Geosites and geoheritage are key resources for civic education, environmental awareness, and territorial understanding, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), regions of exceptional geological richness but limited institutionalization of geoconservation. In Peru, despite advances such as the UNESCO Global Geopark of Colca, a weak integration persists between geological heritage and national educational systems. This study adapts an international methodology for the functional assessment of geosites to the Peruvian context, producing a practical, replicable, and scalable tool for settings with limited institutional resources. The multicriteria approach evaluates seven functional variables, including target audience, accessibility, landscape diversity, and educational potential, focusing on educational and geotouristic dimensions. The assessment was applied to five representative geosites: Cordillera Negra, Pongo de Rentema, Añashuayco ashlar quarries and terraces in the Chili Valley, Nevado Coropuna, and Georuta Miraflores–Huaquis, complemented by interdisciplinary validation using the “8G” model and expert consensus via a modified Delphi process. Results highlight the high educational potential of these sites and underscore the value of integrating geoheritage assessment into geoscience teaching. Future challenges include expanding regional validation, systematizing educational criteria, and strengthening collaboration with local communities and managers, contributing to more effective and socially embedded geoconservation across LAC.
Mineral surfaces may have played a fundamental role in the chemical processes that led to the origin of life by concentrating and transforming organic molecules into primitive aqueous environments. Hence, the adsorption potential of rocks representative of the primordial oceanic (komatiite) and continental (tonalite) crusts, as well as their main constituent minerals (lizardite and plagioclase), towards the nucleobases adenine and thymine was evaluated in this study. Batch adsorption experiments were performed in aqueous suspension at different time intervals, and the surfaces were characterized to determine their mineral and elemental composition, as well as their pore structure. The results showed that all studied surfaces adsorbed both molecules, with a higher affinity toward adenine. Thymine exhibited a bell-shaped kinetic trend for almost all surfaces (except komatiite and lizardite), possibly associated with conformational changes induced by silicate minerals. The differences observed between rocks and their constituent minerals are attributed to the heterogeneity of adsorption sites. These findings suggest that surface– molecule interactions involve different mechanisms and even catalytic sites that are dependent on surface composition. This work highlights the relevance of rock surfaces as potential concentrators of organic molecules in prebiotic scenarios.
This study analyzes 25 years (1999-2024) of seismicity in Northern Baja California, a region characterized by the interaction between the Pacific and North American plates and subsidiary faults that also generate earthquakes. The main fault systems and their relationship to seismic activity are described, highlighting the April 4, 2010, Mw 7.2 El Mayor-Cucapah earthquake, which marked a shift in seismicity distribution and prompted the expansion and modernization of the Northwestern Mexico Seismic Network. Seismicity is examined across four zones: the Gulf of California, the Mexicali Valley‑Laguna Salada, the Peninsular Ranges of Baja California, and the offshore northern coast of Baja California. Moderate-to-large earthquakes and spatial patterns linked to major faults are reported. The magnitude of completeness shows spatial variability: 1.6 in the Peninsular Ranges, 1.8 in Mexicali– Laguna Salada, 3.0 in the northern Gulf, and 2.0 offshore northern Baja California. Network upgrades, international collaborations, and the integration of subnetworks have improved earthquake detection and characterization, leading to a complete and more reliable seismic catalog.
La protección de los manantiales y de otras fuentes alternativas de agua subterránea en las regiones rurales de México resulta esencial para la sostenibilidad y la seguridad hídrica de la población. En este contexto, el objetivo de este trabajo fue priorizar las fuentes de abastecimiento de agua subterránea: seis manantiales y un socavón minero utilizado como punto de captación, localizadas en la región minera de Temascaltepec, en el sur del Estado de México, mediante el Proceso Analítico Jerárquico (PAJ) en un entorno de Sistemas de Información Geográfica (SIG). La metodología comprendió cuatro etapas: (1) evaluación hidrogeológica de las fuentes de abastecimiento, (2) clasificación según su origen, (3) delimitación de zonas de protección y (4) priorización de las fuentes de abastecimiento. Los criterios considerados fueron: exclusividad como fuente de abastecimiento de agua, inclusión de las concesiones mineras en las zonas de protección, evidencias reales de contaminación y número de habitantes abastecidos. Las fuentes se clasificaron como manantiales hipodérmicos o de flujo somero, asociados a rocas volcánicas fracturadas. Se definieron tres zonas de protección para cada manantial, con base en la delimitación de la zona de captura potencial y la estimación de su área de recarga; en el caso del socavón minero, se aplicó una metodología específica para evaluar la afluencia subterránea en drenajes mineros. El PAJ permitió identificar las fuentes prioritarias: el 86 % se clasificó con prioridad baja o moderada, mientras que el socavón minero presentó prioridad alta. Este enfoque puede resultar útil en regiones con concesiones mineras aún no explotadas, donde la protección de los manantiales requiere una perspectiva preventiva que promueva una planificación territorial equilibrada entre la actividad minera y la conservación de los recursos hídricos.
The protection of springs and other alternative groundwater sources in rural regions of Mexico is essential for ensuring the sustainability and water security of the population. In this context, the objective of this study was to prioritize groundwater supply sources: six springs and a mining pit used as a water intake point, located in the mining region of Temascaltepec, in southern State of Mexico, through the Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment. The methodology comprised four stages: (1) hydrogeological assessment of the sources, (2) classification according to their origin, (3) delineation of protection zones, and (4) prioritization of the sources. The criteria considered were exclusive as a water supply source, inclusion of mining concessions within protection zones, evidence of actual contamination, and number of inhabitants supplied. The sources were classified as hypodermic or shallow-flow springs associated with fractured volcanic rocks. Three protection zones were defined for each spring, based on the delineation of the potential capture zone and the estimation of its recharge area. In the case of the mining pit, a specific methodology was applied to evaluate subsurface inflow in mining drains. The AHP allowed the identification of priority sources: 86% were classified as low or moderate priority, while the mining pit showed high priority. This approach may prove useful in regions with mining concessions that have not yet been exploited, where the protection of springs requires a preventive perspective that promotes balanced territorial planning between mining activities and the conservation of water resources.
Land degradation alters soil properties, although it is not always clear whether these changes affect soil classification. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of agricultural and forest land use on soil classification in the terraces of Huimanguillo, Tabasco. Four land uses were examined: rubber plantation (Hevea brasiliensis), pasture (Brachiaria humidicola), lime cultivation (Citrus latifolia), and secondary vegetation, all located under similar conditions of topography, parent material, time, and climate. In each land use, four soil profiles were described and samples were collected by horizon. Physical and chemical properties were determined in accordance with NOM-021-RECNAT-2000, and soil classification was performed using the WRB 2022 system. ANOVAs and Tukey tests (p < 0.05) were applied to assess differences in the A horizon. The soils were classified as Umbrisols (12 sites) and Lixisols (4 sites). Umbrisols exhibited the principal qualifiers Acric and Lixic, and the supplementary qualifiers Humic, Ferralic, Eutric, and Chromic. Lixisols showed the principal qualifiers Chromic and Ferralic, and the supplementary qualifiers Cutanic, Differentic, and Humic. The A horizon of Umbrisols displayed greater thickness, porosity, organic matter content, and cation exchange capacity, whereas Lixisols showed higher chroma, bulk density, and sodium content. These differences are attributed to vegetation cover and the presence of tree vegetation older than 20 years, which favors the conservation of Umbrisols, while cultivation practices involving the removal of herbaceous vegetation have induced physical and chemical degradation in Lixisols. Land-use change has affected soil classification at the group level.
The Sarki Formation crops out in several cores and limbs of anticlines in the Western Zagros Fold-Thrust Belt (WZFTB) within the northeastern margin of the Arabian plate. Its precise age is controversial over the past seventy years. A biostratigraphic study of the formation was carried out in the Gulan section of the Asos anticline, within the imbricated zone of the Kurdistan Region, northeastern Iraq, to determine the relative dating of the formation. The Sarki Formation in the studied section is consists of 294 m of medium-to thick-bedded dolomitic limestone and dolomite, interbedded with thin beds of marl and shale in the lower part, and interbedded with medium-bedded limestone in the upper part. Petrographic examination of 80 thin sections from the Sarki Formation revealed several benthonic foraminifera and dasycladacean algal species from the late Triassic to the early Jurassic epochs. The Triasina hantkeni species was identified in the lower part of the Sarki Formation for the first time in the northeastern margin of the Arabian Plate, dates back to a Rhaetian age. Biostratigraphically, the formation is divided into five biozones from oldest to youngest: assemblage zone A, B and C dated to the early, middle and late Rhaetian, respectively, assemblage zone D, assigned to the Hettangian and assemblage zone E, corresponding to the lower to middle Sinemurian. The suggested new age of the Sarki Formation in the studied section is Rhaetian to early-middle Sinemurian.
Landslides are critical geomorphological processes that substantially reshape the landscape through the downslope movement of soil and rock, often triggered by factors such as rainfall, earthquakes, or anthropogenic interventions. These processes pose significant hazards to infrastructure, human safety, and socioeconomic stability. Conventional statistical models frequently fail to adequately capture the spatial nature of landslide susceptibility, often leading to biased or misleading outcomes due to the assumption of independence among observations, which ignores inherent spatial heterogeneity and spatial dependence. This study addresses these limitations by employing spatial autoregressive models, which explicitly account for spatial dependence through the integration of neighborhood matrices. The dataset comprises catchments from the Colombian Andes, incorporating morphometric predictors at both local and regional scales, including slope, hypsometry, basin area, and annual precipitation. We built a neighborhood matrix based on distance criteria, recognizing that geoenvironmentalfactors influencing landslides often extend beyond direct boundaries, requiring a broader understanding of spatial interactions. Our findings demonstrate that incorporating spatial dependence significantly enhances both the predictive accuracy and interpretative power of the models when compared to conventional approaches. Analysis using Moran's Index revealed that basin slope andprecipitation exhibit strong spatial dependence, forming clusters of similar values, which underscores the necessity of accounting for spatial effects. The Spatial Durbin Error Model (SDEM) outperformed alternative models by providing higher adjusted R2 values and optimizing the balance between model complexity and fit, as measured by the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). By explicitly integrating spatial neighborhoods in landslide susceptibility assessment, this study provides a robust and reliable assessment of landslide susceptibility, which is crucial for understanding and managing these hazards in regions like the Colombian Andes.
Geosites and geoheritage are key resources for civic education, environmental awareness, and territorial understanding, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), regions of exceptional geological richness but limited institutionalization of geoconservation. In Peru, despite advances such as the UNESCO Global Geopark of Colca, a weak integration persists between geological heritage and national educational systems. This study adapts an international methodology for the functional assessment of geosites to the Peruvian context, producing a practical, replicable, and scalable tool for settings with limited institutional resources. The multicriteria approach evaluates seven functional variables, including target audience, accessibility, landscape diversity, and educational potential, focusing on educational andgeotouristic dimensions. The assessment was applied to five representative geosites: Cordillera Negra, Pongo de Rentema, A & ntilde;ashuayco ashlar quarries and terraces in the Chili Valley, Nevado Coropuna, and Georuta Miraflores-Huaquis, complemented by interdisciplinary validation using the "8G" model and expert consensus via a modified Delphi process. Results highlight the high educational potential of these sites and underscore the value of integrating geoheritage assessment into geoscience teaching. Future challenges include expanding regional validation, systematizing educational criteria, and strengthening collaboration with local communities and managers, contributing to more effective and socially embedded geoconservation across LAC.
We used the palynomorphs from the Early Cretaceous deposits in the Koppeh-Dagh Basin in the Neo-Tethyan province of northeastern Iran to investigate the site's paleoenvironmental conditions and depositional settings. The AOM-Phytoclast-Palynomorph (APP) ternary diagram highlighted three distinct palynofacies: Type I, II, and IVa. We can accordingly conclude that the depositional environments of the basin included a highly proximal shelf, a marginal basin, and a shelf-to-basin transition. Palynofacies analysis of the Sarcheshmeh and Sanganeh formations of the Koppeh-Dagh Basin revealed that the two formations were deposited in a shallow marine setting characterized by conspicuous input of plant material from nearby land. By comparing these results with those from adjacent sections, two paleoenvironmental trends are present in the Koppeh-Dagh Basin: the eastern side was more turbulent, and the western side was quieter. A previous calcareous nannofossil analysis from the section has been used to date the studied interval of the Sarcheshmeh and Sanganeh Formations, indicating a Late Barremian to Late Albian age.
Precise definitions of concepts facilitate systematization of knowledge, its logical analysis and favor understanding of complex processes. Several pivotal terms in volcanology, such as "vent", "volcano", "volcano field" and "volcanic province", among others, however, remain illdefined. This work addresses various ambiguities associated with these and other related terms. Although evidently those terms are geologic in nature, it may be convenient to take into consideration some non-geologic criteria to reach less ambiguous, and quantifiable definitions. The evidence presented in this work shows that there is a continuum of structures at various spatial scales and that ambiguities between terms can be removed for the most part, by adopting a set of operational definitions that incorporate non-strictly geological, yet quantifiable criteria. Thus, "Vents" and "Volcanoes" can be distinguished from each other using as a reference three quantifiable measurements (the diameters of two objects and a distance between their centers). Also, they can be distinguished by their belonging to either a "vent field" or a "volcano field", which can be distinguished by reference to a threshold density of similar to 2.5 x10(-7) structures / m(2), with vent fields having the largest density values. Other terms discussed in the text are "Region", "Province", "Group", "Cluster" and "Complex". Suggested definitions are "Region": a group of nearby provinces, arcs or groups of volcanoes; "Province" denotes a magmatic affinity observed over a large territorial extension (yet smaller than a region). "Group" and "Cluster" denote spatial proximity and their definition depends on a distance used as reference. If the group or cluster also displays magmatic or genetic affinity, then it can be addressed as a volcano complex.
This study presents the discovery of four hot springs, located across an area of 65 181 km2, on the eastern flank of the Sierra emerge from sedimentary formations dating back to the Cretaceous period, displaying surface temperatures that range from 26.3 degrees to 38 degrees C with electrical conductivity measurements varying between 1049 and 2421 & micro;S/cm. The altitudinal range of these springs is documented from 55 to 1229 meters above sea level. The results from this research indicate that these springs are likely fed by rainwater infiltrating into the mountainous regions, where carbonateevaporite rocks exist at probable depths of 3.5 km. The equilibrium temperatures at depth calculated using a multicomponent geothermometric model and isotopic geothermometers based on the chemicalisotopic composition of the four springs, fall within the range from 34 degrees to 120 degrees C. These temperature values indicate the presence of geothermal groundwater flow systems. This geothermal resource has significant potential for utilization in electricity generation using binary plants and for various direct applications. This potential is especially relevant in regions where fossil fuels constitute the predominant source of energy.
The 1982 eruption of El Chich & oacute;n volcano, one of the most destructive volcanic events of the 20th century in Latin America, ejected large volumes of pyroclastic material into the Mezcalapa River catchment, located in southeastern Mexico. Approximately 75 km downstream from the location of the volcano, the Mezcalapa River bifurcates into the Samaria and Carrizal rivers, which supply water to highly populated and agriculturally important areas in Tabasco state. This bifurcation is a key fluvial characteristic and variations in its flow distribution have historically caused significant social and economic impacts due to flooding and infrastructure stress. Around one year after the eruption, the bifurcation's flow distribution started a new trend, where the dominant branch began gradually to capture less flow, reversing the trend observed in the preceding decades. This study investigates how and whether a volcanic eruption influences sediment dynamics and hydromorphological processes that could explain this shift. First, historical records and field measurements were analyzed to assess post-eruption changes in sediment load. Second, a morphohydraulic numerical model was applied to evaluate the effects of variations in sediment supply on the bed morphology and flow distribution of the bifurcation. Results show that suspended sediment loads increased by a factor of 3 to 10 after the eruption. Even 32 years later, the Platanar River still exhibited sediment concentrations twice as high as pre-eruption values. Modeling revealed that increased sediment supply may modulate differential erosion and sedimentation processes in the branches of the bifurcation, and it can modify the flow distribution. These findings underscore the long-term impact of volcanic eruptions on sediment transport and river morphology. They highlight the need to integrate volcanic sediment dynamics into fluvial hazard assessments and the importance of monitoring and modelling strategies to anticipate downstream consequences in sediment-sensitive elements of fluvial systems such as the Mezcalapa bifurcation.
A reexamination of the specimen originally described as Astacodes sp. cf. A. maxwelli (Stenzel, 1945) from the San allows us to consider it as Astacodes cf. falcifer based on morphologic criteria closer to Astacodes falcifer from Speeton, Recognizing the reproductive structures known as gonopores and poorly preserved gonopods allowed a reinterpretation of the Mexican specimen as a male. Sexual dimorphism criteria in this taxon could help resolve taxonomic issues to differentiate between males and females, sternum shape, among others). These characteristics can also help compare and differentiate it from other species.
Se reporta la presencia del braquiópodo Aseptella tse nov. sp. en estratos del Viseano (Misisípico Medio) que afloran en la región de Santiago Ixtaltepec, Municipio de Nochixtlán, en el norte del Estado de Oaxaca. Este hallazgo representa el registro más antiguo del género Aseptella a nivel global y el primero para Norteamérica, previamente sólo se conocía para localidades de Europa (España), Sudamérica (Argentina) y en el sudeste asiático (Tailandia). Reconociéndose en Aseptella un patrón de distribución cosmopolita, su presencia en México, en conjunto con otros taxa que se han reportado para las mismas localidades, se infiere la existencia, a lo largo del Carbonífero, de conexiones paleobiogeográficas entre las regiones en que se ha encontrado. En particular, su presencia en Norteamérica y Sudamérica se explica con un modelo en el que los márgenes del sureste de Báltica y los del noroeste de Gondwana se acercan paulatinamente entre sí por efecto de la Deriva Continental, quedando conectados por mares someros durante el evento glacial, conocido como la Era del Hielo del Paleozoico Tardío (LPIA), ocurrido durante el Misisípico-Pensilvánico.
Puerto Escondido es una ciudad turística ubicada en las costas oaxaqueñas que colinda con el Pacífico mexicano. Es de relevancia ecológica debido a la diversidad de ecosistemas presentes como humedales, lagunas costeras, playas arenosas y dunas; es importante remarcar que sus playas son zonas de anidación de tortugas marinas. El desarrollo urbano ha seguido la tendencia global de crecimiento acelerado, especialmente en los últimos 30 años. Esta dinámica resalta la importancia de estudiar la zona para una toma de decisiones informada que favorezca un aprovechamiento sostenible de la franja costera. En el presente trabajo se realizó una reconstrucción histórica de la línea de costa utilizando un conjunto de metodologías (levantamiento topográfico, Sistemas de Información Geográfica y uso de imágenes satelitales) para conocer el desplazamiento y determinar las tasas de erosión de las playas cercanas a Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca. La zona de estudio comprendió 6 playas a lo largo de 16 km en las costas de Puerto Escondido: Punta Bacocho, Puerto Angelito, Bahía Principal, Zicatela, Colotepec y Los Naranjos. El periodo de estudio comprendió los años de 2003 a 2020. Las tasas de erosión determinadas para las playas Los Naranjos y Puerto Angelito fueron de -1.5 m·año-1 y -0.28 m·año-1 respectivamente. Las tasas de acreción fueron: Colotepec (0.98 m·año-1), Zicatela (2.08 m·año-1), Bahía Principal (1.31 m·año-1) y Punta Bacocho (3.05 m·año-1). Con base en lo anterior se concluyó que predomina el desplazamiento positivo, indicando procesos de acreción (1.03 m·año-1), siendo importante remarcar el aporte sedimentario observado a través de las vialidades hacia la costa, así como los aportes del Río Colotepec.
Este artículo examina el papel de la geoética en fortalecer la enseñanza y la práctica profesional de las geociencias en México. Para ello, se analizó el panorama actual de la integración de la geoética en las diversas disciplinas de estudio y conocimiento adscritas a las Ciencias de la Tierra, destacando su importancia para asegurar un desarrollo geocientífico que sea sostenible y éticamente responsable. En este sentido, se proponen estrategias para la generalización de la geoética como asignatura clave en la enseñanza superior de las diversas carreras disponibles en el país, relacionadas con las Ciencias de la Tierra. A través de ejemplos y casos de estudio, se discuten las aplicaciones prácticas de la geoética en diversos aspectos relevantes de interés geocientífico en México, incluyendo la gestión del territorio y sus recursos naturales, la mitigación de desastres y la conservación del patrimonio geológico. Se identifican los principales desafíos en estos temas y se recomiendan estrategias para el aumento en la concienciación geoética, buscando promover un cambio significativo hacia prácticas más justas y respetuosas con el medio ambiente y las sociedades humanas en México. Entre los desafíos que es preciso atender son destacables los generados por las industrias extractivas, los peligros naturales y el rol antrópico en su agudización (con una incidencia particularmente crítica en medios urbanos), las afectaciones a los recursos hídricos y edáficos, las fuentes de energía, y el cambio climático.
Se realizó la caracterización morfométrica y morfotectónica de una cuenca intermontana ubicada en la faja plegada y corrida de la Precordillera Central, San Juan, Argentina, con el objetivo de evaluar los factores condicionantes y desencadenantes que influyen en la ocurrencia de procesos de remoción en masa. Este análisis permite comprender con mayor precisión la influencia de los procesos tectónicos ocurridos durante el Cuaternario en la génesis y control de los patrones de drenaje de una cuenca. Asimismo, se identificaron las áreas con alto potencial de susceptibilidad a procesos de remoción en masa. El estudio se llevó a cabo mediante el uso de un Modelo Digital de Elevación e imágenes satelitales obtenidas a través de Google Earth© y la aplicación de perfiles de franja. A partir de la delimitación de la cuenca, se determinó que esta presenta una forma asimétrica, alargada y basculada hacia el este, asociada a la configuración de cuencas tipo piggyback. La dinámica de los deslizamientos y el entorno propicio para su ocurrencia están parcialmente relacionados con las características morfométricas y morfotectónicas de las cuencas fluviales, así como con aspectos del relieve. El desencadenamiento de los deslizamientos se vincula con lluvias estivales y con eventos sísmicos ocurridos durante el Pleistoceno-Holoceno asociados a una fuente sismogénica cercana al área de estudio.
