Search Results (16)

Museums play an essential role in preserving both cultural and natural heritage, safeguarding samples that offer invaluable insights into our history and scientific understanding. The integration of micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) has significantly advanced the study, restoration, and conservation of these priceless objects. This work explores the application of micro-CT across three critical areas of museum practice: sample virtualization, restoration assessment, and the analysis of fossil specimens. Specifically, micro-CT scanning was applied to fossils stored in the G.A.M.P.S. collection (Scandicci, Italy), enabling the creation of highly detailed non-invasive 3D models for digital archiving and virtual exhibitions. At the Opificio delle Pietre Dure in Florence, micro-CT was employed to evaluate fossil bone restoration treatments, focusing on the internal impact of menthol as a consolidant and its effects on the structural integrity of the material. Furthermore, micro-CT was utilized to investigate a sealed bee preserved in its cocoon within a paleosol in Costa Vicentina (Portugal), providing unprecedented insights into its internal anatomy and state of preservation, all while maintaining the integrity of the specimen. The results of this study underscore the versatility of micro-CT as a powerful non-destructive tool for advancing the fields of conservation, restoration, and scientific analysis of cultural and natural heritage. By integrating high-resolution imaging with both virtual and hands-on conservation strategies, micro-CT empowers museums to enhance research capabilities, improve preservation methodologies, and foster greater public engagement with their collections. Full article

This study explores the didactic potential of paleontological immovable heritage in Secondary Education in Spain, focusing on how paleontological sites can enrich the educational curriculum. It is based on a survey of experts to identify key aspects to consider when developing educational activities at paleontological sites, aligning learning based on the official educational curriculum with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The goal is, on the one hand, to improve awareness of natural heritage conservation and foster meaningful and interdisciplinary learning and, on the other hand, to optimize the use of paleontological sites as valuable and accessible educational resources. The research highlights the importance of direct contact of students with the natural environment, proposing activities before and after the visits that seek greater involvement of students with the territory in which they live, and that serve to consolidate and strengthen their knowledge. In this context, the key competences of the educational curriculum are also analyzed, based on the official competences proposed by the European Union, which can be reinforced in paleontological contexts, considering both the benefits and the difficulties of integrating these sites into formal education. Full article

The preservation of paleontological heritage is relevant for paleobiological and geological research, as well as for scientific dissemination. Fossils are indicative of the evolutionary processes, biodiversity, ecology, and geography of the past and require specific geoconservation actions. In Italy, fossils are protected as cultural heritage, and their unauthorized collection and trading are counteracted by a regulatory framework. The local superintendence and law enforcement provide control over the territory, often resorting to the expertise of university paleontologists. In the Calabria region (southern Italy), the collaboration among institutions is yielding interesting results in research, preservation, and public awareness of paleontological heritage. This paper highlights the different approaches to the conservation and promotion of fossils by three museums in Calabria. At the National Archeological Museum of Reggio Calabria, fossils are included in the Prehistory section. The history of life on Earth, with a focus on regional paleontology, characterizes the Museum of the University of Calabria. The Civic Museum of Ricadi exhibits local fossils. Collaboration among these museums and their institutional referents contributes to public awareness and scientific understanding of paleontological heritage, reinforcing the need for conservation and promotion strategies. Full article

Nature reserves in France, along with national parks and biological reserves, are one of the main tools for strong environmental protection. Nature reserve status was officially introduced in France by a law in 1957 and the first nature reserve was subsequently created in 1961 in the Alps. Since 1982, nature reserves are connected nationwide within the network of the Réserves Naturelles de France (RNF). The RNF members have played a significant role in the recognition and protection of geoheritage in France which has notably resulted in the establishment of nature reserves based on geological criteria and the creation in 1986 of a specific working group: the Geological Heritage Commission. The French geological reserves encompass a diversity of geological objects, including stratotypes, major paleontological and mineralogic sites, exceptional metamorphic, volcanic or geomorphologic sites, and outcrops of historical significance. Over time, RNF, alongside its collaborative partners, has been actively engaged in the protection, management, and recognition of geoheritage inside the French network of nature reserves and beyond. Despite these efforts, broader recognition of concepts like geodiversity and geological heritage remains somewhat limited, even within environmental protection organizations. Full article

The Megafauna3D project integrates advanced 3D scanning technologies and paleontological research to bring the extinct megafauna of Uruguay to formal and informal educational settings. Through the use of digitized fossil models, interactive education materials, and a web platform, the project engages the public and educational institutions in understanding the country’s paleontological heritage. This manuscript presents Megafauna3D’s multidisciplinary approach, its outreach initiatives, and the educational resources developed, such as 3D models and printed replicas, a book integrated with augmented reality, fanzines, and a teaching box. With a focus on open science, inclusivity, and accessibility, the project fosters public engagement with paleontological content and promotes fossil heritage conservation. Full article

Shandong Province in China is rich in paleontological fossils and has a long history of fossil research. However, research on the distribution characteristics and potential factors of discovered fossil sites in Shandong Province is limited and insufficient, making it difficult to comprehensively plan for the protection and utilization of fossil sites in Shandong Province. The study constructs a basic geographical information system (GIS) database with 133 discovered fossil sites and geological and socio-economic data of Shandong Province and studies fossil sites’ spatial distribution characteristics and the spatial relationship with potential factors at a regional scale. The results are as follows: (1) The fossil sites in Shandong Province are concentrated in the mountainous area of central Shandong and the hilly area of the Shandong Peninsula, with significant uneven distribution characteristics, including two agglomeration areas and seven sub-agglomeration areas. (2) Natural geographical conditions, such as topography, paleogeography, and stratigraphy, play a positive role in the distribution of fossil sites, and there are apparent concentrations in the following areas: at an altitude greater than 100 m; the Lower Paleozoic and Cretaceous sedimentary rocks; and the active areas of paleo-tectonics. (3) A certain degree of negative correlation exists between socio-economic conditions, such as roads and population density, and the number of fossil sites, and a positive correlation exists between disposable personal income and those fossil sites. The operational procedure presented here is a simple, objective, applicable method that can enhance our understanding of the spatial distribution patterns and influencing factors of the discovered fossil sites of Shandong Province and support more effective and appropriate planning for paleontological heritage conservation. Full article

Caves have long fascinated humanity, serving as shelters, canvases for artistic expression and now significant attractions in the realm of tourism. Among these remarkable geological formations, the Maltravieso cave in Extremadura, Spain, stands out for its rich archaeological and paleontological heritage, particularly its collection of Paleolithic rock art. Despite its cultural significance, there is a notable dearth of studies addressing the stability of the cave from an engineering perspective. This article presents a pioneering study aimed at assessing the stability of the Maltravieso cave through a multidisciplinary approach: using empirical geomechanical classifications such as the Q Index, Rock Mass Rating (RMR) and the recently formulated Cave Geomechanical Index (CGI), alongside other techniques like Structure from Motion (SfM), 2D numerical modeling and 3D wedge analysis. This research aims to fill the gap in our opinion of cave stability assessment. By combining field data collection with sophisticated analysis methods, this study seeks to provide valuable insights into the geomechanical properties of the Maltravieso cave and validate a simple yet effective methodology for evaluating the stability of natural caves. This work not only contributes to the body of knowledge regarding cave geomechanics but also underscores the importance of preserving these invaluable cultural and geological treasures for future generations. Full article

Advances in research on environmental problems and public awareness of them have led to renewed concern about the need to establish mechanisms and figures to protect and manage sites so that geoecological processes remain outside the dynamics of anthropic occupation. This research has been approached from an inductive and qualitative perspective based on case studies to examine the articulation of the Spanish geoparks, their dynamics, and the experiences of private valorization in them. Geological heritage is seen as a lever for the promotion of the territory. In all cases, although the geological–geomorphological–paleontological–environmental resources must be significant, this designation aims to enhance the value of all assets, both natural and cultural, conceiving the geopark not as a figure of environmental protection but as a “figure to promote local development”. A total of 48 land stewardship initiatives were identified in 11 of the 15 Spanish geoparks. The most significant presence of initiatives was found in the geoparks of Catalonia, followed by the Lanzarote Geopark. No nature-based schools are located within geoparks, except for Wild Me in Central Catalonia. However, the presence of nature-based schools in biosphere reserves (BRs) seems to be more common. Framing alternative proposals, such as nature-based schools in these areas and using land stewardship in their operation, can become an opportunity to protect a region’s geological and cultural heritage and improve local communities’ quality of life through sustainable and responsible economic and tourism activities. Early-years education in the natural environment facilitates the acquisition of long-term pro-environmental skills, competencies, and behaviors that last into adulthood and act as multipliers for others. Full article

In recent years, researchers in the field of natural heritage have intensified their efforts to develop new ways to enhance the promotion and accessibility of natural content in order to attract more audiences using virtual representations of physical objects (digital twins). Therefore, they are increasingly incorporating new technologies and digital tools in their operations since their usage by the general public and in the natural heritage (NH) museums is considered particularly effective. Simultaneously, the increasing quality of the produced digitizations has opened up new opportunities for the exploitation of the outcomes of digitization beyond the initial anticipations. Responding to the growing demand of museum visitors for a personalized digital tour experience, especially amidst the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the v-PalM project aims to develop a digital platform to offer virtual guidance and education services at the Museum of Paleontology and Geology, which is hosted at the National Kapodistrian University of Athens. The development of the platform will be based on collecting data through various methods, including crowdsourcing, innovative information, and communication technologies, taking advantage of content digitization using 3D scanning devices. This paper demonstrates an enhanced methodology for the digitization of paleontological exhibits. The methodology uses photogrammetry and laser scanning methods from various devices, such as drones, laser scanners, and smartphones. These methods create digital twins that are suitable for various scenarios, including research, education, and entertainment. The proposed methodology has been applied to over fifty paleontological museum exhibits of varying sizes and complexities, and the resulting 3D models exhibit high accuracy in both their material and geometric aspects, while they also feature crucial details that assist researchers and the scientific community. Full article

Characterizing geological heritage sites (geosites) available in Russia remains an urgent task. The present study focuses on two geosites from the vicinity of Kazan—a large city on the Volga River. They are attributed to the standardized geoheritage types and scored by means of several criteria. It is found out that the Pechischi geosite represents nine geoheritage types, from which the stratigraphical type (stratotype section of the Upper Kazanian regional unit of the Guadalupian) and the geohistorical type (history of the Permian System studies) are the most important. This geosite reaches 675 out of 750 maximum possible scores, and it is ranked globally. The Cheremushki geosite represents six geoheritage types, from which the stratigraphical type (reference section of the Urzhumian regional unit of the Guadalupian) and the paleontological type (locality of diverse fossils, including tetrapods) are the most important. This geosite reaches a score of 250 and is ranked nationally. The undertaken study allows for recommending several actions for the effective conservation and exploitation of these geosites. The innovative interpretation is that the presence of geosites at the urban periphery makes its general (not only geological) heritage value comparable to that of the city’s center. Full article

The important paleontological and archaeological discoveries made in Tamajón in recent years have enriched the exceptional natural and cultural heritage of this town in the north of the Guadalajara province (central Spain). The extraordinary educational and outreach value of these findings led the PaleoIbérica Research Group to develop a project for the design and creation of the Paleontological and Archaeological Interpretation Centre of Tamajón (CIPAT, acronym in Spanish). In this new space, students and the general public have access to knowledge of the past of the region through three exhibition and didactic areas and the support of a rigorous and engaging infographic. The Paleontological Area allows visitors to explore, through fossils, replicas, models (real and virtual) and dioramas, the diversity of coastal and marine life that inhabited the region during the Late Cretaceous Age. Moreover, the area highlights crocodylomorphs, dinosaurs and fishes (identified through their fossilized tracks), and the remains of plants and invertebrates. The Archaeological Area shows the origin and uses of the building material known as Tamajón Stone by means of rough or carved samples, tools traditionally used in its extraction and carving, and historical photographs. Furthermore, in the Didactic Area, innovative specific educational activities are carried out, facilitating the knowledge and appreciation of the rich natural and cultural heritage of Tamajón. After its recent inauguration (August 2021), the CIPAT is a valuable tool to encourage the practice of positive attitudes toward geoconservation and to promote the sustainable and socioeconomic development of the region through geotourism. Full article

A 3D virtual geological route on Digital Earth of the geological-geomorphological and paleontological heritage in the Algarve (Portugal) is presented, assessing the geological heritage of nine representative geosites. Eighteen quantitative parameters are used, weighing the scientific, didactic and cultural tourist interest of each site. A virtual route has been created in Google Earth, with overlaid georeferenced cartographies, as a field guide for students to participate and improve their learning. This free application allows loading thematic georeferenced information that has previously been evaluated by means of a series of parameters for identifying the importance and interest of a geosite (scientific, educational and/or tourist). The virtual route allows travelling from one geosite to another, interacting in real time from portable devices (e.g., smartphone and tablets), and thus making possible the ability to observe the relief and spatial geological distribution with representative images, as well as to access files with the description and analysis of each geosite. By using a field guide, each geosite is complemented with activities for carrying out and evaluating what has been learned; these resources allow a teaching–learning process where the student is an active part of the development and creation of content using new technologies that provide more entertaining and educational learning, teamwork and interaction with social networks. This itinerary allows the creation of attitudes and skills that involve geoconservation as an element for sustainable development. Full article

Geodiversity treaties have multiplied and given rise to geological heritage as a singular value of protection and preservation for territories. The Puyango Petrified Forest (PPF) is a recognized Ecuadorian reserve, which was declared a National Heritage Treasure. It has an area of 2659 hectares, and it is located in the south of Ecuador, between the provinces of El Oro and Loja. The petrified trunks and trees were buried by volcanic lava, dating from the Cretaceous Period, 96 to 112 million years ago. Thus, silicification and carbonization, two important fossilization events, have produced hundreds of samples of paleontological wealth in Puyango. The objective of this work is to methodologically assess the geodiversity of a fraction of the PPF by registering its geological heritage and value for its preservation and sustainable development. The methodology is based on: (i) Analysis of information on the territory used for tourist visits, as a pilot study area. Presentation of paleontological components and their main sections to enhance their geotouristics value; (ii) Assessment of the geological heritage for its geotourism categorization with a recognized scientific methodology and one proposed by the co-authors propose; and (iii) Analysis of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) as a guide for protection and development strategies. Findings reveal the high geotourism potential for a Geopark Project in Puyango, since only 300 hectares are used for tourism and the remaining area is a virgin environment for research and improving knowledge of geodiversity and biodiversity. Full article

True diversity of geological heritage sites (geosites) is yet to be fully understood. New field studies of the Khadzhokh Canyon and its vicinities in the Western Caucasus (Mountainous Adygeya tourist destination, southwestern Russia) have allowed characterizing its geoheritage. Multiple unique features are assigned to geomorphological, stratigraphical, paleontological, palaeogeographical, sedimentary, tectonic, hydro(geo)logical, and coupled economical and geoexplorationgeoheritage types. This geoheritage is highlycomplex, and its rank is national. The unique features include (but not limited to) three canyons, Triassic stratigraphical sections, Late Jurassic coral reef, megaclast accumulations, chevron folds, and waterfalls. The geoheritage is distributed along the Khadzhokh Canyon and its branches. The configuration of thisgeositemakes it possible to propose a new category, namely dendritic geosites distinguished by continuous occurrence of geoheritage via branching stripes. Such geosites can be either natural (determined by dendritic drainage network and deep valley incision) or anthropogenic (determined by dendritic road network with lengthy road cuttings). In the former case, geosites are also geomorphosites and host viewpoint geosites. Full article

Documenting the paleontological process includes data produced by different techniques and protocols, which are used by paleontologists to prospect and eventually find a new fossil. Nowadays, together with the aforementioned data, a great amount of information is also available in terms of georeferenced systems, including contextual as well as descriptive information. However, the use of this information into a model capable of recognizing similarities and differences is still an open issue within the Natural Heritage community. From the software engineering field, software product lines are models that focus on reusing common assets, in such a way that new software developments are only concern on differentiation relying on already modeled (and implemented) systems. This synergy leads us to apply our taxonomy-oriented domain analysis for Software Product Line (SPL) development, when building systems for documenting the paleontological process. In this paper, we introduce the approach for building such software systems, and illustrate its use through a case study in North Patagonia. Findings show promissory results in terms of reuse. Full article