Geological Monuments Research Articles

Geological Monuments of the Republic of Kosovo: Action for Identification, Study, Coding, Geoconservation and Promotion

Geological Monuments of the Republic of Kosovo: Action for Identification, Study, Coding, Geoconservation and Promotion

Bogdo–Baskunchak Nature Reserve as a geoheritage site

Abstract The Bogdo–Baskunchak Nature Reserve is a geoheritage site in the Caspian Depression, near the Lower Volga River. The Salt Lake Baskunchak and the Mount Big Bogdo with the gypsum field are the main objects of interest. Local legends about this place and the history of salt mining and trading, as well as geological exploration, make this geoheritage site special. This natural landscape is intact, as seen by the first scientific expeditions of the eighteenth century organized by the Imperial Academy of Sciences and Arts in St Petersburg. Reports and papers about this area are associated with Pallas, Humboldt, Murchison, Eichwald, Auerbach, Pravoslavlev, Efremov and other scientists and expeditions. Extensive research and important discoveries were made in this area, mostly in mineralogy, stratigraphy, palaeontology, sedimentology, salt tectonics, and mining. This area reflects its long history of exploration and could be a good example of organizing the protection of geological landmarks and monuments in arid regions. In 1916, a Russian law was passed giving the government rights to organize reserves ( zapovednik ) for scientific and cultural purposes in the most remarkable natural areas. Only in recent decades have geological monuments in Russia become specially protected sites.

PROSPECTS FOR COOPERATION BETWEEN GEOLOGICAL MUSEUMS OF UKRAINE AND SPAIN

The publication actualizes issues related to the prospects for geological science development and ways of cooperation between Ukraine and Spain. As part of the bilateral cooperation between these countries, at the end of February 2023, a meeting of geologists was held in Barcelona at one of the leading research institutes in Spain. The main issues discussed were the popularization of geology and the geological museum’s development. The first part of the article contains an overview of the peculiarities of the tectonic structure, stratigraphy, rock complexes, and unique reference sections within Ukraine, which are of world scientific importance. The second part is devoted to the characteristics of the Ukrainian museums of Earth sciences, the problems of modern scientific research, the geological monuments preservation, and strengthening the role of geological museums in popularizing knowledge about the Earth. As a result, joint projects within the framework of international cooperation between Ukraine and Spain are proposed. Cooperation will occur at the level of individual Institutes of Earth Sciences and Natural History Museums, as they store primary geological information. For the accumulation of geological information, its preservation and presentation, it is necessary to unite museums into a single museum space and international museum organizations. To create a general complex multi-level museum database. In addition, cooperation can be manifested in joint expeditions in which factual material can be obtained for further analytical research; in the organization and conduct of joint research, conferences, and educational seminars; in publishing joint scientific works, etc. Such events will contribute to exchanging information/specimens and improving external communication for further developing the museum business, educational and scientific activities in the geological field.

GEOTURISTIC POTENTIAL OF GEOLOGICAL MONUMENTS OF THE DNIPROPETROVS`K REGION

Geotourism as a modern trend in the tourism industry is gaining more and more popularity worldwide. It is the development of knowledge about the geological history of our planet, the course of processes of the formation of various rocks and minerals.
 The territory of Dnipropetrovs’k region is rich in unique, rare objects of the geological environment, including and world importance. These objects have been preserved on the earth's surface in the form of rock outcrops, which most clearly characterize the geological structure and history of the development of our planet, and are of great scientific and educational importance.
 The most unique objects of the natural heritage of Dnipropetrovs’k region, worthy of international attention, are geological monuments. Today, about 38 geological monuments of nature can be classified as geological monuments within the Dnipropetrovs’k region, among which 13 are included in the nature reserve fund of Ukraine and approved by the relevant decisions of state institutions.
 In order to determine the geotourism potential of the regions of the region, a comprehensive, point-based, monitoring assessment of geological monuments was carried out according to the following indicators: informational uniqueness, physical condition, state of improvement, transport accessibility, demand, seasonality of visits, ecological condition, recreational attractiveness, safety of inspection, density of accommodation, nature conservation status. The total number of points demonstrates the tourist attractiveness of the object.
 According to the specified criteria, the number of points for evaluating the tourist attractiveness of geological monuments varies from 15 to 28 points. Geological monuments assigned to the nature reserve fund received the highest points.
 The assessment of the spatial differentiation of indicators of tourist attractiveness of the geological monuments of the region was performed using the inverse distance weighting (IDW) interpolation method in the QGIS program. As a result, a map of the geotourism potential of the regions of the Dnipropetrovs’k region was built. Four types of zones are distinguished: with high (western part of the region, most of Kryvyi Rih region), medium (southern part of the region), low geotourism potential (the central part and a separate zone in the south of the region), and the territory where there are no geological monuments (north and east region).
 The analysis of the map makes it possible to come to the conclusion that, at present, geological monuments located in the Kryvyi Rih district are of interest for the formation of geotours. Other geological objects of Dnipropetrovs’k region should be considered as a supplement to tours of another direction, for example, based on a combination of natural, archaeological and cultural objects. This is facilitated by the fact that the majority of geological monuments are territorially connected with historical and cultural monuments, recreational locations, religious routes.
 In order to popularize geotourism sites in the region, an interactive map "Geological sights of the Dnipropetrovs’k region, classified as a nature reserve" was created on the Google Maps platform.
 An excursion route "Geological monuments of Kryvorizhye" has also been created. The excursion consists of 9 objects that reveal the entire range of the geological history of Kryvorizhye and covers the age range from the Paleoarchean to the Neoproterozoic, which is about 2 billion years, imprinted in numerous outcrops along the banks of the Ingulets and Saksagan rivers and the slopes of the streams. The tour is designed as a GPS mobile multimedia guide on the Izi.travel platform.
 Keywords: geological reminder, geotourism potential, geological tourism, Dnipropetrovsk region.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LOCAL STUDIES PRINCIPLE OF STUDYING GEOGRAPHY BY MEANS OF EDUCATIONAL EXCURSIONS

The purpose of the article is to reveal the importance of the local studies principle of learning as a local one in students' assimilation of the content of geographical education and to show the possibilities of educational excursions in the formation of their geographical competences.
 The article analyzes the process of the formation of the local lore principle in the study of geography in publications of scientific-geographical and didactic content. The contribution of a number of scientists to the development of modern geographic local history is outlined. The role of Ya. Zhupanskyi and V. Krul in the formation of national local history in Ukraine is highlighted. The position of S. Rusova regarding the important role of the regional studies principle in the educational process is indicated. After L. Chubrei with the co-authors, we state that "The principle of regional studies involves the systematic establishment of connections between the study of geography and the knowledge that students acquire as a result of direct study of the region. Mandatory use of acquired regional knowledge in education is the main purpose of educational regional studies."
 The model programs for the study of geography were analyzed. They show the importance of educational excursions. It was established that in the program of S. P. Zapotocki, educational excursions occupy a higher priority position, especially in the 8th - 9th grades, which makes it possible to implement the principle of regional studies in education and instill in children love for their region, and then for the Motherland. The list of excursion topics in the school geography course program (S.P. Zapotocki, etc.) is highlighted. Examples of locations for excursions are offered on the following topics: "School excursion to a geological monument of one's region", "Excursion to a region with a natural landscape. Acquaintance with nearby forest/steppe landscapes, description of their condition", "Excursion to the national (local) natural park".
 It is substantiated that excursions into nature involve not only familiarization with objects or phenomena and processes occurring in it, but also the identification of relationships between individual components of nature on the one hand, and between nature and the economic and cultural activities of the population on the other. They contribute to the development of schoolchildren's observation, imagination, visual thinking, purposeful perception, the formation of a caring attitude towards nature and are a form and means of environmental education. It was established that the educational excursion is complex in terms of methodology and organization. It requires thorough preparation of the teacher and students.
 Preparing a teacher to conduct an educational excursion into nature includes: 1) formulating the purpose and objectives of the excursion; 2) choosing a route, getting familiar with it in the area, studying the nature of the tour area and its attractions; 3) determination of objects of observation, number and placement of stops during the excursion, content and methods of working with students at each stop; 4) determination of the general task and individual and group tasks for students; 5) development of safety instructions, recommendations for equipment, group and individual equipment of tour participants.
 It was established that Ternopil region is rich in attractive tourist attractions in general and geological ones in particular. Thus, there are more than 90 geological monuments of nature in Ternopil region. The largest concentration of interesting geological objects is confined to Transnistria in the south and to the structural-denudation escarpment of Podillia in the north. Excursions to caves will obviously be the most interesting for students. Verteba near the village of Verteba is an excursion destination within Ternopil region. Bilche Zolote and Krystaleva (Krystalna) in the village Crooked Mlynky, Ugryn, and Optimistichna are also used for orienteering, but the expediency of involving the latter in educational excursions is highly questionable.
 A number of examples of single-theme and multi-theme educational excursions on the territory of Ternopil region have been developed. The main focus is on excursions to geological monuments. An excursion to the Kristalna and Verteba caves is offered, as well as to the exposure of Cretaceous rocks in the village of Monastery The possibilities of educational excursions to the national natural park "Kremenetsk Mountains" and to the Chervone tract have been revealed. The contents of a one-day hiking route in the territory of Podilskyi Tovtry are proposed, with an introduction to the geological structure of the outcrops and the floristic features of rock-steppe areas.
 The itineraries of educational excursions proposed by us can be used by geography teachers of Ternopil and neighboring regions.
 We consider the development of methodological recommendations and the selection of educational locations for conducting all educational excursions provided by model programs to be promising directions for further research.
 Keywords: geographic competence, local lore principle, educational excursion, tourist trip, geosite, exposure.

Geodiversity, geological heritage and renewal of the network of geosites of the Dnipropetrovsk region


 
 
 This paper is focused on the relatively new terms in the Earth Sciences – geodiver- sity, geological heritage, geoconservation, geosites, geoparks – and their practical usage in Ukraine. The diversity of geological processes that have occurred in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, its structural-tectonic position, and the long complex history of its development, since the Precambrian until the Quaternary Epoch, combined with a large amount of natural and mining-exposed outcrops, has made it rich in various objects of geological heritage. The article gives a brief analysis of history of how the Oblast’s objects of geoecological heritage have been provided with an official state-protected status and examines those with promising natural geological monuments (geosites) that require protection. We emphasize the problem of how little attention the government nature-protection organizations of Ukraine are paying to the necessity of preserving the geological heritage, despite all positive changes in its protection at international level, including establishment of European Association for the Conservation of Geological Heritage, and a steadily growing UNESCO-supported movement of establishing geoparks, etc. We provide a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the geosites and their types according to the modern classification. We recommend analyzing a possibility of including one of the promising objects that is located in the Dniprovi Porohy Regional Landscape Park to the European Register of Geological Heritage. The paper presents the results of geological monitoring, carried out in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast after publication of the book Geosites of Ukraine, which increased the fund of promising geosites up to 70. According to the criteria by which geosites are chosen, we determined 4 geological monuments that correspond to the state protection level. Most of the objects of local-significance require further field studies, and after examination some of them were found to deserve protection as geosites of national significance. Each of the geological relics from the list, objects which are proposed for the first time, has been given a preliminary characteristic consisting of a geosite’s location, stratigraphical po- sition, tectonic structure, lithological or petrographic composition of the rocks, protected status of the relic.
 
 

Екскурсія «Геологічні перлини Коростенщини»

The number of tourist arrivals to South America, which has unique natural objects and monuments of cultural history, is growing quite quickly. It is home to the highest waterfall in the world, the Amazon River, the Amazon rainforest, and the high mountain peaks of the Andes. There are also geological objects (waterfalls, outcrops, glacial landforms, etc.) that create a powerful tourist potential of the mainland, which is currently used quite little. Some properties that are not properly assessed are generally within private property, making it difficult to use them for tourism purposes. This article provides general information about geological tourism, the concept of a geological monument of nature and geological diversity. The geological outline of the studied continent is considered, and examples of geological objects in South America, their description, are given. The results are presented in the form of a map, where the studied objects are indicated.

Геологічні утворення, як об’єкти геологічного туризму у Південній Америці

The number of tourist arrivals to South America, which has unique natural objects and monuments of cultural history, is growing quite quickly. It is home to the highest waterfall in the world, the Amazon River, the Amazon rainforest, and the high mountain peaks of the Andes. There are also geological objects (waterfalls, outcrops, glacial landforms, etc.) that create a powerful tourist potential of the mainland, which is currently used quite little. Some properties that are not properly assessed are generally within private property, making it difficult to use them for tourism purposes. This article provides general information about geological tourism, the concept of a geological monument of nature and geological diversity. The geological outline of the studied continent is considered, and examples of geological objects in South America, their description, are given. The results are presented in the form of a map, where the studied objects are indicated.

On the Allocation of Regional Geological Monuments of the Main Devonian Field

Abstract—Using the example of two particularly valuable geological objects of the Main Devonian Field (Ilmen glint and the valley of the Velikaya River in the area of the Vybuty rapids), the features of the allocation and protection of geological monuments of regional significance are considered. Ilmen glint is a complex (stratigraphic, paleontological, ore-litho-petrological, hydrogeological) geological monument of regional significance. The authors substantiate the paleogeographic value of the object, which consists in the possibility of studying various ecological complexes of the macrofauna of the Middle Frasnian Sea, reflecting both regressive and transgressive stages of its development. Also, for the Ilmen glint are recommended two new criteria: a historical criterion (reflection of information about a geological object in the classical geological literature) and (for the first time) the introduction of a new historical and geographical criterion (the relationship of geological and geographical features with the history of settlement and development of the region). As a unique geological object, Ilmen glint has been studied by outstanding Russian and foreign researchers. The sections of the glint and the near-glint region are stratotypic for a number of sub-regional and local subdivisions of the Middle Frasnian of the Main Devonian Field. The features of the geological structure (close occurrence to the surface of carbonate rocks of the Upper Devonian), proximity to Novgorod and convenient communication with it by water influenced the fact that this area became one of the areas of ancient mining back in the days of Veliky Novgorod. Due to the location at the crossroads of important roads, the surroundings of glint often turned out to be the scene of important historical events, so in the village of Korostyn, located at the western tip of glint, the famous Korostyn Peace was concluded. The Vybuty Rapids tract is not a protected area, although it also has a clear scientific value from the paleogeographic (interesting complexes of ichnofossils are observed in the outcrop and extremely valuable in the reconstruction of paleogeographic conditions of the hardground facies) and historical and geographical points of view (a large ford was the strategic place in the Middle Ages for Pskov). The article considers the influence of natural and anthropogenic hazards on the condition of the described geological objects. In the described unique outcrops, there is an active manifestation of landslide processes and weathering processes. At the same time, the terrain features (the presence of local plicative and disjunctive structures that contribute to the formation of zones of increased fracturing) are aggravated by the active traffic load in the areas adjacent to the coastal cliffs.

PREREQUISITES AND TOURISM AND RECREATION SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SACRALIZATION OF MONUMENTS OF ANIMAL NATURE IN THE IVANO-FRANKIVSK REGION

There is a large number of geological and geomorphological monuments in Prykarpattia, which, in addition to scientific significance, also have a sacred significance, since the objects of inanimate nature were among the first that people used in religious life, endowing them with supernatural power. Nowadays, many geological and geomorphological objects of the Ivano-Frankivsk region have significant potential for use in religious tourism and the formation of the spiritual and religious worldview of the population.
 Ukraine has great potential for the development of tourism and recreational activities. Ivano-Frankivsk region within the Carpathian region is located in the foothills and mountainous part of the Ukrainian Carpathians and is characterized by significant bio- and geodiversity and picturesque landscapes. On the territory of the region, as a result of complex internal and external geological and geomorphological processes, unique, valuable and diverse geological and geomorphological monuments of nature were formed, their purposeful and systematic study is an important direction of scientific research, because monuments of inanimate nature are not reproducible and can undergo anthropogenic and other influences. Geological and geomorphological objects were among the first natural objects to which people attached sacred meaning, believed in their spiritual properties and supernatural power. Many geological and geomorphological monuments of Prykarpattia within Ivano-Frankivsk region have significant potential for use in religious tourism and formation of the spiritual and religious worldview of the population.
 The article analyzes scientific views on the definition of the concepts: "natural monument", "inanimate nature monument", "geological natural monument", "sacred object", the main features of the geological and geomorphological structure of the study area are investigated in the context of possible the acquisition of sacred meaning by natural objects, the diversity and peculiarities of the location of geological and geomorphological monuments of Prykarpattia with an indication of their sacred meaning are determined, the tourist and recreational significance of sacred objects of natural origin in Prykarpattia is outlined.
 It was established that the complexity of the lithologic-structural structure, as well as internal and external processes in the landscapes, contributed to the formation of a large number of geological, geomorphological and hydrogeological objects of inanimate nature in the Carpathians, which are the geological heritage of Ukraine, and are also places of sacred significance. Within the limits of Ivano-Frankivsk region, among the geological and geomorphological monuments, the following groups of inanimate objects of a sacred nature are distinguished: mountain peaks, rock complexes, water objects, grottoes. In the percentage ratio of groups of sacred objects of inanimate nature by geological and geomorphological features, we can see that the largest percentage of sacred natural objects is made up of such groups as we have highlighted, such as rock complexes and hydro objects (41% each), to a lesser extent - peaks mountains (15%), and the least - caves (3%).
 Sacred objects of inanimate nature within Ivano-Frankivsk region are unevenly located, most of them are located in the mountainous and foothills of the region, which once again proves the dependence of the presence of monuments of inanimate nature on geological and geomorphological processes, in particular, weathering, karst formation, exits of underground of waters, the complex action of several processes.
 The largest concentration of sacred natural monuments can be traced within the boundaries of the Kosiv district - 16 objects. 14 sacred objects are located on the territory of Ivano-Frankivsk district, 12 - located in Nadvirnyanskyi district, 6 - in Verkhovynskyi district, 5 - in Kalusskyi district and 1 in Kolomiyskyi district.
 The sacred content of these objects provides an opportunity for the development of religious tourism in the Ivano-Frankivsk region in such directions as: - sacred tourism - where geological and geomorphological objects act as objects of a sacred nature; - religious tourism - the possibility of using monuments of inanimate nature as objects for studying the history of religions; - pilgrimage tourism - where mountain tops, rock complexes, hydraulic objects and grottoes are a place of healing, prayer, repentance, thanksgiving; - esoteric tourism - where geological and geomorphological objects can contribute to the expansion of the traditional religious worldview.
 Key words: natural prerequisites, sacred objects of inanimate nature, geological monuments, geomorphological monuments, Ivano-Frankivsk region.

Influence of the pyrogenic factor on natural ecosystems of «Podilski Tovtry» National Nature Park

«Podilski Tovtry» is the largest national nature park in Ukraine, covering an area of 261,316 hectares, it stands out among all other parks for its dense population. There are 196 rural settlements, 4 villages and 1 city on the territory of the park. A significant number of them have direct contact with protected objects — botanical reserves, geological and botanical monuments of nature. Anthropogenic pressure is significant, human intervention in the functioning of natural ecosystems is active. This situation is aggravated by the influence of the pyrogenic factor. Fires that occur with constant periodicity can at any moment develop to catastrophic proportions for the diversity of the park’s ecosystems. Research shows that the ecological impact of fires in the national park is complex, and possible changes in the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil and microclimatic conditions do not provide good prospects for the preservation of flora and fauna, which leads to their loss. In addition, fires directly affect air quality due to the emission of pollutants into the atmosphere as a result of incomplete combustion of biomass. As a result of water and air migration, geological monuments of nature are further transferred to the nearby wetlands and hydroecosystems of the Dniester River, which contributes to their destruction. Based on the calculation of the integral risk, taking into account the weighting factors of the most unfavorable conditions and factors that determine the maximum risk, it was determined that the share of the anthropogenic factor is decisive (65%) in the occurrence of fires in the NNP «PodilskiTovtry». To the greatest extent, it depends on the presence of nearby rural settlements in the absence of a fire monitoring network and distance from fire stations. Taking into account the features of the terrain, the inaccessibility of certain areas of the park, fires can develop rapidly, covering large areas in minutes. On the basis of the conducted research, it is proposed to carry out calculations of the risks of fire occurrence and spread for each individual object of the nature reserve fund, which will become the information basis for the construction of electronic vector maps of the assessment and forecast of the fire hazard of the entire territory of the NNP «PodilskiTovtry».

The Geosites of the Sacred Rock of Acropolis (UNESCO World Heritage, Athens, Greece): Cultural and Geological Heritage Integrated

Athens, the capital of Greece, is notable for its distinctive environment. Numerous archaeological and historical monuments contribute to the city’s cultural wealth. These cultural monuments should include geological monuments, which are part of Athens’ natural heritage. The Acropolis of Athens is one of the world’s most recognizable and admired monuments, renowned for its archaeological, historical, and touristic significance. The Acropolis Rock is also a spectacular geological heritage monument. This article is about the Acropolis monuments, which are of great geological interest in addition to their cultural value. In recognizing each monument’s unique geological features and quantitatively evaluating them, in terms of educational, touristic, cultural, and accessibility value, we document their special value in geoeducation and geotourism, not only for the public, but also for the scientific community. The potential for exploiting these geosites, in terms of geotourism, is very high and important not only for strengthening the local economy, but also for raising visitor awareness of environmental, geological, and geoconservation issues. However, the lack of understanding of geological heritage in relation to cultural heritage is underlined. The need for strategic educational planning and integration of geo-environmental education into school practice is evident.

VR Multiscale Geovisualization Based on UAS Multitemporal Data: The Case of Geological Monuments

Technological progress in Virtual Reality (VR) and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) offers great advantages in the field of cartography and particularly in the geovisualization of spatial data. This paper investigates the correlation between UAS flight characteristics for data acquisition and the quality of the derived maps and 3D models of geological monuments for VR geovisualization in different scales and timeframes. In this study, we develop a methodology for mapping geoheritage monuments based on different cartographic scales. Each cartographic scale results in diverse orthophotomaps and 3D models. All orthophotomaps and 3D models provide an optimal geovisualization, combining UAS and VR technologies and thus contributing to the multitemporal 3D geovisualization of geological heritage on different cartographic scales. The study area selected was a fossilite ferrous site located in Lesvos Geopark, UNESCO. The study area contains a fossil site surrounding various findings. The three distinct scales that occur are based on the object depicted: (i) the fossilite ferrous site (1:120), (ii) the fossil root system (1:20), and (iii) individual fossils (≥1:10). The methodology followed in the present research consists of three main sections: (a) scale-variant UAS data acquisition, (b) data processing and results (2D–3D maps and models), and (c) 3D geovisualization to VR integration. Each different mapping scale determines the UAS data acquisition parameters (flight pattern, camera orientation and inclination, height of flight) and defines the resolution of the 3D models to be embedded in the VR environment. Due to the intense excavation of the study area, the location was spatiotemporally monitored on the cartographic scale of 1:120. For the continuous monitoring of the study area, four different UASs were also used. Each of them was programmed to fly and acquire images with a constant ground sampling distance (GSD). The data were processed by image-based 3D modeling and computer vision algorithms from which the 3D models and orthophotomaps were created and used in the VR environment. As a result, a VR application visualizing multitemporal data of geoheritage monuments across three cartographic scales was developed.

Natural reserve fund of the western part of the North Pokuttya highland: structure and problems and prospects of optimization

Objective. Analyze the structure and features of the nature reserve fund within the western part of the North Pokut highland and find out the problems and prospects for its optimization. Methods. Field, analysis, processing of stock materials of environmental services, remote sensing methods, cartographic. Result. The nature reserve fund of the western part of the North Pokuttya highland forms one regional landscape park, 15 reserves, 37 natural monuments, 12 protected tracts, three arboretums and five parks-monuments of garden and park art. The largest in area is the Dniester RLP (19,556 hectares), which accounts for 96% of the total area of the NPF in the region. A large number of valuable natural objects: caves, rocks, ledges, karst funnels and abysses, springs are located outside the Dniester RLP. Suggestions for optimizing the protection of valuable objects that need to be preserved. Valuable objects need protection in the form of geological monuments of nature and karst-speleological reserves for their further preservation, as karst abysses and funnels, occasionally at the foot of rocks become places of accumulation of household waste of the local population. This leads to loss of value of the natural object, pollution of the environment, deterioration of the ecological condition of the territory. Conclusions. We propose to create a karst and speleological reserve for the preservation and protection of caves, karst fields in the vicinity of Isakiv. As a geological monument of nature, it is necessary to protect large karst abysses ("vertebrae") and the cave "Pokutyanka" with a length of about 935 m. It is necessary to create hydrological monuments of nature to preserve high flow sources, waterfalls on travertine rocks. They are concentrated along the slopes of the Dniester.

Geological Monuments of Transnistria: Types, State, Economic Use

Geological monuments are a special type of natural monuments that reflect the features of the geological structure of the territory and the peculiarities of the occurrence of layers of the earth’s crust, the composition of rocks and minerals. In the relief geological monuments are expressed by various geomorphological objects and rock outcrops. The presence in them of unique remains of fossil flora and fauna gives particular value to geological monuments. The territory of Transnistria as a region on the left bank of the Dniester within the Republic of Moldova has the peculiarity of geological monuments. This territory mainly has a flat relief character, but in the north of Transnistria, the spurs of the Podolsk Upland have created here rocky forms, similar in manifestation features to the mountainous terrain. These features determined the presence in the region of a number of specific geological monuments that require identification, analysis and systematic monitoring of their qualitative state and changes under the influence of natural and anthropogenic factors.

MONUMENTS OF GEOLOGY IN THE KORSUN-SHEVCHENKIVSKY STATE HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL RESERVE

Geological monuments are natural and artificial outcrops that most vividly reflect the features of the geological structure of the territory. The attribution of objects on the territory of the State Historical and Cultural Reserve in Korsun-Shevchenkivskyi to geological monuments is determined by the possibility to study in detail the petrographic composition of granite varieties of Korsun-Novomyrhorod pluton - one of the two large intrusions of anorthosite-rapakivi-granite formation on the Ukrainian shield. Preservation of natural outcrops allows to observe the change of the state of anorthosite-rapakivi-granite complex under the influence of natural factors. The outcrops of these rocks, including in the form of islands, create a unique picturesque landscape of the valley of the river Ros.

The current state of springs – geological monuments of nature (Belgorod oblast, Volokonovskiy district)

The current state of springs which belongs to natural monuments of regional significance on the territory of the Volokonovskiy district (Belgorod oblast) was considered, special attention is paid to three objects that are included in the group of hydrological - hydrogeological monuments of nature. Extremely uneven distribution of hydrological-geological monuments of nature on the territory of the oblast was determined. During the continuation of monitoring studies, certification of the studied springs, assessment of sanitary and technical condition, recreational and cultic significance was carried out. The differences of springs in their outputs, the karst nature of some of them, and irregular use for recreational purposes have been ascertained. Springs have ceased to be «gushing». The necessity of continuing monitoring of the state of springs and further work on the development of criteria for classifying them as geological monuments of nature, as well as the coordination of the status of such springs at different levels was substantiated.

Геологічні пам’ятки Середнього Подніпров’я та оцінка їх екологічного стану

The territory of the Middle Dnipro, one of the most developed regions of Ukraine, is characterized by a high geological diversity. There is a significant number of nature reserves of different subordination in this area. The paper describes geological natural monuments, which are identified within Middle Dnipro Ragion. The construction of the Kaniv and Kremenchug reservoirs led to the intensification of gravitational, erosion, abrasion processes along their banks, which has worsened the state of geological natural monuments. An inventory of geological objects of the Middle Dnipro and an analysis of their ecological status are necessary for further selection and study of special areas, and scientific monitoring will provide new knowledge about geological formations, their structure and history of origin. The paper presents geological and geomorphological features of the Middle Dnipro coastal strip. The complicated geological structure and dismemberment of the territory protects natural landscapes from human intervention. It is noted that, in recent years, exogenous processes associated with regional climate change have intensified. A total of nine natural objects of different rank have been identified, which are located in the coastal zone of the Dnipro and reservoirs. The natural and anthropogenic factors that affect the state of these geological natural monuments have been identified. The monitoring revealed vulnerable locations and suggested possible means of preservation for geological monuments within the Middle Dnipro. Natural hazards that cause gravitational movements and can destroy natural objects have been revealed to be the most dangerous processes. It is emphasized that it is impossible to avoid such threats, except for preventive measures of engineering and technical nature. Among the anthropogenic hazards are the extraction of construction minerals, construction and business activities within the objects of the nature reserve fund. Conservation measures for natural geological monuments include strengthening the protection of natural objects; the arrangement of monuments with state signs and demarcation of the boundaries of protected areas; display of information boards.

TOURIST ATTRACTIVENESS OF GEOLOGICAL AND GEOMORPHOLOGICAL OBJECTS OF PRIGORGAN PRECARPATHIAN

Geological, geological-geomorphological, geomorphological and hydrological-geomorphological tourist attractions of the Prigorgan Precarpathian are characterized. They are mostly connected with Boryslav-Pokut (Internal) deflection zone, in which due to tectonic thrusts from the Carpathians flysch formations, massive conglomerates, sandstones come to the surface. Geological attractions are unique and typical outcrops of rocks, which reveal the internal structure and history of geological development of the Earth. Unique is the Pniv section of rocks in the form of folds, which reflects the possibility of traps for the accumulation of oil and gas layers. Other sections present rocks of different ages and lithological-facies composition of the local (Carpathian) stratigraphic scale. A notable attraction is the mud volcano from village Starunia which has been awarded the status of a geological monument. Geological and geomorphological attractions include typical or unique landforms in which the section of rocks is revealed and which have cognitive value. These are the terraces of the Prut, in which the root flysch incisions are revealed; mountain tops – observation points, from which the landscape of the Prigorgan Precarpathians opens and geological outcrops are present; rocks of massive rocks – local attractions, some of which, for example, Manyavsky Blessed Stone, have religious significance. Geomorphological tourist attractions include the leveled surfaces of the Precarpathians – Krasna and Loeva, which reflect the stage of geological development of the Carpathians. Presentable geomorphological objects are powerful pre-Carpathian rivers with strata of Quaternary pebbles and manifestations of modern channel processes. Hydrological-geomorphological objects are low waterfalls, of which there are about a dozen in the region and which cut through massive sandstones, conglomerates or flysch deposits. The attractiveness of the described geological and geomorphological objects of the Prigorgan Precarpathians has been assessed. The evaluation criteria were popularity, proximity to highways, cognitive value, size, landscape. Of the 27 objects, 8 have high, 13 medium and 6 low attractiveness. The described geotourism attractions have scientific, educational, environmental and recreational significance. It is advisable to involve them in the system of tourist routes of the Carpathian region. Key words: geotourism; geological, geomorphological, hydrological, complex attractions; Prigorgan Precarpathian.

Starunya: from geological monument to nature UNESCO geopark

One of the natural wonders of Prykarpatya is the village Starunia – with embalmed in ozokerite and well-preserved carcasses of mammoths and hairy rhinos and an active mud volcano, will undoubtedly delight us with new exploratory discoveries in the field of geology, paleontology and archeology. It is possible that here, together with large fossil mammals of the Ice Age, the remains of hunters on them – our ancestors Cro-Magnons – could be preserved. This discovery would have, without the slightest exaggeration, an international dimension. Therefore, it is necessary to continue the comprehensive study of Starunia, to promote it among environmentalists, scientists, students and schoolchildren. All this develops a love for native nature, encourages the preservation of its unique objects and historical and cultural heritage.The preparation of "Starunia" for the UNESCO World Geoparks Network by specialists of the Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas (IFNTUNG) in accordance with UNESCO requirements is highlighted by UNESCO Geoparks Program.According to these requirements to give the geological monument of nature "Starunia" the status of "geopark" it is necessary to study and give a standard description of all components of the environment: geological environment and endogeodynamic processes, relief (geomorphosphere) and dangerous exogeodynamic processes, hydro- and atmosphere, soil and plants cover, social environment, technosphere and their anthropogenic changes; assess the current environmental situation and develop environmental protection measures. This is not yet the case.In order to further study "Starunia" in IFNTUNG developed Regional Comprehensive Program for 2022–2023 "Starunia: from a natural monument to the geopark of the Ice Age", which was transferred to the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional State Administration and the Regional Council.Thus, the world-famous geological natural monument of national importance "Starunia" deserves a separate national program and shorter deadlines for its implementation, which would allow including "Starunia" in the world network of UNESCO geoparks.