The geological heritages in Xinjiang, China： Its features and protection

The geological heritage protection and its development at home and abroad reflect the progress in the aspect from the single protection to the coordination between protection and exploitation. The geopark established by UNESCO has closely combined the protection of geological heritages with the promotion of sustainable development of local economy, which has become the best way to protect geological heritages. The geological heritages in Xinjiang, China, are characterized by their large quantity, rich variety and high grade. The complicated geologic-geomorphic environment in Xinjiang contributes to the creation of various geological heritage types and their spatial distribution, and at the same time makes them under control. The main types of the geological heritages in Xinjiang are the geologic-geomorphic landscapes and the water landscapes. The spatial distribution can be divided into five geological heritage districts： Altay, Junggar, Tianshan, Tarim and Kunlun-Altun, among which Tianshan and Kunlun-Altun are most important. Based on the first systematic investigation of the geological heritages in Xinjiang, it is confirmed that the insufficient coordination between protection and exploitation is the primary cause for the backward situation in the geological heritage protection. To solve the problem, this paper proposes 6 major protection steps--from determining the protection types, the protection forms, the protection modes, the protection grades, the protection sequences to determining the＇ protection zones, brings forward the idea of optimal-selection which integrates geoparks with geological heritage protection areas and other protection areas as protection and exploitation reserve list for 209 well as 5 corresponding modes, and makes a important geological heritages in Xinjiang.

Features and values of geological heritage resources in Shunping County,Hebei Province

Hebei Province is rich in geological heritage resources due to its diverse landforms and unique natural conditions.However,detailed investigation and study of the resources are still limited,and a systematic survey conducted on a small scale has not been fully implemented.In this paper,the resource types and characteristics of the geological heritage in Shunping County are systematically discussed,on the basis of field investigation and scientific evaluation.With reference to the existing criteria for geological heritage resources survey,the heritage values and corresponding levels were assessed by using multi-factor quantitative evaluation approach.The results show that there are 33 geological heritage sites in Shunping County,which fall into 3 categories,10 classes and 17 subcategories.Among them,2 heritage sites are above the provincial level,14 heritage sites are at the provincial level and 17 ones are below the level.These heritage sites are not only natural resources with great tourism potential,but also valuable asset in geological research,human history,ecological conservation,scientific education and some other aspects.It is hence of great significance to conduct the scientific and reasonable appraisal for having a better understanding,good protection and development of the geological heritage resources in Hebei Province.

New Books

The Geology and Landform of Hoh Xil and Its Evolution This book is edited by Li Jianghai,Wencheng,and Liu Chiheng,and narrates the geology and landform of Hoh Xil.With a large number of photos,this book provides readers with detailed information about topographical features including highland glaciers,lakes,rivers,and plains.Experts apply remote sensing technology,geophysics,and on-site investigations to study Hoh Xil’s structural makeup,model its fractured terrain,and perform a myriad of other analyses.

Sustainable geotourism using digital technologies along a rural georoute in Monsagro(Salamanca,Spain)

Rural geotourism looks at the natural resources of the territory as a means of promoting a specialized,educational,sustainable tourism.This is an increasingly sought-after activity.This paper presents a rural georoute across a high mountain village,highlighting the remarkable value of the geological heritage of biological trace fossils and physical sedimentary structures exposed on street pavements and façades of houses.A series of tourist georesources were created and implemented:educational and interpretive panels,videos,QR codes,geoapps and games,all of which promote and disseminate the exceptional geological content and the history of the earth through the use of new technologies(smartphones,ipod,etc.).All this is intended as a means to make geotourism a natural tourism,favoring experiences,whilst explaining the natural environment and its temporal and spatial dimensions,offering opportunities for socio-economic development and job creation in rural areas with problems of depopulation.