Assessing “Scientific” and “Additional values” of Geosites in Ha Tien-Kien Luong

Abstract

Geosites in Ha Tien - Kien Luong are classified into different categories of stratigraphy (Paleozoic, Mesozoic, Kainozoic); tectonics and geomorphology (coast, karst, landscape). Values of geosites are estimated by marks (in range from 0 to 1) for each criterion of two value sets: 1) The scientific value (integrity representativeness, rareness, paleogeographic value and complexity); and 2) The additional value (ecological, aesthetic, cultural and economic value). The study showed that geosites with high scientific value are Minh Hoa, Bai Nam (Hon Nghe island), Thach Dong, Hon Chong. Some of karstic geosites have high cultural value as Thach Dong, Da Dung, Hang Tien, Chua Hang, Mo So. The dominant value for aesthetics belongs to geosites of Hon Nghe, Mui Nai, Hon Chong. Phu My plain is attracted by ecological value and Mui Hon Trem has high mark of economic value. Two maps were created for displaying geosites of the study area. The first one represents “scientific values” of geosites. The second map represents the scientific and the dominantly additional values by proportional circles.