Volcanic geoheritage
In today's post, we will focus on volcanic landscapes as a geoheritage topic. The term volcanic geoheritage refers to the geological features of a volcanic region associated with different geological conditions and volcanic activities.
Paleovolcanic refers to ancient volcanic successions that are erosional remnants of former complex volcanic centers. They are typically from the Tertiary period (2.5-66 million years) or older (Mesozoic, Paleozoic).
Volcanic landscapes are now being recognized as areas that require protection and geoconservation due to their unique geoscientific values and potential for enhancing tourism. These landscapes boast spectacular volcanic features that define their unique geoheritage. The connection between geological knowledge and the tourist industry has led to the formation of the geopark concept in Germany in the late 1990s, with Gerolstein and Vulkaneifel being notable examples.
The UNESCO Global Geopark Network (GGN) uses geological heritage, along with the area's natural and cultural heritage, to raise awareness and understanding of significant issues that society faces.
Volcano tourism now includes visits to not only active volcanoes but also to dormant and extinct volcanic regions. These ancient volcanic regions that have been eroded over time provide a unique perspective on volcanic successions, where the primary landforms have been transformed by denudation and tectonic processes.
The Carpathian-Pannonian region (CPR), formed mostly in the last 20 million years, provides a great opportunity for global volcano tourism as it boasts a wide range of volcanic landmarks. In recognition of their scientific value, two geoparks (Novohrad-Nógrád Geopark in 2010, Bakony-Balaton Geopark in 2012) and a volcano park (Kemenes Volcano Park in 2013) have been established over the last decade. Efforts to enhance the geotouristic potential of these sites are ongoing. This is confirmed by the fact that Bükkvidék Geopark has officially joined the Global Geopark Network.