Aesthetic value of aeolian geomorphosites in the Kumtagh Desert,China

Tourism development of aeolian geomorphosites in the Kumtagh Desert is beneficial to both harmonious development of human-nature relationship and the sustainable development of the tourist industry in the Kumtagh Desert and its sur- rounding area. This paper adopts some research methods including field observation, expert assessment, and systematic investigation to analyze and evaluate the aesthetic value of aeolian geomorphosites in the Kumtagh Desert from three aspects of＂Beauty of Morphology＂, ＂Beauty of Color＂ and ＂Beauty of Forms＂. This research is a creative work in the field of aeolian geomorphosites combining the method of aeolian geomorphology and tourism geography.

Geomorphosites in Granitic Environments： An Example from Northern Sardinia （Italy）

A rare geomorphosite and a pillow-like structure appearing as mingling structures due to that mafic and acidic magma interactions are described. Despite the occurrence of spectacular forms in the granitic basement of Sardinia, the morphosites of geological interest linked to the complex evolution of pluton emplacement are still poorly understood. The Fizza Ona outcrop, located near the northeastern coast, is a good example of a geomorphosite in the inner zone developed at the edge of different plutonic units. This outcrop is a well-exposed, pillow-like horizon of less than 5 m in thickness, observable in the field for at least 200 m and underlined by the occurrence of a large tafoni form. In detail, the pillow-like horizon consists of sub-roundly to sub-rounded elements of granitic to micropegmatitic rocks of up to 100 cm in diameter, which is dispersed in the fine-grained granitic host-rock matrix. The outcrop represents a particular example of the emplacement mechanism of granitic magmas in the Sardinian batholith. One aim of this work is the construction of a document for the competent authorities to protection and preservation of this outcrop as a cultural heritage for the history of the geological evolution.

Geomorphosites: Concepts,methods and examples of geomorphological survey

Some fundamental concepts on geosites and particularly on geomorphological assets (geomorphosites) are reviewed and a methodology for their survey and assessment is presented and pointed out. Also, a case study in the province of Modena is presented.

Geomorphological mapping for the valorization of the alpine environment. A methodological proposal tested in the Loana Valley(Sesia Val Grande Geopark, Western Italian Alps)

Geomorphological mapping plays a key role in landscape representation: it is the starting point for many applications and for the realization of thematic maps, such as hazard and risk maps, geoheritage and geotourism maps. Traditional geomorphological maps are useful for scientific purposes but they need to be simplified for different aims as management and education. In tourism valorization, mapping of geomorphological resources(i.e., geosites, and geomorphosites), and of geomorphic evidences of past hazardous geomorphological events, is important for increasing knowledge about landscape evolution and active processes, potentially involving geomorphosites and hiking trails. Active geomorphosites, as those widespread in mountain regions, testify the high dynamicity of geomorphic processes and their link with climatic conditions. In the present paper, we propose a method to produce and to update cartographic supports(Geomorphological Boxes)realized starting from a traditional geomorphological survey and mapping. The Geomorphological Boxes are geomorphological representation of single, composed or complex landforms drawn on satellite images, using the official Italian geomorphological legend(ISPRA symbols). Such cartographic representation is also addressed to the analysis(identification, evaluation and selection) of Potential Geomorphosites and Geotrails. The method has been tested in the upper portion of the Loana Valley(Western Italian Alps), located within the borders of the Sesia Val Grande Geopark, recognized by UNESCO in 2013. The area has a good potential for geotourism and for educational purposes. We identified 15 Potential Geomorphosites located along 2 Geotrails; they were ranked according to specific attributes also in relation with a Reference Geomorphosite located in the Loana hydrographic basin and inserted in official national and regional databases of geosites(ISPRA; Regione Piemonte). Finally, the ranking of Potential Geomorphosites allowed to select the most valuable ones for valorization or geoconservation purposes. In thisframework, examples of Geomorphological Boxes are proposed as supports to geo-risk education practices.

A Proposed Geoheritage Inventory System: Case Study of Isalo National Park, Madagascar

Geological heritage inventory procedures and templates have been principally emerged from European countries. Each of these countries has developed its proper method of inventory based on its natural heritage, recognized on local and/or regional scales. Natural sites were mainly identified and characterized in a particular geological context, which is usually very unique, valuable and impressive;resulting in the protection of the sites. Madagascar is known internationally as a beautifully landscaped island, but the impressive sites were not cataloged. We carried out a series of field inventory of potential geological sites within the Isalo National Park in southern Madagascar. We invented several inventory sheets in order to record the most detailed information about the sites identified within the park. This is to aid in organizing the park and to establish a sustainable base for the creation of a geopark, and also they help us to build a database for geosites and their classifications. This article suggests a prototype model for inventorying intangible geosites, paleosites and geomorphosites. Our inventory sheets help to identify and to promote geological importance of any sites, not only for academia but also for other sectors such as tourism and conservation.