Quantitative Geodiversity Assessment of the Fruška Gora Mt. (North Serbia) by Using the Geodiversity Index

Abstract

The Fruška Gora Mt., as a dominant orographic complex in the Pannonian plain, was selected for a pioneer geodiversity quantification study area due to its unique geology and soil properties. The methodology is based on the geodiversity quantification assessment approach of Serrano and Ruiz-Flaño (Geogr Helv 62:140-147, 2007). It employed a 500 × 500 m grid approach on several maps (lithological, geomorphological, topographical, and pedological) at scales of 1:50.000 to 1:300.000, together with a 30-m resolution digital elevation model for deriving sub-indices and a topographic roughness. The geodiversity index values (Gd) indicate that the highest geodiversity sites are found on the north, north-east and south-western part of the investigated mountain: in steep-sided valleys, along the horst and loess cliffs facing the Danube River. The obtained results are compared with the already recognized in situ geosite location network. This approach can be applied in the given area for geoheritage protection, conservation, and promotion at different levels (from local to national level). Following the results of this study, the criteria for the definition of conservation areas with abiotic significance should be considered, as there is no legal protection of any kind for the areas with the highest geodiversity index values outside the National Park area. Also, it is a potentially effective tool for supporting decision-making processes regarding the management and conservation of natural areas or regions at different scales with further possible applications in Serbia and elsewhere in Europe.

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

“…This supports the use of different types of DEM-based roughness measures in geodiversity calculations (e.g. [ 28 , 60 , 61 ]). However, the extent to which purely DEM-based measures can be used to represent the full range of local-scale α geodiversity of study sites should be further tested in different types of environments and study sites of different sizes.…”

Geoeducational assessments in Khon Kaen National Geopark, Thailand: implication for geoconservation and geotourism development

“…As per the geodiversity theory of Gray (2013) , the inventories and characterisation of the KKGp can be classified through fossils, landforms, landscapes, rocks, and minerals. The classification methods ( Ruban, 2010 ; Neches, 2016 ; Ponjiger et al., 2021 ; Pal and Albert, 2021 ; Ferrando et al., 2021 ; Dias et al., 2021 ; de Paula Silva et al., 2021 ; Chrobak et al., 2021 ; Scammacca et al., 2022 ; Carrion-Mero et al., 2022 ) suggest that these geosites have potential as paleontological, geomorphological, stratigraphical, petrological, and mineralogical sites.…”

Preliminary Assessment of Geohazards’ Impacts on Geodiversity in the Kratovska Reka Catchment (North Macedonia)

“…This entails clearly documenting the rationale behind variable selection, the statistical techniques applied, and any underlying assumptions. Such transparency allows for scrutiny and reproducibility by fellow researchers considering the importance of the given topic [1]. Thirdly, robust statistical analyses, such as regression analyses, should be conducted to quantitatively assess the relationship between geodiversity and geohazards.…”

“…Geodiversity, encompassing a variety of geological features, processes, and landscapes, plays a pivotal role in shaping our environment [1]. As humanity continues to expand and interact with geological settings, the assessment of geodiversity's impact gains increasing importance, particularly concerning the identification of geohazards [2].…”