Friday, 29 August 2008
Geodiversity is the variety of rocks, fossils, minerals, landforms and soils, and the associated natural processes that determine the landscape and character of our natural environment.
An essential starting point in understanding our area’s geodiversity is the collation up to date information on the geological deposits and the processes that have formed them and continue to influence them.
In Doncaster over our long geological history we have been slowly steamed in a rainforest, baked in a desert (like the Sahara today), covered by the sea (think of the Seychelles), sand blasted (think of a windy day at Bridlington, but worse!), subjected to flash floods, covered by a lake; and finally covered by a glacier and repeatedly frozen and thawed!
The most recent influences on our local landscape however, are people, the weather and the river systems.
Geological resources are intrinsic to our everyday lives and provide the raw materials for buildings, industry, infrastructure, medicines, cosmetics, fuel and water. The minerals around us provide us with our homes, shops, hospitals, offices and schools and contribute to the regional economy by providing around 2,600 jobs.
Up to date geodiversity information, objectives and targets will contribute toward informing a wide range of planning and environmental policies.
The following areas will inform you about the work that has been completed already and the next steps.
The Geodiversity Assessment - Information on Doncaster's geology, mineral and groundwater resources and a comprehensive re-assessment of our Regionally Important Geological Sites (RIGS).
The Geodiversity Partnership and Plan - Information on the formation and development of the Geodiversity Partnership and subsequent Geodiversity Action Plan.
Getting Involved - A list of contacts for people interested in local geology who want to get involved, or for further information on geodiversity.
Biodiversity - The variety of life around us and intrinsically linked to geodiversity.
