The types, grades and distribution features of geoheritage in China: An inventory
Qingwei Song, Ying Dong, Miao Sun, Xiao‐Qiang Hu, Feiyu Chen, Yannan Ji, Jiankun Wang, Zhuo Huang, Hui Li
Abstract
Geoheritage represents typical geological phenomena formed through internal and external geological processes during the Earth's long evolution. It serves as a carrier of crucial information regarding the Earth's evolution, the origin of life, and changes in the geographic environment. Additionally, it is a valuable geological resource for human utilization. In order to provide essential information for the scientific protection and utilization of geoheritage resources, this paper summarizes and further categorizes the types, grades, and distribution characteristics of geoheritage in China based on extensive firsthand data obtained from recent investigations. The results indicate: (1) As of the end of 2018, a total of 7267 important geoheritage sites (including global, national, and provincial levels) have been discovered and surveyed in China. Among them, there are 3154 geoheritage site of basic geological types, 3935 geoheritage site of geomorphic landscapes, and 178 geoheritage site of geological hazards. They can be further categorized into 13 classes and 46 subclasses, such as stratigraphic sections, rock profiles, rock and soil landforms, and earthquake relics. (2) Through expert evaluations and comparative studies, there are 218 Grade I (global level) geoheritage sites, 1919 Grade II (national level) geoheritage sites, 4732 Grade III (provincial level) relicsgeoheritage sites, and 398 Grade IV (below provincial level) geoheritage sites in China. (3) Through expert evaluations and comparative studies, there are 218 Grade I (global level) geoheritage, 1919 Grade II (national level) relics, 4732 Grade III (provincial level) relics, and 398 Grade IV (below provincial level) relics in China. (4) geoheritage in China are mainly distributed in five regions: Southwest, East China, Central China, Northwest, and North China. The relics of basic geological types are mainly distributed in the Southwest, Central China, East China, Northwest, and North China regions, with the Southwest having the highest number, accounting for approximately 27%. The geoheritage sites of geomorphic landscape are mainly distributed in the Southwest, Northwest, East China, Central China, and North China regions, with the Southwest having the highest number, accounting for approximately 29%. The geoheritage sites of geological hazard relics are mainly distributed in the Southwest, Northwest, and Central China regions, with the Southwest having the highest number, accounting for approximately 47%.