Kotel Balkan – an oasis of the East Balkan geodiversity

The East Balkan offers picturesque mountain landscapes predetermined by а remarkable geological diversity: caves, waterfalls, karst springs and precipices, fossil deposits, stratigraphical, paleontological, tectonic and fossil slump phenomena. In its most attractive part, the Kotel Balkan, there are 28 natural landmarks, 3 protected areas and 2 reserves. Expanding the inventory with purely geological sites, such as fossils, olistostromes, thrusts, geological cycles and events, complemented by many historical sites and intangible cultural heritage (Karakachan minority traditions, craft and folklore festivals), the region of Kotel has excellent preconditions for a geopark development.

Drystone walls in the Algarve, Portugal. Characterization and interconnection with the geology and lithology

Drystone walls can be frequently observed along the Algarve, south region of Portugal, performing both support and property division. This region is also known by its geological diversity and, consequently, lithology, which are intimately related to the orography. The combination of all these factors allowed the proliferation of this traditional drystone walls during the last centuries, and they represent not only an important element of the landscape, but also a perspective of the social, economic and technical bases of Algarve’s heritage. This article intends to present this diversity and the relationship between its various facets. In order to achieve the objectives, several field surveys were carried out to different geological zones, with the intention of gathering information related to the natural material used and its construction technique, as well as interaction with local inhabitants. These visits were supported by bibliographic and “Web-graphic” research, to substantiate the hypotheses. Based on the data results it is possible to identify a close interconnection between the geology and wall structure typology, since they are made with the natural rock fragments (raw material) found nearby. However, its function is more related to the orogeny and lithology, the latter defining also the type of agricultural culture. The study is enriched by the enormous diversity of rock types, although the Algarve is a relatively small region. The main limitations found during the development of the study are related to the physical access to the walls and the interviews with the locals. These constrictions were due to the lack of land maintenance, allowing vegetation to growth naturally, invading and covering the walls, and also due to the pandemic situation brought by the COVID-19 virus, which interdict the interaction between persons and also the travels. Despite the restrictions mentioned, the fieldtrips gave enough data to support the correlation between the geology, lithology and the raw material used on the drystone walls, as well as their relation to the terraces that proliferate in specific areas of Algarve. In view of the scarcity of bibliographic elements associated with this subject, in the studied territory, the elaboration of documents that allow the identification, characterization, geo-location and dissemination of the object of study, is considered as an asset for this theme. Finally, the study aims to alert and counter the tendency to abandon this type of heritage, valuing it and making it known.

Landscape planning for geodiversity conservation of Ciletuh geo area in Ciletuh Geopark using bioregional approach

Indonesia has 15 National Geoparks, and four of them have been recognized by UNESCO as the Global Geopark Network (GGN). The Ciletuh Geopark is one of the geo-parks in Indonesia that UNESCO has recognized. With the status of GGN, the management of the Ciletuh Geopark area must be directed according to the area development criteria set by UNESCO. The form of designated area development is related to efforts to increase cooperation, increase local communities’ welfare, develop infrastructure, and establish sustainable geopark areas. This Area’s result must pay attention to the Area’s sensitivity with geological uniqueness so as not to damage the geological diversity (geodiversity) in it. Therefore it is necessary to arrange the area with the direction of area development under the stipulations outlined. This research aims to develop a landscape plan to conserve the Ciletuh Geo Area geodiversity as part of Ciletuh Geopark using a bioregion approach. This process starts from inventory, literature study to analysis and synthesis, and planning. The research is carried out with a bioregion approach to determine the bioregion unit, landscape unit, and place the unit. Biophysical and geological characteristics are used in the preparation of bioregion classes. The synthesis was carried out by compiling the place units with significance values at 18 geological sites, making each place unit’s intrinsic value. The landscape plan prepared by referring to the rules of conservation of nature reserves can be considered in the development and management of the Ciletuh Geo Area in particular and Ciletuh Geopark area in general.

Mapping of Karangsambung - Karangbolong Geopark, as an Effort to Manage Geoheritage in Kebumen Regency

Kebumen is the most underdeveloped district in Central Java Province. The area covers the mountains in the north to the coast in the south. Kebumen has a unique geological diversity, exciting and international scientific value so that it is widely used as a natural laboratory for conservation, education, and research purposes Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Decree No. 2817 K/40/MEM/2006 has designated 21,150 hectares in Karangsambung as the first geological heritage in Indonesia. At the height of Karangbolong in the southern part, there are limestones. An area of 4,089 hectares has been designated through the Decree of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Number: 3873 K/40/MEM/2014 as a Kars Landscape Area, which has a protected function. Geopark is a concept of sustainable development in a single area with a geoheritage for conservation, education, and sustainable economic development of local communities. A place of 543,599 km2 covering 12 sub-districts and 118 villages stretching from the Karangsambung geoheritage to the Karangbolong geoheritage has been designated as the Karangsambung Karangbolong National Geopark since 2018. This geopark is planned to be upgraded to a UNESCO global geopark. This study aims to see whether the management of the two geoheritages with the geopark concept is the right choice. The research was conducted through literature studies, field research, comparative studies on geoparks in other places, and qualitative data analysis.

Geomorphosite Assessment at North Karangsambung -Karangbolong Geopark Kebumen, as Tools of Geotourism Development

Geopark is a sustainable regional development concept that combines geological, biological, and cultural diversity through conservation and education activities to improve the community's welfare. Kebumen Regency has a National Geopark Karangsambung-Karangbolong (GNKK) covering 543,599 Km2 with 41 geosites, ten cultures, and eight biosite since 2018. The northern part of the area is a geological heritage that is widely used for field geological education. The study aims to identify and assess geosites and geomorphosite in the north area, describing the region's geomorphological processes and geological evolution. Field research was conducted to get an overview of geological diversity, geomorphology, and geosite and determine the selected geomorphosite. Geomorphosite assessment is done quantitatively using the Kubalikova method by assessing five main parameters that include; Intrinsic and scientific value, the value of education, economic value, conservation value, and added value. The scientific and intrinsic value of Pentulu Indah (PI) = 4, while Wagirsambeng = 3. Educational value of PI = 4, while Wagirsambeng = 2. Economic value is still not satisfactory, but P.I. = 2, while Wagirsambeng = 1.5. Conservation value of P.I. = 3.5, while Wagirsambeng = 2.5. Added value PI = 2.75 while Wagirsambeng = 1.5. Based on those, geomorphosite Pentulu Indah is 16,26 point or a good value (87.83 %) while Wagirsambeng is 10.5 point or fairly level (56.75 %).

Geodiversity and geoheritage in the perspective of geography

The paper states that geodiversity is the abiotic complement to biodiversity, and is considered to be the elements associated with the abiotic environment, e.g. geological diversity, geomorphodiversity, pedodiversity, hydrodiversity and climodiversity. Geoheritage is considered as the geological heritage of a site, but is here presented as the abiotic heritage of a site, and is related to geological heritage, geomorphoheritage, pedoheritage, hydroheritage and climoheritage. Thus, it is possible to talk about geological sites, geomorphosites, pedosites, hydrosites and climosites. Geodiversity and geoheritage are strongly linked to geology. However, it is also a new paradigm to geography, as physical geography classically works with abiotic and biotic environments.

Beyond Geodiversity Sites: Exploring the Educational Potential of Widespread Geological Features (Rocks, Minerals and Fossils)

Geosite and geodiversity site inventories are among the most important means of geological diversity conservation and promotion. However, there are other in situ geological features that have significant educational potential and are not included in many inventories, namely, localities of widespread rock types, common minerals and fossil-bearing strata. In this paper, a broad utilisation of these petrographic, mineralogical and palaeontological geodiversity elements for geoscience communication purposes is postulated, with a case study that focuses on the geological heritage of Poland. A simple quantitative framework for the evaluation of the educational potential of rock types is used for the assessment of preselected geological units on the geological map of Poland. The preferences of potential geotourists are estimated using the interactive web-based map. The promotional materials are written for the most distinctive rock types and geological units that scored the highest in the assessment procedure and/or were most frequently selected by users. This procedure stimulates geodiversity promotion in areas where few geosites and geodiversity sites are documented and no educational activities or interpretative facilities are available, potentially increasing the number of geotourism destinations. The rocks and minerals utilised here are exposed over large areas and can be sampled and studied by untrained collectors without any loss of geodiversity. Shifting the involvement of individuals interested in geosciences from extraordinary to more common rocky outcrops helps to protect the geological heritage and enhances conservation of the most spectacular features for future generations. Field activities such as individual searching and studying outcrops, in turn, play an important role in learning in geosciences, facilitating the acquisition of knowledge and encouraging interdisciplinary thinking. Future improvements could include expanding the applicability of the evaluation method, employment of a location-based learning approach #and more detailed studies of the preferences of potential geotourists.

Geosite assessment in Arequipa City – Peru: UNESCO IGCP 692 project 'Geoheritage for Geohazard Resilience'

<p><span><span>Arequipa, the second most populated city located in the South of Peru, is full of history, culture and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its natural attractions and geological diversity stand out, like the Colca and Andagua UNESCO Global Geopark, as well as geosites within the city. This provides a basis for improving the population's environmental awareness and resilience, a process that partly starts with geosite inventorying, used in socio-economic exchange with the population. </span></span><span><span>For the geosite work several methods were used from the early Cendrero (1996) to most recent Brilha (2016). As a first stage, potential geosites were field identified, and we established their representativeness, integrity, rarity, scientific knowledge level and geological value. Six major potential geosites were identified: 1) Sillar quarries, 2) Rio Chili valley, 3) Misti and Chachani volcanoes viewpoint, 4) Nicholson volcano, 5) Ccapua monogenetic volcanoes, Yura Viejo, Uyupampa and 6) Domo el Volcancillo. Once identified and judged suitable for potential use and protection, the six sites were qualitatively evaluated for intrinsic value, potential for use and need for protection, thus completing more detailed information on each one. </span></span><span><span>In this second stage, the process of quantifying the value and relevance establishing a ranking. The Brilha (2005) methodology was used to classify geosites as local - regional and national - international interest, The Sillar being of national - international scope, while the other geosites are of local to regional scope. To rank geosites according to their scientific value, educational potential use, tourism potential use and the risk of degradation, the Brilha (2016) methodology was used. Each site was evaluated independently, since the value of the geosite is not directly related to its potential for use or vulnerability. The ranking for scientific value and educational and tourist use is different and the Sillar and Ccapua have high risk of degradation, while the others moderate risk. We also classified each site for its natural risk to inhabitants, users and visitors, making a preliminary safety plan for each site. </span></span><span><span>The process ends with a classification seeking to provide a legal basis for geoheritage management and protection. Conservation plans take into account the degradation risk to propose strategies with include safety. Community involvement was a first step, with the Sillar site users partly initiating and directing our work. We all see the geoheritage as a tool to publicize both geology and associated activities in an innovative way through geotourism and economic sustainability. Risk is managed with geosites and the benefits and dangers related to the Misti and Chachani volcanoes communicated. The process continues with constant monitoring of geosites. </span></span><span><span>This aims to empower local scientists and residents, because it highlights the geological heritage, and generates "tools" for education and promote resilient communities in the face of geological hazards; in addition, diversify the alternatives for geotourism. It is part of the UNESCO IGCP Geoheritage for Resilience, project 692.</span></span></p>

The geological diversity of oil deposits is the basis for the technological development of the industry

A deep study of the mechanism and processes of development of the bitumen and heavy oil deposits, as well as oil in tight and shale reservoirs, was conducted in the special test facilities in North America. These studies served as the basis for a technological leap for the transfer of these resources to the category of recoverable reserves. Based on the development of new technologies for horizontal drilling, multi-stage hydraulic fracturing, and the SAGD method in various modifications, commercially attractive results have been achieved, which allow stable development of fields with unconventional reserves at low oil prices. Marginal reserves in a deep crisis environment are the main reason for the write-off of reserves and their transition to large diversified companies.