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Special Issue "From Geoheritage to Geotourism–New Advances and Emerging Challenges"

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A special issue of Geographies (ISSN 2673-7086).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 July 2022) | Viewed by 10863

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Prof. Dr. Karoly Nemeth

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Guest Editor

School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
Interests: volcano geology; volcano geomorphology; explosive volcanism; hydrovolcanism; volcaniclastic sedimentation; social geology; geoheritage; geoconservation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to invite you to consider submitting your works for a new state-of-the-art collection of papers, outlining the advances geoheritage research has achieved since being established and making its place among other geosciences. This volume calls for papers that are able to highlight the route various disciplines within geoheritage research have taken in the past two decades, leading to the currently flourishing and fast-developing science that has fed such subdisciplines as geoconservation, geoeducation, and geotourism, among many others. We would like to make this Special Issue a landmark work that provides a holistic overview of the evolution of the geoheritage science and how it has helped to foster such practical research fields as geotourism, also addressing how all these achievements can serve to embed the geosciences more deeply in the network of sciences and the actions of society at a time when global and planetary change is clearly visible within the human life span. We are particularly interested in holistic review-style works that not only provide a critical overview of the evolution of the science field in question but also offer solutions toward the future. The volume will also take specific case studies if they provide a clear overview as to how and why that specific region, area, or subject serves to foster a more holistic approach to geoheritage, geoconservation, or geotourism. Interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary works are especially welcome in this volume, in which the boundaries between the geosciences and other science fields are crossed, explored, or narrowed, in order to define geoheritage research in its broadest sense. High-quality review papers can be published in this issue without publication fees.

Prof. Dr. Karoly Nemeth
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Geographies is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1000 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

geoheritage
geoconservation
geosite
geotope
geoconservation
geoeducation
geotoursim
sustainability
geopark
ecosystem services
geosystem

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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Open AccessArticle

Recognition of Potential Geosites Utilizing a Hydrological Model within Qualitative–Quantitative Assessment of Geodiversity in the Manawatu River Catchment, New Zealand

Vladyslav Zakharovskyi

and

Károly Németh

Geographies 2023, 3(1), 178-196; https://doi.org/10.3390/geographies3010011 - 27 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1166

Abstract

Hydrology is one of the most influential elements of geodiversity, where geology and geomorphology stand as the main values of abiotic nature. Hydrological erosion created by river systems destructing rock formations (eluvial process) from streams’ sources and then transporting and redepositing (alluvial process) the rock debris into the main river channels, make it an ongoing transformation element of the abiotic environment along channel networks. Hence, this manuscript demonstrates the influence of hydrological elements on geosite recognition, specifically for qualitative–quantitative assessment of geodiversity, which is based on a combination of geological and geomorphological values. In this concept, a stream system will be treated as an additional element. The basement area of the Manawatu Region has been utilized as the territory for the research of hydrological assessment. The region is in the southern part of the North Island of New Zealand and has relatively low geological and geomorphological values and diversity. The Strahler order parameter will be demonstrated as a hydrological element for geodiversity assessment. This parameter has been chosen as one of the most common and acceptable within geographical information system (GIS) environments. The result of this assessment compares the influences of Strahler order on qualitative–quantitative assessment of geodiversity and provides its drawbacks. Additionally, the places with high values will be considered for more accurate field observation to be nominated as potential geosites with an opportunity for geoeducational and geotouristic significance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Geoheritage to Geotourism–New Advances and Emerging Challenges)

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Open AccessArticle

Bonan Youang and Terrinalum: The Ethnogeology of Ballaarat’s Living Landscape

David S. Jones

Geographies 2023, 3(1), 143-160; https://doi.org/10.3390/geographies3010009 - 07 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1414

Abstract

Ethnogeology offers a longitudinal history of the formation of landscapes though the lens of First Nations Peoples. Significantly, it offers an insight into landscape change and geographical formation as consequence of geological events, climate shift (change), and consequential human resilience and adaptation strategies. This article considers a cultural landscape near Ballaarat (Ballarat) in Australia and its geological omnipresence in the eyes of the First Nations’ Wadawurrung People. The features, two extinct volcanoes—Bonan Youang (Mt Buninyong) and Terrinalum (Mt Elephant)—and a connection tract, offer high cultural values to the Wadawurrung People in addition to serving as key contemporary mental and orientation landmarks arising from their roles in the locality’s pastoral, goldmining, and suburbanisation colonisation phases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Geoheritage to Geotourism–New Advances and Emerging Challenges)

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Open AccessArticle

Geomorphological Model Comparison for Geosites, Utilizing Qualitative–Quantitative Assessment of Geodiversity, Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand

Vladyslav Zakharovskyi

and

Károly Németh

Geographies 2022, 2(4), 609-628; https://doi.org/10.3390/geographies2040037 - 07 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1268

Abstract

In qualitative–quantitative assessment of geodiversity, geomorphology describes landscape forms suggesting specific locations as geosites. However, all digital elevation models (DEM) contain information only about altitude and coordinate systems, which are not enough data for inclusion assessments. To overcome this, researchers may transform altitude parameters into a range of different models such as slope, aspect, plan, and profile curvature. More complex models such as Geomorphon or Topographic Position Index (TPI) may be used to build visualizations of landscapes. All these models are rarely used together, but rather separately for specific purposes—for example, aspect may be used in soil science and agriculture, while slope is considered useful for geology and topography. Therefore, a qualitative–quantitative assessment of geodiversity has been developed to recognize possible geosite locations and simplify their search through field observation and further description. The Coromandel Peninsula have been chosen as an area of study due to landscape diversity formed by Miocene–Pleistocene volcanism which evolved on a basement of Jurassic Greywacke and has become surrounded and partially covered by Quaternary sediments. Hence, this research provides a comparison of six different models for geomorphological assessment. Models are based on DEM with surface irregularities in locations with distinct elevation differences, which can be considered geosites. These models have been separated according to their parameters of representations: numerical value and types of landscape. Numerical value (starting at 0, applied to the area of study) models are based on slope, ruggedness, roughness, and total curvature. Meanwhile, Geomorphon and TPI are landscape parameters, which define different types of relief ranging from stream valleys and hills to mountain ranges. However, using landscape parameters requires additional evaluation, unlike numerical value models. In conclusion, we describe six models used to calculate a range of values which can be used for geodiversity assessment, and to highlight potential geodiversity hotspots. Subsequently, all models are compared with each other to identify differences between them. Finally, we outline the advantages and shortcomings of the models for performing qualitative–quantitative assessments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Geoheritage to Geotourism–New Advances and Emerging Challenges)

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Open AccessArticle

Scale Influence on Qualitative–Quantitative Geodiversity Assessments for the Geosite Recognition of Western Samoa

Vladyslav Zakharovskyi

and

Károly Németh

Geographies 2022, 2(3), 476-490; https://doi.org/10.3390/geographies2030029 - 10 Aug 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1304

Abstract

Spatial scale in modeling is one of the most important aspects of any kind of assessment. This study utilized previously studied assessments of geodiversity through a qualitative–quantitative methodology for geosite recognition. Our methodology was developed based on geodiversity as a complex description of all elements of abiotic nature and processes, influencing it. Based on this definition, geodiversity can be divided into main elements: geology and geomorphology, creating a core of abiotic nature; and additional elements including hydrology, climate, and human influences. We include this description of geodiversity here to emphasize the data which were used in the assessment. The methodology was based on an evaluation system, subject to improvements informed by previous research, and map-based models showing the area of spreading of calculated elements. Except for additional changes in the assessment, this article primarily addresses the problem of scale, by comparing two different methods of scale in the research: grid and non-grid. Grid types of assessment are considered a widely useable method, requiring definitions of areas of research with a potential variety of polygons, and calculating elements inside the cell and applying values to each cell. In contrast, non-grid assessment utilizes the natural borders of all elements (e.g., map view pattern of geological formations), and including them in calculations. The union of layers from different elements creates shapes which highlight regions with the highest values. Hence, the goal of this article is to demonstrate differences between grid and non-grid assessments of geodiversity in Western Samoa. In our results, we compare the methods and emphasize specific tasks most suitable for each method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Geoheritage to Geotourism–New Advances and Emerging Challenges)

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Open AccessArticle

Qualitative-Quantitative Assessment of Geodiversity of Western Samoa (SW Pacific) to Identify Places of Interest for Further Geoconservation, Geoeducation, and Geotourism Development

Vladyslav Zakharovskyi

and

Károly Németh

Geographies 2021, 1(3), 362-380; https://doi.org/10.3390/geographies1030020 - 17 Dec 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2437

Abstract

The assessment of geodiversity is a relatively new field of research connecting abiotic aspects of nature to the wider environment. The study of geodiversity is still in development, so a uniform and complete paradigm remains to be defined. Therefore, an assessment of geodiversity may be highly dependent on the nature of the territory subject to study, available databases, and the researchers’ field of specialization. The main quantitative method for the assessment of geodiversity was proposed to the scientific world only few years ago and may only be relevant to some places in the world, rather than all, which would be desirable. However, while similarities in research methods may be apparent, the directions, scales, and data utilized are clearly different. This article demonstrates a quantitative-qualitative method for an assessment of geodiversity, based on a five-point evaluation system and the utilization of widely available standard databases such as geological maps, SRTM models, and satellite images. Western Samoa Islands (Savai’i and Upolu Islands) were selected for assessment, as a typical example of basaltic ocean island volcanism generating relatively homogenous rock formations and subject to gradual geomorphology (e.g., shield volcano). While initially appearing as a region of simple geology and morphology, complexity is added by considering rock ages, the position and type of eruptive centres, and the coastal geoenvironment. By considering these factors, the assessment becomes specifically tailoring for geodiversity assessment of the islands of Samoa. In conclusion, it has been demonstrated a simple methodology of general assessment of geodiversity with additional improvements to take account of variability in other abiotic factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Geoheritage to Geotourism–New Advances and Emerging Challenges)

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Open AccessReview

Mountain Graticules: Bridging Latitude, Longitude, Altitude, and Historicity to Biocultural Heritage

and

Geographies 2023, 3(1), 19-39; https://doi.org/10.3390/geographies3010002 - 27 Dec 2022

Viewed by 2488

Abstract

The interdependence of biological and cultural diversity is exemplified by the new conservation paradigm of biocultural heritage. We seek to clarify obsolescent notions of nature, whereby cultural construction and identity markers of mountain communities need to reflect localized, situated, and nuanced understanding about mountainscapes as they are developed, maintained, managed, and contested in spatiality and historicity. Using the nexus of socioecological theory, we question whether a convergent approach could bridge montological knowledge systems of either different equatorial and temperate latitudes, western and eastern longitudes, hills and snow-capped mountain altitudes, or hegemonic and indigenous historicity. Using extensive literature research, intensive reflection, field observation, and critical discourse analysis, we grapple with the Nagoya Protocol of the Convention of Biological Diversity (COP 10, 2010) to elucidate the benefit sharing and linkages of biocultural diversity in tropical and temperate mountain frameworks. The result is a trend of consilience for effective conservation of mountain socioecological systems that reaffirms the transdisciplinary transgression of local knowledge and scientific input to implement the effective strategy of biocultural heritage conservation after the UN Decade of Biological Diversity. By emphasizing regeneration of derelict mountain landscapes, invigorated by empowered local communities, promoted by the Aspen Declaration, the UN Decade of Ecological Restoration, and the UN International Year of Mountain Sustainable Development, montological work on sustainable, regenerative development for 2030 can be expected. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Geoheritage to Geotourism–New Advances and Emerging Challenges)

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