Abstract
Huanggang Dabieshan Global Geopark (DBGG), which is situated in central China, is notable for watershed of geology, climate, geomorphology, hydrology, and species between North China and South China. Scientific value of orogenic belt landscapes in the Dabieshan territory was globally recognized when the Dabieshan geopark gradually promoted under effective management framework of Dabieshan National Geopark was approved by UNESCO Global Geopark Network in 2018. DBGG has abundant geodiversity, showcasing a high representativeness and rarity of the orogenic belt landscapes, in matter of ultrahigh metamorphism, magmatism, bioecology, and culture. In order to assess and evaluate the potential of geoheritages, a detailed field investigation and description has been carried out in several localities of orogenic belt landforms within the DBGG, including Neoarchean gneiss, primitive epeirogenic granites, grotesquely shaped rocks, sedimentary rocks, gorge and floral landforms. And then both qualitative and quantitative approaches are launched to elaborate the values (scientific, educational, aesthetic, recreational, cultural, etc.), levels of significance, as well as their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis). The outcomes show that orogenic belt landforms obtain high assessment values, especially in Tiantangzhai, Bodaofeng, Guifengshan, and Longtan gorge localities. The educational utility (Ved, Vsa) and convenience and attraction for geotourism (Vtr, Vti) achieve high evaluation ratings. The distinct standings of geosites owe to easy accessibility and positive promotion by the community. Finally, valuable experiences have been summarized on the promotion of sustainable local economic development. This useful information could be given to global geoparks which are in its initial stage of development, in terms of preserving geoheritage, develo** geotourism, and rural tourism.
![](http://media.springernature.com/m312/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1007%2Fs12665-021-09942-7/MediaObjects/12665_2021_9942_Fig1_HTML.png)
![](http://media.springernature.com/m312/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1007%2Fs12665-021-09942-7/MediaObjects/12665_2021_9942_Fig2_HTML.png)
![](http://media.springernature.com/m312/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1007%2Fs12665-021-09942-7/MediaObjects/12665_2021_9942_Fig3_HTML.png)
![](http://media.springernature.com/m312/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1007%2Fs12665-021-09942-7/MediaObjects/12665_2021_9942_Fig4_HTML.jpg)
![](http://media.springernature.com/m312/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1007%2Fs12665-021-09942-7/MediaObjects/12665_2021_9942_Fig5_HTML.jpg)
![](http://media.springernature.com/m312/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1007%2Fs12665-021-09942-7/MediaObjects/12665_2021_9942_Fig6_HTML.jpg)
![](http://media.springernature.com/m312/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1007%2Fs12665-021-09942-7/MediaObjects/12665_2021_9942_Fig7_HTML.png)
![](http://media.springernature.com/m312/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1007%2Fs12665-021-09942-7/MediaObjects/12665_2021_9942_Fig8_HTML.png)
![](http://media.springernature.com/m312/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1007%2Fs12665-021-09942-7/MediaObjects/12665_2021_9942_Fig9_HTML.png)
![](http://media.springernature.com/m312/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1007%2Fs12665-021-09942-7/MediaObjects/12665_2021_9942_Fig10_HTML.png)
![](http://media.springernature.com/m312/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1007%2Fs12665-021-09942-7/MediaObjects/12665_2021_9942_Fig11_HTML.png)
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Ames L, Zhou G, **ong B (1996) Geochronology and isotopic character of high pressure metamorphism with implications for collision of the Sino-Korean and Yangtz cratons, central China. Tectonics 15:472–489. https://doi.org/10.1029/95TC02552
Avelar S, Vasconcelos C, Mansur KL et al (2018) Targeting sustainability issues at geosites: a study in Região dos Lagos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Geoheritage 10:1–9
Brilha J (2015) Inventory and quantitative assessment of geosites and geodiversity sites: a review. Geoheritage 8:119–134. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-014-0139-3
Brocx M, Semeniuk V (2007) Geoheritage and geoconservation—history, definition, scope, and scale. J R Soc West Aust 90:53–80
Brundtland GH (1987) Our common future: report of the world commission on environment and development. 1–300. https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/5987our-common-future.pdf
Bruno DE, Perrotta P (2012) A geotouristic proposal for Amendolara territory (northern ionic sector of Calabria, Italy). Geoheritage 4:139–151
Bryant JL, Ayers JC, Gao S et al (2004) Geochemical, age, and isotopic constrains on the location of the Sino-Korean/Yangtze suture and evolution of the Northern Dabie Complex, east central China. Geol Soc Am Bull 116:698–717. https://doi.org/10.1130/B25302.2
Çelik Y (2006) Sürdürülebilir Kalkınma Kavramı ve Sağlık, Hacettepe Sağlık İdaresi Dergisi. 9(1):19–37. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/84677
Coleman RG, Wang X (1995) Overview of geology and tectonics of UHPM, Ultrahigh Pressure Metamorphism. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
Condie KC (2005) TTGs and adakites: are they both slab melts? Lithos 83:33–44
Deng LH, Zou FH (2020a) Evaluation and protection of geoheritage sources in the Dabieshan World Geopark in Huanggang, China. Acta Geol Sichuan 40:513–518. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1006-0995.2020.03.033
Deng LH, Zou FH (2020b) Study on forming condition of geological hazards and prevention countermeasures of Huanggang Dabieshan Global Geopark. West Resour 1:95–101. https://doi.org/10.16631/j.cnki.cn15-1331/p.2020.01.030
Deng LH, Zou FH (2020c) Study on tourism development of Huanggang Dabie mountain world geopark based on RMP theory. Resour Environ Eng 34:137–142
Deng X, Wu KB, Yang KG (2013) Emplacement and deformation of Shigujian syntectonic granite in central part of the Dabie orogen: implications for tectonic regime transformation. Sci China Earth Sci 56:980–992. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11430-013-4613-6
Dowling RK (2011) Geotourism’s global growth. Geoheritage 3:1–13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-010-0024-7
Dowling R, Newsome D (2010) Geotourism: a global activity. In: Dowling R, Newsome D (eds) Glob geotourism perspect. Goodfellow Publ Woodeaton, pp 1–17
Du Y (2018) A genealogy of UNESCO global geopark: emergence and evolution. Int J Geoheritage Park 6:1–17. https://doi.org/10.17149/ijgp.j.issn.2577.4441.2018.02.001
Farsani NT, Coelho C, Costa C (2012) Geotourism and geoparks as gateways to sociocultural sustainability in Qeshm rural areas. Iran Asia Pacific J Tour Res 17:30–48
Floričić T (2020) Sustainable solutions in the hospitality industry and competitiveness context of “green hotels.” Civ Eng J 6:1104–1113. https://doi.org/10.28991/cej-2020-03091532
Fuming L, Wang F, **ong HG, Wang ZG, Li BF (2016) A study on classification and zoning of Chinese geoheritage resources in National Geoparks. Geoheritage 8:247–261. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-015-0157-9
Ge NJ, Li HY, Qin LP et al (2001) Sr, Nd and Pb isotope geochemistry of granulites and TTG gneisses from the North Dabie Mountains (in Chinese). Acta Geol Sin 75:379–384
Gordon JE (2012) Rediscovering a sense of wonder: geoheritage, geotourism and cultural landscape experiences. Geoheritage 4:65–77
Gray M (2004) Geodiversity: valuing and conserving abiotic nature. Wiley, Chichester
Gray M (2011) Other nature: geodiversity and geosystem services. Environ Conserv 38:271–274. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0376892911000117
Groppo C, Rolfo F, Liu YC et al (2015) P-T evolution of elusive UHP eclogites from the Luotian dome (North Dabie Zone, China): how far can the thermodynamic modeling lead us? Lithos 226:183–200. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lithos.2014.11.013
Guo W, Chung S (2019) Using tourism carrying capacity to strengthen UNESCO Global Geopark management in Hong Kong. Geoheritage 11:193–205. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-017-0262-z
Habeeb NJ, Weli ST (2020) Relationship of smart cities and smart tourism: an overview. HighTech Innov J 1:194–202. https://doi.org/10.28991/hij-2020-01-04-07
Hacker BR, Ratschbacher L, Webb L et al (2000) Exhumation of ultrahigh-pressure continental crust in east central China: late Triassic-early Jurassic tectonic unroofin. J Geophys Res 105:13339–13364. https://doi.org/10.1029/2000JB900039
Helms MM, Nixon J (2010) Exploring SWOT analysis—where are we now? A review of academic research from the last decade. J Strat Manage 3:215–251. https://doi.org/10.1108/17554251011064837
Hose TA (1995) Selling the story of Britain’s stone. Environ Interpretation 10:16–17. https://www.scirp.org/(S(351jmbntvnsjt1aadkposzje))/reference/ReferencesPapers.aspx?ReferenceID=952589
Hose TA (2000) European geotourism—geological interpretation and geoconservation promotion for tourists. In: Barretino D, Wimbledon WAP, Gall E (eds) Geol Herit its Conserv Manag, Madrid Soc Geol deEspana/Inst Technol Geomin Espana/ProGEO, pp 127–146
Hose TA (2011) The English origins of geotourism (as a vehicle for geoconservation) and their relevance to current studies. Acta Geogr Slov 51:343–360. https://doi.org/10.3986/AGS51302
Hose TA, Vasiljevic DA (2012) Defining the nature and purpose of Modern Geotourism with particular reference to the United Kingdom and South-East Europe. Geoheritage 4:25–43
Hose TA, Wickens E (2004) Typologies, tourism locations and images: meeting the real needs of real tourists. Book chapter: Reinventing a tourism destination: facing the challenge. 103–114. https://www.cabdirect.org/cabdirect/abstract/20043190740
Huang S (2006) Optimal-selection mode and step of geological heritage protection: a case study of **njiang. J Guilin Univ Technol 26:148–152
Jia J (2019) International journal of geoheritage and parks the characteristics of formation, development and evolution of national protected areas in China. Int J Geoheritage Park 7:24–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgeop.2019.03.004
Jian P, Yang WR, Zhang ZC (1999) 207Pb/206Pb zircon dating of the Huangtuling Hypersthene-Granet-Biotite Gneiss from the Dabieshan Mountains, Luotian County, Hubei Pronvince, China: new evidence for early precambrian evolution. Acta Geol Sin 73:78–83. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1755-6724.1999.tb00813.x
** Q, Ruban DA (2011) A conceptual framework of tourism crowding manage-ment at geological heritage sites. Nat Nascosta 43:1–17
** X, Fang LG, Fan JH (2007) Research on the geo-technological tourism exploitation of the geoparks in China—drawing lessons from the Grand Canyon National Park. Trop Geogr 1:66–70
Lei B (2016) Study on the core competitiveness of geoparks from the perspective of value chain: a case study of Dabie Mountain National Geopark in Huanggang, Hubei Province. China University of Geosciences (Wuhan)
Lei B, Li JF, Zhou XW et al (2015) Geological heritage resources characteristics and geographic significance of the Dabie Mountain (Huanggang) National Geopark in Hubei Province. Acta Geosci Sin 36:377–384. https://doi.org/10.3975/cagsb.2015.03.12
Liu YQ (2011) Hubei Dabieshan (Huanggang) National Geological Park. Energy energy Conserv :80–82
Liu N, Qin JX (2003) The exploration of the geological park in Diexi at Maoxian, Sichuan Province. Resour Dev Mark 19:264–265
Liu DY, Jian P, Kroner A, Xu ST (2006) Dating of prograde metamorphic events deciphered from episodic zircon growth in rocks of Dabie-Sulu UHP complex, China. Earth Planet Sci Lett 250:650–666. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2006.07.043
Liu YC, Li SG, Gu XF et al (2007) Ultrahigh-pressure eclogite transformed from mafic granulite in the Dabie orogen, east-central China. J Metamorph Geol 25:975–989. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1525-1314.2007.00739.x
Liu YC, Gu X, Li S et al (2011a) Multistage metamorphic events in granulitized eclogites from the North Dabie complex zone, central China: evidence from zircon U-Pb age, trace element and mineral inclusion. Lithos 122:107–121
Liu YC, Gu XF, Rolfo F, Chen ZY (2011b) Ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism and multistage exhumation of eclogite from the Luotian dome, North Dabie Complex Zone (central China): evidence from mineral inclusions and decompression texture. J Asian Earth Sci 42:607–617. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jseaes.2010.10.016
Luan FM, Wang F, **ong HG et al (2015) A study on classification and zoning of Chinese Geoheritage resources in National Geoparks. Geoheritage 8:247–261. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-015-0157-9
Ma CQ, Li ZC, Ehlers C et al (1998) A post-collisional magmatic plumbing system: Mesozoic granitoid plutons from the Dabieshan high-pressure and ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic zone, east-central China. Lithos 45:431–456. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0024-4937(98)00043-7
Ma C, Ehlers C, Xu C et al (2000) The roots of the Dabieshan ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic terrane: constraints from geochemistry and Nd-Sr isotope systematics. Precambrian Res 102:279–301. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0301-9268(00)00069-3
Ma YM, Ma Y, Chen J (2008) A comparative study of ecotourism exploitation of overseas national parks–case studies of Yellowstone, Fiordlan and Baff National Park. J Kunming Univ 19:46–49
Margiotta S, Sansò P (2014) The geological heritage of Otranto-Leuca Coast (Salento, Italy). Geoheritage 6:305–316
Melinte-Dobrinescu MC, Brustur T, Jipa D et al (2017) The geological and palaeontological heritage of the Buzău Land geopark (Carpathians, Romania). Geoheritage 9:225–236
Milton K (2002) Loving nature: towards an ecology of emotion. Routledge, London
Nazaruddin DA (2017) Systematic studies of geoheritage in Jeli District, Kelantan, Malaysia. Geoheritage 9:19–33. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-015-0173-9
Newsome D, Dowling R, Leung Y (2012) The nature and management of geotourism: a case study of two established iconic geotourism destinations. Tour Manag Perspect 2–3:19–27. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2011.12.009
Okay AI, Xu S, Sengör AMC (1989) Coesite from the Dabie Shan eclogites, central China. Eur J Mineral 1:595–598. https://doi.org/10.1127/ejm/1/4/0595
Peng H (2001) Danxia geomorphology of China: a review. Chinese Sci Bull 46:38–45. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf03187234
Pereira P, Pereira D, Alves Braga MIC (2007) Geomorphosite assessment in Montesinho Natural Park (Portugal). Geogr Helv 62:159–168
Prosser CD (2013) Our rich and varied geoconservation portfolio: the foundation for the future. Proc Geol Assoc 124:568–580
Rogers JJW, Santosh M (2002) Configuration of Columbia, a Mesoproterozoic supercontinent. Gondwana Res 5:5–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1342-937X(05)70883-2
Rogers JJW, Santosh M (2003) Supercontinent in earth history. Gondwana Res 6:357–368. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1342-937X(05)70993-X
Rollinson HR (2009) Early Earth systems: a geochemical approach. Blackwell, USA
Stepišnik U (2016) A proposal of quantitative geodiversity evaluation model on the example of a proposal of quantitative geodiversity evaluation model on the example of. Razprave. https://doi.org/10.4312/dela.46.2.41-65
Sun M, Chen N, Zhao G et al (2008) U-Pb zircon and Sm-Nd isotopic study of the Huangtuling granulite, Dabie-Sulu belt, China: implication for the paleoproterozoic tectonic history of the Yangtze Craton. Am J Sci 308:469–483. https://doi.org/10.2475/04.2008.03
Suzuki DA, Takagi H (2018) Evaluation of geosite for sustainable planning and management in geotourism. Geoheritage 10:123–135. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-017-0225-4
Todorov T, Wimbledon WAP (2004) Geological heritage conservation on inter- national, regional, national and local levels. Polish Geol Inst Spec Pap 13:9–12
UNESCO (2014) Guidelines and criteria for National Geoparks Seeking UNESCO’s Assistance to Join the Global Geoparks Network (GGN). pp 1–13
UNESCO (2016) UNESCO Global Geoparks contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals: celebrating earth heritage, sustaining local communities.Plans and meeting documents. https://www.unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000247741
Wang LY (2007) A research on the sustainable tourism development of Qianjiang **aonanhai National Geopark of Chongqing. J Southwest Univ Humanities Soc Sci Ed 2:147–150
Wang GC, Yang WR (1996) Structural and chronological evidence of the Luotian dome in the core of the eastern Dabie mountains, central China. J China Univ Geosci 21:524–528
Wang XM, Liou JG, Mao HK (1989) Coesite–bearing eclogites from the Dabie Mountains in central China. Geology 17:1085–1088. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1989)017%3c1085:CBEFTD%3e2.3.CO;2
Wang C, Zhang X, Chen B et al (1997) Crustal structure of Dabieshan orogenic belt. Sci China, Ser D Earth Sci 40:456–462. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02877609
Wang S, Li S, An S, Hou Z (2012) A granulite record ofmultistage metamorphism and REE behavior in the Dabie orogen: constraints from zircon and rock-forming minerals. Lithos 136–139:109–125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lithos.2011.11.001
Wartiti M, Malaki A, Zahraoui M et al (2008) Geosites inventory of the northwestern tabular middle atlas of Morocco. Env Geol 52:415–422
Wu YB (2008) Zircon U-Pb Age, trace element, and Hf isotope evidence for Paleoproterozoic granulite-facies metamorphism and Archean crustal remnant in the Dabie orogen. J China Univ Geosci 19:110–134. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1002-0705(08)60031-X
**e Z, Zheng YF, Zhao ZF, Al E (2006) Mineral isotope evidence for the contemporaneous process of Mesozoic granite emplacement and gneiss metamorphism in the Dabie orogen. Chem Geol 231:214–235. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2006.01.028
**e Z, Chen J, Cui Y (2010) Episodic growth of zircon in UHP orthogneisses from the North Dabie Terrane of east-central China: implications for crustal architecture of a collisional Orogen. J Metamorph Geol 28:979–995
Xu S, Okay AI, Ji S et al (1992) Diamond from the Dabie Shan metamorphic rocks and its implication for tectonic setting. Science 256:80–82. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.256.5053.80
Zhang Q, Zhai M (2012) What is the Archean TTG? Acta Petrol Sin 28:3446–3456
Zhang RY, Liou JG, Ernst WG (2009) The Dabie-Sulu continental collision zone: a comprehensive review. Gondwana Res 16:1–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gr.2009.03.008
Zhao GC, Sun M, Wilde SA, Li SZ (2004) A Paleo-Mesoproterozoic supercontinent: assembly, growth and breakup. Earth-Science Rev 113:193–225. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2004.02.003
Zhao ZF, Zheng YF, Wei CS et al (2005) Zircon U-Pb age, element and C–O isotope geochemistry of post-collisional mafic–ultramafic rocks from the Dabie orogen in east-central China. Lithos 83:1–28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lithos.2004.12.014
Zhao ZF, Zheng YF, Wei CS et al (2008) Zircon U-Pb ages, Hfand O isotopes constrain the crustal architecture of the ultrahigh-pressure Dabie orogen in China. Chem Geol 253:222–242. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2008.05.011
Zheng YF, Zhou JB, Wu YB, **e Z (2005) Low-grade metamorphic rocks in the Dabie-Sulu orogenic belt: a passive-margin accretionary wedge deformed during continent subduction. Int Geol Rev 47:851–871
Zhou H (2017) Geochronology and Geochemistry of the Kanjiawan tectonic melange belt of Western Dabie, and it is geological significance. China University of Geosciences (Wuhan)
Zhu HS, Cheng WJ, Ren LZ (2013) US national parks’ administration system. Urban Probl 5:90–95
Zouros N (2010a) Lesvos petrified forest Geopark, Greece: geoconservation, geo- tourism, and local development. Georg Wright Forum J 27:19–28
Zouros N (2010b) Geotourism in Greece: a case of the Lesvos Petrified Geopark. In: Dowling RK, Newsome D (eds) Glob geotourism perspect. Goodfellow Publ Oxford, pp 215–229
Acknowledgements
The project was co-sponsored by the Doctoral Foundation of Normal University of Huanggang, China (Grant No. 2042019010), the Scientific Research Project of Huanggang Natural Resources and Planning Bureau (Grant No. 20120200460), and the 2021 Open Fund Project of Dabie Mountain Tourism Economy and Culture Research Center, Key Research Base of Humanities and Social Sciences in Universities of Hubei Province [Grant No. 202113204]. Authors thanks to editors and reviewers for their valuable comments and language improvement.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Contributions
All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation, data collection and analysis were performed by Fenghui Zou and Lihuan Deng. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Lihuan Deng and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Corresponding author
Ethics declarations
Conflict of interest
Authors declare that they have no conflict of interest or competing interests.
Additional information
Publisher's Note
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Deng, L., Zou, F. Orogenic belt landforms of Huanggang Dabieshan UNESCO Global Geopark (China) from geoheritage, geoconservation, geotourism, and sustainable development perspectives. Environ Earth Sci 80, 662 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-021-09942-7
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-021-09942-7