Analysis of the Geological Heritage and Geodiversity Index of Two Mountainous Areas in Spain: Béjar and El Barco Massifs

This article identifies, describes, and characterizes, based on the analysis of 20 geosites, the geological heritage of the Béjar and El Barco massifs. Using 22 characteristics, and weighting coefficients, these geosites were qualitatively and quantitatively assessed (representativeness, accessibility, etc.) and classified into different groups depending on their extension (area, location, and points of geological interest) and potential use (scientific, didactic, tourism, and recreational). Consequently, 9 geosites were selected, owing to their importance and noteworthiness, and the geodiversity index (GI) was calculated using parametric cartographies (geomorphological units, lithology, vegetation and land uses, orientations, and slopes). The abundance of elements present within a given surface area was analyzed for each homogeneous territorial unit, defined by the specific geological, geomorphological, and natural environmental context being analyzed within the study area. Our results show that sites of geomorphological interest (SGI) have great importance and notoriety in relation to the glacial, periglacial, and fluviotorrencial events that occurred during cold periods and deglaciation. Moreover, a GI value of 24.38 was recorded for the highest areas due to the diversity of geoforms and current processes. The information obtained in this work could prove useful in the improvement of geosites, as it would allow geological heritage to be considered at the time of establishing plans for sustainable geoconservation.