What is Geodiversity?
Think of the rich variety of rocks,
minerals, fossils, landforms, soils and related processes that form
our planet. That is 'geodiversity'
It gives rise to our important biodiversity and it provides a
foundation for modern society.
Geodiversity:
- gives us natural resources, such as building stones and
aggregates, coal and metals;
- harbours natural gas, oil and groundwaters;
- forms the basis of all our productive soils and agricultural
land;
- helps shape our spectacular landscapes;
- provides a massive archive of past climatic and environmental
conditions; and
- is a training ground or ‘outdoor laboratory’ for future
geologists.
Wales’ geodiversity
Wales’ rocks are as varied as the landscape they produce. We
have an outstanding geo-heritage of rocks (geology) and landforms
(geomorphology). In fact our small country has few rivals anywhere
in the world with as rich a geological heritage or
geodiversity.
Wales attracted many pioneering geologists. Here they named some
of the divisions that define the international geological timescale
– for example, the Cambrian, Ordovician and Silurian periods, the
last two named after Celtic tribes. This rich legacy continues to
attract geologists from all over the world.