<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p> Megaclasts are sedimentary particles larger than boulders. Their huge size and scattered occurrence make them objects that deserve geological heritage, requiring conservation. Investigation of megaclasts for the purpose faces difficulties because of the distinction between boulders and megaclasts. Local study of Quaternary large stones in Mountainous Adygeja (W Caucasus, SW Russia) suggests ~ 2 m as a suitable size criterion, although only locally. Shape, occurrence, and origin of megaclasts require additional attention. </p><p>Geoconservation may result in anthropogenic disturbances of the natural landscape through removal of vegetation, access constructions, and restoration. The geotourism potential of megaclasts is partly determined by their huge size and their rare and scattered occurrence. Aesthetic qualities, local legends, and co-occurrence with prehistoric megalithic constructions increase this potential. The Maiden’s Stone in Mountainous Adygeja, which is ~ 35 m long, has been a tourist attraction already for decades. It is an impressive example of geoconconservation and geotourism connected with megaclasts. Generally, megaclasts increase the value (including the scientific importance) of the geological heritage of Mountainous Adygeja, where a geopark might be established.</p></abstract>

Megaclasts are sedimentary particles larger than boulders. Their huge size and scattered occurrence make them objects that deserve geological heritage, requiring conservation. Investigation of megaclasts for the purpose faces difficulties because of the distinction between boulders and megaclasts. Local study of Quaternary large stones in Mountainous Adygeja (W Caucasus, SW Russia) suggests ~ 2 m as a suitable size criterion, although only locally. Shape, occurrence, and origin of megaclasts require additional attention. Geoconservation may result in anthropogenic disturbances of the natural landscape through removal of vegetation, access constructions, and restoration. The geotourism potential of megaclasts is partly determined by their huge size and their rare and scattered occurrence. Aesthetic qualities, local legends, and co-occurrence with prehistoric megalithic constructions increase this potential. The Maiden’s Stone in Mountainous Adygeja, which is ~ 35 m long, has been a tourist attraction already for decades. It is an impressive example of geoconconservation and geotourism connected with megaclasts. Generally, megaclasts increase the value (including the scientific importance) of the geological heritage of Mountainous Adygeja, where a geopark might be established.

Megaclasts in geoconservation: sedimentological questions, anthropogenic influence, and geotourism potential

Department of Physical Geography, Ecology, and Nature Protection, Institute of Earth Sciences, Southern Federal University, Zorge Street 40, Rostov-na-Donu, 344090, Russia

Camp for Practice and Educational Tourism ’Belaja Retchka’ (’White River’), Southern Federal University, Nikel’, Majkop District, Republic of Adygeja, 385792, Russia

Department of Mineralogy and Petrography, Institute of Earth Sciences, Southern Federal University, Zorge Street 40, Rostov-na-Donu, 344090, Russia; postal address: P.O. Box 7333, Rostov-na-Donu, 344056, Russia

Chair of Mining Engineering and Mineral Economics, Department of Mineral Resources and Petroleum Engineering, University of Leoben, Franz-Josef-Strasse 18, A-8700 Leoben, Austria

Geologos

Megaclasts are sedimentary particles larger than boulders. Their huge size and scattered occurrence make them objects that deserve geological heritage,...

Megaclasts in geoconservation: sedimentological questions, anthropogenic influence, and geotourism potential

Published Online: Jan 29, 2014

Page range: 321 - 335

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/logos-2013-0017

Keywords
megaclasts, rockfall, geoconservation, geotourism, Western Caucasus

This content is open access.

Megaclasts in geoconservation: sedimentological questions, anthropogenic influence, and geotourism potential

Published Online: Jan 29, 2014

Page range: 321 - 335

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/logos-2013-0017

Keywordsmegaclasts, rockfall, geoconservation, geotourism, Western Caucasus

This content is open access.

Keywords
megaclasts, rockfall, geoconservation, geotourism, Western Caucasus