Geological Sites Research Articles

Encompassing geoheritage's multiple voices, multiple venues and multi-disciplinarity

Abstract Geoheritage is recognized globally as a critical concept that celebrates unique geological sites, their history and scientific value, educational potential and geotourism opportunities. Importantly, geoheritage encompasses a wide range of geodiversity, which exists in a variety of scales – from local outcrops to internationally recognized UNESCO sites – and within a continuum of scientific value, historical merit, indigenous meaning, educational potential and geotourism possibilities. We celebrate a selected example of geoheritage sites across the world that have been noticed, recognized and utilized. The breadth and geodiversity of some of these sites indicate we should broaden our geoheritage definition and include historical collections and largely inaccessible sites. Notably, all geoscientists and educators must remain diligent to ensure the sustainability of these sites so that future generations can enjoy our geological and cultural heritage.

Exploring the prospects and challenges of underground hydrogen storage for a sustainable energy future

Compared to fossil fuel-based energy sources, renewable energy sources are gaining momentum worldwide due to climate control agreements. The Hydrogen Energy Roadmap proposes to generate hydrogen using renewable energy sources such as hydro, biomass, and solar. However, renewable energy source like hydrogen often has an unstable flow of energy supply, which can lead to temporary underproduction of the required supply. Underground storage options like depleted gas or oil reservoirs, aquifers, and salt caverns are used to address this issue. These underground gas storage alternatives have been used for various applications, including hydrogen storage. Underground hydrogen storage is possible in two geological sites: porous media and cave storage. Salt caverns are suitable for seasonal hydrogen storage at high pressures, while aquifers have the potential for hydrogen storage due to their widespread distribution. However, it is crucial to note that adequate reservoir properties and an impermeable layer are necessary for hydrogen storage in underground structures to prevent gas migration. Microbial and geochemical activities, often overlooked but crucial in hydrogen storage, can pose challenges due to their existence.

Compilation of Apatite Fission-Track Data from the Northeast Atlantic Realm: A Jigsaw Puzzle with Missing Pieces

Abstract The northeast (NE) Atlantic is one of the best-studied geological regions in the world, incorporating a wide array of geological phenomena including extensional tectonism, passive margin development, orogenesis, and breakup-related volcanism. Apatite fission-track (AFT) thermochronology has been an important tool in studying the onshore evolution of the NE Atlantic for several decades. Unfortunately, large regional-scale studies are rare, making it difficult to study geological processes across the whole region. In this work, a compilation of published AFT data is presented from across Fennoscandia, the British Isles, East Greenland, and Svalbard, with the goal of providing an accessible overview of the data and how this vast body of work has improved our understanding of the region’s evolution. Alongside a review of previous literature, interpolated maps of fission track age and mean track length (MTL) highlight regional trends in the data that may result from major first-order processes and areas of low sample density that should be targeted for future study. Additionally, in the absence of metadata required for thermal history modeling, apparent exhumation rate estimates are calculated from available elevation profiles and the timing of major exhumation events inferred from “boomerang plots” of fission track ages against MTL values. Across Fennoscandia, data suggests that the opening of the NE Atlantic and exhumation of the margin have clearly played a major role in the thermal history of the upper crust. The remaining areas of Britain, Ireland, East Greenland, and Svalbard all present more complex trends consistent with a combination of the NE Atlantic’s opening and the interplay between specific bedrock geology of sampling sites and localized geological processes. Areas of low sample density include southern Britain, NE Britain, southeast Greenland, southern Svalbard, and Eastern Fennoscandia, each of which provides the natural laboratory required to answer many unresolved questions.

Compilation of Apatite Fission-Track Data from the Northeast Atlantic Realm: A Jigsaw Puzzle with Missing Pieces

Abstract The northeast (NE) Atlantic is one of the best-studied geological regions in the world, incorporating a wide array of geological phenomena including extensional tectonism, passive margin development, orogenesis, and breakup-related volcanism. Apatite fission-track (AFT) thermochronology has been an important tool in studying the onshore evolution of the NE Atlantic for several decades. Unfortunately, large regional-scale studies are rare, making it difficult to study geological processes across the whole region. In this work, a compilation of published AFT data is presented from across Fennoscandia, the British Isles, East Greenland, and Svalbard, with the goal of providing an accessible overview of the data and how this vast body of work has improved our understanding of the region’s evolution. Alongside a review of previous literature, interpolated maps of fission track age and mean track length (MTL) highlight regional trends in the data that may result from major first-order processes and areas of low sample density that should be targeted for future study. Additionally, in the absence of metadata required for thermal history modeling, apparent exhumation rate estimates are calculated from available elevation profiles and the timing of major exhumation events inferred from “boomerang plots” of fission track ages against MTL values. Across Fennoscandia, data suggests that the opening of the NE Atlantic and exhumation of the margin have clearly played a major role in the thermal history of the upper crust. The remaining areas of Britain, Ireland, East Greenland, and Svalbard all present more complex trends consistent with a combination of the NE Atlantic’s opening and the interplay between specific bedrock geology of sampling sites and localized geological processes. Areas of low sample density include southern Britain, NE Britain, southeast Greenland, southern Svalbard, and Eastern Fennoscandia, each of which provides the natural laboratory required to answer many unresolved questions.

Interactions at the interfaces of the H2-brine-cement systems at elevated pressures for H2 storage

There is a global demand on assessment of potential subsurface gas storage sites in view of safely injecting hydrogen or carbon dioxide. One relevant aspect that has already been subject to thorough investigation is the mutual interaction of all participating compounds in terms of the wetting behaviour that on its turn is directly related to the predominating capture mechanisms. Given the diversity of the geophysical and geochemical circumstances, transferability of results from work conducted on one geological site to another location is limited. For instance, there is a large number of publications on wettability of many different rock types in hydrogen atmosphere that are partly controversal and strictly applicable only to the respective reported system. Hence, there is a gap in finding general model approaches that serve for a holistic understanding of predominating mechanisms and building the fundamentals for predicting the behaviour of systems that have not been studied so far. The presented work addresses this gap by quantifying mutual interactions of the participating phases in a solid-liquid-gas systems and determining the respective interfacial tensions, γSV (solid-vapor), γLV, (liquid-vapor) and γSL (solid-liquid).Neumann and Good demonstrated how to determine the solid-fluid interfacial tension based on the contact angle and the liquid-gas interfacial tension by calculating a so-called molecular interaction parameter. Up to date, this method has been applied, among others, for systems containing CO2 and solids such a teflon, glass, and steel. The methodology could be confirmed by testing systems comprising steel - H2O - CH4 /H2 and comparing the results to the aforementioned literature data.As one of the critical parts in H2 underground storage, the completion system containing a common well cement, H2 and brine was subject to this work. The interfacial tension between H2 and brine as well as the contact angle between the fluid phases and the cement were investigated experimentally up to 20 MPa, temperatures from 313.15 to 353.15 K and NaCl – concentrations of up to 10% wt. As a theoretical approach, the interfacial tension of the system H2O+H2 was investigated using the density gradient theory (DGT) in combination with the perturbed chain statistical associating fluid theory equation of state (PC-SAFT). Finally, the H2-cement interfacial tension is determined through the calculation of a so-called molecular interaction parameter. The interfacial tension data of H2O+H2 experimentally and theoretically determined in this work agree among each other as well as with previous literature data. Likewise, agreement was found between the brine+H2 interfacial tension and previous studies. The contact angle appears to be influenced mostly by pressure, producing a less H2O/brine-wet system as pressure increases. The H2-cement interfacial tension decreases from approximately 150 mN/m down to 100 mN/m, as the pressure increases from 0.1 to 20 MPa. The presented data suggest H2 to be slightly adsorbed on the one hand but the capillary entry pressure to decrease on the other, causing concerns regarding the integrity of the completion system.

Application of Seal Integrity and Fault Connectivity Analysis in Selecting Suitable Subsurface Geological Sites for Carbon Capture and Storage

Application of Seal Integrity and Fault Connectivity Analysis in Selecting Suitable Subsurface Geological Sites for Carbon Capture and Storage

Assessment of Radon Potential along Local Fault System in Sofia, Bulgaria (at Specific Test Site)

Environmental spread of radon gas (222Rn) has been intensively investigated in the last few years due to its harmful effects on human health. A concept of radon index is used to characterize the geogenic radon potential of the terrain, as the latter gives the probability of the presence of radon gas concentration in a building, the genesis of which is directly related to the influence of the earth's surface. One of the approaches for quantifying the radon index is based on a multivariate cross-tabulation, which includes two parameters – radon concentration in soil gas and gas permeability of the earth layer (at 80 cm). The geology of the specific site (approx. 350 m2) is characterized by the Pliocene clayey-sandy Formation, covered with Quaternary sediments. From tectonic point of view, the site as a part of Sofia Graben, has being subject of events related mainly with the Late Alpine deformations heading to very complex structures and fault systems. In situ measurements performed in the summer of 2023 at ten distinct points at the surface and 11 distinct points at two meters in depth from the surface vary as follows: from 44.2 to 189.0 kBq/m3 (radon soil gas), from 2.0E-11 to 1.8E-13 m2 (soil gas permeability), and from 0.10 to 0.17 µSv/h (gamma dose rate). Based on that, the radon index of the site is determined from “medium” to “high”, with a predominance of the latter. One of the reasons for the high radon potential is the presence of sub-faults connected with the major Sofia fault system and their influence on the radon concentration. Therefore, in future investigations of the radon index, a very detailed survey of the site's geology is needed in the territory with appearing fault systems. In addition, based on the determination of the radon index, the forthcoming construction activities in such areas will be advised to use preventive measures during the construction of the new building to avoid future radon gas influxes on the premises.

Geoheritage in the making: the discovery and vulnerability of deep-sea hydrothermal vents

Abstract Some significant geological sites are inaccessible. Among the most inaccessible sites are the hydrothermal vents and their associated biological communities located deep in the ocean. These prime geoheritage sites, hosting what may be the most primordial life on Earth, are vulnerable to mineral and fishing exploitation. Many lie in international waters, protected only by non-binding agreements with no clearly defined means of enforcement. The discovery of these vents in 1977 fundamentally altered scientists’ view of basic Earth processes and the extreme conditions under which life can exist. The discovery of the vents was a group effort and required technological accomplishments not available to previous generations of researchers. Often overlooked in the credits for this discovery was the persistence and determination of Kathleen Crane, a graduate student at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Many women of her era faced significant challenges as they attempted to break into an often-unwelcoming field, marine geology. The challenges were not unique to geology; women were not welcomed in many other disciplines, both scientific and non-scientific. In spite of the obstacles, few people have made as remarkable a geoscience discovery as Dr Crane.

Brief report of fatal rainfall-triggered landslides from record-breaking 2023 storms in Auckland, New Zealand

The aim of this paper is to report on fatal landslides resulting from two extraordinary storm events in January and February 2023, in Auckland, New Zealand, including the characteristics of the terrain, the site geology, and the storms. The January 27 Auckland Anniversary storm was from an “atmospheric river,” dumping Summer’s worth of rain (265 mm) in one day. This was the highest 24-h total on record, estimated a 1 in 200-year event, with a peak 2-min rainfall of 4.2 mm, coinciding with Friday’s evening “rush hour.” This led to widespread landsliding throughout Auckland, including a fatal landslide in Parnell, central Auckland. Notably, this occurred only meters from a similarly destructive landslide in 1997. With January 2023 Auckland’s wettest January on record, and with the region still in a state of emergency, Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle crossed the region on February 13–14. This also caused widespread landsliding, including a fatal landslide at Muriwai on the west Auckland coast. Fatal landslides from the same escarpment had occurred in 1965, close to the February 13, 2023, fatal landslide. Taken together, both storm events caused > 140,000 landslides across the North Island, and flooding, making hundreds of people homeless, with damage estimates of > US$8.6 billion (3.4% of NZ’s GDP). For future disaster risk reduction, attention should be paid to revising legislation and local planning, which currently allows people to legally build (and re-build) houses in landslide-prone areas of New Zealand.

Effects of aquifer size and formation fracture pressure on CO2 geological storage capacity

Introduction: Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is important for achieving net-zero carbon emissions. However, although the current geological storage capacity stands at approximately 3,000 Gt-CO2, the formation pressure increases with CO2 injection, imposing severe constraints on capacity from a geomechanical perspective. This study numerically examined nine cases (combinations of three fracture pressures and three aquifer radius factors) through sensitivity analysis to quantify the effects of these parameters on CO2 injection mass and storage capacity.Methods: The CO2 injection mass was determined as the cumulative CO2 injected until the formation pressure reached a specified fracture pressure. Storage capacity was defined as the amount of CO2 enclosed within the reservoir based on a fill-and-spill analysis encompassing 200 years after the start of injection (2230).Results: Based on the sensitivity analysis, the aquifer radius had a greater impact on the CO2 injection mass and storage capacity than the fracture pressure. A sufficiently high aquifer radius factor can compensate for the capacity limitations imposed by a low fracture pressure. For the lowest fracture pressure (20.95 MPa), considering a safety factor of 0.8, the CO2 injection mass increased approximately 5.5 times, from 3.2 to 17.6 Mt-CO2, depending on the aquifer radius factor ranging from 2 to 7.Discussion: Therefore, geological sites with high aquifer radius factors and low fracture pressures were preferred over those with low aquifer radius factors and high fracture pressures. Nevertheless, when considering space-limited capacity, storage efficiency, defined as the ratio of injected to stored CO2, tends to be higher (approximately 80%) when both parameters are low. The scenario featuring the highest aquifer radius factor and fracture pressure reached an injection mass of 68.9 Mt-CO2. However, the storage efficiency was only 23% due to space constraints. This study provides key insights into two pivotal parameters from pressure- and space-limited perspectives, which must be collectively considered to reliably evaluate CCS projects.

DART: Latest results from the Dimorphos impact and a look forward to future planetary defense initiatives

DART, the Double Asteroid Redirection Test, successfully impacted asteroid Dimorphos on September 26, 2022, becoming the first mission to demonstrate asteroid deflection. Shared live via a NASA broadcast, over a million concurrent viewers around the world watched as the DART spacecraft streamed images to Earth up to the final second before its impact with Dimorphos. In this paper, we share the final phases of the DART encounter and the latest results from the DART Investigation Team's analysis of ground and space-based data. This includes measurements on the amount of deflection that DART imparted on Dimorphos, a determination of the momentum transfer enhancement factor, and results on understanding the geology and surface characteristics of the impact site. The success of the DART mission paves the future for a bold international Planetary Defense program. We also share ideas on bolstering international coordination, developing new technologies that can mitigate different types of asteroid threats, and closing identified gaps in our overall preparedness.

Инвентаризация объектов геологического наследия геопарка «Торатау»

Introduction. The article presents the results of an inventory of geological heritage sites in the Toratau geopark. An analysis of international experience in inventory geological heritage sites has been carried out. Criteria for assessing the scientific, educational, tourist significance, and vulnerability of geological heritage sites have been selected. Based on the analysis, the following principles for inventorying geological heritage sites in the Toratau geopark have been adopted: 1. To make effective decisions in managing geological heritage objects, expert assessment of their scientific, educational, touristic significance and vulnerability is necessary. 2. The use of a 5-point scale is promising. 3. Each evaluation criterion has its own degree of importance, so the introduction of weighting coefficients is necessary. The aim of the study is to inventory geological heritage sites of the Toratau geopark, assessing their scientific, educational, tourist significance and vulnerability. Materials and methods. Analysis of international best practice and own research allowed selection criteria for different types of significance. Three criteria were used for scientific significance, five for educational significance, nine for tourist significance, and four for the assessment of the need for conservation and vulnerability. Some criteria were used in the assessment of several types of significance. The assessment was carried out using a five-point system. For some criteria, previously developed methodologies (e.g. aesthetic evaluation) or geoinformation technologies were used. The overall assessment of all significance options can reach 100 points. Special coefficients were calculated to adjust the values. Passports are filled out for each object, and their analysis allows determining which geological objects of the geopark have greater significance. Results. Currently, sites actively visited in the geopark have the highest ratings. Scientific significance has high ratings mainly for geological sections. Educational significance correlates with scientific significance, but there are some discrepancies. For example, many hydrological and karst sites have a high rating of educational significance, unlike scientific significance. Most key sites of the geopark have relatively high touristic significance. However, geological sections have lower tourist significance on average, unlike hydrological and karst sites. It is important to note that most sites have relatively high vulnerability (less than 10 points). The analysis shows that creating a sustainable infrastructure (stairs, ramps, observation platforms) allows regulating number of tourists and ensuring the preservation of geological heritage sites. Discussion. The presented approach to the inventory of geological sites is in many ways similar to foreign practices. The analysis revealed objects with potential for scientific, educational, and touristic use. The proposed methodology has been developed taking into account the socio-economic and landscape features of the Toratau geopark. Conclusion. More and more regions in Russia strive to create geoparks. The inventory and detailed assessment of the geological heritage sites of an aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark is determined by Criterion 1 of UNESCO Global Geoparks. The methodology for inventory and assessment of geological heritage sites of the Toratau geopark used the experience of the UNESCO Global Geoparks network. Resume. This methodology was adapted to the natural conditions of the Toratau geopark territory but can also serve as a basis for similar inventories of other geoparks in the Russian Federation and Central Asia Countries.

Selected Geoheritage Resources of “Atlantic Geopark” Project (Central Portugal)

The “Atlantic Geopark” Project corresponds to the first stage of a broad project addressing a future application to the Global Geopark Network of a territory located in Portugal: “The Atlantic Geopark: 600 million of geological history”. It covers six central littoral and rural municipalities (Cantanhede, Figueira da Foz, Mealhada, Mira, Montemor-o-Velho, and Penacova), which display special and singular geodiversity, and it includes geological heritage with international relevance representing the opening and closing of the Rheic Ocean, the formation and breakup of Pangea, and the opening of the North Atlantic Ocean. Besides the geological heritage, here presented through the description and characterization of six geological sites (one per municipality) which served as anchors for the development of the project currently underway, the territory also provides other geoheritage resources related to uses of the local geological features. These resources hold significance in bolstering an application to the Global Geopark Network soon. They encompass partially artificial elements such as road excavations, agricultural soils, and quarries, as well as entirely artificial elements such as interpretation centers and museums. These elements serve as tangible representations of the various ways in which the Earth and local communities interact.

Effect of soil depth on the structure of bacterial composition in the active layer at five geologically distinct sites on James Ross and Vega Islands in Antarctica

Microbial communities in the active layer play a crucial role in the biogeochemical cycles of Antarctic pristine ecosystems. Here, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to investigate bacterial communities in active layer of five different geological sites related to the compositional variation of the geological bedrock, including Neogene volcanic or Cretaceous rocks and or marine sediments areas of distinct elevation. Local variations in the thickness of the active layer (50–80 cm) were observed on the Ulu Peninsula, James Ross Island, and the southwest coast of Vega Island, Antarctica during sampling in 2019. High bacterial diversity was detected in all sampling sites. Significant site effects on bacterial composition with increased Chloroflexota and decreased Flavobacteriaceae were only observed between the highest elevation Johnson Mesa 2 plateau and coastal areas. The overall effect of the depth was reflected by the increased of e.g., Cyanobacteria, Propionibacterium, Staphylococcus in the upper surface and Chloroflexota, Acidobacteriota, Actinomycetota at depths below 30 cm. The huge number of unassigned bacteria indicated a potential source of new bacterial species and their ecological role in this extreme environment. For the first time, we showed that the effect of depth on bacterial composition was more significant than the effect of geological bedrock from these previously unexplored regions.

Deep learning models for monitoring landscape changes in a UNESCO Global Geopark

By identifying Earth heritage sites, UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGps) have promoted geo-tourism and regional economic prosperity. However, commercial and tourism development has altered the natural contexts of these geoparks, diminishing their initial value. Before implementing land use policies, spatial landscape parameters should be monitored in multiple dimensions and in real time. This study aims to develop Bilateral Segmentation Network (BiSeNet) models employing an upgraded U-structured neural network in order to monitor land use/cover changes and landscape indicators in a Vietnamese UGGp. This network has proven effective at preserving input image data and restricting the loss of spatial information in decoding data. To demonstrate the utility of deep learning, eight trained BiSeNet models were evaluated against Maximum Likelihood, Support Vector Machine, and Random Forest. The trained BSN-Nadam model (128x128), with a precision of 94% and an information loss of 0.1, can become a valuable instrument for analyzing and monitoring monthly changes in land uses/covers once tourism activities have been rapidly expanded. Three tourist routes and 41 locations in the Dak Nong UGGp were monitored for 30 years using three landscape indices: Disjunct Core Area Density (DCAD), Total Edge Contrast Index (TECI), Shannon's Diversity Index (SHDI), based on the results of the model. As a result, 18 identified geo-sites in the Daknong Geopark have been influenced significantly by agricultural and tourist activities since 2010, making these sites less uniform and unsustainable management. It promptly alerts UNESCO management to the deterioration of geological sites caused by urbanization and tourist development.

Geosynthetic solutions for road stabilization and railway ballast optimization over frost susceptible and expansive clays: A case study of the Cargill Canola processing facility

The Cargill Canola processing facility, a $350 million project, began construction in July 2022 and is set to be operational in 2025. The site's geology primarily consists of fine-grained glaciolacustrine sediments, mainly silts and clays. A significant geotechnical challenge was the presence of a weak upper silty clay soil layer, approximately 10 metres thick, which was susceptible to frost heave during freezing temperatures and volumetric changes due to water exposure. Spring melt also raised concerns about excess water accumulation weakening the subgrade, leading to structural damage. The high plasticity index of the subgrade increased the potential for swelling in warmer conditions, complicating the design challenges during seasonal transitions. To address these issues, geosynthetics were employed. Three types were used: a moisture management woven geotextile to provide hydraulic and mechanical stabilization in the rail and road structures, an integrated high-modulus woven geotextile to provide ballast reinforcement, and a biaxial geogrid for base reinforcement in the access roads. The integrated high-modulus woven geotextile was also used in staging areas and gravel pavements to reduce the amount of granular base material required. This case study offers valuable insights for geosynthetic solutions in stabilizing roads and optimizing railway ballast over frost-susceptible and expansive clays. It demonstrates the effectiveness of geosynthetics in mitigating challenges posed by weak soils, frost susceptibility, and expansive clays, contributing to more resilient infrastructure designs.

Разведочное бурение с отбором ориентированного керна на участке «Енисейский»: первые результаты

The paper considers the methodological basis and the first results of exploratory oriented core drilling performed at the site of the underground research laboratory (URL). It presents dip and strike data on metamorphic banding in gneiss and discontinuous faults. Based on these data, the study draws conclusions about the main features of the folded and discontinuous structures available at the site. The resulting insights are essential for the development of a geological site model, as well as forecasting potential contaminant spread.

Coastal Cliffs of the Rio Grande do Norte State: Geoheritage Characterization and Valorization in Northeast Brazil

The Rio Grande do Norte state, Northeast Brazil, has 410 km of coastal extension, being 107 km approximately composed of cliffs excavated in Cenozoic sedimentary rocks. In the last three decades, these cliffs are passing for transformations due the human occupation, tourism activity and climatic changes. To inventory the geoheritage present in these cliffs is essential to support management plans that include investment to conserving part of this Earth’s natural history. This paper aims to inventory, classify, assess and value the Potiguar cliffs as geological sites. From 46 outcrops that Saraiva Junior (2021) studied to describe the cliffs’ geomorphology, 20 geological sites were selected, these are used in national and international publications and divided in three frameworks: Miocene-Pliocene sedimentation, Pleistocene sedimentation and Cenozoic tectonics. These 20 cliffs were inventoried using the Brilha (2016) methodology in order to qualify and quantify the scientific value, potential educational and touristic uses and degradation risk. The Ponta do Mel, Barra de Tabatinga, Ponta dos Três Irmãos, Barreira do Inferno, Ponta do Reduto and Morro do Chapéu were defined as the most valuable cliffs on the scientific aspect. We proposed monitoring planning based on the cliff’s baselines, protection measures based on the specific threats and three geotouristic routes based on the geographic distribution of the sites and the frameworks.

Geology of the Tamusu clay site for high level waste

Geology of the Tamusu clay site for high level waste

Assessment of Geoheritage of Geosites in Trang An –Ninh Binh area

Trang An - Ninh Binh is a captivating tourist destination, both for domestic and international travelers, renowned for its abundant geological, geomorphological, and ecological features, as well as its rich cultural and historical significance. It was designated as a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site in 2014. With the objective of fostering tourism development by harnessing the geological heritage and formulating conservation strategies for geological heritage sites, the present endeavor focuses on assessing the geoheritage values and potential of seven distinct geosites within the Trang An area. These geosites include Sang Cave, Dark Cave, Nau Ruou Cave, Dia Linh Cave, Tran Cave, Dot Cave, and Ba Giot Cave. In accordance with the global framework for geological world heritage, the findings reveal that these seven geosites can be classified into three categories of geological sites: Type B - Geomorphology, Type D - Stone, and Type I - Tectonic. Employing a set of criteria to evaluate the value of geological heritage, encompassing scientific, educational, and touristic significance, it becomes evident that Trang An - Ninh Binh possesses considerable scientific and educational value, and its potential for geotourism development is highly promising. Additionally, the tourism potential of these heritage sites is vividly expressed through their symbolic and highly representative features, which characterize the landscape of Trang An - Ninh Binh. The research results provide an invaluable scientific foundation for local management in the pursuit of sustainable conservation and economic development of tourism in the region.