How were the towers of Cerro Castillo formed? Has Piedra Clavada always had that distinctive shape? Has climate change affected the Exploradores Glacier? Why do the rocks of the Capilla de Mármol Nature Sanctuary have cavities?…
The Aysén Region is home to exceptional geodiversity, which includes Jurassic volcanic rocks, Cretaceous marine and volcanic formations, tectonic faults evidencing intense geological activity, striking glacial, karst, and fluvial landforms, several volcanoes, dozens of hot springs, significant Mesozoic and Cenozoic fossil records, and abundant Holocene sedimentary deposits of fluvial, glacial, volcanic, and gravitational origin.
Many of these features are considered geoheritage by local communities—because they are seen as part of their identity, for their outstanding beauty, their touristic value, or their scientific importance. However, conservation initiatives for this geoheritage are still incipient. For example, many people lack the technical background to answer the very questions we posed at the beginning…
Aiming to support the conservation of Aysén’s geoheritage, this book presents 20 emblematic sites, highlighting and explaining their most notable geological features and formation processes. Written in accessible language for a non-specialist audience, each entry is limited to 250 words and complemented by self-explanatory text and illustrations.
Readers will notice that many of the selected geosites are located in the General Carrera Province. This is due to the ongoing efforts of the National Service for Cultural Heritage, through the Regional Museum of Aysén, in collaboration with regional institutions and community organizations, to have the territory recognized as part of UNESCO’s Global Geoparks Network.
A UNESCO Global Geopark is a clearly defined geographical area that promotes sustainable development through the conservation of geoheritage, in association with its biological and cultural heritage. These territories aim to improve the quality of life of their residents, encouraging responsible tourism, environmental education, and the protection of geological heritage.
We hope that a future geopark—and this book as a small step toward that goal—will help provide information on regional geodiversity, empowering communities to make informed decisions about how to manage their territory and protect their geoheritage.
The book will soon be distributed free of charge to local social organizations, institutions, and public services, and is also available for digital download at the end of this article.
The authors are geologists José Benado Wilson and Felipe Andrade Andrade, who have worked for years documenting the region’s heritage and are part of the professional team executing the CORFO Public Good project.