Erratic blocks: from protector beings to geosites to be protected

Abstract

Erratic blocks are the main geosites in Turin's suburban area. Today, they are a symbol of the ‘landscape to be saved’ even for those who are barely aware of their geological importance. This is because the blocks are the subject of myths (based on their geomorphological characters), such as: interpretation of weathering as altars or runic writing: attribution of strange shapes, noises, lairs, to petrified supernatural beings: interpretation of isolated blocks as dwellings of protector beings; use of the blocks for boulders: supposed reports of UFOs and ‘disappeared civilizations’. In ancient times, erratic blocks were at the centre of religious practices. However, most myths are in fact recent. The Barbarian invasions and the fight against Paganism destroyed the ancient myths. The creation of new myths proves that erratic blocks are able to attract mankind's attention in every epoch. When the geologist proposes blocks as protected geosites, he must show the connection between geomorphology and myths, maintaining the suggestive impact of the myths. Myths, including recent and altered ones, can work together with scientific explanation to make it easier for the public to understand the true importance of erratic blocks. By exploiting the power and appeal of myth, the community will more easily accept the need to preserve scientifically valuable geosites.

Existing and Proposed Urban Geosites Values Resulting from Geodiversity of Poznań City

“…lapidaries can, therefore, be treated as geosites. A classic example of such geosites are the specimens described from the Turin area of Piedmont, Italy (Motta, Motta 2007). There are three lapidaries in the Polish Central Register of Geosites (PGI 2017) located in Poznań which were created to preserve and protect the stone remnants of Pleistocene glaciations in the geographical environment, and cultural heritage.…”

The Selected Erratic Boulders in the Świętokrzyskie Province (Central Poland) and Their Potential to Promote Geotourism

“…Some erratic boulders are attractive tourist destinations because they are associated with regional histories and legends (e.g. Motta and Motta 2007;Grimmberger 2017), have interesting shapes, are multi-coloured or are large (e.g. Krause and Meyer 2018).…”

Wartanian glacial sediments: insights into deglaciation of Polish Lowlands and Highlands border for geotourism

“…Many other important benefits/services provided by erratic boulders -educational, ecological, geoconservational, pro-environmental, cultural, aesthetic, signposting, recreationalsupport the sustainable development of peripheral tourist areas, with geotourism being used as a tool. All these values justify the protection of this unique geological heritage (Motta & Motta 2007).…”