Overlooked Geomorphological Component of Volcanic Geoheritage—Diversity and Perspectives for Tourism Industry, Pogórze Kaczawskie Region, SW Poland

Abstract

In the West Sudetes (SW Poland), volcanic activity of Oligocene and Miocene age has left a suite of landforms of considerable geomorphological interest. Besides being relevant to the subject of volcanology, they illustrate how volcanism influences interplays with landscape development in the long-term. Three main geomorphological themes are explored: structural geomorphology of ancient volcanic terrain, volcanic remnants as markers of long-term denudation and hillslope evolution under periglacial conditions of the Pleistocene. Volcanic geosites are used as a resource for geotourism and promotion of geoheritage has intensified recently, with the region branding itself as the ‘Land of Extinct Volcanoes’. Ten localities are evaluated as geomorphosites of significant educational potential, taking into account geomorphological values, added values as well as physical accessibility and information supply. Successful interpretation remains a key challenge in further geotourism development, and several associated practical issues are pointed out such as choice of terminology, uncertainties in scientific understanding and stand-alone attractiveness of geoheritage.