where such a situation occurs, with consequences on tourism development. Then, we place particular focus on an aspiring geopark of the Land of Extinct Volcanoes in SW Poland, providing evidence of its geoheritage and geodiversity values. The aspiring geopark integrates a mountainous–upland terrain and a lowland part, the latter with much fewer sites of interest and, apparently, fewer opportunities to successfully develop geotourism. Recognizing the challenges emerging from the non-uniform distribution of resources and learning from established geoparks, we highlight various opportunities to encourage (geo)tourism in the less diverse sections of the geoparks. Implementation of the ABC (abiotic–biotic–cultural) concept could be particularly helpful, as could be various events organized in these areas.

Assessment of Geodiversity at the Confluence of Different Geological Domains and Delimitation of Natural Protected Areas (Examples from Southern Spain)

Geodiversity and biodiversity have been assessed in an area of the province of Jaén (Southern Spain), the first one from the consideration of partial indices based on lithology, geomorphology, pedology, hydrology, palaeontology, mineralogy and geosites; biodiversity is also regarded from previous data, considering a biodiversity index and endangered species index. This area shows the contact between the Guadalquivir Basin and the Betic External Zones. In addition, several natural protected areas have been defined, among which the Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas Natural Park (where mainly Prebetic materials outcrop) and the Sierra Mágina Natural Park (made up of Subbetic materials) stand out. The high and very high values of geodiversity have been located in an area where mainly Subbetic materials outcrop, including the Sierra Mágina Natural Park, and which coincides to a large extent with the front of the Betic External Zones and its contact with the Guadalquivir Basin. However, the Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas Natural Park is outside this area of high or very high geodiversity. Both natural parks fit well in areas where biodiversity and endangered species are important. These differences between the geodiversity values and the boundaries of these natural areas allow suggesting that, for delimitation of any natural protected area, its boundaries should be defined based on knowledge of the geodiversity and biodiversity of the region where the natural area is located.

From geodiversity assessment to geosite analysis – a GIS-aided workflow from the Bakony–Balaton UNESCO Global Geopark, Hungary

Abstract Geodiversity and geosite assessments precede geoheritage and geotourism utilization. The process first determines the geodiversity value of an area (based on geoscientific attributions) and then the geotourism potential of the available sites. As a result, significant geosites can be identified, which are the bases for protection and tourism. During geosite assessment, scientific and infrastructural aspects are essential because spectacular sites and landscapes carrying intrinsic or visible values generate interest among tourists and professionals. In this study, a quantitative workflow to determine the geodiversity index over an area, evaluate geosites and monitor significant ones is presented. The study area is the Bakony–Balaton UNESCO Global Geopark, where no quantitative assessment was conducted previously. A GIS-based geodiversity analysis identified the most diverse areas which gave the basis for the geosite assessment done in a ‘geodiverse’ subregion of the geopark. The most important nine of the 75 identified potential geosites were chosen to examine the spatial variance of the assessment. By continuous monitoring, we got an image of what the visitors liked or did not like there. In this way, we were able to monitor the various opinions of geotourists to present unique development strategies for each of them. A connection between the location of geosites and the spatial distribution of geodiversity values was also determined by analysing and visualizing the connection between geodiversity and geosite assessment results.

EVALUATION AND VALORIZATION OF GEOHERITAGE OF THE MOUNT ROGOZNA AREA (SERBIA)

Due to its unique geology, relief, and extensive hydrologic network, Mount Rogozna has been chosen as a case study for the quantification of geodiversity. The study consists of two interconnected parts. The first part demonstrates the application of the geodiversity evaluation method using the geodiversity index, whereas the second part deals with the evaluation of the geoheritage objects of the studied area. The methodology for calculating geodiversity index that was applied in this research was modified due to the size of the studied area. The geodiversity index is calculated based on the number of abiotic elements and the roughness of the relief within the studied area. Mount Rogozna, with an area of 818.26 km2, has been studied and processed using a network of spatial polygons of 500 × 500 m and using different maps. The second part of the research deals with the evaluation of geoheritage objects, applying the Geosite Assess-ment Model. The obtained results demonstrate that geoheritage objects are not always located in places with high values of the geodiversity index. This is proven by the fact that 5 out of 7 geoheritage sites are located in areas with low geodiversity values. The obtained qualitative and quantitative data with maps showing the distribution of geodiversity can serve as a starting point for the development of a planning and management strategy, but also as the example of good practice for possible further application in the quan-tification of geodiversity in this part of Serbia, and beyond its borders as well.

Recognising geodiversity and encouraging geoconservation—Some lessons from Callander, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Scotland

In the past decade progress has been made recognising the contribution that geodiversity makes to biodiversity and society. Scotland's Geodiversity Charter, launched in 2012 and revised in 2017, has attracted the support of almost 100 organisations and encourages signatories to work together to recognise the value of geodiversity and ensure it is managed appropriately and safeguarded. The case study presented here highlights that while there is a real desire to protect sites that are scientifically valuable, significant challenges exist to balance this with societal demand for resources and development. There are also challenges for geoscientists and geoconservation groups to communicate effectively with planning authorities and local communities. The case study also sheds light on the problems associated with the systems of designating geosites of national and regional importance, the maintenance of these systems, and how the value of these sites is conveyed beyond the scientific community. Scotland's Geodiversity Charter offers a framework that stakeholders can use to work in partnership to increase awareness of the issues and help achieve the sustainable management of geosites. Case studies such as Callander provide lessons and solutions to overcome the challenges that arise and highlight the need for the participation of both national and local stakeholders.

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.

The Geodiversity of Brazil: Quantification, Distribution, and Implications for Conservation Areas

Research related to geodiversity aim at valuing abiotic aspects as inseparable components of natural heritage and, thus, as well as biodiversity, must be understood and valued through the ordering of their use and geoconservation. Geodiversity studies are developed based on several approaches, from the broadest ones, which contemplate the measurement of abiotic elements fully, to those that assess geoheritage through geodiversity values. The present research follows the broader approach of evaluating and analysing the entire geodiversity, applying the measurement of abiotic elements without their valuation, and spatialising areas with a greater and lesser density of the selected elements related in this research lithology, relief, and soil. For this purpose, bases produced by systematic surveys of Brazilian research institutions were used. As a result, the mapping of the subindexes obtained pointing from the division into 5 classes, the areas which present greater and lesser diversity of each element, as well as the synthesis map for the indexes of geodiversity elements in Brazil, considering the three elements selected for this mapping. The analysis of the indexes’ spatialisation was carried out from a descriptive and genetic perspective, aiming to explain the causes of the distribution of the abiotic elements in the Brazilian territory, providing subindexes for studies in the scope of environmental services, nature, and territory conservation planning. A spatial analysis was also carried out between the Geodiversity Index Map and the Brazilian conservation units and the areas where geopark projects are being developed.

Maisematason geodiversiteetti Suomessa

The diversity of nature consists of two complementary components: biological diversity (biodiversity) and abiotic diversity (geodiversity). Biodiversity is widely acknowledged in both research, and conservation and management practices, whereas geodiversity (the variety of abiotic features and processes of the land surface and subsurface) is just emerging as a research and practical issue. In this study, we introduce the geodiversity concept in Finnish context and explore how landscape-scale geodiversity varies in Finland and between Finnish municipalities. In addition, we study how geodiversity varies between nature areas and human impacted areas and how Finnish strict nature reserves and national parks succeed in capturing geodiversity. According to the results, there is distinct geographical variation in geodiversity in Finland. The geodiversity of municipalities varies through the country but, on average, municipalities in the southern and northern parts of the country have especially high geodiversity values. Interestingly, human impacted areas have slightly higher geodiversity than nature areas. Nature conservation areas manage especially well in capturing geomorphological richness. This study emphasizes the need for the investigation of geodiversity on a national and sub-national level. Study of geodiversity provides information on nature beyond current biodiversity-focused perspectives, which can be further utilized in e.g., land-use and nature conservation planning.

Guidelines for Management of Geoheritage: an Approach in the Sertão Central, Brazilian Northeastern Semiarid

The characterisation of geoheritage and the understanding of the physical and socio-cultural features of a territory are essential to achieve the major geoconservation goals: protection and sustainable use of exceptional elements of geodiversity. This research was done in the Sertao Central, an economic vulnerable area in the hinterland of northeast Brazil, remarked by the Caatinga Biome and a rocky, semiarid landscape. The area comprises an assemblage of deformed igneous and metamorphic rocks, such as gneisses, TTG rocks, schists, and granites. Starting from a regional geoheritage inventory done in 2015, fourteen geosites were selected and assessed, representing a wide regional tectonic evolution from the Precambrian West Gondwanan orogenesis to the Cenozoic development of particular examples of Brazilian granitic inselbergs. In addition to the inventory of geosites, six geodiversity sites were also evaluated, along with five geocultural sites, highlighting the cultural value of geodiversity in the area. Based on the available information, an analysis with the main features and spatial configuration of the geoheritage was developed, allowing to designate the most appropriate use for each geological site. Considering geoconservation as a geoscientific fostering for the sustainable development, our study suggests a set of general guidelines for the management of geoheritage, in order to facilitate the decision-making process by local managers and stakeholders as well as to promote the discussion on geotourism strategies for the region. Organised according to well-defined geoconservation strategies, these guidelines could enhance the sustainable development of vulnerable regions, such as Sertao Central itself.

Geodiversity as part of Heritage Rivers: The Example of São Francisco, River of National Unity - Along the Stretch its River Source to the Casca d’Anta Waterfall

Rivers are key parts of geodiversity and have special proximity with society. Hence, river heritage is characterized by uncommon rivers with singular aspects of geodiversity, historical and cultural values, ecological and landscape elements of high scenic quality. In such context, the present study aimed to identify the set of elements or places of interest which could be used to recognize river heritage based on geodiversity values along a 17 km stretch between São Francisco river headwaters and the Casca d’Anta waterfall within Canastra Range National Park (Minas Gerais State - Brazil). Here, seven elements of river heritage were recognized: i) landscape set ofthe Canastra Range; ii) São Francisco historic headwater; iii) Curral de Pedras; Casca d’Anta waterfall; v) Nesting area of the Mergus octosetaceus; vi) diamond mining; vii) the Canastra cheese. The identified elements of river heritage highlight the scientific, ecological, cultural, historic and touristic/economic importance of the analyzed. stretch Moreover, such elements illustrate need for improvement of the existing legislations and more effective instruments of river management and river conservation.

Geodiversity Index Map of Rio Grande do Norte State, Northeast Brazil: Cartography and Quantitative Assessment

The values of geodiversity, defined through different qualitative and/or quantitative methods, represent a fundamental asset for the development of geoconservation actions. Quantitative methods can be considered those of less subjectivity since their dependence on the evaluator and its scientific knowledge is restricted. In turn, aiming to clearly expose the achieved results, this work used geoprocessing tools, as it has been used in several studies of geodiversity index in Brazil. Rio Grande do Norte, a state located in the extreme northeast and one of the smallest of the country, still does not have an assessment for its entire territory, despite being geologically diverse, with rocks dated back from the Archean until the Holocene. Thus, the objective of this work is to fill this gap in the studies of Brazilian geodiversity. For this, we used the evaluation methodology based on the grid overlay, with 5.5 × 5.5 km mesh, on the available cartographic bases: lithology, mineral occurrences, geomorphology, pedology, and hydrography. The thematic subindexes were added, which resulted in the geodiversity index map for the entire state. It was classified into five classes: very low, low, medium, high, and very high. It was verified that most of the state is in low areas in the geodiversity index and that the high and very high areas are concentrated in specific portions, mainly in three distinct regions: Eastern Serido, Center-East, and Eastern Coast. It was observed that Rio Grande do Norte state is endowed with high potential regions of geodiversity.

Current trends and future directions in quantitative geodiversity assessment

Geodiversity assessment is recent and is passing through a stage of methodological development and consolidation. With rapid environmental change, improving the developmental states of geodiversity assessment is of paramount importance. A scientometric analysis is presented to identify knowledge gaps, current trends and avenues for future research in quantitative geodiversity assessment literature. The study is categorised into three areas of analysis: (a) methodological intentions of geodiversity assessment, (b) current trends in geodiversity assessment methods and (c) current geographic trends. A ranking tool was developed to determine whether the current methodological intentions of geodiversity assessments trend towards combined geodiversity and biodiversity assessments or towards the independent assessment of geodiversity. Results showed that about 50% of publications independently assessed geodiversity with no consideration for biodiversity, 32% discussed or reviewed geodiversity by mentioning potential links to biodiversity and 12% more strongly linked geodiversity assessment to biodiversity assessment. Tools used by scholars to determine geodiversity values varied from statistical through to the more frequently adopted geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial analytical software approaches. Study sites selected for geodiversity assessments were predominantly terrestrial at the state-wide scale. Marine assessments, or seabed geodiversity, were mostly absent from the literature, with only two publications found. Brazil in South America had many geodiversity assessments and European scholars have played crucial roles in the development of quantitative geodiversity assessment in recent years. Subsequent research will benefit from developing a unified geodiversity assessment approach, reaching a consensus on an accepted definition and standardising the geodiversity concept, broadening research site environment types and developing strategies to promote further international and intranational collaboration.

Diversification of Igneous Rocks and Geoheritage Values in Pergau, Jeli Kelantan

This study aims to map rocks variation and geological features and identifying the geodiversity values for geotourism potential in Pergau area. Generally Pergau area is dominated by granitoid body from Noring Granite and Kenerong Leucogranite. Based on the field observation, there are five (5) variation of granites; 1) the coarse grained dominant with quartz and feldspar, 2) fine grained, 3) pink megacryst biotite granite, 4) coarse grained dominant with hornblend, and 5) foliated granite. The assesment of geoheritage values show that Pergau is basically a little too low values to be as geotourism site and the level of significance is only local to state. However, the scientific and education values are higher, which ressemble that Pergau area is very important for the research and educational site.

Geoturismo no rio Amazonas

O geoturismo é um ramo da atividade turística e uma área do conhecimento vinculada ao tema da Geodiversidade, que, por sua vez, estuda a natureza com foco na sua componente abiótica. O estado do Amapá apresenta diversos elementos naturais rochas, formas de relevo, rios e lagos que podem ser adequadamente explorados por essa atividade, mas que carecem de maior conhecimento científico e de estratégias de planejamento adequadas. Este trabalho visa apresentar uma proposta de roteiro geoturístico fluvial sobre o rio Amazonas entre as cidades de Macapá e Santana apresentando diversos elementos naturais e culturais, onde a geodiversidade assume protagonismo. Esse roteiro é avaliado qualitativamente pelos valores da geodiversidade e pelos serviços ecossistêmicos fornecidos pelo meio abiótico, seguindo uma metodologia desenvolvida a partir dos trabalhos de Silva e Nascimento (2016), Brilha et al. (2018) e Gray (2018). Como resultado, o roteiro integra a Fortaleza de São José de Macapá, o Balneário da Fazendinha, o antigo porto da ICOMI (empresa mineradora de manganês), a foz do rio Vila Nova e a praia Recanto da Aldeia.

Geotourism Concept Development in the Basis of Environment Sustainability, Socioculture, and Natural Science Wealth. A Case Study in Indonesia

This paper presents geotourism development as a development framework of Gunungkidul Regency, Indonesia. This concept has been formulated in the consideration of policy direction of local and national tourism development, requirement of Geopark Global Network concept, consideration of environment, social and cultural environment and the demand of trend of the tourism interest improvement among society. This research was conducted with the urgency of: (1) the importance of geodiversity and geoheritage preservation as the unrenewable resources; (2) the important values of geodiversity and geoheritage that have a valuable knowledge for the people and their environment; (3) the importance of biodiversity as the environment wealth that plays an absolute role towards the balance of the environment; (4) The significant role of the wealth of socio-culture of people (cultural diversities) as a local wisdom that has a great power in the development process and (5) the urgency of the improvement of independency of tourism entrepreneurship as the accurate strategy in the development program for people prosperity. The direction of the geotourism development has been formulated through the synthesis of various analyses covering the analysis on government policy, analysis on the potential of tourism attraction, and SWOT analysis. The dialogue of any analyses is required to guarantee the production of formulation in the accurate and synergic direction of geotourism with any various existing development directions. The direction of the empowerment of the living environment and natural resources shows the awareness of how very fundamental the balance, harmony and aptitude of ecology, society, economic and culture is.

Geotourism Concept Development in the Basis of Environment Sustainability, Socioculture, and Natural Science Wealth: A Case Study in Indonesia

This paper presents geotourism development as a development framework of Gunungkidul Regency, Indonesia. This concept has been formulated in the consideration of policy direction of local and national tourism development, requirement of Geopark Global Network concept, consideration of environment, social and cultural environment and the demand of trend of the tourism interest improvement among society. This research was conducted with the urgency of: (1) the importance of geodiversity and geoheritage preservation as the unrenewable resources; (2) the important values of geodiversity and geoheritage that have a valuable knowledge for the people and their environment; (3) the importance of biodiversity as the environment wealth that plays an absolute role towards the balance of the environment; (4) The significant role of the wealth of socio-culture of people (cultural diversities) as a local wisdom that has a great power in the development process and (5) the urgency of the improvement of independency of tourism entrepreneurship as the accurate strategy in the development program for people prosperity. The direction of the geotourism development has been formulated through the synthesis of various analyses covering the analysis on government policy, analysis on the potential of tourism attraction, and SWOT analysis. The dialogue of any analyses is required to guarantee the production of formulation in the accurate and synergic direction of geotourism with any various existing development directions. The direction of the empowerment of the living environment and natural resources shows the awareness of how very fundamental the balance, harmony and aptitude of ecology, society, economic and culture is.

Geodiversity index weighted by multivariate statistical analysis

Although there are differences in geodiversity definitions, there is a consensus that the term covers elements of abiotic nature like geology, geomorphology, soils, among others. However, the attempt to evaluate these geodiversity elements revealed the need to create methodologies that can quantify them. In this sense, the goal of this study was to propose and implement a method capable of measuring geodiversity through a weighted index using multivariate statistics (principal component analysis) to rank a data set and indicate the real influence of each variable on geodiversity distribution. As a case study, we used the Guarulhos municipality (Sao Paulo state, Brazil). The results indicated that the variable “soils” was the one that most influenced the geodiversity index, due to its higher spatial variance, followed by the layers “geology,” “hydrography,” and “relief.” The Geoindex map pointed out that the sites of greatest geodiversity were those where there was high variability of latosol, cambisol, and gleysols, as well as where the lithology pointed to rocks of the Ferrous Formation, granitoid, metapelites, and restricted floodplains adjacent to areas with a high density of lineaments. Hill relief and high-density drainage patterns also influenced the increase of the Geoindex. This map also pointed out that areas of natural heritage, such as waterfalls, rocky outcrops, and lookouts, appeared associated respectively with high, medium, and low values of geodiversity.

Educação e aprendizagem social para Geoconservação

O projeto visa analisar os processos e resultados de uma experiência educativa desenvolvida na proposta do Geoparque Ciclo do Ouro, em Guarulhos (SP), objetivando promover a integração da geodiversidade em políticas públicas e governança ambiental. Envolveu diferentes atores sociais, sendo estes professores da educação básica, comunidade, gestores públicos e pesquisadores acadêmicos. O processo de aprendizagem social e educação para geoconservação e sustentabilidade procurou melhorar a compreensão da geodiversidade e das lacunas de conhecimento dos atores participantes, por meio de metodologias participativas focadas no (re)conhecimento do lugar/ambiente associadas ao ensino em Geociências, com referência em proposta inédita de formação de professores. Buscou promover a gestão da geodiversidade em regiões com alta densidade populacional e conflitos socioambientais e desvelar a consciência do valor da geodiversidade, consideramos que os processos de aprendizagem social e educação para a geoconservação podem indicar caminhos relevantes na proteção futura dos serviços ecossistêmicos, particularmente no contexto das mudanças climáticas.