Geodiversity is a relatively new term which was introduced in the 80s. Among the different definition exisiting, I would like to choose one which seems to me most complete and comprehensive:
"Geodiversity is the complex variation of bedrock, unconsolidated deposits, landforms and processes that form landscapes … Geodiversity can be described as the diversity of geological and geomorphological phenomena in a defined area’ "(Johansson, 2000)
Since this definition includes several specific terms, I looked up:
Bedrocks"Bedrock is the native consolidated rock underlying the surface of a terrestrial planet, usually the Earth. Above the bedrock is usually an area of broken and weathered unconsolidated rock in the basal subsoil. The top of the bedrock is known as rockhead and identifying this, via excavations, drilling or geophysical methods, is an important task in most civil engineering projects. Superficial deposits (also known as drift) can be extremely thick such that the bedrock lies hundreds of metres below the surface.
A solid geologic map of an area will usually show the distribution of differing rock types; i.e., rock that would be exposed at the surface if all soil or other superficial deposits were removed."
(Source: Wikipedia)
Geomorphological phenomena
... are phonememas belonging to the field of Geomorphology. "Geomorphology (from Greek: γῆ, ge, "earth"; μορφή, morfé, "form"; and λόγος, logos, "study") is the scientific study of landforms and the processes that shape them. Geomorphologists seek to understand why landscapes look the way they do: to understand landform history and dynamics, and predict future changes through a combination of field observation, physical experiment, and numerical modeling."(Source: Wikipedia)
Portugal is very rich in Geodiversity. The objective of this new chapter is to understand better the great phenomenas of these kind of landscape.
(Photos by Antje Disterheft. Picture 1: Praia da Areia Branca; Picture 2: Praia de Touril, Costa Alentejana, Picture 3: Reserva Natural Árriba Fóssil, Costa da Caparica)
