This open access book explores El Hierro Island, which is geologically the youngest of the Canary Islands (Spain). Having registered its latest volcanic eruption in 2011-2012, it is an oceanic subtropical island with low population pressure and a largely unchanged natural landscape. Accordingly, a great geodiversity of volcanic morphologies and erosion processes has been preserved. In addition, half of the land is protected as a Biosphere Reserve and as a UNESCO Global Geopark, and the island is pursuing energy self-sufficiency. Local tourism is a sustainable activity, as the main attractions are either diving or hiking through the island’s various volcanic landscapes. Covering these and other aspects, and using accessible language, the book will appeal to scientists specialized in geotourism, active leisure entrepreneurs, and members of the general public interested in volcanic geoheritage and geotourism.
Author(s): Javier Dóniz-Páez, Nemesio M. Pérez
Series: Geoheritage, Geoparks and Geotourism
Publisher: Springer
Year: 2022
Language: English
Pages: 123
City: Cham
Preface
Contents
1 Volcanic Geoheritage in the Light of Volcano Geology
Abstract
1 Introduction
2 Geoheritage—Geodiversity—Geoconservation from Volcano Science Perspective
3 Geoheritage Recognition and Value Estimates from Volcano Geology Perspective
4 Identification and Comparison of Volcanic Geoheritage Sites and Developing a Volcanic Geodiversity Estimate
5 Link Between Volcanic Geoheritage and Other Geoheritage Elements
6 Geocultural Aspects on Volcanic Geoheritage
7 Geoconservation in the Light of Global Perspective of Volcanic Geoheritage
8 Volcanic Geoheritage as Basis of Geopark Concept
9 Conclusion
Acknowledgements
References
2 Volcanology of Recent Oceanic Active Island
Abstract
1 Formation and Large Units of the Relief Island
1.1 Building Tiñor (1.2–0.88 My)
1.2 The Building El Golfo—Las Playas (0.54–0.18 My)
1.3 The Volcanism of the Rifts (0.15–0.012 My)
2 Conclusions
References
3 Volcanic Geomorphology in El Hierro Global Geopark
Abstract
1 Introduction
2 Physiographic Features
3 Erosive and Accumulation Forms
4 Monogenetic Mafic Volcanism
5 Discussion and Conclusions
References
4 Geoheritage Inventory of the El Hierro UNESCO Global Geopark
Abstract
1 Introduction
2 Methodology
2.1 Bibliographic and Documentary Compilation
2.2 Constitution of the Working Group and Election of Collaborating Experts
2.3 Selection of the Geosites of the El Hierro UGG
3 Inventory of Geosites in the El Hierro UGG
Acknowledgements
References
5 The Vegetation Landscapes of a Oceanic Recent Volcanic Island
Abstract
1 Introduction
2 Volcanic Relief as a Diversifier of Vegetation Landscapes in the Canary Islands
3 The Vegetation Landscapes of El Hierro on an Island Scale
3.1 El Cardonal-Tabaibal
3.2 The Juniper Grove
3.3 The Monteverde or Laurel Forest
3.4 The Pine Forest
4 The Vegetation Landscapes of the Volcanic Rifts of the Geopark
5 Vegetation Landscapes on a Local Scale: The Tesoro Volcano
6 Conclusions
References
6 Human Occupation of a Small Volcanic Island
Abstract
1 Pre-European Population and Settlement
2 The European Occupation
3 The Partition and Its Demographic Influence
4 Demographic Effects of the Canary Islands Economic Model on the island's Population
5 Economic Crises and Their Impact on the Population of El Hierro
6 The Diaspora
7 Changing Trends
References
7 Rural Landscapes in an Oceanic Volcanic Island
Abstract
1 Introduction
2 The Role of Ecological Determinants in the Configuration of the Agrarian Landscapes of El Hierro
3 Five Insular Territorial Keys to Understanding the Uniqueness of the Agrarian Landscapes of El Hierro
4 The Agro-Pastoral-Forest Landscapes of El Hierro
Local Informants: Acknowledgements
References
8 Geomorphosites of El Hierro UNESCO Global Geopark (Canary Islands, Spain): Promotion of Georoutes for Volcanic Tourism
Abstract
1 Introduction
2 Methodology
3 Results and Discussion
3.1 Geomorphosites of El Hierro Island
3.2 Selection of Geomorphosites
3.3 Georoutes for Volcanic Tourism
4 Conclusions
Acknowledgements
References
9 Birdwatching as a New Tourist Activity in El Hierro Geopark
Abstract
1 Introduction
2 Methods
3 Is It Worth Travelling to El Hierro for Birdwatching? Geographical Analysis of Bird Diversity
4 Areas and Trails for Bird Watching in El Hierro
5 Birdwatching as a Basis for Bird Conservation: The MacaroAves Project and the Strategy for the Canary Islands
6 Conclusion
References
10 Cultural Seascapes in the ‘Sea of Calms’ and La Restinga Coast
Abstract
1 Introduction
2 La Restinga and the Sea of Calms
3 The Marine Reserve and the Marine Tourism Development
4 Concluding: Cultural Landscape Besides Natural and Fishing Heritage
Acknowledgements
References
11 Submarine Eruption of El Hierro, Geotourism and Geoparks
Abstract
1 Underwater Eruption of El Hierro
1.1 Pre-Eruptive Period
1.2 Course—Characteristics of the Volcanic Event
1.3 Post Eruption
2 The Geopark of El Hierro
2.1 Tourism in the Context of the Submarine Eruption
2.2 The Birth of the Geopark of El Hierro
2.3 A New Era for El Hierro
3 Conclusion
References
