Geodiversity of the loess regions in Poland: Inventory, geoconservation issues, and geotourism potential

Abstract

Loess sediments have proved to be the most significant palaeoclimatic and palaeoenvironmental archives on land and thus present an important part of the Earth's geodiversity. Apart from their scientific values, loess areas could be developed for geotourism. However, before this development can occur, several other initiatives must be initiated and completed; these include for geosites: their scientific investigation and inventorying; their statutory protection and active geoconservation; the development of didactic and promotional activities. This paper presents an overview of the loess deposits of Poland as a precursor to a consideration of their protection, conservation and development for geotourism. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd and INQUA.