Quantitative-Qualitative Method for Quick Assessment of Geodiversity

Abstract

The article demonstrates a method for quantitative-qualitative geodiversity assessment based on core elements of abiotic nature (geology and geomorphology) according to a proposed weight multiplied by the area of spread through the studied region. The territory of the Coromandel Peninsula was selected as a case study due to its diverse geology and geomorphology. The north part of the Peninsula (Port Jackson, Fletcher Bay and Port Charles districts) was chosen because of the variety of rock types (sedimentary and volcanic groups) covering the region, while historical stratovolcano remnants and old sediments provide a good variety of meadow hills and weathered coastal cliffs. Meanwhile, the method utilizes easily accessible data (topographical and geological map) to assess slope angle (morphometry) and rock groups, including their age (geology) to identify areas in the sample region with significant geodiversity values. Moreover, the aim of this research is to make the assessment of geodiversity simpler and more accessible for various parts of the world with minimal required information. In this paper, we provide access to improve and utilize this method in geologically diverse territories to select the best areas for geotourism, geoeducation and geconservation planning.

Geological and archaeological heritage in the Mediterranean coasts: Proposal and quantitative assessment of new geosites in SW Sardinia (Italy)

“…to the degradation risks and from the educational value to the touristic attractiveness and thus to the economic potentiality (Bruschi et al, 2011;Fassoulas et al, 2012;Brilha, 2016;Ruban et al, 2021). Other methods, considering the complexity of each parameter involved in geosite assessment, are devoted to exploring in detail specific concepts of the topic, such as the quantification of geodiversity (Ruban, 2010;Gray, 2013;Ibáez et al, 2019;dos Santos et al, 2020;Zakharovskyi and Németh, 2021), the aesthetic value of a geosite (Kirillova et al, 2014;Mikhailenko et al, 2017), its potential for touristic purposes (Pralong and Reynard, 2005;Kubalíková, 2014;Widawski et al, 2020), the presence of additional values (Reynard et al, 2007;Vujičić et al, 2018), and many others sides of the geoheritage topic.…”

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

“…The highest score is 5, which indicates a very high or very good point in the assessment criteria, while the lowest score is 1, which means nothing of value is conferred ( Brocx and Semeniuk, 2007 ; Brilha, 2016 ; Nazaruddin, 2020 ; Zakharovskyi and Nemeth, 2021 ). In addition, score of 2, 3, and 4 indicate the sites have some, moderate, and high or good importance in each criterion, respectively.…”

“…Qualitative and quantitative approaches were used to assess the potential sites via previously defined criteria and parameters. This work uses the method following the theory of Zakharovskyi and Nemeth (2021) for assessment, based on a five-point system from 1 to 5, and calculates their weight on the research area. The main advantages of this methodology are the availability and simplicity of Geographic Information System (GIS) software (preferably free and open source) available to other researchers and the ease of identifying the study area based on topographic and socio-geographic maps, geological maps, and satellite images.…”

The Decision of Women in Makassar City to Be Entrepreneurs

“…The final stage (qualitative method) proves, deepens, and expands the qualitative data obtained. The researchers collect data through qualitative interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis (Zakharovskyi & Németh, 2021). Interview procedures and planning are carried out according to the following model in Figure 5.…”