Is It Worth Assessing Geodiversity Numerically? A Comparative Analysis between Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches in Miguel Pereira Municipality, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract

The interest in the cartographic representation of geodiversity has grown in recent years. However, the application of geodiversity maps in nature conservation and territorial management policies is still under study, especially concerning quantitative methodologies and geodiversity indices. Aiming to contribute to this topic, a set of correlation analyses were performed between quantitative and qualitative maps, as well as correlations between these and sites of geological interest, land-use, and vegetation maps using Miguel Pereira municipality, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as a study area. A geodiversity index map (quantitative approach) was used, and a geodiversity map (qualitative approach) was produced based on GIS procedures and tools through a counting technique and the association between landforms and, geology, soils, and hydrology, respectively. The geodiversity map showed a better correlation between geodiversity and the other nature and anthropic elements, while the quantitative assessment, although having a positive correlation with those elements, showed a weak or very weak correlation. The cartographic outputs in geodiversity units (qualitative approach) best supported this correlative analysis highlighting its use in land-use and nature conservation management. In contrast, the geodiversity index map showed complementary information and could be combined with the qualitative approach for more sustained results.

A framework for quantifying geodiversity at the local scale: a case study from the Rokua UNESCO Global Geopark

“…In addition to purely quantitative or qualitative approaches, there are also examples of recent landscape-scale studies that cover both quantitative and qualitative aspects of geodiversity (e.g. [6,7,31,32]). For instance, in Brazil, Gonçalves et al [32] investigated how geodiversity units (qualitative data) correlated with the location of sites of geological interest, and with other aspects of the environment, such as land use and vegetation.…”

“…[6,7,31,32]). For instance, in Brazil, Gonçalves et al [32] investigated how geodiversity units (qualitative data) correlated with the location of sites of geological interest, and with other aspects of the environment, such as land use and vegetation. However, local-scale assessments combining both qualitative and quantitative aspects of geodiversity remain rare (but see [33], where an omnidiversity approach was taken, where information on geodiversity and biodiversity were combined at geoconservation sites in Tasmania).…”

“…In addition to purely quantitative or qualitative approaches, there are also examples of recent landscape-scale studies that cover both quantitative and qualitative aspects of geodiversity (e.g. [ 6 , 7 , 31 , 32 ]). For instance, in Brazil, Gonçalves et al.…”

Identifying Optimal Cell Size for Geodiversity Quantitative Assessment with Richness, Diversity and Evenness Indices

“…The most cited and applied geodiversity index [4] relates the variety of physical elements (geology, geomorphology, hydrology and soils) with surface roughness. Pereira et al [17] popularized a methodology based on the grid system, widely applied, and developed under the coordination and collaboration of the Portuguese authors, mostly in Brazil [18][19][20][21][22]. Apart from the original geodiversity index based on kernel density developed by Forte [23] and tested on a local scale (in the Mafra municipality), and the richness geodiversity index presented on a national scale by Peixoto [24], there are no significant geodiversity studies applied to the Portuguese territory.…”

A Public Participation GIS for Geodiversity and Geosystem Services Mapping in a Mountain Environment: A Case from Grayson County, Virginia, U.S.A.

“…These methods enable researchers to identify locations where geologic attributes support biodiversity [20]. Qualitative assessments of geodiversity typically involve non-numerical descriptions of geodiversity elements or an explanation of their value to humans [21]. Within the field of geoconservation, much of the research emphasizes modeling physical geodiversity [18].…”