Earth Science, Art and Coastal Engineering at the Seaside: Envisioning an Open Exploratorium or Geo-Promenade at Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, United Kingdom

Abstract

The paper outlines how an outdoor ‘exploratorium’ can be curated to place field observations, together with some knowledge of the local environment, in a manner that relates to geology, geomorphology and artistic aesthetics. The exploratorium can also be used to help explain what is seen, touched or felt as part of ‘sensory geology’. The locations used are on an accessible walk, a geo-promenade, along the sea front of a coastal town, Weston-super-Mare, England. Sites, such as a sea wall and recent engineering structures, are linked to flood prevention measures and sculpture and stone promenade furniture relate to various aspects of geoheritage. Notions of consilience and decision-making in the behavioural environment are introduced, together with ways in which perceptions of the landscape can be shared with visually impaired visitors. Notes are provided to illustrate the additional information (metadata) that might be supplied in constructing a geo-promenade. The use of mobile technologies for recording observations, providing locations (using decimal Latitude Longitude designations) and general information is also discussed with respect to accessible visits. Attention is also given to cognition and educational models of experiential discussion and knowledge sharing that can be used in exploratoria and geoheritage in general.

Landscape domains and information surfaces: Data collection, recording and citation using decimal latitude‐longitude geolocation via the FAIR principles

“…In general, MPGB relationships suggest links within and between investigations in associated disciplines, such as CZ sciences. The relationships may also impinge upon planning, aesthetics, art and literature, as discussed by Tooth et al (2016) and Whalley (2022b) require particular communication skills between scientists as well as the public and varied audiences (Slack, 2021), geoheritage in particular (Gordon, 2012;Gordon & Baker, 2015).…”

“…Although we might visualise tors with virtual or augmented reality (Moore & Gerrard, 2002), it does not mean they can be 'explained' better. Communicating geomorphology widely involves interpretation to varied audiences (Slack, 2021) and curation of geomorphological assets in geoheritage (Gordon, 2012;Whalley, 2022b).…”