Geoheritage in Support of Geoscience Research and Broader Impacts

Abstract:

Geoheritage (GH) sites are areas of significant scientific, educational, cultural, economic and aesthetic value. GH sites are host to unique mineral, rock, fossil or landform occurrences. GH sites often enshrine places where new advances in geologic thought were inspired, and GH sites also show connections between natural and cultural heritage. The research enterprise benefits through the identification, preservation and development of GH sites in many ways: 1) GH sites provide natural laboratories where theories and models can be tested, natural processes observed, and Earth history revealed; 2) GH sites are often “type sections” or points of reference that allow comparison and correlation with other areas; 3) The history of geologic thought and sites of seminal geologic discoveries are often showcased at GH sites; and 4) GH sites can also be used for long-term environmental monitoring (e.g., climate change, pollution). Research projects funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation require demonstration of broader impacts of that research, and GH sites have great potential in this area: 5) GH sites have great value in promoting formal geoscience education at all levels: in K-12 science classes and field trips, and in promoting the Next Generation Science Standards; in undergraduate and graduate education, through course field trips, field camps, REU-type experiences, and thesis research; and to recruit and train next generation geoscientists; 6) in informal education for the general public to demonstrate the importance and relevance of geoscience to communities (e.g., informing planning and policy; in citizen-science programs); 7) Research at GH sites can partner with museums and science centers to develop remote instructional sites or in-house exhibits and special collections; 8) Research projects can also engage people from Native cultures to demonstrate indigenous ways of knowing, and can also reach out to people from underrepresented minorities and low economic status to engage and empower their participation in GH activities to address the diversity deficit in the geosciences. Preservation and development of GH sites is essential for future research and teaching in the physical environment. For more information https://www.americasgeoheritage.com/.