The Parallel Roads of Glen Roy,Scotland: geoconservation history and challenges

Glen Roy is a classic geosite for ice-dammed lake shorelines, the Parallel Roads, and associated features formed during the Loch Lomond (Younger Dryas) Stade (12.9–11.7 ka). The area played a key part in the development of the glacial theory in the early 19th century and continues today to have outstanding scientific value for understanding the processes and timing of events at the end of the last glaciation. Glen Roy has also been long-appreciated as an awe-inspiring visitor attraction, and is now a flagship site for geotourism within Lochaber Geopark. Statutory geoconservation in Glen Roy, beginning in the second half of the 20th century, was founded on the exceptional scientific value of the area. The history and practice of geoconservation in Glen Roy illustrate the contested values of geoheritage and the evolving approaches adopted. Important lessons include the need for open dialogue and partnership working among the local community, land owners and managers, the statutory conservation agency (Scottish Natural Heritage), Lochaber Geopark and the scientific community.     

Geosite of a steep lava spatter cone of the 1256 AD, Al Madinah eruption, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

UNESCO promotes geoconservation through various programs intended to establish an inventory of geologically and geomorphologically significant features worldwide that can serve as an important database to understand the Earth’s global geoheritage. An ultimate goal of such projects globally is to establish geoparks that represent an integrated network of knowledge transfer opportunities, based on a specific array of geological and geomorphological sites able to graphically demonstrate how the Earth works to the general public. In these complex geoconservation and geoeducational programs, the identification of significant geological and geomorphological features is very important. These are commonly referred to as ‘geosites’ or ‘geomorphosites’, depending on whether the feature or processes the site demonstrates is more geological or geomorphological, respectively. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an extraordinary place due to its arid climate and therefore perfect exposures of rock formations. The Kingdom is also home to extensive volcanic fields, named “harrats” in Arabic, referring particularly to the black, basaltic lava fields that dominate the desert landscape. Current efforts to increase awareness of the importance of these volcanic fields in the geological landscape of Arabia culminated in the first proposal to incorporate the superbly exposed volcanic features into an integrated geoconservation and geoeducation program that will hopefully lead to the development of a geopark named, “The Harrat Al Madinah Volcanic Geopark” [1]. Here we describe one of the extraordinary features of the proposed Harrat Al Madinah Volcanic Geopark, namely a steep lava spatter cone formed during a historical eruption in 1256 AD.     

Geodiversity and the ‘8Gs’: a response to Brocx & Semeniuk (2019)

Abstract

Brocx and Semeniuk’s (2019 Brocx, M., & Semeniuk, V. (2019). The ’8Gs’ – a blueprint for geoheritage, geoconservation, geo-education and geotourism. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, 66(6), 803–821. doi:10.1080/08120099.2019.1576767[Taylor & Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]) paper is discussed, particularly in relation to the concept of geodiversity and their proposed sequence of ‘8Gs’. Their ideas on these topics are at odds with the majority of published papers and Internet sources on geodiversity. We argue that geodiversity as a concept has real value and that (a) the planet’s geodiversity occurs at all scales from global downwards, (b) it deserves an absolutely central place in any sequence of ‘Gs’ since it is the backbone of international and national geoheritage and geoconservation strategies, and the basis for geoheritage assessments, and (c) that as well as underpinning biodiversity, geodiversity is the source of many other geosystem services, including geotourism. Finally, a revised proposal for the relationship between geology, geodiversity, geoheritage, geoconservation and other ‘Gs’ is presented.     

山西王莽岭国家地质公园地貌景观特征及其成因研究

王莽岭国家地质公园位于太行山南段,地质遗迹资源丰富、类型多样,具有重要的美学及科学价值。本文以王莽岭地质公园为研究区,通过野外调查并依据地质遗迹的成因、形态及规模、自然属性及分布特征,将地质遗迹资源划分为地貌景观、沉积构造、构造形迹、古生物化石四类,系统地研究了峡谷、岩溶、夷平面、河流阶地、瀑布等地貌的成因,为太行山的形成演化研究提供了资料,对提升研究区地质遗迹资源的科学价值具有重要意义。     

甘肃临潭冶力关国家地质公园地质遗迹资源及其旅游地学意义

地质公园的建设和发展以地质遗迹为核心。甘肃临潭冶力关国家地质公园主要以丹霞地貌、滑坡堰塞湖和西北岩溶地貌为主,集旅游、休闲、探险和科研于一体的综合性地质公园。公园位于西秦岭造山带西段,属中秦岭断褶带,地质遗迹丰富典型且在西北稀有,可分为3大类7类13亚类。通过定量评价可以看出,地质遗迹具有很高的科学研究价值、美学观赏价值和旅游开发价值。区内出露上古生界和新生界地层,以区域大型褶皱构造为主,冶海古滑坡形成的堰塞湖规模巨大,滑坡遗存特征明显,保存完整,发育的丹霞地貌为典型的西北高寒湿润型丹霞地貌,在构造地质学、地层学、灾害地质学、地貌学以及生态学等各领域具有重要的研究价值。本文的研究结果对于正确认识冶力关国家地质公园地质遗迹状况,深入的进行地质遗迹的保护与开发具有一定的参考和借鉴价值。     

Fforest Fawr Geopark—a UNESCO Global Geopark distinguished by its geological,industrial and cultural heritage

The creation of the European Geoparks Network in 2000 was followed by the establishment of the Global Geoparks Network in 2004, incorporating the European Geoparks Network. On November 17, 2015, UNESCO sanctioned the creation of a new designation, the UNESCO Global Geoparks, as part of UNESCO’s new International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP). This is the first initiative of its kind to be established by UNESCO for 40 years and is the result of effective networking among geoparks and their partners aiming to achieve significant progress in geo-conservation, geotourism, environmental education and sustainable local development.Geoparks are located primarily in rural areas which are both remote and underdeveloped or which have experienced economic decline. In order to become a UNESCO Global Geopark, a geopark must demonstrate that it has a significant geological heritage, has well defined boundaries and is large enough to support a sustainable strategy for economic development based upon that heritage. In addition to its geology, a geopark should also make use of sites of archaeological, ecological, historical or cultural significance as these are often linked to the underlying geology. The ultimate objective of a UNESCO Global Geopark is to use the designation as a vehicle to engage communities in protecting these assets in ways which contribute to the economic development of their territory.The Fforest Fawr Geopark, the first geopark in Wales, became a member of the European and Global Geoparks Networks in 2005 and a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2015. The geopark was established in the western area of the Brecon Beacons National Park because that area has a strong identity in terms of its geology and Welsh industrial and cultural heritage. In addition, while the eastern area of the National Park was a more popular tourist destination, the area designated as the geopark was less well known, more remote in character, and economically less prosperous.The geopark’s approximately 480 million year geological heritage provides a resource for developing geotourism and for educational activities. Nearly 11,500 years of human activity created a cultural landscape in which ancient monuments contrast with the relicts of industrial activity. With the coming of the Industrial Revolution the geological resources of Fforest Fawr were systematically exploited for over 200 years to supply South Wales’s expanding metal industry. During this time mining, quarrying and brick making contributed to wealth creation and South Wales was a major player in the new industrial age which changed the world. The area of Fforest Fawr Geopark, with its close association to the South Wales Coalfield played a significant role in global industrial history.In addition, the rich culture of the geopark’s early inhabitants comes to life in myths and legends and some of Europe’s oldest stories and myths are associated with the area of Fforest Fawr Geopark.     

Mapping geoheritage for geotourism management,a case study of Aït Bou Oulli Valley in Central High-Atlas (Morocco)

Mapping can act as a preliminary tool for the protection of natural areas and for land-use management, as it uses an easily transmissible international language which cannot be misunderstood. Geoheritage mapping can provide great opportunities for the transfer of geosciences information to the large public and policy makers. Recently, the geotourism map appears as a basic tool for the protection and promotion of this geoheritage and as a means to activate and mediate the geotourism image of the region. Aït Bou Oulli Valley is located in Moroccan Central High-Atlas, precisely within the M’Goun geopark. It is characterized by a rich geodiversity with respect to other areas of Central High-Atlas Mountains. It harbors a wide-range of geological and geomorphological heritage, and an exceptional landscape of high Mountains. The valley attracts a number of tourists whose number is skyrocketing on a yearly basis, but their number remains limited due to the absence of promotion and mediation tools of its geoheritage and to the absence of the cartographic documentation. This study aims, hence to elaborate a new geotourism map of Aït Bou Oulli Valley using digital mapping tools and fieldwork. The map shows geosites and high mountain landscapes and offers an overview of the valley’s geoheritage. This map is supported by tourism-related infrastructure, which will provide useful information for tourists. It also highlights the valley geodiversity with a view to promoting its geotourism through the establishment of three new geo-hiking trails.     

香港花岗岩地貌地质旅游的开发

地质旅游利用现有的地质资源，以一种崭新的角度去发展可持续性的旅游景点。香港地少人多，发展旅游吸引点是极度困难的。香港陆地约有30％为花岗岩覆盖，其中的一半已在城市之下，其余的则拥有相当吸引人的地质景象，有极大潜力发展地质旅游。除吸引地质生态有关游客外，在花岗岩地区开发地质旅游，更容易普及地球科学，同时增强公众对地质地貌之欣赏能力，提高环保及地质保护意识。不过，于香港花岗岩区发展地质旅游所遇到的困难亦不少，主要来自规划、行政及安全的问题，当中需要政府、地区民众及地质旅游工作者并肩合作，寻求最佳解决方法。     

兴文世界地质公园地质遗迹景观评价及旅游开发研究

地质遗迹景观的评价对于地质公园的有效保护及合理开发具有重要的指导意义。在确定研究区域范围的基础上,对兴文世界地质公园主要地质遗迹景观进行了简要介绍,并对小岩湾石海、泰安石林、天坑、溶洞、瀑布等几个重要地质遗迹景观进行了定性和定量评价,进而提出了地质公园旅游开发与地质遗迹保护的对策,为其进一步发展提供有益思路和支持。     

Stone,water and ice: The Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark,County Clare,Ireland

This is an overview of the geology and geoheritage of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark. The geology is Carboniferous, dominated by fossiliferous Mississippian limestones and mostly coastal exposures of Pennsylvanian siliciclastics. Late Pleistocene ice sheets subsequently formed significant features in the landscape. The Cliffs of Moher is the most visited outdoor tourist attraction in Ireland and tourism is a significant income source in the Geopark area. Education and research form a key part of the Geopark programme. The Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark is managed by Clare County Council with support from Geological Survey Ireland.     

从地质遗迹的保护到世界地质公园的建立

人类对地质遗产的保护经历了三个阶段：①各国分散建立国家公园零星而无系统的保护地质遗迹;②国际组织发起和推动,形成全球保护地球遗迹的多项活动;③联合国教科文组织地学部提出地质公园计划和建立世界地质公园网络,使地球遗迹保护工作进入一个健康发展的新阶段。中国已建立国家地质公园44个,推动了地球遗产的保护,恢复了地质生态环境,强调了地球科学的普及,支持了地方经济的发展,开拓了居民的就业机会,支持了可持续发展。可以预料,世界地质公园网络的形成一定能揭开地球遗产保护工作新的一页。     

四川八台山绝壁峡谷地质遗迹特色及保护策略

位于川、陕、渝交界的八台山省级地质公园,发育着独特的绝壁峡谷地貌,地质遗迹资源丰富,具有重要的旅游和科研价值。文章初步论述了绝壁峡谷地貌发育的区域地质背景、地貌景观特色,提出了对景区地质遗迹景观的保护策略。     

青海省贵德国家地质公园地质遗迹及综合评价

地质遗迹综合评价是保护和利用地质遗迹的重要科学依据。本文在系统阐述青海省贵德国家地质公园地质遗迹类型与特征的基础上,依据国土资源部《中国国家地质公园建设技术要求和工作指南》地质遗迹(景观)评价系统和改进后的菲什拜因-罗森伯格模型,对贵德国家地质公园地质遗迹进行综合评价研究。结果表明:公园地质遗迹丰富多样、形态典型、景观奇特、保存良好;地质遗迹可分为8个大类,16个亚类;地质遗迹具有较高的科学价值、科普价值、美学价值、康体价值以及旅游开发价值,其中尤以水体景观、峰丛地貌和黄河奇石最为典型,属于国家级资源。研究结果不仅为地质遗迹的评价提供了一种新的模式,而且对于正确认识贵德国家地质公园地质遗迹状况,深入进行地质遗迹保护、开发利用和管理等工作具有一定的参考价值。     

Gully erosion as a natural hazard: the educational role of geotourism

Gully erosion is one of the greatest natural hazards in the loess areas of E. (Eastern) Poland. At the same time, permanent gullies are a major tourist attraction and can provide a basis for the development of geotourism. The study objective was to assess the possibilities of using the loess gullies for educational purposes. Detailed studies were conducted within the municipality of Kazimierz Dolny, an area with an extremely high concentration of permanent gullies. The questionnaire survey of students and tourists (nearly 300 surveys were completed) showed that the respondents’ knowledge of geomorphology was limited, despite their familiarity with gullies. In most cases, they were unable to accurately identify the determinants of gully erosion, its negative effects and methods for preventing it. An assessment of the tourism and geotourism potential of the municipality made it possible to identify the sites (gullies) that can perform an educational function, with regard to gully erosion. The establishment of the Małopolska Vistula Gap Geopark, whose highlights will include numerous loess gullies, can pave the way for the development of geotourism.

     

福建龙岩地质公园“申世”可行性浅析

龙岩地质公园位于福建西部地区。在地球演化过程中,地质公园记录了华南中生代从印支期陆内造山构造体系向古太平洋板块俯冲构造体系的转换过程,是研究中国东南部中生代大地构造演化的关键地区。文章分析了拟建龙岩世界地质公园的地质遗迹、自然资源和人文资源的类型,通过对比,认为它们具有独特性和重要的地质学、美学、教育学及旅游学价值。按照联合国教科文组织世界地质公园的标准和要求,指出了申报龙岩世界地质公园还存在的差距,并提出了相应的改进建议。通过全面分析研究,文章认为申报和创建龙岩联合国教科文组织世界地质公园是可行的。     

清平-汉旺国家地质公园资源类型、评价及保护

四川省绵竹市清平一汉旺国家地质公园是以地质灾害链遗迹及治理工程为资源特色的地质公园,具有极高的科学科普和美学价值。对公园典型地质遗迹资源进行调查的基础上,结合其形成的区域地质背景资料进行分析,参考国家标准和前人分类方法,对其地质遗迹资源进行分类、评价,提出保护建议,以期促进地质遗迹资源的保护及地质公园的长足发展。     

A Middle Jurassic sauropod tracksite in the Argana Basin,Western High Atlas,Morocco: an example of paleoichnological heritage for sustainable geotourism

A Middle Jurassic site at Tafaytour area (Argana Basin, Morocco) with trackways of six large sauropod dinosaurs is regarded as having high scientific and touristic value. The new dinosaur track site is extremely vulnerable, and suffers from continuous degradation caused by weathering and human activity. Documentation and protection of this tracksite is still a necessity for its integration into local geotourism activities, where it may have a socio-economic impact on the local population. Taking into consideration many similar tracksites, and strata of great paleontological interest in Morocco, including the Tafaytour tracksite, the implementation of legislation for the protection of Morocco's geological heritage, especially the paleoichnological heritage, to protect against destruction, is strongly recommended. This is necessary to cement geoheritage impact, both for scientific reasons and to value add to the socio-economic activities of the local people.     

基于地质遗迹资源保护利用价值的保护区划分——以云南盐津乌蒙峡谷地质公园为例

地质遗迹资源保护利用价值是合理划分保护区的基础.本文以盐津乌蒙峡谷地质公园地质遗迹资源为例，从地质遗迹资源利用性和脆弱性两个方面构建地质遗迹资源保护利用价值评价指标体系，运用层次分析法确定地质遗迹资源保护利用价值评价因子权重.采用专家咨询法建立地质遗迹资源保护等级划分标准.利用菲什拜因-罗森伯格模型对盐津地质公园典型地质遗迹资源进行保护利用价值评价并划分保护等级.根据保护利用价值评价结果，利用Sufer9.0软件制作地质遗迹资源保护利用等值线图，结合地质遗迹资源保护的便利性与地方相关规划的协调性，绘制出盐津乌蒙峡谷地质公园地质遗迹资源保护分区图，结果为：盐津乌蒙峡谷地质公园特级保护区面积0.06 km²，一级保护区面积11.74 km²，二级保护区面积23.47 km²，三级保护区面积75.07 km².     

北京延庆地质公园主要地质遗迹评价

地质遗迹是地质公园的核心,是旅游资源的重要类型。本文对北京延庆地质公园的地质遗迹类型进行了划分,对地质遗迹的价值进行了定性评价和定量评价。定性评价从地质遗迹的科学价值、美学价值和旅游开发价值进行分析。定量评价选取综合评价方法,将层次分析法(AHP)和专家打分法等评价算法相结合,最后进行加权处理,计算出北京延庆地质公园主要地质遗迹的综合得分。通过对北京延庆地质公园内地质遗迹的评价,为地质公园内地质遗迹的开发与规划提供了理论保证,使北京延庆地质公园得到永续的发展。