Mid- and large-scale geodiversity calculation in Fuentes Carrionas (NW Spain) and Serra do Cadeado (Paraná, Brazil): methodology and application for land management

Ramon Pellitero-Ondicol, Fernando Manosso, Enrique Serrano

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

50 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A state-of-the-art geodiversity concept, its use and scientific development are presented. Methodologies for geodiversity calculation are assessed, as well as their aim and problems. Geodiversity calculation methodology based on biodiversity richness index is explained and applied to two different areas: Fuentes Carrionas, a high mountain mid-latitude environment in northern Spain, and Serra do Cadeado, a tropical mid-mountain environment in southern Brasil. A geodiversity map of Fuentes Carrionas proves that glacial cirques over 2000 m a.s.l. keep a high geodiversity related to a periglacial and glacial environment, whereas a geodiversity map of Serra do Cadeado shows that high geodiversity areas are situated at its main structural scarp. Geodiversity calculation needs to take scale and hierarchy issues into account, which makes comparison only possible if the same scale is used. Geodiversity calculation is a useful tool for land management as it defines areas subject to protection due to the richness of abiotic elements. It is also useful in terms of environmental impact assessment and geotourism evaluation at remote areas.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)219-235
Number of pages17
JournalGeografiska Annaler Series A-Physical Geography
Volume97
Issue number2
Early online date28 Jul 2014
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2015

Keywords

  • geodiversity
  • environmental management
  • environmental impact
  • geotourism
  • natural diversity

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