Geoarchaeology, preliminary study of relationship analysis between geological conditions and the Megalithic sites in the candidate of Ternate Geopark, North Maluku

Abstract

Geopark is a concept of sustainable development with three main components: geological diversity, cultural diversity, and biodiversity, with the ultimate goal of protecting the Earth’s diversity, environmental preservation, and broader earth science education. Geological and cultural diversity in a geopark concept does not stand alone, but there is a relationship. Ternate Island is a volcanic island with Gamalama Mts as a Quaternary Volcano. The area around the volcano is comfortable because there is sufficient water despite the eruption disaster. Megalithic artefacts such as menhirs and pseudo dolmens are cultural products closely tied to the significant stone tradition. Megalithic remains on Ternate Island are represented by the presence of Jere, a local term to refer to the sacred places usually represented by menhirs and whole boulders in 56 locations. The regent government plans to develop it as an island geopark. Before being proposed, a study of geological, biological, and cultural diversity must be carried out to propose establishing a geoheritage and preparing a Geopark proposal document. This initial research uses the overlay method to identify geological conditions, determine the distribution of megalithic artefacts, and analyze their relationships.