Geodiversity

The objective of this paper is to present a view of the geoheritage of the Paraiba state south coast, northern Brazil, in order to insert potential sites in coastal geo touristic routes. For this, a mapping of this geoheritage was carried out through the inventory of sites with relevant value. This coast is part of a sedimentary basin that developed on a failed crystalline basement, whose Plio-Pleistocene reactivation resulted in a stepped substrate, and the terrain has coastal geo touristic potential from the point of view of its geoheritage. It was necessary a detailed study of the geoscientific literature of the area, besides a detailed field work, whose look about the physical substrate reflected the importance of this as a heritage element of space. The relief was fragmented into three major morpho sculptural units: coastal plains and tablelands, limited by the slopes, all with their potential sites, developed at various scales and presented herein. Coqueirinho Canyon, Tambaba Beach, Coqueirinho tombolo, the Coqueirinho cones of dejection and the Coqueirinho High Structural were identified as sites. It is therefore pertinent to interconnect this heritage to tourism in the area, so that more motivation arouses the interest of tourists, now turned to the bias of the lithosphere and hydrosphere.

INTRODUÇÃO A temática acerca do Patrimônio Natural é relativamente nova nas Geociências e não há unanimidade em sua definição e caracterização. A partir da Conferência das Nações Unidas sobre o Meio Ambiente Humano, realizado nos mês de junho de 1972, em Estocolmo, os problemas ambientais passaram a ser discutidos em uma escala amplificada e adentrando personagens que até então estavam secundarizados nesta pauta de discussões. Assim, em outubro e novembro do mesmo ano, em Paris, a temática ambientalista foi inserida na visão patrimonial do espaço, através da Convenção para a Proteção do Patrimônio Mundial, Cultural e Natural, sob a égide da UNESCO, onde os aspectos da natureza foram separados dos humano-culturais, pelo menos na prática, pois sabe-se que o re-conhecimento e proteção de uma cultura nacional se dá pela "integração dos elementos naturais e sus processo com as ações humanas, devido à identidade, sensibilidade e significados (religiosos, míticos, históricos, simbólicos, afetivos, entre outros)" (PINTO e OLIVEIRA FILHO, 2014, p. 23), estabelecidos entre o ser humano e a natureza. O Geopatrimônio (do inglês, 'Geoheritage') corresponde à porção abiótica do Patrimônio Natural, podendo ser subdividido em Patrimônio Geológico, Geomor-fológico, Pedológico e Hidrológico (RODRIGUES, 2009). Assim, neste trabalho, foi dissociado do patrimônio geológico, que consideramos corresponder a concei-tos complementares, mas distintos, sendo ambos enquadrados no patrimônio natural abiótico, conjuntamente com os elementos do património hidrológico e pedológico. O termo sítio foi introduzido nas Geociências por Panizza (2001), consistindo em uma porção do geopatrimônio que possui uma importância

Santana do Cariri, at Ceará, has rose as an appropriated case for discussing the relations existing between geodiversity and heritage, through an integral approach, where it is considered the people’s perception about their local geological richness. The analysis allowed supporting a conceptual approach that originate a proposal for defining the term geoheritage. It becomes essential to know the reality
and consider the traditions of local people to define, promote, and manage conflicts that may lead to heritage loss, by integrating the population in the process that drives to geoconservation.

The municipality of João Pessoa and the south coast of Paraíba, admittedly, is a tourist destination for 3S (sand, sea and sun) market. It has a geomorphological, geological, pedological and hidrological heritage still little studied for geotourism purposes, whose contribution of this paper is to encourage discussions about this niche, yet incomplete, tourism, notably in the Paraíba State. The preliminary aim is to suggest potential sites that reflect the geodiversity of the area, with the aim of mapping the future of it, resulting the elaboration of a Geoturistic Guide of this coastal area. The geosedimentary history of the urban site of area dates back to the late moments of the separation of the supercontinent Pangea, forming the Paraiba basin. The urban development of geotourism in João Pessoa and surrondings is a dynamic way to publicize their geoheritage to a greater number of people, whether tourists or not, for it geoconservation. This practice still keeps its infancy, and the inventory of this geoheritage, as well as biotic and geomorphological heritage, with the intention of spreading the geosciences, it is necessary and is of huge importance to urban planning and management.

A relação entre o homem e o substrato geológico pode ser observada na paisagem que pode revelar as diferentes maneiras de apropriação cultural dos elementos da geodiversidade. Os produtos dessa relação registram, em alguns casos, trechos importantes da história humana, tornando-os patrimônios geoculturais de grande valor histórico, científico e turístico. O processo de desenvolvimento do Brasil colonial e imperial teve papel preponderante na produção do patrimônio geocultural de Minas Gerais, guardando traços de um período em que a geodiversidade ocupou função relevante para o crescimento econômico regional. Este período, conhecido como ciclo do ouro, deixou na paisagem vestígios da mineração de metais preciosos e da metalurgia em ruínas de construções rudimentares e coloniais. Estes vestígios integram significativamente a paisagem da Serra da Calçada, localizada na porção noroeste do Quadrilátero Ferrífero, importante pólo minerário nacional. A fim de compreender melhor o potencial geoturístico destas áreas, foi proposto um método de quantificação desses elementos que integram o patrimônio geoculturalbuscando auxiliar na tomada de decisões relacionada à sua valorização e à geoconservação. I ntr odução O desenvolvimento da humanidade foi responsável pela produção de uma paisagem cultural que, ao longo da evolução humana na Terra, deixou vestígios da apropriação de elementos da natureza para construção de bens culturais de variados períodos históricos. Estas impressões culturais, que segundo Santos (1978, 2004), compõe a morfologia da paisagem, onde os produtos de diferentes momentos históricos se cristalizam no espaço geográfico criando formas-objeto ou rugosidades. O evidente aspecto da ação humana sobre a crosta terrestre é principalmente a modificação do relevo. Peloggia (2005) apud Pereira (2010) aponta que as intervenções na paisagem natural tiveram início com o domínio do fogo e se intensificaram com o surgirmento das civilizações, provenientes da Revolução Neolítica. Na geologia esta ocasião marca o início do Tecnógeno, período em que o homem passou a exercer forte influência na dinâmica externa do planeta. Para Pereira (2010) no Tecnógeno a espécie humana passa a ser um agente geológico, disseminando um estilo de vida urbanizado, construindo paisagens com significativas transformações na superfície terrestre. Assim como ressaltam Nascimento e Scifoni (2010) & Bento (2012), a relação sociedade-natureza é responsável pela produção de dois tipos de objetos culturais que se expressam na paisagem: os materiais, que constituem as cidades, as edificações e as plantações; e os imateriais, correspondentes às festividades, crenças, lendas, tradições, aos símbolos, entre outros, sendo ambos concebidos por meio de uma construção social e histórica. Destarte, no contexto do processo de desenvolvimento do Brasil colonial e imperial, a paisagem teve forte influência da ação minerária no período conhecido como Ciclo do Ouro, deixando vestígios relevantes para se compreender a história do país. Este período histórico teve

This dissertation proposes that the current legal definition of springs, veredas and wetlands should be revised. The existing concepts applied to these hydrological systems are controversial, but at the same time have important legal implications. According to Law 12.651/2012 (Brazil 2012), marginal zones, as well as their surroundings, are entitled to protection as ‘Areas of Permanent Preservation’ - APP. Being defined as an APP area allows a differentiated protection regime, such as maintenance or restoration of the local vegetation. Intervention in APP areas, or the suppression of the local vegetation, is only possible in exceptional circumstances determined by the law. Brazil’s environmental legal framework has many different approaches and many different instruments, all of which aim to restrict the impacts on bodies of water and guide the reasonable use of these vital resources. However, there needs to be improvement in the application of these legal standards, better integration between national laws, and improved interaction between Brazil’s national laws and international treaties, such as the
Ramsar Convention. Springs, veredas and wetlands need to be better conceptualized in the law, which would help to inform decisions on human settlement and alternative land use. This paper proposes a revision of the concepts for springs, veredas and wetlands, as well as a methodology for their future definition, based on a case study of the Ecological Monitoring Station in Águas Emendadas (ESEC-AE) in Brazil’s Federal District. ESEC-AE is particularly relevant for this study, given its role as a meeting point between the Escudo Central hydrogeological system and the Tocantins and Paraná Basins surface hydrology network. ESEC-AE’s hydrological and ecological attributes, combined with its environmental functions, indicate its potential to be recognized as a Ramsar Site. Nevertheless, there are indications that the ESEC-AE wetlands are reducing in size. Further studies are required to determine the factors influencing the shrinkage and any possible mitigation / recovery measures. The reduction in the ESEC-AE wetlands is particularly concerning, given their hydrological importance.

This dissertation proposes that the current legal definition of springs, veredas and wetlands should be revised. The existing concepts applied to these hydrological systems are controversial, but at the same time have important legal implications. According to Law 12.651/2012 (Brazil 2012), marginal zones, as well as their surroundings, are entitled to protection as ‘Areas of Permanent Preservation’ - APP. Being defined as an APP area allows a differentiated protection regime, such as maintenance or restoration of the local vegetation. Intervention in APP areas, or the suppression of the local vegetation, is only possible in exceptional circumstances determined by the law. Brazil’s environmental legal framework has many different approaches and many different instruments, all of which aim to restrict the impacts on bodies of water and guide the reasonable use of these vital resources. However, there needs to be improvement in the application of these legal standards, better integration between national laws, and improved interaction between Brazil’s national laws and international treaties, such as the Ramsar Convention. Springs, veredas and wetlands need to be better conceptualized in the law, which would help to inform decisions on human settlement and alternative land use. This paper proposes a revision of the concepts for springs, veredas and wetlands, as well as a methodology for their future definition, based on a case study of the Ecological Monitoring Station in Águas Emendadas (ESEC-AE) in Brazil’s Federal District. ESEC-AE is particularly relevant for this study, given its role as a meeting point between the Escudo Central hydrogeological system and the Tocantins and Paraná Basins surface hydrology network. ESEC-AE’s hydrological and ecological attributes, combined with its environmental functions, indicate its potential to be recognized as a Ramsar Site. Nevertheless, there are indications that the ESEC-AE wetlands are reducing in size. Further studies are required to determine the factors influencing the shrinkage and any possible mitigation / recovery measures. The reduction in the ESEC-AE wetlands is particularly concerning, given their hydrological importance.

A guide to 18 points of Earth heritage interest in the Breckland area of East Anglia UK. The book spans geology and geomorphology, and links biodiversity and Palaeolithic archaeology.

44 pages in A4 format. ISBN 978-0-9564584-6-9.
Published by Norfolk Geodiversity Partnership / Breaking New Ground 2017; funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Currently there are no Geoparks in the United States, the pre-aspiring Appalachian Geopark is proposed to fill this gap in the Global Geopark Network (GGN). The Appalachian Geopark (AG) will be formed from three southern West Virginia counties: Fayette, Greenbrier and Raleigh. These three counties are the heart of the Geopark region within West Virginia, and include the critical components of rivers, caves and coal; as well as transportation modes, including river, rail, and meandering country roads.
A preliminary geosite inventory exposes nearly 100 geosites focusing on these and other themes. The heritage of the people living in the Appalachians is well-known, both domestically and internationally, through its unique Bluegrass music and the three national parks units of southern WV (New River Gorge, Gauley River, and Bluestone National Parks). In addition, the Greenbrier Resort is a well-known large-scale lodge offering hot springs, first class lodging and restaurant opportunities, and an underground labyrinth designed to shelter the US President and the US Congress in times of national crisis (now inactive). Now a tourism focal point, and a historical geosite, the Greenbrier is an anchor within Greenbrier County. Additional, internationally acclaimed geosites include numerous other hot springs, karst, caves, rail and coal heritage, water and geological formations of international significance.
The newly build Bechtel Summit Reserve is a leadership, adventure and Scout camp that provides lodging for nearly 50,000 youth adventurers. This world-class leisure infrastructure is one of the critical hubs within the AG, and is located just minutes from the New River Gorge National River. Also, West Virginia State Parks, high adventure activities, such as geo-rafting tours, climbing opportunities and more are scattered throughout the three counties. West Virginia University is currently the responsible agency—the organization that is “priming the pump” and will hand over the leadership to local grass roots entities. WVU holds steadfast to its mission of delivering high-quality education, excelling in discovery and innovation, modeling a culture of diversity and inclusion, promoting health and vitality, and building pathways for the exchange of knowledge and opportunity between the state, the nation and the world. The scope of the Appalachian Geopark advances the University’s land-grant mission, as well as service, collaboration and economic enrichment of the state. In summary, West Virginia University is committed to leading the way and stimulating great things in the state – and we firmly believe this is a great concept that will strengthen West Virginia state in a multitude of ways.
The Appalachian Geopark will be an economic stimulus that will allow tourism to take a front seat in the state’s economy.

The natural landscape of João Pessoa and its surroundings are among the most beautiful in the country, and has a historic centre with buildings that feature among the oldest in the country. Consequently, the privileged nature associated with the important cultural heritage result in the appropriation of this coastal environment with the consequent urban evolution dating from the sixteenth century. The objective of this work is to present the perception of the several writers, who were present in the Captaincy of Parahyba, during the colonial period, on the elements of geodiversity that were primordial for the consolidation and urban expansion of its capital, Nossa Senhora das Neves. In order to achieve this, several historical documents, elaborated by these travellers, during the aforementioned historical period, were used not only to divulge the geodiversity of the Captaincy but also to encourage the communities to rediscover their roots and identity, linked to the physical elements of this space. A paisagem natural de João Pessoa e arredores estão entre as mais belas do país, além de possuir um Centro Histórico com edificações entre as mais antigas. Assim, a natureza privilegiada, associada ao patrimônio cultural importante, resulta na apropriação deste ambiente costeiro, com a consequente evolução urbana que data do século XVI. O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar a percepção que diversos literatos que estiveram na Capitania da Parahyba, durante o período colonial, possuíam acerca dos elementos da geodiversidade que foram primordiais para a consolidação e expansão urbana de sua capital, Nossa Senhora das Neves. Para isto, foi recorrido a uma farta documentação histórica envolvendo relatos, crônicas e correspondências, com o intuito de não apenas divulgar a geodiversidade da Capitania, mas de instigar as comunidades atuais a uma redescoberta de sua identidade e raízes que estão vinculadas aos elementos físicos do espaço. GEODIVERSIDADE DE LA PARAHYBA EN EL PERÍODO COLONIAL Una paisaje natural de João Pessoa y los arredores están entre más belas del país y posee un Centro Histórico con edificaciones entre las más antiguas del país. Asi, la naturaleza privilegiada, asociada al patrimonio cultural importante, resulta en la apropiación de este ambiente costeiro, com la consiguiente evolución urbana que data del siglo XVI. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar la percepción que diversos literatos que estuvieram en la Capitania de la Parahyba, durante el período colonial, poseían acerca de los elementos de la geodiversidad que han sido primordiales para una consolidación y expansión urbana de su capital, Nossa Senhora das Neves. Para esto, fue recurrido a una abundante documentación histórica elaborados por estos viajeros durante el referido período histórico, com el proposito de no solo divulgar la geodiversidade de la Capitanía, así como instigar a las comunidades actuales a un redescubrimiento de su identidad y raíces que están vinculadas a los elementos físicos del espacio.

Se trata de la fase inicial de un proyecto que busca la puesta en valor de los ríos en gravas, muy amenazados y en claro proceso de desaparición, siendo al mismo tiempo de alto valor patrimonial. Se presenta el censo y la propuesta preliminar de tipologías de los ríos de gravas en el Pirineo central aragonés. A partir de fotointerpretación se ha identificado un total de 224 tramos de cauces gravas que han sido analizados según las variables de longitud, superficie de cuenca hasta el tramo, anchura y colonización vegetal del tramo. Los datos de estas variables para cada tramo han sido comparados entre sí. A partir de las características específicas de los cauces de gravas en el área de estudio y las variables básicas analizadas se han identificado cuatro tipologías: torrentes y barrancos de montaña, cauces de barras mal definidas, cauces trenzados y cauces divagantes. En fases posteriores se abordará la evolución, así como los impactos y presiones que amenazan su pervivencia y faciliten la propuesta de medidas de conservación, protección y restauración.

Abstract We show the first steps of a project that seeks the enhancement of the very threatened gravel-bed rivers in risk of disappearing, at the time of having a high geomorphological heritage value. A census and a preliminary typology of gravel-bed rivers in the central Pyrenees of Aragón are presented. A total of 224 gravel-bed reaches were identified through photointerpretation and their length, width, basin surface and riparian colonization was studied. The results of these variables were compared each other. Based on the specific characteristics of the gravel-bed rivers of the study area and the basic variables four typologies were identified: mountain gullies and ravines, streams with undefined bars, braided rivers and wandering rivers. In next phases of the study the evolution, as well as the impacts and pressures that endangered its continued existence, will be analyzed with the aim of proposing conservation, protection and restoration measures.