Resources

17 pages, 2516 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Promoting Geosites on Web-Pages: An Assessment of the Quality and Quantity of Information in Real Cases

by Anna V. Mikhailenko, Svetlana O. Zorina, Natalia N. Yashalova and Dmitry A. Ruban

Resources 2023, 12(5), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12050061 - 22 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1574

Geological information present on web-pages determines the efficacy of the online marketing of geosites. In this paper, a new approach aimed at an easy and quick assessment of geosite-focused web-pages is proposed. It is based on scoring by several criteria reflecting the quality [...] Read more.

Geological information present on web-pages determines the efficacy of the online marketing of geosites. In this paper, a new approach aimed at an easy and quick assessment of geosite-focused web-pages is proposed. It is based on scoring by several criteria reflecting the quality and the quantity of geological information. Attention is paid to the simplicity and correctness of information, mention of technical properties (accessibility, location, and safety), relative and absolute amounts of information, and adaptation to persons with disabilities. Textual and graphical elements are considered differently. The approach is tested in three cases, namely, the Granite Gorge in the Western Caucasus, Pechischi in the Volga Region, and the Red Stones in the Southern Ciscaucasus. These are well-known geosites already used as important (geo)tourist attractions. It is established that the web-pages devoted to them chiefly allow minimally perfect promotion. Some examples of misinterpretations of geological information and errors are specially considered. The approach seems to be promising, and its application allows finding the deficiencies of web-pages, an improvement of which will enhance geosite promotion. Cooperation between representatives of the tourism industry and geological faculty members of local universities or administrations of protected areas is reasonable to create more informative geosite-focused web-pages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geosites as Tools for the Promotion and Conservation of Geoheritage)

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4 pages, 186 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Integration of Water Quantity/Quality Needs with Socio-Economical Issues: A Focus on Monitoring and Modelling

by Diego Copetti

Resources 2023, 12(5), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12050060 - 18 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1306

Abstract

Freshwater is essential for a multitude of different uses, including drinking supply, irrigation, and energy production [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Water Resource Monitoring and Modelling: Water Quantity and Quality Issues)

28 pages, 5073 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Quantifying Geodiversity at the Continental Scale: Limitations and Prospects

by Paweł Wolniewicz

Resources 2023, 12(5), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12050059 - 17 May 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2177

Abstract

Geodiversity, defined as the natural range of geological, geomorphological, hydrological, and soil features, has been explored in a growing number of studies at different spatial scales. However, most research efforts have been directed at analysing geodiversity at a fine-scale. Here, an estimation of [...] Read more.

Geodiversity, defined as the natural range of geological, geomorphological, hydrological, and soil features, has been explored in a growing number of studies at different spatial scales. However, most research efforts have been directed at analysing geodiversity at a fine-scale. Here, an estimation of the geodiversity of the European subcontinent is performed using six available high-resolution global data sets that describe the diversity of selected features of the abiotic environment. Six maps representing geomorphological, geological, hydrological, hydrogeological, soil, and topographical diversity are compiled using the methods of centroid analysis and kernel density estimation. The present contribution identifies areas with high values of most geodiversity variables which were not previously studied, nor are included in the network of international geoparks. The study also shows that, although remote sensing images and digital elevation models allow one to grasp a significant understanding of geodiversity on the continental scale, fine-resolution and process-oriented geological data sets are required to further enhance the quality of large-scale geodiversity assessments. To ensure interoperability between studies, a consensus is necessary regarding the analytical methods, classification rules, standardised indices and dictionaries. Without this, comparisons of geodiversity evaluations across different scales and between distant study areas remain difficult. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geodiversity Assessment: What, Why and How?)

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24 pages, 10822 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Contribution of Landscape Transformation in the Development of Heat Islands and Sinks in Urban and Peri-Urban Regions in the Chota–Nagpur Plateau, India

by Amit Kumar, Manjari Upreti, Arvind Chandra Pandey, Purabi Saikia and Mohammed Latif Khan

Resources 2023, 12(5), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12050058 - 9 May 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2663

Abstract

Cities in the contemporary world are experiencing shifts in local climatic conditions that are primarily linked to rapid urban growth, carbon emissions, and environmental degradation. In the present study, land surface temperature (LST) in urban and peri-urban regions of the city of Ranchi [...] Read more.

Cities in the contemporary world are experiencing shifts in local climatic conditions that are primarily linked to rapid urban growth, carbon emissions, and environmental degradation. In the present study, land surface temperature (LST) in urban and peri-urban regions of the city of Ranchi was estimated and correlated with land use/land cover (LULC) using temporal LANDSAT satellite images from 2000 to 2014 on a bi-annual basis. The study exhibited a gradual increase in built-up land with total growth of 47.65 sq. km (135%) at the cost of vegetation (−6.8%), rock outcrops (−44.16%), and other LULCs (0.81%). Spatiotemporal LST variability exhibited an increase in area under high-temperature (>38 °C) zones as compared to moderate (30 °C to 38 °C) and low-temperature (<30 °C) zones. Although the LST distinctively escalated in all LULC in the month of May from 2000 to 2014, urban areas exhibited cooler conditions than their environs at a regional scale, except for 2006. A higher surface temperature was observed over bare rock (min/max: 28–43 °C), fallow land (25–42 °C), and industrial built-up areas (31–43 °C), followed by vegetation (24–34 °C) and waterbodies (22–30 °C). The rapid land transformation to an impervious surface, degradation of vegetation coverage and its health, deforestation due to urbanization, the dumping of non-treated wastewater into reservoirs, and pollution altogether led to an increase in urban heat islands (UHI). The study demonstrated that the LST increased in urban regions but appeared cooler than those of its peri-urban counterparts because of the presence of barren land and rock outcrops. The existing tenancy act had an indirect impact on maintaining natural landscapes and controlling the LST within the Ranchi region. The study recommends nature-based solutions in terms of plantation and green roofing within the rising LST zones located in the urban core and in peripheral rock outcrops collectively to minimize the rising impact of LST in urban and peri-urban regions. Full article

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14 pages, 881 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Economic Activities and Management Issues for the Environment: An Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) and STIRPAT Analysis in Turkey

by Mortaza Ojaghlou, Erginbay Ugurlu, Marta Kadłubek and Eleftherios Thalassinos

Resources 2023, 12(5), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12050057 - 30 Apr 2023

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3767

Abstract

The emission of air pollutants from energy production and consumption is a major cause of environmental problems. In addition, urbanisation and CO₂ emissions have become major environmental concerns that are closely related to climate change and sustainable economic growth. The purpose of [...] Read more.

The emission of air pollutants from energy production and consumption is a major cause of environmental problems. In addition, urbanisation and CO₂ emissions have become major environmental concerns that are closely related to climate change and sustainable economic growth. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the long-run relationship among CO₂ emissions, energy consumption, economic activities, and management issues for Turkey for the period between 1980 and 2021. The STIRPAT hypothesis and the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis were employed by using dynamic conditional correlation (DCC) and ARDL bound methodologies for these goals. The findings indicate that there is a long-run relationship between variables of the STIRPAT model. The coefficient of economic expansion and energy consumption affected CO₂ emissions positively, which means that energy consumption and the expansion of economic activity have significant effects on environmental degradation. Those results are also confirmed by the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) model. In addition, the N-shaped environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) is developed for Turkey. The DCC model also shows that economic growth increases CO₂ emissions significantly, and energy productivity can be considered for decreasing CO₂ emissions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Decision Making in Resources Management: Problems, Methods and Tools)

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14 pages, 1656 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Strengthening Reclamation Obligation through Mining Law Reform: Indonesian Experience

by Nurul Listiyani, M. Yasir Said and Afif Khalid

Resources 2023, 12(5), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12050056 - 28 Apr 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2964

Abstract

Reclamation can produce more value for the environment and create a far better situation than post-mining conditions. While the reclamation obligation policy is a great way to introduce a restorative approach to the environment, the main problem is the disobedience of the mining [...] Read more.

Reclamation can produce more value for the environment and create a far better situation than post-mining conditions. While the reclamation obligation policy is a great way to introduce a restorative approach to the environment, the main problem is the disobedience of the mining companies in their reclamation obligation. Therefore, we focused on conceptualizing the strengthening of the reclamation obligation policy in the Mining Act based on the understanding of preventing environmental and social damage. This research is conducted in doctrinal legal studies to create a prescriptive result. Despite the 2020 Mining Act Revision, Indonesia is still facing the previous legal issue due to blind spots in the regulatory framework. Ranging from the continuous conflicts between the mining company and the local community to the problem of non-compliance with the reclamation policy, which has resulted in excavation holes that were left untreated and abandoned, which has created casualties over the years. We offer two major reforms in formulation to strengthen the reclamation obligation. First, is the need to reinforce the essence of “obligation” for IUP and IUPK holders to perform reclamation and post-mining with supervision, as in the Environmental Act. With this formulation, the placement of the reclamation fund by the company does not eliminate the company’s obligation to carry out reclamation and post-mining activities. Second, for the company to comply with placing reclamation and post-mining funds, it is crucial to implement a mandatory condition, whereby the placing of a reclamation guarantees fund is a requirement for approval of the mining plans and budgets (the RKAB), and Clean and Clear (CnC) Certification. Therefore, the reform will cause a shift and strengthen the values of obligation in post-mining reclamations. Full article

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20 pages, 7243 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Lime-Based Hybrid Composite of Sugarcane Bagasse and Hemp as Aggregates

by Arlen Zúniga, Rute Eires and Raphaele Malheiro

Resources 2023, 12(5), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12050055 - 27 Apr 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2671

Abstract

Bio-based materials help reduce the consumption of non-renewable resources, contributing to the development of sustainable construction. Industrial Hemp Concrete (IHC), which uses hemp stalk (HS) as an aggregate and a lime-based binder, is a bio-based material with various applications. This research developed a [...] Read more.

Bio-based materials help reduce the consumption of non-renewable resources, contributing to the development of sustainable construction. Industrial Hemp Concrete (IHC), which uses hemp stalk (HS) as an aggregate and a lime-based binder, is a bio-based material with various applications. This research developed a new hybrid composite in order to improve the mechanical strength and durability of hemp concrete, with the incorporation of sugarcane bagasse (SCB) as an aggregate, a resource of a renewable origin that is abundant in several countries. Different formulations were used, which were molded and pressed manually, evaluating their cohesion and compactness. The performance of the developed hybrid composite was measured considering mechanical, thermal, and durability properties. The compression test results showed an increase of 19–24% for composites with 75% hemp and 25% SCB. Thermal conductivity and thermal resistance coefficients were also improved, reaching 0.098 (W/m °C) and 0.489 (m² °C/W), respectively. This aggregate combination also showed the lowest water absorption coefficient (reducing by 35%) and the best performance in durability tests compared to IHC. The resistance to freeze–thaw is highlighted, increasing 400%. The main reason is the influence of the SCB addition because the short and thin fiber form helps to maintain the physical integrity of the composite by filling the spaces between the hemp aggregates. Full article

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18 pages, 2884 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Time-Varying Effects of Oil Shocks on the Trade Balance of Saudi Arabia

by Mohamad Husam Helmi, Mohammed I. Abu Eleyan, Abdurrahman Nazif Çatık and Esra Ballı

Resources 2023, 12(5), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12050054 - 25 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3448

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the impact of oil shocks on the external balance of Saudi Arabia, as one of the largest net oil-exporting countries. To this end, a time-varying parameter vector autoregression model (TVP-VAR) is estimated by using quarterly data covering the [...] Read more.

This study aims to analyze the impact of oil shocks on the external balance of Saudi Arabia, as one of the largest net oil-exporting countries. To this end, a time-varying parameter vector autoregression model (TVP-VAR) is estimated by using quarterly data covering the period between 1991: Q1 and 2021: Q4. We find that identifying the source of shocks plays an important role in understanding the time-varying impact of shocks on its economy. Our findings indicate that the global oil production shocks excluding Saudi Arabia have a negative and significant impact on the trade balance and are greater than the impact of the Saudi oil production shocks, which is not significant for most of the period. In addition, we found that oil price shocks have more profound and much greater impacts than global and domestic oil supply shocks. This may be attributed to the fact that oil price shocks are more than oil supply shocks, and supply shocks are linked to oil price shocks. However, impulse responses show that the effects of oil shocks are volatile over time and their effects are generally more pronounced during and immediately after global shocks. Our findings have serious implications for the trade balance of Saudi Arabia, particularly in the low and volatile oil price environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Security, Policy and Political Economy of Energy and Minerals)

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Resources, Volume 12, Issue 5 (May 2023) – 8 articles

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