Geopark Arouca w Portugalii
Abstract
Arouca Geopark in Portugal.
A b s t r a c t. Arouca Geopark is located in northern Portugal, approximately 50 km to the southeast from the city of Porto. It was established in 2006 and covers 330 km2 of the municipality of Arouca. Geologically it includes Early Palaeozoic weakly metamorphosed slates and quartzites, intruded by several granite massifs of Carboniferous age. Geological highlights of the area are findings of giant Ordovician trilobites, now on display in a special museum and rare textural varieties of granites. Arouca Geopark offers interesting geomorphology too, such as high-elevated planation surfaces in granites, tors and boulder fields, waterfalls and river gorges. Mining heritage is also present, focused on tungsten. Earth heritage is made accessible primarily through a network of 41 designated geosites and further promoted by a range of educational activities addressed to schools of all levels and initiatives aimed at engagement of local communities.
A b s t r a c t. Arouca Geopark is located in northern Portugal, approximately 50 km to the southeast from the city of Porto. It was established in 2006 and covers 330 km2 of the municipality of Arouca. Geologically it includes Early Palaeozoic weakly metamorphosed slates and quartzites, intruded by several granite massifs of Carboniferous age. Geological highlights of the area are findings of giant Ordovician trilobites, now on display in a special museum and rare textural varieties of granites. Arouca Geopark offers interesting geomorphology too, such as high-elevated planation surfaces in granites, tors and boulder fields, waterfalls and river gorges. Mining heritage is also present, focused on tungsten. Earth heritage is made accessible primarily through a network of 41 designated geosites and further promoted by a range of educational activities addressed to schools of all levels and initiatives aimed at engagement of local communities.