Late Palaeozoic Volcanism in Central Europe—Geoheritage Significance and Use in Geotourism

Abstract

AbstractFive areas in Central Europe, each hosting abundant geological evidence of Carboniferous to Permian volcanic activity, are analysed in terms of their volcanism-related geoheritage and opportunities to develop geotourist product. One area is located in the eastern part of Germany (Geopark Porphyrland), two in northern Czechia (Bohemian Paradise, Broumovsko) and two in south-west Poland (Wałbrzych region, Land of Extinct Volcanoes). Four main geoheritage themes are identified: geology and palaeovolcanology, mineralogy, geomorphology, and heritage stone resources. Each of the regions considered in the paper may be characterized by its core geoheritage theme and secondary themes, less evidently exposed. These themes are optimal foundations to develop geo-interpretation and geotourism. Challenges include difficulties in relating rock record to long eroded volcanic landforms, provision of adequate solutions for mineral collectors and proper conservation of quarries which offer best insights into the history of volcanic processes from c 300 Ma ago.