Preliminary geomorphosites assessment along the panorama route of mpumalanga province, South Africa

Abstract

South Africa's geomorphological diversity offers spectacular landscapes recognized for their ecological and cultural/archaeological associations, making the landscapes important sites for geoheritage and geotourism activities. Evaluation of value types in geomorphosites has gained in popularity in geomorphological heritage research. This study aims to apply a comprehensive methodology for South Africa using several guidelines for geomorphosite assessment. Methodological procedures focusing on geomorphosite specificities were used with numerical assessment for fifteen geomorphosites. The approach integrated qualitative and quantitative procedures for the inventory and quantification of geomorphosites of South Africa. Using a modified criterion, geosite assessments and inventories of the Panorama Route were achieved focusing on specific attributes of the locality. Fifteen geomorphosites were studied and four geomorphosite obtained high scores in Geomorphological Value (GmV) and Management Value (MgV) and consequently high score in Total Value (TV) and Ranking Value (Rk). The results for each indicator are used for ranking and comparison between sites with the interpretation of the results used for supporting site management decisions. The assessment of the geomorphosites along the Panorama Route demonstrates the potential of this type of methodology has for the understanding of geomorphosites and tourism in the province.