A framework for quantifying geodiversity at the local scale: a case study from the Rokua UNESCO Global Geopark

Abstract

Geoconservation and related quantitative and qualitative geodiversity assessments are gaining increasing attention. However, methodologies for measuring geodiversity at local scale are currently rare. Here, we present a framework for assessing local-scale geodiversity of different landforms using field-based and digital elevation model (DEM-) derived data from the Rokua UNESCO Global Geopark in Finland. We observed the presence or absence of various geodiversity elements, such as geological or topographical elements in our study sites, and used these data to quantify alpha (α), gamma (γ) and beta (β) geodiversity of various landforms. In addition, we measured topographical heterogeneity in the field and from DEMs. The results showed distinct patterns in the geodiversity and topographical variation of the landforms. The differences between α, γ and β geodiversity of different landforms were particularly clear. According to the results, measures of topographical variability can be used to some extent as surrogates for geodiversity, but the choice of optimal variables is context and scale dependent. These results provide perspectives for further local-scale geodiversity assessments in different study areas and are applicable for a range of purposes, from scientific research to practical management and geoconservation. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue ‘Geodiversity for science and society’.

Towards a taxonomy of geodiversity

“…However, topographical features could be mapped separately at local scales (e.g. using visual observation [ 66 ] or light detection and ranging technology) where there is little or no variation in geomorphological geofeatures (electronic supplementary material, S2). Moreover, if geomorphology cannot be mapped or there are no geomorphological data available, digital elevation model-based topographical features could supplement or substitute geomorphological geofeatures in regional or global scale studies (e.g.…”

“…Moreover, the role of topography and topographical features could be reassessed in future studies [ 91 ]. Here, geomorphons were simple and suitable features to characterize the basic elements of topography [ 57 , 66 ]. However, the applicability of other classifications of topography or geomorphometric indexes should be explored [ 92 , 93 ].…”

Geodiversity for science and society

“…Elsewhere in the themed issue, you will see papers on the measurement and monitoring of geodiversity and biodiversity, and conservation. This includes presentation of geodiversity data for Europe at two spatial resolutions [7]; development of a framework for quantifying geodiversity at local scales [8]; integrating vegetation and geodiversity monitoring using remote sensing and traits [9]; and quantitatively assessing geodiversity uniqueness and applying this to biodiversity conservation [10]. Seijmonsbergen et al [11] bridge geodiversity measurement and geoconservation by creating a global geodiversity map, which they use to assess the extent to which UNESCO Global Geoparks represent the different elements of geodiversity, finding some components are underrepresented.…”

“…Elsewhere in the themed issue, you will see papers on the measurement and monitoring of geodiversity and biodiversity, and conservation. This includes presentation of geodiversity data for Europe at two spatial resolutions [ 7 ]; development of a framework for quantifying geodiversity at local scales [ 8 ]; integrating vegetation and geodiversity monitoring using remote sensing and traits [ 9 ]; and quantitatively assessing geodiversity uniqueness and applying this to biodiversity conservation [ 10 ]. Seijmonsbergen et al .…”