Geopark Project Research Articles

Characterization and Geotourist Resources of the Campo de Calatrava Volcanic Region (Ciudad Real, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain) to Develop a UNESCO Global Geopark Project

The Campo de Calatrava Volcanic Region is located in Central Spain (Ciudad Real province, Castilla-La Mancha) where some eruptions of different intensity and spatial location took place throughout a period of more than 8 million years. As a result, more than 360 volcanic edifices spread over 5000 km2. Eruptions of this volcanic system were derived from alkaline magmas with events of low explosivity (Hawaiian and Strombolian). These events are characterized by three different manifestations: the emission of pyroclasts (cinder and spatter cones) and lava flows; some hydromagmatic events, which lead to the formation of wide craters (maars) and pyroclastic flows; and remnant volcanic activity related to gas emission (CO2), hot springs (hervideros) and carbonic water fountains (fuentes agrias). The methods used for this study are based on analytical studies of geography, geomorphology and geoheritage to identify volcanoes and their resources and attractions linked to the historical-cultural heritage. These volcanoes are a potential economic resource and attraction for the promotion of volcano tourism (geotourism), and they are the basis for achieving a UNESCO Global Geopark Project, as a sustainable territorial and economic management model, to be part of the international networks of conservation and protection of nature and, especially, that of volcanoes.

Puyango, Ecuador Petrified Forest, a Geological Heritage of the Cretaceous Albian-Middle, and Its Relevance for the Sustainable Development of Geotourism

Geodiversity treaties have multiplied and given rise to geological heritage as a singular value of protection and preservation for territories. The Puyango Petrified Forest (PPF) is a recognized Ecuadorian reserve, which was declared a National Heritage Treasure. It has an area of 2659 hectares, and it is located in the south of Ecuador, between the provinces of El Oro and Loja. The petrified trunks and trees were buried by volcanic lava, dating from the Cretaceous Period, 96 to 112 million years ago. Thus, silicification and carbonization, two important fossilization events, have produced hundreds of samples of paleontological wealth in Puyango. The objective of this work is to methodologically assess the geodiversity of a fraction of the PPF by registering its geological heritage and value for its preservation and sustainable development. The methodology is based on: (i) Analysis of information on the territory used for tourist visits, as a pilot study area. Presentation of paleontological components and their main sections to enhance their geotouristics value; (ii) Assessment of the geological heritage for its geotourism categorization with a recognized scientific methodology and one proposed by the co-authors propose; and (iii) Analysis of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) as a guide for protection and development strategies. Findings reveal the high geotourism potential for a Geopark Project in Puyango, since only 300 hectares are used for tourism and the remaining area is a virgin environment for research and improving knowledge of geodiversity and biodiversity.

Geosites and Georesources to Foster Geotourism in Communities: Case Study of the Santa Elena Peninsula Geopark Project in Ecuador

Santa Elena Peninsula is characterized by beautiful geological features, historical geoscientific knowledge, and mineral and tourism resources that could all be combined for the sake of community development. This article provides an overview of the Santa Elena Peninsula Geopark Project through the assessment of six areas that are considered by inhabitants and researchers possible geosites to foster geotourism. The methodology included: (i) a technical description and assessment of the areas of interest evaluating their geological relevance, representativeness, geotouristic prominence, geotouristic scientific interpretation, and conservation criteria; (ii) an assessment through questionnaires carried out on inhabitants; and (iii) a SWOT Plus analysis to propose strategies for promoting geotourism. Results show that the areas of interest are highly valued as geosites, since they integrate geodiversity, biodiversity, and sociocultural aspects. For example, Ancon is a historical icon of early oil exploitation, Baños de San Vicente is a natural spring of thermal water and mud volcano, and Anconcito has bituminous exudations of natural occurrence together with a spectacular landscape produced by erosion. Overall, 90% of these sites were proved to be of high and very high interest in scientific terms. Geotourism is believed to be beneficial for the inhabitants of the Santa Elena Peninsula with respect to education, valorization of resources, and the strengthening of cultural identity of communities.

Chicamocha Canyon Geopark project: A novel strategy for the socio-economic development of Santander (Colombia) through geoeducation, geotourism and geoconservation

The proposed Chicamocha Canyon Geopark project is starting its way for nomination as a UNESCO Global Geopark under the recognition of the Global Geoparks Network. This paper aims to present the justifications of establishing this geopark. It also assesses the potential role of a geopark figure in Santander as an urgent measure to promote the geoconservation of the Chicamocha Canyon territory. The success of this project will not only improve the living conditions of local communities, but also will be a reference model in terms of geological conservation at national and international level. The Chicamocha Canyon, where is proposed to develop this project, has a great potential for the development of the tourism industry due to climatic conditions of the region, besides possessing a rich cultural and natural heritage that needs to be enhanced and protected. Undoubtedly, this initiative should satisfy all the requirements to be a UNESCO Global Geopark, which include a delimited area that defines a territory, the occurrence of geological features of international importance with scientific, educational and aesthetic value, the presence of other types of heritage such as archaeological sites, as well as a proper access infrastructure that favors the socio-economic development of the region. In order to guarantee the successful consolidation of the proposed geopark within the defined territory, this initiative must count the strong support of the local communities and must involve stakeholders such as government authorities, academic and research institutions, and local businesses.

Comparative Analysis of Methodologies for the Evaluation of Geosites in the Context of the Santa Elena-Ancón Geopark Project

Comparative Analysis of Methodologies for the Evaluation of Geosites in the Context of the Santa Elena-Ancón Geopark Project

Strategies for the development of the value of the mining-industrial heritage of the Zaruma-Portovelo, ecuador, in the context of a geopark project

Strategies for the development of the value of the mining-industrial heritage of the Zaruma-Portovelo, ecuador, in the context of a geopark project

Classic Rock Tours 2. Exploring a Famous Ophiolite: A Guide to the Bay of Islands Igneous Complex in Gros Morne National Park, Western Newfoundland, Canada

Ophiolites are complex assemblages of ultramafic and mafic igneous rocks that are now widely considered to be pieces of ancient oceanic crust that were emplaced on to the continents courtesy of global plate tectonics. However, most examples were originally considered parts of enormous layered mafic intrusions and so were interpreted in that light. The new understanding of ophiolites in the late 1960s and early 1970s was a crucial part of the global Earth Science revolution, and they are now central to all plate tectonic models developed for ancient orogenic belts. Although their equivalence to oceanic crust is now well established, many ophiolites may not be ‘typical’ examples of such, and not all examples are identical. Most ophiolites likely formed in subduction-influenced environments rather than at mid-ocean ridges. Ophiolites remain important foci for research in the 21st century, and many questions remain about their environments of formation and especially their mechanisms of emplacement onto the continents. Although it was not the first to be seen as a relic of a vanished ocean, the Bay of Islands Igneous Complex in western Newfoundland is one of the best preserved and most easily accessible ophiolites in the world. In the late 20th century, research work in this area proved highly influential in understanding the oceanic crust, and in unravelling the diachronous events involved in the progressive destruction of an ancient stable continental margin as arcs and microcontinental blocks were accreted along it. Parts of the Tablelands Ophiolite lie within Gros Morne National Park, which is a UNESCO world heritage site because of its importance to our understanding of global tectonics. The wider region around the park also includes the Cabox Aspiring Geopark Project, now also in the process of seeking recognition through UNESCO. This article provides background information on ophiolites and the development of our ideas about them, and links this material to four self-guided field excursions that allow examination of many classic features. These excursions range from a collection of roadside outcrops, to some relatively easy hiking excursions on official National Park trails, and eventually to a more challenging off-trail hike that ascends to the summit plateau of the Tablelands to visit rare exposures of the Moho (the Mohorovicic Discontinuity, i.e. the lower boundary of the Earth’s crust) and the underlying upper mantle rocks. Collectively, the field stops should allow geologically-minded visitors to experience some amazing geology in a spectacular and sometimes surreal landscape.

Uso de fotogrametria digital na elaboração de modelos tridimensionais com aplicação em geoconservação e educação

O uso de novas tecnologias pode ser uma ferramenta lúdica bastante útil em ações educativas nas geociências, colaborando também com a geoconservação de locais que se configurem como patrimônio geológico. Neste sentido, este trabalho utiliza a fotogrametria digital, um método simples e barato de geração de objetos tridimensionais, para obter um modelo digital de um geossítio na área do Projeto Geoparque Seridó. Foram utilizadas 229 fotografias obtidas com uma câmera Nikon P520, além de imagens aéreas do Geossítio Morro do Cruzeiro, capturadas com o uso de drone Phantom 3 Profissional. Os arquivos digitais foram processados no software Agisoft PhotoScan 1.4.1, que utiliza pontos de semelhança entre as fotografias para fazer o posicionamento das imagens e gerar, a partir delas, um modelo em três dimensões que foi, posteriormente, impresso em impressora 3D. Tal modelo possui diversas possibilidades de aplicação em sala de aula ou em ações de conservação da natureza, como subsídio para educação ambiental.

Quantitative Assessments of Geodiversity in the Area of the Seridó Geopark Project, Northeast Brazil: Grid and Centroid Analysis

The evaluation of geodiversity is one of the initial and main steps in the development of geoconservation actions. It is fundamental to establish parameters that quantify elements and places of abiotic nature in order to draw attention to those that are richer than the average. In doing so, it is possible to manage areas for the protection of notable geoheritage and to develop sustainable activities such as geotourism. The literature comprises several methodologies for the quantitative assessment of geodiversity, but the use of geoprocessing tools appears to be the least subjective type of analysis. From this standpoint, this work aimed to analyze the geodiversity in an area of geological interest in the northeast of Brazil by using two methodologies. The first is widely used and involved the definition of a grid to overlay the cartographic datasets that are used to define the geodiversity index. The second method is based on a centroid analysis of intersected datasets. These investigations showed that the two methodologies have similar aspects and produce a high geodiversity index for the area. This outcome supports the reliability of these methods when the results converge, with respect to the delimitation of the valuable places where geodiversity should be protected. These methods may be used as basis for the sustainable management of natural resources.

Tourism aspects in the Appalachian Geopark Project in West Virginia, USA: preliminary notes

The Appalachian Geopark (AG) Project is situated in three southern West Virginia (USA) counties: Fayette, Greenbrier and Raleigh. They include the components of rivers, caves and coal; as well as transportation modes, including rail, and country roads. Perhaps most importantly, AG includes the heritage of the people living in the Appalachians. West Virginia University is the entity responsible for developing AG, and will hand over the leadership to local grass roots entities. With this project, the Geopark concept can be linked to a revitalization effort in southern WV, offer new opportunities to develop the communities, and forge a sustainable future. A preliminary geosite inventory exposes nearly 100 geosites. The objective of this paper is present some of the geosites, and discuss future desired conditions. There are no Geoparks in the United States, and Appalachian Geopark is proposed to fill this gap.

A criação do Geoparque Bodoquena-Pantanal e a produção do “território turístico” no município de Nioaque – MS

O Geoparque Bodoquena-Pantanal foi criado no Mato Grosso do Sul em 2009. Sua área com extensão de 39.700 km2 abrange treze municípios. Porém, na pesquisa realizada optou-se por concentrar a atenção em Nioaque, isso porque ele é o que mais tem interesse na estruturação e desenvolvimento do geoparque. Neste artigo, serão apresentadas as razões para que o referido município se destaque dentre os demais que tiveram áreas abrangidas, bem como, serão apresentados os reflexos dessa participação na produção territorial municipal.

Continuing teachers education and social learning in the promotion of geoconservation: the case of the gold cycle geopark project, Guarulhos, São Paulo, Brazil

This article aims to present possibilities of the use of participatory methodologies, such as Social Learning tools, in the promotion of geoconservation. The reflections presented here were built upon "Module III - Social Learning" of the continuing education course for teachers "Education, Environment and Social Learning: socio-educational practices for sustainability and geoconservation", developed in the city of Guarulhos, São Paulo, Brazil. The course was promoted within the scope of the Gold Cycle Geopark Project and its results subsidized a postdoctoral research, a master's research, specialized publications in the area, and contributions to Education for Geoconservation. The methodological proposal was based on five public schools in Guarulhos and involved teachers from different areas of knowledge. In addition to the pedagogical and management teams of the schools, different social actors took part in the initiative, such as: representatives of the community, partner universities and municipal secretariats of the city. The main objective of the course was to develop collaborative socio-environmental proposals for the promotion of citizenship, sustainability and protection of local geoheritage by the school.

Proposals for the Standard Presentation of Elements of Natural and Cultural Heritage Within the Scope of Geopark Projects

The aim of this work is to develop suggestions for designated standards for the display of natural and cultural assets in the design of a Geopark. During a continuing dynamic period detailed work continues to be carried out by experts on the natural and cultural assets found within Geosites that are part of Geoparks according to National laws and guidelines and international agreements. This article proposes standard identity cards, to be used during the period of preparation of a Geopark Project within an area that encompasses a known number of natural and cultural assets. This enables a shared organisation and language to be used within the organisation process relating to the consolidation of data, set-up of visitor centres and route planning activity organisation. The identity cards in question should be prepared in such a way that they give short, interesting summary information about the characteristics of these natural and cultural assets that fits well with, and can be used in conjunction with, other information, brochures and map materials. There is also the potential to prepare graduated identity cards according to the interests of different age groups and levels of understanding. The cards, easy to carry and containing safety information, will therefore be useable by every visitor of whatever age or level of interest (professional, amateur), and will also therefore be useable as educational materials. This work will also open up debate about the new classification and assessment system it proposes in the light of legal definitions and terms and other measures practiced across the world. To develop a classification system is the product of long and hard work and the discussions necessary for the progress of the system may last for years. Indeed some classification systems in use for years come to the point of being inadequate in the light of scientific developments and need to be re-designed. This is the path of scientific thought. There is no doubt that conceptual discussion of these developments that are new both in Turkey and in the wider world will continue in the future. Although consciousness of safeguarding as well as legal policies for cultural assets have progressed to a certain point, unfortunately the same is not true for natural assets. This article presents a contribution to all works in this field both through proposals for standard identity cards for natural and cultural assets and for a classification system for geosites.

Geopark Uberaba: Relevance of the Geological Heritage

The Uberaba region (Minas Gerais, Brazil) has become famous for its significant paleontological investigation, which has been conducted there since the mid 1940s. Several taxa, especially of vertebrates, unique in the paleobiological record, come from its fossiliferous outcrops, associated with Uberaba and Marilia formations (Bauru Basin). Among these, the dinosaurs are especially important, as they are exceptionally well preserved and diversified, allowing the description of several species and consolidating Uberaba as the Land of Brazilian Dinosaurs. The establishment, in 1991, of the Paleontological Research Center Llewellyn Ivor Price and Dinosaur Museum, in the neighborhood of Peiropolis, allowed the establishment of research and educational actions to the preservation of the geological heritage that transformed the local conditions through geotourism. Besides the fossiliferous content, the diverse geosites also comprise the important moments of the geological history, making them extremely relevant places of the geological heritage, in accordance with what is expected from a geopark. In 2010, the Paleontological Research Center L.I. Price and the Dinosaur Museum became part of the Cultural and Scientific Complex of Peiropolis of the Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro. The Geopark Uberaba–Land of Brazilian Dinosaurs was created in that same year, prompted by the Geopark Project of the Geological Service of Brazil. The integration of the geological heritage to the historical and cultural attributes of national significance allowed the building of a unique identity for this territory. Nowadays, in Uberaba, fossils are no longer limited to scientific knowledge; they symbolize the socioeconomic and environmental development tools, which are allowing the sustainable regional development.

New Digital Technologies Applied to the Management of Geoheritage

During the last decade, the development of new digital technologies has strongly influenced the customs and practice of geoheritage and geotourism research. Digital tools, such as geoinformation, geovisualisation, digital monitoring and GIS systems have played an important role in the development of newmethods of assessment andmapping, as well as aiding the development of geosites for tourism and education. In September 2011, the University of Savoie and University of Lausanne co-organised an intensive course on the use of digital tools for geoheritage management activities (including geosite selection, geoheritage and geodiversity mapping, geotourism promotion and education about geoheritage) within the International Symposium on Geosite Management (ISGM) and under the auspices of the Working Group on Geomorphosites of the International Association of Geomorphologits (IAG) (Reynard and Coratza 2013). The course was held in the Chablais Geopark (Evian, France) and was financially supported by the HINT project (Heritage Interpretation through New Technologies) (Cayla 2012; Barton et al. 2014). This 2-year international project was funded by the European Leader programme and involved four partners: Geopark Shetland (Scotland), Chablais Geopark (France), North Pennines AONB (England) and Geopark de Hondsrug (The Netherlands). This special issue of the journal Geoheritage contains a selection of the papers presented during the symposium (including both on the intensive course and during the conference), as well as some additional papers dealing with this topic. The papers included focus on different digital technologies used for the assessment, monitoring and the promotion of geosites. Nathalie Cayla proposes a review of existing and emerging technologies for the depiction and interpretation of geosites. Three main topics in particular are analysed: Georeferencing and mapping of geoheritage, 3D digital imaging (including photogrammetry and laser scanning) and experiments in the promotion of geoheritage using augmented reality (a process which enriches discovery through digital media, or provides a virtual reality with which one can engage). The three following papers are case studies using new digital technologies applied to the management of geoheritage in specific geomorphological contexts. Luca Ghiraldi and colleagues present a comprehensive methodology for identifying, cataloguing, assessing, visualizing and promoting geoscientific data relevant to geological heritage, using geomatic tools, such as digital photogrammetry, GIS, GNSS, terrestrial laser scanner and web mapping. The case study was carried out in the Seguret Valley (Oulx, Turin Province) in the Italian Western Alps. This area was selected as it forms a part of the European “Cottian Alps Geopark project” which aims to develop a transboundary area between Italy and France. Fabien Hoblea and colleagues give an overview of various digital tools (including high-tech digital monitoring and 3Dmodelling technologies combining laser scanners, digital cameras and sensors) developed and used to study and promote a range of karst geosites. The paper focuses on the very high heritage value of endokarst sites (caves or karst networks) in the French Ardeche department (e.g. Chauvet Cave, Aven d’Orgnac), Chartreuse (e.g. Granier cave network), Vercors (e.g. Choranche Caves) and Bauges (e.g. Prerouge Cave) regional parks. High-alpine geomorphosites are a geoheritage which is extremely vulnerable to global warming. From the beginning of the 2000s, Ludovic Ravanel and colleagues have been N. Cayla (*) : F. Hoblea University of Savoie, Chambery, France e-mail: nathalie.cayla@univ-savoie.fr

Geological Background and Three Vulnerable Geosites of the Kızılcahamam–Çamlıdere Geopark Project in Ankara, Turkey

Country-scale geological events of Neogene and Quaternary age are called neotectonism and so this is known as the neotectonic period in Turkey, where it was responsible for initiating and molding the present-day geomorphology of Anatolia. The neotectonism of the northwestern Anatolia (=western Pontides) are mainly represented by volcanic rocks called the Galatian Volcanic Complex (GVC) which consists of a series of andesites, basalts, and their pyroclastics. Rock sequences of the GVC indicate that volcanism took place abundantly in early and middle Miocene times as three separate phases intercalated by long-term fluviolacustrine environmental conditions. Therefore, the GVC consists of not only volcanics but also volcano sedimentary and pure sedimentary units. It blankets the various rock units from late Palaeozoic to Oligocene in age (=the Anatolian continent, substratum). As a result, rock units of the substratum here and the GVC together represent the whole record of the geological past of the western Pontides. Meantime, this region has been watched daily by thousands of travelers due to presence of highways, bringing a very colorful landscape with many erosional features to the public’s attention. In 2011, a 2,000 km2 part of the Galatian Volcanic Complex was registered as a geoconservation area called the Kizilcahamam–Camlidere Geopark Project by the authorized Turkish institutions. The general geology of the area and three geosites are introduced here. These geosites include (a) a petrified forest, (b) columnar basalts, and (c) a lacustrine sequence with leaf, fish, and insect fossils. These three geosites are the best representatives for demonstrating the Miocene environmental circumstances and sedimentary responses to a long-term, large-scale volcanism during the neotectonic period.

茨城県北ジオパーク構想での茨城大学の活動―ジオパーク推進における大学の活動例―

The activities of Ibaraki University in the North Ibaraki Geopark Project mainly comprise designing the framework of the geostory, planning and carrying out geotours, training interpreters for the geosites and constructing an information network system using social networking service (SNS). In this paper we present a case study on the role of the university in the geopark project. The activities of the academic staff and a project team made up of undergraduate and the graduate students of Ibaraki University using geological information for the North Ibaraki Geopark Project is explained. Ibaraki University promotes the geopark project and thus contributes to the regional development in the northern Ibaraki area.

Main Geosites of the Azores Geopark project

Main Geosites of the Azores Geopark project