It is a key premise of ＇ecosystem approaches＇ to natural resources management that we must have an appropriate understanding of biodiversity values, and controls upon them, if we wish to manage them effectively. The...It is a key premise of ＇ecosystem approaches＇ to natural resources management that we must have an appropriate understanding of biodiversity values, and controls upon them, if we wish to manage them effectively. These biodiversity values, and associated ecosystem functionality, vary with space and time and are tied directly to landscape-scale relationships and evolutionary traits. In riverine systems, nested hierarchical principles provide a useful platform to assess relationships between landscape components across a range of scales. These understandings are most instructively synthesized through catchment-scale analyses. This paper outlines a rationale for systematic catchment-wide appraisals of river geodiversity. An initial application of these principles is presented for the Yellow River source zone in Qinghai Province, western China. Geo-ecological relationships are outlined for five broad sections of the trunk stream, highlighting implications for the management of these individual landscape compartments and for the system as a whole.展开更多
Geodiversity refers to the diversity(or variety, range) of geological(rocks,minerals,fossils),geomorphological (landform) and soil features,and their assemblages,relationships,processes,properties, interpretations and...Geodiversity refers to the diversity(or variety, range) of geological(rocks,minerals,fossils),geomorphological (landform) and soil features,and their assemblages,relationships,processes,properties, interpretations and systems.Despite there is a limited area of 1108 km^2,Hong Kong has a remarkably rich geodiversity that includes diversified geology, landforms,and assemblages of associated features and processes.Some geological features can even展开更多
The soil and subsoil of Morocco are rich in geological phenomena that bear the imprint of a history which goes back in time more than 2000 million years. Very many geologically remarkable sites exposed in accessible o...The soil and subsoil of Morocco are rich in geological phenomena that bear the imprint of a history which goes back in time more than 2000 million years. Very many geologically remarkable sites exposed in accessible outcrops, with good quality remained unknown to the general public and therefore deserved to be vulgarized. It is a memory to acquaint the present generations but also to preserve for future generations. In total, a rich geological heritage in many ways: Varied landscapes, international stratotypes, various geological structures, varied rocks, mineral associations, a huge procession offossiles, remnants of oceanic crust (ophiolites) among oldests ones in the world (800 my), etc. For this geological heritage, an approach of an overall inventory is needed, both regionally and nationally, taking into account all the skills of the earth sciences. This will put the item on the natural (geological) potentialities as a lever for sustainable regional development. For this, it is necessary to implement a strategy of “geoconservation” for the preservation and assessment of the geological heritage. A website “lithothèque du Maroc” is under construction.展开更多
In drylands,biocrusts play crucial roles in regulating ecosystem functions.The study was conducted in the hilly rangelands of the semi-arid northern Negev of Israel,where we assessed the visual,morphological,spectral,...In drylands,biocrusts play crucial roles in regulating ecosystem functions.The study was conducted in the hilly rangelands of the semi-arid northern Negev of Israel,where we assessed the visual,morphological,spectral,and soil properties of livestock trampling routes and inter-route spaces in northern and southern facing hillslopes.Overall,both hillslope aspects were visually similar,whereas the ground surface of the routes was brighter(74.4%were characterized as having a'light'color)than the inter-route spaces(86.8%were characterized as having a'dark'color).These observations were supported by morphological identification of biocrust composition,which was dominated by cyanobacteria(67%)in the routes,and by mixed cyanobacteria/moss(56%)in the inter-routes.Mean Normalized Difference Vegetation Index(NDVI)was 24%higher in the inter-routes,while the mean Brightness Index(BI)was 12%higher in the routes.At the same time,the mean Crust Index(CI)was identical in the two microhabitats.Soil quality index(SQI),calculated based on the(pedoderm)soil properties of the two microhabitats,was 6%greater in the inter-routes than in the routes.This study suggests that recurrent trampling exacerbates soil compaction and shearing along the routes,thus preventing the successional development of complex biocrust compositions.展开更多
Iran is a country that benefits from nice nature, diverse continent, areas full of unique geological phenomena. Thus, it is necessary to study these attractions for better recognition of them. In this regard, Hormoz I...Iran is a country that benefits from nice nature, diverse continent, areas full of unique geological phenomena. Thus, it is necessary to study these attractions for better recognition of them. In this regard, Hormoz Island with valuable geoheritage, biodiversity, cultural, historical and political diversity is very important. The accumulation of these attractions and its being located in Persian Gulf strategic area made it of considerable significance in national and international communities. Hormoz Island is a spherical salt dome which is located in Hormoz strait. This Island is composed of evaporites, igneous rocks and sedimentary rocks, and sediments mainly belong to Mishan and Aghajari formations and salt, gypsum and, to a lesser extent, limestone evaporites. In sedimentary formations of Hormoz, Aouthigenic minerals such as Pyrite, Dolomite, quartz, Anhydrite, gypsum and halite are frequently seen. Mineralization of volcanic leads to formation of high temperature minerals, such as oligiste, pyroxene, amphibole and low temperature and hydrothermal minerals such as Pyrite, quartz... in the tracks of igneous rocks. This unique geodiversity in rocks and mineral which made various colors in Hormoz Island made it a mineraogical reservoir. Beside considerable mineralogical attractions, there are other potentials like ochre mine, coral reefs, rock seashore, sea caves, salt caves, plant cover and wild life which have added to various tourism capabilities of this Island and made it a unique place in the world. This paper studies Hormoz Island in terms of geological features and geotourism potentials.展开更多
A long-term drought has led to the mass mortality of shrubs in the semi-arid Israeli Negev.The most impacted shrub species is the Noaea mucronata(Forssk.)Asch.and Schweinf.In a four-year study,we found that herbaceous...A long-term drought has led to the mass mortality of shrubs in the semi-arid Israeli Negev.The most impacted shrub species is the Noaea mucronata(Forssk.)Asch.and Schweinf.In a four-year study,we found that herbaceous vegetation growth was greater in the dead shrub patches than in the surrounding inter-patch biocrusted spaces,suggesting that the dead shrub patches encompass improved micro-habitats.However,unexpectedly,the soil moisture in the dead shrub patches was consistently lower than that of the inter-patch biocrusted spaces.At the same time,soil quality in the dead shrub patches was higher than that in the inter-patch spaces.Therefore,it seems that the overall better soil conditions in the dead patches overcome the scarcity of soil-water,supporting increased herbaceous productivity.For explaining the discrepancy between herbaceous vegetation and soil-water,we formulated a conceptual framework,which highlights the key factors that regulate soil-water dynamics in this dryland ecosystem.We demonstrate that herbaceous vegetation is facilitated in the dead shrub patches by a legacy effect that takes place long after the shrubs have died.The dead shrub patches encompass a unique form of ecosystem engineering.The study highlights the complex and unpredicted impacts of prolonged droughts on dryland ecosystems.展开更多
The main objective of this study was to present the possibilities of the development ofgeotourism in the area of the nature reserve and the UNESCO World Heritage. The scope of the research included the directions of t...The main objective of this study was to present the possibilities of the development ofgeotourism in the area of the nature reserve and the UNESCO World Heritage. The scope of the research included the directions of the transformation of the existing development of tourism and the use of the Wadi Rum Desert, in the opinion of the local Bedouin population and their activities involving the promotion of geotourism and the increase of the competitiveness in the further development of tourism. The observations and the records of tourism as well as the diagnostic tests among the Bedouin tribes living in the area of human settlements on the desert of Wadi Rum were conducted. According to the local community, geotourism was a very positive factor in the economic development of the rural settlements and the desert region. It was considered that the most important in the development of geotourism was the preservation and strengthening of the geological heritage of the desert as well as its use in tourism. The young people could see the opportunities to create new jobs, and the increase in the economic development of the region. The challenges that geotourism in Jordan must face are primarily to encourage and make tourists interested in the natural and cultural values of the region. Additionally, the coherent platform for the exchange of the experiences between the spheres of science, business, and government as well as non-governmental organizations should be created.展开更多
The African continent is a geological paradise for its geodiversity and richness of natural resources.Geoscience education is essential as it provides opportunities for social/cultural,academic,scientific and professi...The African continent is a geological paradise for its geodiversity and richness of natural resources.Geoscience education is essential as it provides opportunities for social/cultural,academic,scientific and professional growth and development.Despite several initiatives that have been started recently on this subject,they have not yielded concrete actions,due to the complexity of the African scenario,and also to the lack of clear and tailor-made geoscientific guidelines.This article summarizes the main recommendations and declarations,which currently exist and have been adopted since 2006,involving partnership and capacity building on geoeducation.The article highlights the launching of a new mid to long term,IUGS-based project named GEO-ERA:GEOscience Education Roadmap for Africa.Here we make a call upon all interested African and international institutions,organizations,societies and associations to collaborate and assist and be a part of the development and construction of the GEO-ERA,as well as in the execution of the geoeducational activites.展开更多
2016 marked a milestone in the development of the principles and practice of Geodiversity,Geoheritage and related conservation through the establishment of IUGS’s new International Commission on Geoheritage(ICG)at th...2016 marked a milestone in the development of the principles and practice of Geodiversity,Geoheritage and related conservation through the establishment of IUGS’s new International Commission on Geoheritage(ICG)at the 35th International Geological Congress in Cape Town(29th August to 2nd September 2016).This broad subject is fundamental to society’s interaction with the geological sciences,as it concerns all aspects of geological materials and processes,both in a natural and a cultural context and their intrinsic importance for a great range of human activities,including research,education,outreach,cultural value,sustainable development and as part of a shared natural and cultural heritage to be safeguarded for future generations.The establishment of ICG enables the Union to take a true leadership role in this rapidly developing field.展开更多
Geodiversity-the abiotic component of nature-is subject to everyday individuals’choices.The use of some of its elements in geoparks-by fostering economic sustainable development of local communities through the promo...Geodiversity-the abiotic component of nature-is subject to everyday individuals’choices.The use of some of its elements in geoparks-by fostering economic sustainable development of local communities through the promotion of geotourism and education-represents a successful path to global sustainability,as argued in detail in the present work.By connecting local actions and global challenges,and assuming the role of local culture as a crucial tool to achieve global sustainability.展开更多
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China, No.41001008 International Science ＆ Technology Cooperation Program of China, No.2011DFG93160 No.2011DFA20820
文摘It is a key premise of ＇ecosystem approaches＇ to natural resources management that we must have an appropriate understanding of biodiversity values, and controls upon them, if we wish to manage them effectively. These biodiversity values, and associated ecosystem functionality, vary with space and time and are tied directly to landscape-scale relationships and evolutionary traits. In riverine systems, nested hierarchical principles provide a useful platform to assess relationships between landscape components across a range of scales. These understandings are most instructively synthesized through catchment-scale analyses. This paper outlines a rationale for systematic catchment-wide appraisals of river geodiversity. An initial application of these principles is presented for the Yellow River source zone in Qinghai Province, western China. Geo-ecological relationships are outlined for five broad sections of the trunk stream, highlighting implications for the management of these individual landscape compartments and for the system as a whole.
文摘Geodiversity refers to the diversity(or variety, range) of geological(rocks,minerals,fossils),geomorphological (landform) and soil features,and their assemblages,relationships,processes,properties, interpretations and systems.Despite there is a limited area of 1108 km^2,Hong Kong has a remarkably rich geodiversity that includes diversified geology, landforms,and assemblages of associated features and processes.Some geological features can even
文摘The soil and subsoil of Morocco are rich in geological phenomena that bear the imprint of a history which goes back in time more than 2000 million years. Very many geologically remarkable sites exposed in accessible outcrops, with good quality remained unknown to the general public and therefore deserved to be vulgarized. It is a memory to acquaint the present generations but also to preserve for future generations. In total, a rich geological heritage in many ways: Varied landscapes, international stratotypes, various geological structures, varied rocks, mineral associations, a huge procession offossiles, remnants of oceanic crust (ophiolites) among oldests ones in the world (800 my), etc. For this geological heritage, an approach of an overall inventory is needed, both regionally and nationally, taking into account all the skills of the earth sciences. This will put the item on the natural (geological) potentialities as a lever for sustainable regional development. For this, it is necessary to implement a strategy of “geoconservation” for the preservation and assessment of the geological heritage. A website “lithothèque du Maroc” is under construction.
文摘In drylands,biocrusts play crucial roles in regulating ecosystem functions.The study was conducted in the hilly rangelands of the semi-arid northern Negev of Israel,where we assessed the visual,morphological,spectral,and soil properties of livestock trampling routes and inter-route spaces in northern and southern facing hillslopes.Overall,both hillslope aspects were visually similar,whereas the ground surface of the routes was brighter(74.4%were characterized as having a'light'color)than the inter-route spaces(86.8%were characterized as having a'dark'color).These observations were supported by morphological identification of biocrust composition,which was dominated by cyanobacteria(67%)in the routes,and by mixed cyanobacteria/moss(56%)in the inter-routes.Mean Normalized Difference Vegetation Index(NDVI)was 24%higher in the inter-routes,while the mean Brightness Index(BI)was 12%higher in the routes.At the same time,the mean Crust Index(CI)was identical in the two microhabitats.Soil quality index(SQI),calculated based on the(pedoderm)soil properties of the two microhabitats,was 6%greater in the inter-routes than in the routes.This study suggests that recurrent trampling exacerbates soil compaction and shearing along the routes,thus preventing the successional development of complex biocrust compositions.
文摘Iran is a country that benefits from nice nature, diverse continent, areas full of unique geological phenomena. Thus, it is necessary to study these attractions for better recognition of them. In this regard, Hormoz Island with valuable geoheritage, biodiversity, cultural, historical and political diversity is very important. The accumulation of these attractions and its being located in Persian Gulf strategic area made it of considerable significance in national and international communities. Hormoz Island is a spherical salt dome which is located in Hormoz strait. This Island is composed of evaporites, igneous rocks and sedimentary rocks, and sediments mainly belong to Mishan and Aghajari formations and salt, gypsum and, to a lesser extent, limestone evaporites. In sedimentary formations of Hormoz, Aouthigenic minerals such as Pyrite, Dolomite, quartz, Anhydrite, gypsum and halite are frequently seen. Mineralization of volcanic leads to formation of high temperature minerals, such as oligiste, pyroxene, amphibole and low temperature and hydrothermal minerals such as Pyrite, quartz... in the tracks of igneous rocks. This unique geodiversity in rocks and mineral which made various colors in Hormoz Island made it a mineraogical reservoir. Beside considerable mineralogical attractions, there are other potentials like ochre mine, coral reefs, rock seashore, sea caves, salt caves, plant cover and wild life which have added to various tourism capabilities of this Island and made it a unique place in the world. This paper studies Hormoz Island in terms of geological features and geotourism potentials.
基金funded by the Israel Science Foundation(ISF),grant number 1260/15。
文摘A long-term drought has led to the mass mortality of shrubs in the semi-arid Israeli Negev.The most impacted shrub species is the Noaea mucronata(Forssk.)Asch.and Schweinf.In a four-year study,we found that herbaceous vegetation growth was greater in the dead shrub patches than in the surrounding inter-patch biocrusted spaces,suggesting that the dead shrub patches encompass improved micro-habitats.However,unexpectedly,the soil moisture in the dead shrub patches was consistently lower than that of the inter-patch biocrusted spaces.At the same time,soil quality in the dead shrub patches was higher than that in the inter-patch spaces.Therefore,it seems that the overall better soil conditions in the dead patches overcome the scarcity of soil-water,supporting increased herbaceous productivity.For explaining the discrepancy between herbaceous vegetation and soil-water,we formulated a conceptual framework,which highlights the key factors that regulate soil-water dynamics in this dryland ecosystem.We demonstrate that herbaceous vegetation is facilitated in the dead shrub patches by a legacy effect that takes place long after the shrubs have died.The dead shrub patches encompass a unique form of ecosystem engineering.The study highlights the complex and unpredicted impacts of prolonged droughts on dryland ecosystems.
文摘The main objective of this study was to present the possibilities of the development ofgeotourism in the area of the nature reserve and the UNESCO World Heritage. The scope of the research included the directions of the transformation of the existing development of tourism and the use of the Wadi Rum Desert, in the opinion of the local Bedouin population and their activities involving the promotion of geotourism and the increase of the competitiveness in the further development of tourism. The observations and the records of tourism as well as the diagnostic tests among the Bedouin tribes living in the area of human settlements on the desert of Wadi Rum were conducted. According to the local community, geotourism was a very positive factor in the economic development of the rural settlements and the desert region. It was considered that the most important in the development of geotourism was the preservation and strengthening of the geological heritage of the desert as well as its use in tourism. The young people could see the opportunities to create new jobs, and the increase in the economic development of the region. The challenges that geotourism in Jordan must face are primarily to encourage and make tourists interested in the natural and cultural values of the region. Additionally, the coherent platform for the exchange of the experiences between the spheres of science, business, and government as well as non-governmental organizations should be created.
基金supported by the International Union of Geological Sciences.Special thanks to Profs.Chris King and R.Shankar for providing very useful comments,which greatly improved the original manuscript.
文摘The African continent is a geological paradise for its geodiversity and richness of natural resources.Geoscience education is essential as it provides opportunities for social/cultural,academic,scientific and professional growth and development.Despite several initiatives that have been started recently on this subject,they have not yielded concrete actions,due to the complexity of the African scenario,and also to the lack of clear and tailor-made geoscientific guidelines.This article summarizes the main recommendations and declarations,which currently exist and have been adopted since 2006,involving partnership and capacity building on geoeducation.The article highlights the launching of a new mid to long term,IUGS-based project named GEO-ERA:GEOscience Education Roadmap for Africa.Here we make a call upon all interested African and international institutions,organizations,societies and associations to collaborate and assist and be a part of the development and construction of the GEO-ERA,as well as in the execution of the geoeducational activites.
文摘2016 marked a milestone in the development of the principles and practice of Geodiversity,Geoheritage and related conservation through the establishment of IUGS’s new International Commission on Geoheritage(ICG)at the 35th International Geological Congress in Cape Town(29th August to 2nd September 2016).This broad subject is fundamental to society’s interaction with the geological sciences,as it concerns all aspects of geological materials and processes,both in a natural and a cultural context and their intrinsic importance for a great range of human activities,including research,education,outreach,cultural value,sustainable development and as part of a shared natural and cultural heritage to be safeguarded for future generations.The establishment of ICG enables the Union to take a true leadership role in this rapidly developing field.
基金co-funded by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund,based on COMPETE 2020(Programa Operacional da Competitividade e Internacionalização),project ICT(UID/GEO/04683/2013 and UID/Multi00073/2013)with reference POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007690 and national funds provided by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia.
文摘Geodiversity-the abiotic component of nature-is subject to everyday individuals’choices.The use of some of its elements in geoparks-by fostering economic sustainable development of local communities through the promotion of geotourism and education-represents a successful path to global sustainability,as argued in detail in the present work.By connecting local actions and global challenges,and assuming the role of local culture as a crucial tool to achieve global sustainability.
