Paleontological Heritage Research Articles

Introduction to the special issue on “Brazilian fossiliferous sites with paleobiological importance”

To enhance our understanding of Brazilian paleontological heritage, we have launched the special edition titled “Brazilian Fossiliferous Sites with Paleobiological Importance”. A total of seven manuscripts have been accepted and published in Vol. 7 No. SI2 (2024). Recognizing our fossil heritage is essential for the scientific and cultural advancement of Brazil. We strongly encourage paleontologists to continuously publish papers on our rich fossiliferous deposits.

Implications for Paleontological Heritage Conservation: The Spatial Distribution and Potential Factors Controlling the Location of Fossil Sites of Shandong Province in China

Shandong Province in China is rich in paleontological fossils and has a long history of fossil research. However, research on the distribution characteristics and potential factors of discovered fossil sites in Shandong Province is limited and insufficient, making it difficult to comprehensively plan for the protection and utilization of fossil sites in Shandong Province. The study constructs a basic geographical information system (GIS) database with 133 discovered fossil sites and geological and socio-economic data of Shandong Province and studies fossil sites’ spatial distribution characteristics and the spatial relationship with potential factors at a regional scale. The results are as follows: (1) The fossil sites in Shandong Province are concentrated in the mountainous area of central Shandong and the hilly area of the Shandong Peninsula, with significant uneven distribution characteristics, including two agglomeration areas and seven sub-agglomeration areas. (2) Natural geographical conditions, such as topography, paleogeography, and stratigraphy, play a positive role in the distribution of fossil sites, and there are apparent concentrations in the following areas: at an altitude greater than 100 m; the Lower Paleozoic and Cretaceous sedimentary rocks; and the active areas of paleo-tectonics. (3) A certain degree of negative correlation exists between socio-economic conditions, such as roads and population density, and the number of fossil sites, and a positive correlation exists between disposable personal income and those fossil sites. The operational procedure presented here is a simple, objective, applicable method that can enhance our understanding of the spatial distribution patterns and influencing factors of the discovered fossil sites of Shandong Province and support more effective and appropriate planning for paleontological heritage conservation.

Stability Assessment of the Maltravieso Cave (Caceres, Spain) Through Engineering Rock Mass Classification, Empirical, Numerical and Remote Techniques

Caves have long fascinated humanity, serving as shelters, canvases for artistic expression and now significant attractions in the realm of tourism. Among these remarkable geological formations, the Maltravieso cave in Extremadura, Spain, stands out for its rich archaeological and paleontological heritage, particularly its collection of Paleolithic rock art. Despite its cultural significance, there is a notable dearth of studies addressing the stability of the cave from an engineering perspective. This article presents a pioneering study aimed at assessing the stability of the Maltravieso cave through a multidisciplinary approach: using empirical geomechanical classifications such as the Q Index, Rock Mass Rating (RMR) and the recently formulated Cave Geomechanical Index (CGI), alongside other techniques like Structure from Motion (SfM), 2D numerical modeling and 3D wedge analysis. This research aims to fill the gap in our opinion of cave stability assessment. By combining field data collection with sophisticated analysis methods, this study seeks to provide valuable insights into the geomechanical properties of the Maltravieso cave and validate a simple yet effective methodology for evaluating the stability of natural caves. This work not only contributes to the body of knowledge regarding cave geomechanics but also underscores the importance of preserving these invaluable cultural and geological treasures for future generations.

Fossil Collection at the Zoology Museum of the University of Concepción: enhancing understanding of Chile's past biodiversity.

The digital inventory of paleontological material stored in Chilean museums is highly relevant as it increases accessibility to information, both locally and over long distances, while reducing wear and tear on specimens caused by physical manipulation. The Fossil Collection database of the Museum of Zoology of the University of Concepción (UCC_MZUC_FOS) includes 144 records, with the main representatives being marine invertebrates of the Bivalvia, Echinoidea and Gastropoda classes. Notable species include Encopecalderensis, Hemiasterwayensis, Zygochlamyspatagonica and Retrotapesexalbidus, most of which come from important Chilean fossil sites. Material was collected between 1970 and 2017, with a large portion of it being donated and identified by Professor Emeritus Hugo I. Moyano and Dr. Alberto Larraín. Although the specimens contained in the resource offer basic collecting information, they substantially contribute to sharing knowledge on the fossils kept in the museums throughout the country, while providing data on their distribution. This resource corresponds to the first publication of data on faunal fossils from a museum collection in Chile on the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) platform, thereby enhancing the understanding and documentation of Chile's paleontological heritage and its national biodiversity.

Evolutionary algorithm of Ecosystems and human genesis in the context of fundamental cultural studies

A group of independent researchers tried to evaluate the hypotheses discussed about the origin and settlement of mankind, based on the concept of the genesis of the Ecosystem in the context of fundamental cultural studies. A detailed justification of the concept, on which the authors have been working for several years, was published in 2021 in the book “The Triumphant. The genesis of the Ecosystem in the context of fundamental cultural studies” (UDC 304.42, ISBN 978-5-901909-07-2). A comprehensive analysis of the evolution of the Ecosystem over billions of years, carried out by the authors, gives reason to believe that the point of view of social anthropology on the historical fate of the human race is based on incorrect initial data. In particular: 1. The migration model of settlement is chosen as the basic concept of the genesis of mankind, it is taken out of the context of a single evolutionary algorithm of the biota of the Earth and the Ecosystem as a whole. 2. The hypothesis about Africa as the proto-homeland of mankind, accepted as an absolute and indisputable truth, is based on the selective use of paleontological heritage, and limits the possibilities of discussing alternative models of the genesis of mankind. 3. Explanations of racial diversity by changes in human phenotypes in the process of Homo sapiens migrations do not have a strict scientifically based algorithm for the variability of racial characteristics by areas of settlement. Such explanations can be considered speculative. The hypothesis of the genesis of humanity formulated and defended by the authors is as follows: 1. The controversy between atheists, agnostics and adherents of religious doctrines about the divinity of the creation of the earth and all that exists on it is a meaningless dispute that will not lead to the realization of the evolutionary algorithm of the Ecosystem, which has a clear goal — the creation of a being with unique properties that a person is endowed with. To realize this, it is necessary to consider the Ecosystem as a reality in which the rational and irrational components of being interact. 2. The evolutionary algorithm for the development of life is built on the principle of a branching tree of biota development options, the starting genome of which contained a combined formula “from simple to complex” and a mechanism for adapting biota to the radically changing state of the stagnant matter of the Ecosystem. 3. Man, as a kind of wildlife, arose simultaneously by the standards of geological time on different continents of the Earth. This was the prerequisite for racial differences in the areas of the initial settlement as a basis for the formation of the ethnogenetic diversity of the human population.

Geo-Environmental Analysis on Specifying Solar Energy Power Plant (SEPP) Fields by GIS and Different Fuzzy AHP Methods

The use of solar energy among renewable energy sources has started to turn out widespread due to its potential, practicality of use and environmental friendliness. In assessing the installation sites of solar energy power plants (SEPPs) economic, social and environmental elements should be taken into consideration, and cultural and paleontological heritage areas should not be damaged. In order for decision-makers to show own predilections in some ways, the subject of this investigate is to specify the convenient fields for SEPP installation in Yalova province with all its districts by using different methods of Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Processes (BAHP) together with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). According to the results obtained, it has been seen that Yalova province has convenient filelds for SEPP sites in the center and east, including the Central and Çiftlikköy districts.

Pliocene Geotourism: Innovative Projects for Valorizing the Paleontological Heritage of Three Different-Staged Quarries of Tuscany (Central Italy)

Quarries are areas of pivotal importance for investigation, popularization, and educational purposes in the field of geosciences. Here, we focus on three quarries of Tuscany (La Serra, Arcille, and Certaldo) that have been home to significant finds of marine vertebrate fossils. The three selected localities are representative of the many active (La Serra), inactive (Arcille), and abandoned (Certaldo) Tuscan quarries where vertebrate-bearing Pliocene deposits are exposed. Given the richness and scientific value of their paleontological content (including holotypes as well as otherwise unique specimens), the abundance of exposed sedimentary structures, and the high potential for open-air musealization, the La Serra, Arcille, and Certaldo quarries should be regarded as geosites. These quarries are thoroughly described, and several suggestions for their preservation and valorization are proposed, focusing on their importance for geotourism, with the goal of reaching out to the broadest audience possible. Many innovative dissemination tools, including 3D technologies, are now available for pursuing such an aim.

Assessing the scientific value and vulnerability of paleontological sites: a new analytic operational procedure

Introduction:Paleontological heritage rarely receives the same legislative attention as archeological heritage. Part of the problem seems to be, at least in some contexts (e.g., Italy), the difficulty of acknowledging fossils as distinct assets from other cultural heritage objects and the lack of expertise among the administrative functionaries. This study aims to describe and test an objective analytic operational procedure that could allow for the assessment of the relevance of any fossiliferous site and its potential vulnerability in its present state.Methods:The estimations were obtained using several quantitative and qualitative parameters that could describe the probability of fossil recovery for each site (Pr) and the scientific and cultural interest of the locality (In). Each parameter has subcategories for better defining. The product of probability and interest results in the scientific value (S), generally expressed as a percentage (S*). The vulnerability index (V) of productive and active sites considers the use of the land (U) and the natural erosion (E). The parameters were thought to apply to any type of fossil locality. We tested the indexes on 22 localities (7 of which were with paleoichnological records and 15 with direct body-fossil evidence), all different from one another.Results:The results show that the proposed indexes well describe and characterize each locality. Most of the sites are moderately vulnerable (V between 1 and 3) except for large quarry sites (e.g., Pirro Nord, Italy and Solnhofen, Germany) whose vulnerability indexes fell in the maximum degree of risk.Discussion:The operational procedure presented here is a simple, objective, and remotely applicable method allowing paleontologists and non-expert personnel to categorize localities and, therefore, act as a base to plan actions in paleontological heritage management relative to territorial development and land use.

The Paleontological Heritage of the Tlemcen Region (NW Algeria): Geoconservation and Promotion

The Paleontological Heritage of the Tlemcen Region (NW Algeria): Geoconservation and Promotion

Evaluation and Geoconservation of Dinosaur Footprint Paleontological Heritage at the Khon Kaen National Geopark in Northeastern Thailand

Evaluation and Geoconservation of Dinosaur Footprint Paleontological Heritage at the Khon Kaen National Geopark in Northeastern Thailand

Методика музеефикации палеонтологического наследия IN SITU

The purpose of the article is to determine approaches to the museification of paleontological heritage objects on site within the framework of current museological landscape and environmental approaches. In domestic practice, natural heritage is considered in the context of cultural, and the problems of its preservation are investigated from the standpoint of conservation measures. The reasons for the low museification of natural heritage objects are revealed. Methods of preservation of paleontological objects by museum means are developed on the basis of the well-established methodology of museological practice of archaeological heritage museification, optimal ways of their exposition interpretation are determined. It is revealed that the main method of museification of paleontological objects is conservation, the identified finds can be exhibited in a separate building or directly in situ, in this case it is necessary to erect a glass dome or pavilion over the object. To enhance the attractiveness of the object in the exhibition space, graphic or virtual reconstruction can be used. Based on this technique, an open-air museum can be created, which will ensure the preservation and comprehensive museification of unique natural objects.

Relações entre a comunidade faxinalense de Taboãozinho em Prudentópolis (PR) e o geossítio Pinheiro de Pedra – apropriação e geoconservação

This paper discusses how the community of Taboãozinho has promoted the appreciation, dissemination, and conservation of paleontological heritage in its territory through the Pinheiro de Pedra geosite. The socio-spatial characteristics of the community in synergy with the geopatrimonial heritage and geoconservation give the tone of the singularity of the natural landscape and its territory. Through bibliographic and documental surveys, participative diagnosis, and interviews with local people, we identified factors that point to the process of cultural appropriation of the geosite by the community. We detected that the care with the fossil logs and the maintenance of the collection of legends, stories, and cultural manifestations about the "stone pines" are actions that culminate with the protection of heritage and its dissemination. Based on this study, educational and cultural valorization actions were promoted in partnership with other organizations, enabling advances in the development of geotourism and appreciation of the region's cultural heritage. The historical knowledge of the presence of fossil trunks, associated with legends, stories and cultural manifestations about the "stone pines", in addition to actions of care and conservation of the heritage are factors that point to a process of cultural appropriation by the community with the geosite.

The Invisibles of Science and the Paleontological Heritage: the Brazilian Study Case

The Invisibles of Science and the Paleontological Heritage: the Brazilian Study Case

Understanding the retreat of the Jurassic Cantabrian coast (N. Spain): Comprehensive monitoring and 4D evolution model of the Tazones Lighthouse landslide

Forecasting coastal dynamics and sea cliff retreat under different sea level rise scenarios requires a good understanding of the conditioning factors and their relative contribution to cliff stability. The so-called Jurassic Cantabrian Coast extends along 76 km of the coastline of the Asturias region (N Spain) and is well-known worldwide due to its paleontological heritage, in particular the presence of dinosaur remains and footprints. The abundance of stratigraphic, paleontological and tectonic studies contrasts with the scarcity of studies focused on the stability of this rocky coastline where cliffs predominate, sometimes exceeding 120 m in height. In fact, evidence of current and recent instability processes can be observed along the entire coastline. In this regard, continuous monitoring is crucial to understand ongoing instabilities in rocky coastlines, as in these settings some instabilities might initiate as slow movements that induce subtle topographic changes whose detection from either satellite or aerial imagery is problematic due to the spatial and temporal resolutions. This contribution presents a 4D evolution model of a key site, the Tazones Lighthouse landslide, located on the Cantabrian Coast of Asturias (N Spain), which affects subvertical rocky cliffs sculpted in the Jurassic bedrock made of alternating sandstone and marl. A high resolution multiapproach methodology was developed in order to understand its structure and kinematic characteristics, including: i) interpretation of aerial photographs and unmanned aerial photogrammetric surveys (UAV); ii) 22 monthly monitoring campaigns by total station; iii) 5 manual boreholes; iv) geomechanical characterization of the cliff bedrock; v) geomorphological evidence mapping; vi) analysis of landscape deformations obtained from UAV; and vii) precipitation, soil moisture and significant wave height (Hs) data analysis. The results show that the slope evolves by means of a complex-type mass movement, which combines translational and sliding mechanisms, and occupies tens of thousands of square meters. DTM and fieldwork analysis indicate that mass movement is mainly controlled by bedrock discontinuities (S0, 360/15-17; J1, 262/85; J2 166/75). The most important accelerations of slope movement correlate very well with rainfall, soil moisture and waves. Thus, the largest displacements occurring in January and October–November 2019, coincide with 2 periods of storms (maximum 24-h rainfall of 64.5 mm and 82.1 mm and maximum Hs of 6.54 and 9.09, respectively) and soil moisture values above 90%. Half of the markers moved more than 1 m and one of them exceeded 15 m. The 4D model obtained after the interpretation of the Tazones Lighthouse slope whole dataset, allows an understanding of how the surrounding cliffs have evolved in the past, fundamental to predicting their future behaviour.

Culturally Differentiated Paths Towards the Conservation of the Paleontological Heritage at Araripe (NE Brazil) and Arouca (N Portugal) UNESCO Global Geoparks

Culturally Differentiated Paths Towards the Conservation of the Paleontological Heritage at Araripe (NE Brazil) and Arouca (N Portugal) UNESCO Global Geoparks

Fresh perspectives on paleontological heritage and the stewardship of non-renewable fossil resources

A “fresh perspective” provides an insight into the values attributed to paleontological heritage and the consequent behaviors, motivations, and management challenges for the stewardship of this non-renewable resource. To provide a global perspective, a survey was undertaken with over three dozen experienced paleontological resource managers examining values and management experiences. Notably, values attributed to paleontological resources were consistently wide-ranging, encompassing scientific, educational, cultural, aesthetic, economic, and other values, and there was a consequent diversity of management approaches and actions. Responses are discussed and lessons learned are outlined to provide a fresh perspective and key points for the successful stewardship of paleontological heritage.

Parque Geológico Sanagasta (La Rioja, Argentina): Acciones de conservación y gestión del turismo

The geological‑paleontological heritage of a region represents a component on which tourist activ‑ ity can be based. The objective of this study is to show how the policies created at all levels of government directly or indirectly affect the sustainable development of tourist activity in natural protected areas (ANP) with paleontological heritage. The area under analysis in this case is the Dinosaur Park contained within the Geological Park Sanagasta (PGS), La Rioja, Argentina, ANP with tourism based on paleontological findings. By way of method, we used analytical, critical review of policies devoted to conservation, protection, and subsequent tourism development around these sites. Some of the main results are: norms lacking regulation for stakeholder participation to be operational for tourism in conservation units. It is believed necessary to achieve shared management (public‑private community‑State) in pursuit of adequate tourism management.

ORDENAMENTO JURÍDICO E A PROTEÇÃO DO PATRIMÔNIO PALEONTOLÓGICO: NECESSIDADES PREMENTES PARA A PALEONTOLOGIA NACIONAL

Legal Ordinance and the Protection of Paleontological Heritage: Pressing needs for National Paleontology. This study seeks to analyze the specific legislation referring to fossiliferous deposits in relation to their controversy of jurisdiction, in addition to reasoning about measures to preserve the paleontological heritage after the extraction of fossils from the ground. It is noticed that the rules limit the responsibility for protection and supervision of the competent body. The ANM has its responsibility until the moment of extraction and IPHAN only if the paleontological heritage is listed. The absence of an understanding of what is considered paleontological heritage, and of a specific law designating a competent body as responsible for the paleontological heritage, hinders protection and inspection. Finally, it is concluded that there is a need for greater discussion on the subject, both with the community, as well as in the academic and legal world, in addition to the lack of regulation on the profession of paleontologist and clearer legislation in relation to paleontological heritage. Keywords: Fossil, Paleontological Heritage, Constitution, Brazilian legislation.

Social Participation as a Tool for Protection and Enhancement of Las Loras UNESCO Global Geopark Paleontological Heritage (Spain)

For many years, even before it was designated as Las Loras UNESCO Global Geopark, work was carried out to promote and protect the geological heritage of the territory. To this end, an innovative model of governance was introduced, involving local people in the management of heritage by means of citizen participation processes and Geo-volunteering. This work with the local public is enabling the collaboration of private collectors in paleontological exhibitions, geotourism activities, research and even permanent donations of collections, and land management and maintenance agreements for sites of interest. The outcome of all this work is an increase in pride and sense of belonging for the local population. Simultaneously, a program of geoeducation in schools within the Geopark has been carried out for many years with outstanding results.

Geological-Geomorphological and Paleontological Heritage in the Algarve (Portugal) Applied to Geotourism and Geoeducation

A 3D virtual geological route on Digital Earth of the geological-geomorphological and paleontological heritage in the Algarve (Portugal) is presented, assessing the geological heritage of nine representative geosites. Eighteen quantitative parameters are used, weighing the scientific, didactic and cultural tourist interest of each site. A virtual route has been created in Google Earth, with overlaid georeferenced cartographies, as a field guide for students to participate and improve their learning. This free application allows loading thematic georeferenced information that has previously been evaluated by means of a series of parameters for identifying the importance and interest of a geosite (scientific, educational and/or tourist). The virtual route allows travelling from one geosite to another, interacting in real time from portable devices (e.g., smartphone and tablets), and thus making possible the ability to observe the relief and spatial geological distribution with representative images, as well as to access files with the description and analysis of each geosite. By using a field guide, each geosite is complemented with activities for carrying out and evaluating what has been learned; these resources allow a teaching–learning process where the student is an active part of the development and creation of content using new technologies that provide more entertaining and educational learning, teamwork and interaction with social networks. This itinerary allows the creation of attitudes and skills that involve geoconservation as an element for sustainable development.