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Geomorphology, Geoheritage, Geoparks and Geotourism in Volcanic Areas

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A special issue of Geosciences (ISSN 2076-3263). This special issue belongs to the section "Geoheritage, Geoparks and Geotourism".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2020) | Viewed by 55645

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Dr. Javier Dóniz-Páez

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Department of Geography and History, University of La Laguna, 38200 La Laguna, Spain
Interests: volcanoes; geomorphology; geoheritage; geoparks; geotourism
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The overall goal of this Special Issue of Geosciences is to identify, characterize and evaluate the potential and the opportunities of volcanic geomorphology, geoheritage, geoparks and geotourism for the societies living around the volcanic areas. The benefits of the volcanic landscapes include different current, methods and techniques and research interests: volcanic geomorphology, geomorphosites/geosites, geoheritage, geoparks and geotourism in natural or urban spaces.

Specifically, this Special Issue aims to provide an outlet a rapid, widely accessible publication of peer-reviewed studies about the benefits of volcanoes for society. This special issue aims to cover, without being limited to, the following areas:

Volcanic geomorphology: includes different investigations about the process (eruptive dynamics, erosion) and landforms (stratovolcanoes, cinder cones, shield volcanoes, lava flows, etc.) of the volcanic areas.
Volcanic geoheritage: includes the description and inventorying of geosites and geomorphosites in a scientific, cultural and management context. This geoheritage shows the geodiversity of the volcanic areas.
Volcanic geoparks: are areas with geodiversity of international value and great natural and human environment which aim to protect and conserve (geoconservation) their volcanic, natural and cultural heritage through education and geotourism development for inhabitants and visitors.
Volcano tourism: has become more and more popular during last decade, because visitors are more interested in the experience and the sustainable resources which volcanoes can offer then: landscapes, beaches, sports, scientific tourism, spring and spas, archaeology, religions, dark tourism, etc.

This Secial Issue welcomes contributions in all the previous topics as well as innovative approaches and best practices.

Dr. Javier Dóniz-Páez
Guest Editor

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Geosciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

volcanoes
geomorphology
geoheritage
geodiversity
geomorphosites
geoparks
geoconservation
geotourism
urban geotourism

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 795 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Editorial of the Special Issue “Geomorphology, Geoheritage, Geoparks and Geotourism in Volcanic Areas”

by Javier Dóniz-Páez

Geosciences 2022, 12(2), 85; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/geosciences12020085 - 14 Feb 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1805

Abstract

Volcanic landscapes represent very attractive sites for the population, and offer many resources to the communities that live within them (soils, materials, energy, and tourism) (Figure 1) [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geomorphology, Geoheritage, Geoparks and Geotourism in Volcanic Areas)

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Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

34 pages, 12030 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Basse-Terre Island of Guadeloupe (Eastern Caribbean, France) and Its Volcanic-Hydrothermal Geodiversity: A Case Study of Challenges, Perspectives, and New Paradigms for Resilience and Sustainability on Volcanic Islands

by Roberto Moretti, Séverine Moune, David Jessop, Chagnon Glynn, Vincent Robert and Sébastien Deroussi

Geosciences 2021, 11(11), 454; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/geosciences11110454 - 02 Nov 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3477

Abstract

The volcanic-hydrothermal geo-diversity of the Basse-Terre Island of Guadeloupe archipelago (Eastern Caribbean, France) is a major asset of the Caribbean bio-geoheritage. In this paper, we use Guadeloupe as a representative of many small island developing states (SIDS), to show that the volcanic-hydrothermal geodiversity is a major resource and strategic thread for resilience and sustainability. These latter are related to the specific richness of Guadeloupe’s volcanic-geothermal diversity, which is de facto inalienable even in the wake of climate change and natural risks that are responsible for this diversity, i.e., volcanic eruptions. We propose the interweaving the specificity of volcanic-geothermal diversity into planning initiatives for resilience and sustainability. Among these initiatives research and development programs focused on the knowledge of geodiversity, biodiversity and related resources and risks are central for the long-term management of the water resource, lato sensu. Such a management should include a comprehensive scientific observatory for the characterization, exploration, and sustainable exploitation of the volcanic-hydrothermal geodiversity alongside planning for and mitigating geophysical risks related to sudden volcanic-induced phenomena and long-term systemic drifts due to climate change. The results of this exercise for Guadeloupe could typify innovative paths for similar SIDS around their own volcanic-hydrothermal geodiversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geomorphology, Geoheritage, Geoparks and Geotourism in Volcanic Areas)

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21 pages, 8905 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Magma Type in the Continental Collision Zone. The Case of Capraia Island (Tuscany, Italy)

by Alba Patrizia Santo

Geosciences 2021, 11(2), 104; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/geosciences11020104 - 20 Feb 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1922

Abstract

The Tuscany Magmatic Province consists of a Miocene to Pleistocene association of a wide variety of rock types, including peraluminous crustal anatectic granites and rhyolites, calcalkaline and shoshonitic suites and ultrapotassic lamproites. In addition to the magma types already recognised, the occurrence of a new, distinct magma type at Capraia and Elba islands and in mafic enclaves in the San Vincenzo rhyolites has been suggested by recent studies. This particular type of magma, represented by intermediate to acidic calcalkaline rocks showing high Sr, Ba, and LREE, is restricted to the northwestern sector of the province and to a time interval of about 8 to 4.5 Ma. New data obtained on rocks from Capraia Island have allowed for the verification of the occurrence of this new magma type, the exploration of its origin and a discussion of its possible geodynamic significance. The high-Sr-Ba andesite-dacite rocks occurring in the Laghetto area at Capraia display a composition that is intermediate between adakitic and calcalkaline rocks. It is suggested that they represent a distinct type of magma that originated at mantle pressure by melting of the lower continental crust, followed by mixing with other Capraia magmas. The geodynamic model that best explains the composition of the studied rocks is the thickening of the continental crust during continental collision, followed by extension that favoured melting of the lower crust. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geomorphology, Geoheritage, Geoparks and Geotourism in Volcanic Areas)

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18 pages, 15673 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a New Type of Geodiversity System for the Scoria Cones of the Chaîne des Puys Based on Geomorphometric Studies

by Fanni Vörös, Márton Pál, Benjamin van Wyk de Vries and Balázs Székely

Geosciences 2021, 11(2), 58; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/geosciences11020058 - 29 Jan 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2742

Abstract

The aesthetic beauty of a landscape is an integral value reflected in artistic inspiration. Science, in contrast, tries to quantify the landscape using various methods. Of these, geodiversity indices have been found to be a useful approach, and this geomorphological diversity is characterized through derivatives made from digital terrain models (DTM). While these methods are useful, they have a drawback that the value of some landscape features may be underestimated if they have regular forms. For example, the aesthetic and scientific attractiveness of our study area, the Chaîne des Puys (Auvergne, France), a UNESCO World Heritage site, is strongly related to the distinctive small volcanoes, but despite being an outstanding element of the landscape, the scoria cones do not stand out well in geodiversity indices. This is because they have almost symmetrical conical forms and regular slopes that score low in the available geodiversity methods. We explore this problem and investigate how to overcome the low geodiversity performance of these distinctive landscape elements. We propose a modified approach for scoria cones using the normal input layers but adapted to the cone geometry. The modified indices are easy to compute and consider the uniformity and symmetry of larger landscape elements that form scientifically integral and aesthetically vital components of the landscape. The method is applicable to the tens of thousands of small monogenetic volcanoes in the hundreds of volcanic fields around the world, and could be extended to other volcanic features, such as domes. It would be possible to use the method to study larger volcanoes, as they often share and replicate the small-scale monogenetic morphology considered here. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geomorphology, Geoheritage, Geoparks and Geotourism in Volcanic Areas)

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25 pages, 6512 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Features That Favor the Prediction of the Emplacement Location of Maar Volcanoes: A Case Study in the Central Andes, Northern Chile

by Gabriel Ureta, Károly Németh, Felipe Aguilera and Rodrigo González

Geosciences 2020, 10(12), 507; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/geosciences10120507 - 21 Dec 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4207

Abstract

Maar volcanoes are monogenetic landforms whose craters cut below the pre-eruptive surface and are surrounded by a tephra ring. Both the maar crater and the surrounding tephra rim deposits are typically formed due to magma–water explosive interactions. Northern Chile is located in the Central Volcanic Zone of the Andes where, in literature, 14 maars have been recognized as parasite (6) and individual (8) volcanoes. Amongst these individual maars, 3 of them, namely the Tilocálar Sur, Cerro Tujle, and Cerro Overo volcanoes, are not related to calderas and were emplaced <1 Ma ago by magmatic explosive-effusive and phreatomagmatic eruptions. Based on the evolution and control of the volcanic eruptive styles of these three maars, which have been determined in previous research through fieldwork, stratigraphic, morphometric, textural (density and vesicularity), petrographic, and geochemical analyses, a set of key features that favor a prediction of the emplacement location of maar volcanoes in Central Andes, northern Chile are proposed. The set of features that permit and favor the growth mechanisms for maar formations corresponds to (i) a compressive tectonic setting (e.g., ridge structures), (ii) groundwater recharge (e.g., snowmelt and seasonal rainfall), (iii) the lithological setting (e.g., layers of low permeability), (iv) the presence of aquifer and/or endorheic basins (e.g., lakes or salars), and (v) a period of stress relaxation that permits magma ascent to the surface in volcanically active areas. Considering these characteristics, it is possible to identify places where phreatomagmatic eruption can occur. If the magma ascent flux is lower than the groundwater flux, this can lead to a phreatomagmatic eruption because of groundwater coming into contact with the magma. These eruptive features evidence internal—and external—factors that play an essential role in the transition from explosive-effusive magmatic to phreatomagmatic volcanic eruption styles during the same eruptive period that is one of the biggest challenges in volcanic hazard evaluations. Although, in this contribution, a set of features that permit and favor the growth mechanisms for a prediction of the emplacement location of maars in northern Chile is proposed, these considerations could also be applied to identify potential locations in other parts of the world where magma–water interaction eruption could occur. Therefore, this approach could be useful in the prediction of hydromagmatic volcanic eruptions and, thus, in mitigating the impact of volcanic hazard for the inhabitants of the surrounding areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geomorphology, Geoheritage, Geoparks and Geotourism in Volcanic Areas)

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25 pages, 6422 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Chinyero Volcanic Landscape Trail (Canary Islands, Spain): A Geotourism Proposal to Identify Natural and Cultural Heritage in Volcanic Areas

by Esther Beltrán-Yanes, Javier Dóniz-Páez and Isabel Esquivel-Sigut

Geosciences 2020, 10(11), 453; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/geosciences10110453 - 11 Nov 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5442

Abstract

The Chinyero Special Nature Reserve is located on the NW rift zone of Tenerife, between 600 and 1500 m above sea level. This natural setting is distinguished by a significant concentration of monogenetic basaltic volcanoes that have erupted in recent and historical times, including Garachico (1706) and Chinyero (1909). The volcanic landscapes of this protected area are part of the Canary Island pine forest ecosystem and, therefore, also feature beautiful forests colonising the newly formed layers of volcanic materials. The aim of this paper is to design a geographical route through the landscape for geotourism purposes, based on a global and coherent interpretation of the original physiognomy of a landscape that has been decisively shaped by volcanic phenomena. This nature trail represents a proposal for a new tourism product as an alternative to the traditional “sun and beach” coastal tourism product. This paper comprises a first stage, dedicated to the geographical study of the landscape, and a second stage focused on designing a geotourism route, which will identify and characterise the elements of the natural and cultural heritage of the area and its unique landforms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geomorphology, Geoheritage, Geoparks and Geotourism in Volcanic Areas)

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26 pages, 8739 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Geoheritage and Geotourism in Regions with Extinct Volcanism in Germany; Case Study Southwest Germany with UNESCO Global Geopark Swabian Alb

by Heidi Elisabeth Megerle

Geosciences 2020, 10(11), 445; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/geosciences10110445 - 08 Nov 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4231

Abstract

Geotourism has become more popular in recent decades. Volcanism is an essential part of geoheritage and attracts a high number of visitors. In contrast to active volcanism, Tertiary volcanism is often not identified as such by a lay audience and is understandably perceived as less spectacular. The challenge is therefore to protect the volcanic heritage, to communicate its values, and to enhance it with the help of adequate geotourism offers. Germany does not have active volcanism, but a very high quality volcanic geological heritage, especially from the Tertiary period. Fortunately, this heritage is being increasingly valued and presented in an attractive way for a lay audience. The two Geoparks in the Eifel (Rhineland-Palatinate) are pioneers in this field. The UNESCO Global Geopark Swabian Alb actually offers a well camouflaged potential. The Swabian volcano, with an area of 1600 km², is one of the most important tuff vent areas on earth, but hardly known outside of expert groups. A comprehensive strategy for the geotouristic valorization of the Tertiary volcanic phenomena does not yet exist in the Geopark Swabian Alb. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geomorphology, Geoheritage, Geoparks and Geotourism in Volcanic Areas)

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35 pages, 9704 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization and Geotourist Resources of the Campo de Calatrava Volcanic Region (Ciudad Real, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain) to Develop a UNESCO Global Geopark Project

by Rafael Becerra-Ramírez, Rafael U. Gosálvez, Estela Escobar, Elena González, Mario Serrano-Patón and Darío Guevara

Geosciences 2020, 10(11), 441; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/geosciences10110441 - 06 Nov 2020

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 7848

Abstract

The Campo de Calatrava Volcanic Region is located in Central Spain (Ciudad Real province, Castilla-La Mancha) where some eruptions of different intensity and spatial location took place throughout a period of more than 8 million years. As a result, more than 360 volcanic edifices spread over 5000 km². Eruptions of this volcanic system were derived from alkaline magmas with events of low explosivity (Hawaiian and Strombolian). These events are characterized by three different manifestations: the emission of pyroclasts (cinder and spatter cones) and lava flows; some hydromagmatic events, which lead to the formation of wide craters (maars) and pyroclastic flows; and remnant volcanic activity related to gas emission (CO₂), hot springs (hervideros) and carbonic water fountains (fuentes agrias). The methods used for this study are based on analytical studies of geography, geomorphology and geoheritage to identify volcanoes and their resources and attractions linked to the historical-cultural heritage. These volcanoes are a potential economic resource and attraction for the promotion of volcano tourism (geotourism), and they are the basis for achieving a UNESCO Global Geopark Project, as a sustainable territorial and economic management model, to be part of the international networks of conservation and protection of nature and, especially, that of volcanoes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geomorphology, Geoheritage, Geoparks and Geotourism in Volcanic Areas)

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19 pages, 3192 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diversity of Volcanic Geoheritage in the Canary Islands, Spain

by Javier Dóniz-Páez, Esther Beltrán-Yanes, Rafael Becerra-Ramírez, Nemesio M. Pérez, Pedro A. Hernández and William Hernández

Geosciences 2020, 10(10), 390; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/geosciences10100390 - 28 Sep 2020

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 5373

Abstract

Volcanic areas create spectacular landscapes that contain a great diversity of geoheritage. The study of this geoheritage enables us to inventory, characterise, protect and manage its geodiversity. The Canary Islands are a group of subtropical active volcanic oceanic islands with a great variety of magma types and eruption dynamics that give rise to a wide diversity of volcanic features and processes. The aim of this paper is to identify, for the first time, the diversity of volcanic geoheritage of the Canary Islands and to appraise the protection thereof. To this end, a geomorphological classification is proposed, taking into account the features and processes directly related to volcanism, such as those resulting from erosion and sedimentary processes. The main findings demonstrate that the volcanic geoheritage of the Canary Islands is extremely varied and that this geodiversity is safeguarded by regional, national and, international protection and management frameworks. Even so, and given the enormous pressure of coastal tourism on the coastlines of the islands, we believe that continuing efforts should be made to conserve and manage their volcanic and non-volcanic geoheritage, so that these places can continue to be enjoyed in the form of geotourism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geomorphology, Geoheritage, Geoparks and Geotourism in Volcanic Areas)

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17 pages, 3300 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Volcanic Geomorphology: A Review of Worldwide Research

by Paúl Carrión-Mero, Néstor Montalván-Burbano, Nataly Paz-Salas and Fernando Morante-Carballo

Geosciences 2020, 10(9), 347; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/geosciences10090347 - 03 Sep 2020

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 6305

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of academic research on volcanic geomorphology, through the use of bibliometric analysis and bibliographic visualization maps for the discernment of its growing interest by the academy in the last 30 years. It is sustained on the publications indexed in the Scopus database between 1956 and 2019, obtaining relevant information on scientific production, following the methodological structure of a rigorous bibliometric process, which ranges from the search for descriptors or keywords to the configuration of visualizations of tables and maps that allowed to consider the contributions by authors, institutions, journals and topics that have shaped the evolution of this field of study. The generations of bibliometric maps allowed understanding the intellectual structure of the field of study made up of 707 articles where the analysis of co-occurrence of author keywords showed six main lines of research that, combined with the co-citation maps, allowed understanding the breadth of intellectual structure. Extensive information is provided on the thematic that other investigations partially addressed or failed to capture their current status. Considering that the results allow us to identify areas of current interest and the potential of research in volcanic geomorphology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geomorphology, Geoheritage, Geoparks and Geotourism in Volcanic Areas)

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17 pages, 4906 KiB

Open AccessArticle

State of the Art of Geodiversity, Geoconservation, and Geotourism in Costa Rica

by Adolfo Quesada-Román and Dennis Pérez-Umaña

Geosciences 2020, 10(6), 211; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/geosciences10060211 - 01 Jun 2020

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 5500

Abstract

Over the last decades, Costa Rica became established as a world-leading ecotourism destination due to its environmental policies and environmental awareness. The country is located in a dynamic region where the combination of tectonics and volcanism, and tropical climate and vegetation have molded its landscapes. Our aim is to carry out a review of the geodiversity, geoconservation, and geotourism status in Costa Rica. We analyzed different geomorphic environments (volcanic, coastal, karstic, glacial, and fluvial), prospecting the importance of environmental policies and the Conservation Areas National System for the promotion of national geoheritage through geotourism. Our results are critical for the promotion of geosciences to the wider public throughout geotourism and conservation decision-makers. In dynamic, geomorphic, tropical, and developing countries with strong anthropic pressures over their geo- and biodiversity, geoheritage studies might be a priority for increasing their revenues through geotourism and reducing the pressure on their natural resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geomorphology, Geoheritage, Geoparks and Geotourism in Volcanic Areas)

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Review

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22 pages, 13259 KiB

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Old Volcanic Stories—Bringing Ancient Volcanoes to Life in Ireland’s Geological Heritage Sites

by Matthew Parkes, Sarah Gatley and Vincent Gallagher

Geosciences 2021, 11(2), 52; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/geosciences11020052 - 27 Jan 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5174

Abstract

Active or recently active volcanic areas present very visible and easy to understand phenomena for the broad population to appreciate as geological heritage. However, in a geologically stable country such as Ireland, with no volcanism evident for tens of millions of years and few clearly visible traces of volcanoes of a ‘school textbook’ nature, the significance of ancient volcanic remains is much harder to explain or to present to visitors to geological heritage sites. This paper explores the wide range of evidence of ancient volcanic activity within recognised geological heritage sites across Ireland, both in County Geological Sites and in the UNESCO Global Geoparks. Some of the stories that can be told using the available evidence are documented, including some of the current efforts to present Ireland’s volcanic geological heritage. The stories are told within the context of the geological and volcanic history of Ireland over the past 500 million years. As such, the promotion of geological heritage is at an early stage, and this contribution may provide inspiration or ideas for approaches to this problem for other countries or terrains with similar ancient volcanic rocks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geomorphology, Geoheritage, Geoparks and Geotourism in Volcanic Areas)

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