GEOHERITAGES, GEOANTIQUITIES AND GEOMORPHOSITES: FUTURE IN USA?

The geoheritage of any nation consists of : (1) scientifically important, or especially scenic or unusual examples of geologic phenomena; (2) sites where geologic features, rock types, landforms or type specimens of fossils were first recognized and described; (3) textbook examples of geologic features, structures, fossils, processes, and landforms; and (4) historic sites where cultural events were tied to an area’s geologic features, such as those in the history of geology, military history, mining, and geology in early exploration and settlement. In the course of several years of attempting to focus greater attention on the superb geological heritage of the USA, it is clear that unlike much of the rest of the world, issues concerning our national geoheritage have been neglected and are in need of attention. The future of any geoheritage movement in the USA is only likely to occur when the many geological communities of our nation work together to identify significant geological sites and potential National Natural Landmarks, to build synergies for a more comprehensive national conservation of our geoheritage. This symposium seeks to focus renewed attention on a national geoheritage effort.