Quantitative Geomorphosite Analysis of Ranah Minang Silokek Geopark
Moh Fadhly Rizki Yazid (a*), Muhammad Bahrun Najah (a), Mirzam Abdurrachman (a), Idham Andri Kurniawan (a)

(a) Department of Geology Engineering, Faculty of Earth Science and Technology, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Jalan Ganesa No.10, Coblong, Bandung, 40132.

Abstract

The unique geological condition of Ranah Minang Silokek Geopark (RMSG) is the main reason for its designation as a geopark. RMSG, covering an area of 3,131 km2, has a long history of geological processes which begin from Carboniferous Period to Tertiary Period. The long geological history of RMSG is represented by 14 geosites found in this area. Studies about the geodiveristy of these geosites have been conducted by several researchers. However, the geosites eligibility assessment in this area has not been conducted specifically which is important to support RMSG becoming UNESCO Global Geopark (UGG). Thus, this research is aimed to determine the eligibility of RMSG as a geopark using a geomorphosite assessment method. In this research, the geomorphosite assessment will use five values as parameters which consist of scientific and intrinsic values, educational values, economical values, conservation values, and added values. Those parameters will be applied in each geosites in the RMSG area and the results will be in the percentage format. Then, the value of the geosite will be determined by the average results of the five parameters. Based on the assessment, a total of thirteen geosites have the value above 50%, while one geosite acquired below 50%. Despite gaining more than 50% value, most of the geosites have a low economic values parameter which is below 40%. Improvements of accessibility and amenities are necessary to be done in order to increase eligibility of RMSG as a sustainable geopark.

Keywords: geopark, RMSG, geosites, geomorphosite assessment, economic value.

Topic: Solid Earth Sciences