Geology should be central to National Parks
National parks tend to be areas of outstanding natural beauty and are areas of high biodiversity. Geology and geodiversity are fundamental aspects to these features which are often overlooked. Without the combination of the underlying geology, and the geological and geomorphological processes that have shaped the landscape, the dramatic scenery of the Cairngorms and of Loch Lomond would not exist. Scotland's geological record contains around 4 billion years of world history and a wealth of geodiversity. The geology of any new national park should be taken into consideration when making decisions, and the geology of the park should be celebrated and explained for both local communities and tourists.
Scotland already has a number of Geoparks, two of which have UNESCO status (NW Highlands Geopark and Shetland). These Geoparks do not receive the national support that they deserve. Why not support existing Geoparks instead of creating a new national park? Or maybe make one of these a new National Park?
Scotland already has a number of Geoparks, two of which have UNESCO status (NW Highlands Geopark and Shetland). These Geoparks do not receive the national support that they deserve. Why not support existing Geoparks instead of creating a new national park? Or maybe make one of these a new National Park?
Why the contribution is important
Geology and geomorphological processes control not just landscape topography but also interact with the local climate to influence soil type and thus biodiversity. Geology is therefore fundamental to many of the factors that people consider important for national parks.
The role of geology in landscapes, biodiversity, and cultural heritage is often overlooked and minimised. This means that both local communities and tourists are missing out on the opportunity to engage with the stories told by the rocks beneath their feet, and in the landscape. This can translate into a disconnect with the non-living natural world for many people and a failure to grasp just how important Earth sciences are to society (geology and the Earth sciences are the source of most raw materials that we can't grow; appreciation of the depth of geological time can better help people grasp some of the issues related to climate change, such as rate of CO2 emissions and past climates).
Building geological knowledge into all national parks will thus help local communities and visitors to better engage with, understand, and appreciate their surroundings, and build knowledge and awareness that is essential for a society committed to living sustainably.
The role of geology in landscapes, biodiversity, and cultural heritage is often overlooked and minimised. This means that both local communities and tourists are missing out on the opportunity to engage with the stories told by the rocks beneath their feet, and in the landscape. This can translate into a disconnect with the non-living natural world for many people and a failure to grasp just how important Earth sciences are to society (geology and the Earth sciences are the source of most raw materials that we can't grow; appreciation of the depth of geological time can better help people grasp some of the issues related to climate change, such as rate of CO2 emissions and past climates).
Building geological knowledge into all national parks will thus help local communities and visitors to better engage with, understand, and appreciate their surroundings, and build knowledge and awareness that is essential for a society committed to living sustainably.
by SFlude on June 06, 2022 at 01:37PM
Posted by camusfearna June 06, 2022 at 13:52
Even if they don't, the geology and geomorphology of a new national park, indeed of the existing national parks, could be celebrated.
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Posted by Spike June 06, 2022 at 13:53
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Posted by BobHoldsworth June 06, 2022 at 14:10
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Posted by RobB June 06, 2022 at 15:06
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Posted by RWH_Butler June 06, 2022 at 15:34
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Posted by mrsphene June 06, 2022 at 16:53
The Geodiversity Charter sets out excellent principles, but few involved in planning or finance have time to engage with this, given resource pressures. This should change, and be formally considered as parts of the fundamental aims of things like National Parks, and in the managment of Nationla Scenic Areas and similar.
An example: using local stones excavated on, or near-site maintains local geodiversity, and can save carbon costs on transport inward of external rock for construction, and removal of onsite rock to landfill or similar. Good rock faces resulting from wconstruction work should be preserved where appropriate to maintain and improve understanding of the landscape and geology. Examples such as Laxford Brae are now workd-famous, but there is no reason why similar practice should not be normalised. This should be encouraged.
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Posted by rwga June 06, 2022 at 16:53
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