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Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: "Trends and Prospects in Geoheritage,...
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Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: "Trends and Prospects in Geoheritage, Geoparks, and Geotourism"

A special issue of Geosciences (ISSN 2076-3263). This special issue belongs to the section "Geoheritage, Geoparks and Geotourism".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2025 | Viewed by 6512

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Karoly Nemeth

E-Mail Website1 Website2 Website3 Website4
Guest Editor
1. School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
2. Saudi Geological Survey, National Program of Earthquakes and Volcanoes, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
3. Lithosphere Research Group, Institute of Earth Physics and Space Science, Sopron, Hungary
4. The Geoconservation Trust Aoteroa Pacific, Opotiki, New Zealand
Interests: volcano geology; volcano geomorphology; explosive volcanism; hydrovolcanism; volcaniclastic sedimentation; social geology; geoheritage; geoconservation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Marilena Cozzolino

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, Via De Sanctis, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
Interests: applied geophysics; archaeo geophysics; landscape geophysics; ground penetrating radar; electrical resistivity tomography; electromagnetic (EM) induction method; integrated geophysical methods; archaeological prospections; inverse problems; photogrammetry; remote sensing and GIS
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. António Vieira

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Department of Geography, University of Minho, Campus de Azurém, 4810-058 Guimarães, Portugal
Interests: geographic information systems and remote sensing and their application to land use planning; geomorphology; geomorphological heritage; erosive processes following forest fires and mitigation measures
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, the fields of Geoheritage, Geoparks, and Geotourism have experienced a notable surge in research activity, highlighting their pivotal roles in shaping scientific understanding, environmental conservation, and human culture preservation. By delving into the inherent value of geological and geomorphological sites as repositories of Earth's history and crucial resources for scientific inquiry, we aim to deepen appreciation for these landscapes.

This Special Issue aims to provide a platform for interdisciplinary exploration and dialogue, unraveling the complexities of geoheritage research and offering insights into the conservation, management, and promotion of geological features and landforms. Studies within this Special Issue will explore the conceptual frameworks underpinning geopark establishment and management, as well as investigations into the evolving landscape of geotourism and its implications for sustainable development.

We welcome contributions from researchers worldwide, with a focus on leveraging advanced technologies such as geostatistics, geophysics, GIS, and various techniques for the analysis of big data. We sincerely invite you to join us on this significant journey of exploration and discovery.

Prof. Dr. Karoly Nemeth
Dr. Marilena Cozzolino
Dr. António Vieira
Guest Editors

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. Geosciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 1800 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 and geoparks
  • sustainable geotourism
  • geoconservation
  • geological features
  • geodiversity
  • geoethics
  • archaeological prospections
  • heritage preservation
  • cultural landscapes
  • geohazard resilience
  • field survey techniques
  • geospatial modeling
  • data visualization

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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26 pages, 324 KiB  
Article
Science Communication Practices in UNESCO Global Geoparks: A Benchmark Analysis
by Joana Rodrigues, Elsa Costa e Silva and Diamantino Ínsua Pereira
Geosciences 2025, 15(3), 78; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15030078 - 21 Feb 2025
Viewed by 324
Abstract
UNESCO Global Geoparks address global environmental challenges and advance Sustainable Development Goals. As renowned institutions in geoscience communication, they are instrumental in raising awareness and promoting sustainable practices. However, there has been a notable lack of systematic research in this area. This study [...] Read more.
UNESCO Global Geoparks address global environmental challenges and advance Sustainable Development Goals. As renowned institutions in geoscience communication, they are instrumental in raising awareness and promoting sustainable practices. However, there has been a notable lack of systematic research in this area. This study aims to fill this gap by benchmarking science communication strategies employed by Geoparks, identifying best practices and critical factors and offering data-driven insights to enhance management and strategic planning. The key findings of this study underscore the necessity for improved engagement and the adoption of more interactive and inclusive communication approaches. The research also reveals a significant disparity between current practices and contemporary trends in science communication. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: "Trends and Prospects in Geoheritage, Geoparks, and Geotourism")
28 pages, 20776 KiB  
Article
Innovative Approaches to Geoscientific Outreach in the Napo Sumaco Aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark, Ecuadorian Amazon Region
by Samantha-Solange Salazar-Del-Pozo, Felipe Carlosama-Morejón, Karla Freire-Quintanilla, Henry Grefa-Shiguango and Marco Simbaña-Tasiguano
Geosciences 2025, 15(2), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15020043 - 29 Jan 2025
Viewed by 784
Abstract
The Napo Sumaco Aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark (NSAUGG) in Ecuador represents a genuine variety of geological, cultural, and natural heritage, which aims to promote sustainable development through geotourism. This study describes the significance of NSAUGG, emphasizing its geological diversity which includes a variety [...] Read more.
The Napo Sumaco Aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark (NSAUGG) in Ecuador represents a genuine variety of geological, cultural, and natural heritage, which aims to promote sustainable development through geotourism. This study describes the significance of NSAUGG, emphasizing its geological diversity which includes a variety of geosites, and focusing on three recently annexed geosites: the Wawa Sumaco Quarry, Puka Urku, and the Pucuno River, where geological analyses, including petrographic and mineralogical assessments, were conducted. To enhance community engagement and educational outreach, a multi-platform mobile application, “SumAppGeo”, was developed using ArcGIS and Flutterflow. This application serves as an interactive tool for visitors and local communities, providing detailed geological information, interactive maps, and educational content. The findings reveal the presence of significant geological features, such as haüyne-bearing alkaline rocks, which indicate specific volcanic activity in this region and are an element of geodiversity, validating the Wawa Sumaco Quarry, Puka Urku, and the Pucuno River as geosites. The implementation of SumAppGeo aims to foster a deeper understanding of the region’s geodiversity while promoting responsible tourism practices. This initiative not only supports the recognition of NSAUGG as part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network but also contributes to the socio-economic development of local communities through sustainable tourism practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: "Trends and Prospects in Geoheritage, Geoparks, and Geotourism")
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18 pages, 66531 KiB  
Article
Application of a Ground-Penetrating Radar in the Characterization of the Archaeological Environment of Site GO-JA-02, Serranópolis-GO: A Non-Invasive Approach for Archaeological Excavation Planning
by Isabela Resende Almeida, Welitom Rodrigues Borges, Julio Cezar Rubin de Rubin, Rafael Espindola Canata, Rosiclér Theodoro da Silva and Jordana Batista Barbosa
Geosciences 2025, 15(2), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15020040 - 24 Jan 2025
Viewed by 569
Abstract
This study used a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to characterize the archaeological environment of site GO-Ja-02 in Serranópolis, Goiás, Brazil. In the Serranópolis region, there are records of numerous human burials in archaeological sites located in predominantly sandy soils. Thus, this study proposed the [...] Read more.
This study used a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to characterize the archaeological environment of site GO-Ja-02 in Serranópolis, Goiás, Brazil. In the Serranópolis region, there are records of numerous human burials in archaeological sites located in predominantly sandy soils. Thus, this study proposed the application of a ground-penetrating radar to locate buried archaeological structures. Using a 400 MHz shielded antenna, the 2D data revealed distinct reflection patterns associated with subsurface elements such as rock blocks, roots, and rock surfaces, which were correlated with the anomalies observed in the depth slices of the generated pseudo-3D block. A ranking methodology was developed based on the archaeological context of the area and was used to indicate priority excavation areas. The results provided an understanding of the site’s archaeological environment, allowing for prior knowledge of areas to be excavated. The non-invasive GPR approach enabled a detailed investigation without disturbing the site, aiding in decision-making for the archaeological team. Furthermore, this study establishes a methodological foundation for future investigations, demonstrating the effectiveness of integrating advanced technologies into archaeological research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: "Trends and Prospects in Geoheritage, Geoparks, and Geotourism")
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20 pages, 20958 KiB  
Article
Geology, Archaeology, and Historical Studies of the Late 16th Century Plinian Eruption of Raung Volcano: A Potential Case for Disaster Geotourism in Ijen UNESCO Global Geopark, East Java, Indonesia
by Firman Sauqi Nur Sabila, Mirzam Abdurrachman, Asep Saepuloh, Idham Andri Kurniawan, Abdillah Baraas, Dwi Fitri Yudiantoro and Hery Kusdaryanto
Geosciences 2024, 14(11), 284; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14110284 - 24 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1874
Abstract
The enigmatic major eruption in the late 16th century, believed to have originated from Raung, the most active stratovolcano in the Ijen UNESCO Global Geopark in East Java, Indonesia, has ignited significant debate among researchers and historians due to its profound impact on [...] Read more.
The enigmatic major eruption in the late 16th century, believed to have originated from Raung, the most active stratovolcano in the Ijen UNESCO Global Geopark in East Java, Indonesia, has ignited significant debate among researchers and historians due to its profound impact on the region. This research aims to substantiate Raung as the likely source of the major eruption by integrating geological, archaeological, and historical data. This study synthesizes current findings and explores ongoing debates surrounding historical volcanic activities. Eruption parameters suggest that the late 16th century eruption exhibited a Plinian type, characterized by an explosive eruption column reaching the stratosphere, widespread pumiceous tephra fallout, and pyroclastic density current (PDC). Stratigraphic succession reveals that the eruption occurred in five phases, with deposits from 10 eruptive units. These deposits are mainly concentrated on the northwestern flank of Raung. Archaeological findings, historical records, and local legends converge to pinpoint the occurrence of this catastrophic event in the late 16th century. These diverse sources estimate that the eruption resulted in approximately 10,000 casualties, marking it as one of the most significant volcanic disasters in the past 500 years. The implications of this eruption extend beyond historical documentation, providing a critical case study for advancing disaster mitigation strategies through geotourism in the geopark area. Moreover, the eruption record outcrops identified in this study can be proposed as potential new geosites within the Ijen UNESCO Global Geopark, enhancing its educational and touristic value. We propose the Jebung Kidul, Alas Sumur, and Batu Sappar sites as potential disaster-based geosites, considering that these sites record the eruption process and preserve archaeological structures. This addition would not only commemorate the historical event but also promote awareness and preparedness for future volcanic activities in the region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: "Trends and Prospects in Geoheritage, Geoparks, and Geotourism")
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23 pages, 13123 KiB  
Article
Geological and Structural Framework, Inventory, and Quantitative Assessment of Geodiversity: The Case Study of the Lake Faro and Lake Ganzirri Global Geosites (Italy)
by Roberta Somma, Sebastiano Ettore Spoto and Salvatore Giacobbe
Geosciences 2024, 14(9), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14090236 - 1 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1623
Abstract
The geoconservation policies assumed by the Sicilian Region (Italy) induced to classify as geosites all the geodiversity preserved in the Sicilian natural reserves. In particular, two of these geosites present in the oriented natural reserve of the coastal lagoon of Cape Peloro (Messina, [...] Read more.
The geoconservation policies assumed by the Sicilian Region (Italy) induced to classify as geosites all the geodiversity preserved in the Sicilian natural reserves. In particular, two of these geosites present in the oriented natural reserve of the coastal lagoon of Cape Peloro (Messina, NE Sicily, Italy), denoted “Morpho–tectonic system of Cape Peloro–Lake Faro” and “Morpho–tectonic system of Cape Peloro–Lake Ganzirri”, were considered Global areal geosites on the base of their tectonic origin. Lacking an official scientific report of these sites, the present research was aimed to investigate the lagoon, in order to provide the (i) geological and structural framework, (ii) inventory, and (iii) quantitative assessment of geodiversity. The study geosites resulted to be originated during the post–Wurmian sea–level rise and the strong extensional tectonics affecting the Calabria–Peloritani Arc still active. Indeed, the lagoon depression hosting the Lakes Faro and Ganzirri, developed on low-relief coasts because of different systems of capable faults, NW–SE oriented in the Lake Faro and ENE–WSW oriented in the Lake Ganzirri. The quantitative assessment of geodiversity indicated high scores for the scientific value and the potential educational and touristic uses. On the basis of these results, it was possible to confirm the attribution of Lake Faro’s and Lake Ganzirri’s geodiversity to Global areal geosites, being the study morpho-structures key localities, providing indicators of representativeness, geological diversity, and rarity that ought to be protected as clear and unequivocal examples of the Earth’s geological history and evolution of the Quaternary tectonic coastal lagoons. Actual criticisms that could irreversibly affect the environmental equilibria have been evidenced. Possible actions for the redevelopment of the oriented natural reserve of the coastal lagoon of Cape Peloro and the extension of the geosites were also described. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: "Trends and Prospects in Geoheritage, Geoparks, and Geotourism")
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