Explore quality-approved natural world records with coordinates, evidence and related unusual places. These are crawlable research records, not an indiscriminate directory: reports without enough depth remain available for exploration but are excluded from search indexing.
The reef that became a cliff-top plateau
Pleinmont, Torteval, Guernsey
A high, surprisingly level headland records an ancient marine erosion surface that local geological interpretation describes as a largely submerged warm-water reef around 10 million years ag
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Natural world · GBIFThe island born in living memory
Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland
A volcanic island emerged from the Atlantic during eruptions in the 1960s.
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Natural world · GBIFThe island of dragon’s blood trees
Socotra, Yemen
High endemism gives the archipelago a biological character found nowhere else.
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Natural world · US Geological SurveyThe eye visible from orbit
Adrar Plateau, Mauritania
Concentric geological rings form an enormous circular structure in the Sahara.
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · Wikidata global placesTumblagooda sandstone
Australia
Fine- to medium-grained sandstones; minor conglomerate; red,commonly bioturbated siltstone towards the top of the unit. Located in Western Australia
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · Wikidata global placesWallumbilla Formation
Australia
marine grey mudstone and siltstone with minor interbeds of fine-grained glauconitic and calcareous sandstone, local thin micritic limestone beds and heavy mineral strandline accumulations; d
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · Wikidata global placesEumeralla Formation
Australia
Volcanilithic sandstone, siltstone, mudstone, mud-clast conglomerate, with feldspar and quartz grains, and coal: fine to medium grained, consolidated, well-bedded, cross-bedded; braided stre
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · Wikidata global placesRanquil Formation
Chile
Miocene and Pliocene sedimentary formation located in Arauco Province in south–central Chile, including outcrops in Mocha Island
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · Wikidata global placesPurlawaugh Formation
Australia
Fine to medium grained lithic to labile sandstone thinly interbedded with siltstone, mudstone and thin coal seams. Abundant carbonaceous fragments, thin beds of flint clay.
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · Wikidata global placesBungil Formation
Australia
geological formation in Australia. Glauconitic, labile to quartzose, siltstone, mudstone. Subdominant coarse-grained quartzose sandstone in some areas. Minor thin coal seams.
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · Wikidata global placesAllaru Formation
Australia
primarily blue-grey mudstone (partly pyritic) and interbedded calcareous siltstone, cone-in-cone limestone and lesser sandstone
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · Wikidata global placesEl Salto Formation
Nicaragua
Early Pliocene geological formation in Managua Department, Nicaragua, exposed mainly near San Rafael del Sur and preserving a mysticete fossil at Mine K-11
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksTerres d'Hérault UNESCO Global Geopark
FR
The Terres d’Hérault UNESCO Global Geopark is a name composed of two words. “Terres,” which makes the link to the soil and geology of the region, and “Hérault” corresponds to the main river
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksAlgarvensis UNESCO Global Geopark
PT
The Algarvensis UNESCO Global Geopark is located in southern Portugal’s Algarve region and presents a diverse geological history spanning 330 million years.
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksToratau UNESCO Global Geopark
RU
Toratau UNESCO Global Geopark is located at the junction of the southern part of the Ural Mountains and the eastern outskirts of the East European Platform, within the Republic of Bashkortos
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksArxan UNESCO Global Geopark
CN
Visit the China Hot Springs Museum in Arxan, home to the Arxan Sanitarium Hot Springs with 48 therapeutic springs.Explore the Forest Folk Museum in Bailang Town, which preserves ecological c
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksFangshan UNESCO Global Geopark
CN
Observe rich wildlife diversity with 44 species of mammals, 183 bird species, and nationally protected species like the brown pheasant and black stork.Explore ancient biodiversity, including
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksHuanggang Dabieshan UNESCO Global Geopark
CN
Wander through blooming rhododendrons in May, when the landscape becomes a sea of vibrant colour.Experience local performing arts including Wenqu drama, Xishui folk songs, Donglu Huagu opera
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksKefalonia-Ithaca UNESCO Global Geopark
GR
Hike to the summit of Mount Aenos on a clear day and enjoy views stretching as far as the Peloponnese peninsula.Discover the many hidden coves along the rugged coasts of the four islands.Div
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksJingpohu UNESCO Global Geopark
CN
Visit in winter, and you may get to see the frozen Diaoshuilou Waterfall and dramatic winter scenery.Raft on Jingpo Lake, the largest alpine lava lake in China, formed by volcanic eruptions
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksKeketuohai UNESCO Global Geopark
CN
Take an excursion to explore Altai’s granite landscape.Visit the Rare Metals Museum, the Irtysh Museum, and the Global Geopark Museum.Enjoy forests, grasslands, and pastures in spring, go ho
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksLushan UNESCO Global Geopark
CN
Try the region’s traditional Lushan Cloud & Fog Tea, made using techniques recognised as intangible cultural heritage.Explore remarkable Quaternary glacial geosites including the Da Ao G
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksToya - Usu UNESCO Global Geopark
JP
The Jomon Prehistoric Sites – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – include 17 archaeological sites in southern Hokkaido and northern Tohoku, showcasing the heritage of the original peoples who inh
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksCabo Ortegal UNESCO Global Geopark
ES
Visit Teixidelo Beach, the only beach in the world with black sand of non-volcanic origin, a unique geological phenomenon shaped by the region’s dynamic landscape.Discover Cape Ortegal and O
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksUnzen Volcanic Area UNESCO Global Geopark
JP
Mt. Unzen Volcano Museum, known as the “Gamadas Dome,” is a central facility of the geopark, offering interactive exhibits on both recent and ancient volcanic eruptions on the Shimabara Peni
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksWangwushan-Daimeishan UNESCO Global Geopark
CN
For the more adventurous visitors, the ropeway of the Wangwushan Scenic Area offers the opportunity to observe geological relics of the Wangwushan orogeny and the Fangshan landform.Visitors
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksXiangxi UNESCO Global Geopark
CN
In July or September, do not miss the Singing Festival of the Miao people or the Autumn Harvest Festival.Discover the world’s largest red stone forest landscape, formed from rare oxidised se
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksXingwen UNESCO Global Geopark
CN
Discover Jia’s micro-carving, a unique art form from Xingwen with the highest writing density in the world, recognised as provincial intangible cultural heritage.Visit the Xingwen Geological
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksYanqing UNESCO Global Geopark
CN
See fossilised dinosaur footprints from multiple species and the largest collection of silicified wood in northern China.Visit the Yanqing UNESCO Global Geopark Museum and Great Wall sites b
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksZhangjiajie UNESCO Global Geopark
CN
There are four scenic areas in the UNESCO Global Geopark – Zhangjiajie, Suoxiyu, Tianzishan and Yangjiajie – featuring 40 geosites of national significance and 12 of international significan
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksZigong UNESCO Global Geopark
CN
Experience the Zigong International Dinosaur Lantern Festival, a centuries-old tradition that transforms the city each year with vibrant lantern displays and cultural celebrations.The Jinhua
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksBatur UNESCO Global Geopark
ID
Take a sunrise hike of Mount Batur for exceptional views.Visit the subak irrigation system.Enjoy the thermal waters at Lake Batur.
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksMerangin Jambi UNESCO Global Geopark
ID
Visit Lake Depati Empat, a tectonic wonder nestled between ancient faults, featuring Pliocene-aged granodiorite and volcanic formations that showcase millions of years of geological history.
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksTabas UNESCO Global Geopark
IR
Explore Iran's largest wildlife refuge, covering 1.5 million hectares and home to the endangered Asian cheetah. Discover diverse landscapes including sand dunes, mountains, and salt marshes,
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksIzu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark
JP
Charming coastal towns, such as Shimoda and Atami, offer glimpses into the region’s maritime heritage with historic buildings, museums, and scenic waterfronts.The geopark is also home to anc
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksCheongsong UNESCO Global Geopark
KR
Visit the Flower Stone Ecotrail, a 1.1 km route featuring outcrops of spherulitic rhyolite—also known as Flower Stone—a rare geological formation that reveals the cooling and stagnation proc
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksMudeungsan UNESCO Global Geopark
KR
Explore Damyang Gamagol Valley, where volcanic landscapes of dacite and rhyolite create a striking natural environment.Visit Juknokwon Bamboo Garden, a 160,000-square-metre park featuring na
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksTrollfjell UNESCO Global Geopark
NO
During the annual Nordland Regatta each June, the four-oared bindalsfæringen, the Viking boats, are shown sailing on the Bindalsfjord.See petroglyphs at Vistnesdalen and soapstone quarries a
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksJeonbuk West Coast UNESCO Global Geopark
KR
Sample local flavours rooted in the geopark’s coastal environment, where fresh seafood from the sea and tidal flats features in dishes such as seafood porridge, kalguksu (chicken noodle soup
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksKhorat UNESCO Global Geopark
TH
Explore the Cuesta landscape shaped by Mesozoic rock formations and Himalayan uplift, creating two distinct parallel ridges across the geopark.Visit the petrified wood sites of Chaloem Phra
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksSwabian Alb UNESCO Global Geopark
DE
Explore Kolbingen Cave, the only show cave in the south-western Swabian Alb, where thousands of years of geological activity have created extraordinary dripstone formations.Experience the Sw
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksKarawanken / Karavanke UNESCO Global Geopark
AT,SI
The historic Podzemlje Pece Mine, with over 800 km of tunnels, can be visited by taking an old mining train, by mountain bike, or even by kayaking the flooded galleries 700 m below the surfa
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksBohemian Paradise UNESCO Global Geopark
CZ
Explore the lowland landscapes of Czechia’s first Protected Landscape Area, home to deer, wild boar, foxes, and protected bird species like the peregrine falcon.Follow the 119 km Golden Path
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksNovohrad-Nógrád UNESCO Global Geopark
HU,SK
Explore the region’s medieval castles, such as that of Fülek and Hollókö.Discover fossilised remains of 17-million-year-old habitats at the Ipolytarnoc Fossils Nature Reserve.Marvel at the c
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksOre of the Alps UNESCO Global Geopark
AT
Visit historical mines such as Larzenbach/Hüttau, St. Veit im Pongau, and Mitterberg.Hike the Copper Trail and enjoy the beautiful alpine landscape.Attend the spectacular nocturnal processio
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksStyrian Eisenwurzen UNESCO Global Geopark
AT
Take the 900-metre-long wooden footpath for views of the immense Palfau Wasserloch Gorge.Walk the Lynx Trail, a 200 km path with 11 stages taking you through three internationally recognised
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksFamenne-Ardenne UNESCO Global Geopark
BE
The 14 km Han Cave can be accessed via a vintage tram and features a beautifully curated museum.Explore picturesque towns like Durbuy, known as ‘the smallest city in the world’, and its surr
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksVulkaneifel UNESCO Global Geopark
DE
Visit the medieval Manderscheid Castles, which overlook the narrow valley of the Lieser River.Explore the Eifel Maar Museum in Manderscheid, offering insights into the region’s unique geolog
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksThuringia Inselsberg - Drei Gleichen UNESCO Global Geopark
DE
Hike the 'Geo and Pleasure Trail,' starting and ending at the Arnstadt brewery, showcasing local food traditions and stunning views, with sculptures connecting the land's fertility to the fa
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksOdsherred UNESCO Global Geopark
DK
The Ridge Trail is rich in cultural heritage, taking you past Bronze-Age burial sites such as the Verhøj, a 121 m burial mound which marks the highest point in the whole of the geopark terri
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksBasque Coast UNESCO Global Geopark
ES
Over 200 caves, along with pinnacle morphologies and poljes, bear witness to the relentless action of water over time.A guided biology tour of the Abrasion Platform provides a close look at
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksEl Hierro UNESCO Global Geopark
ES
At Los Roques, impressive towering cliffs—formed by intense volcanic activity and subsequent erosion by the sea—showcase the island's dramatic coastal scenery and provide a glimpse into its
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksMolina- Alto Tajo UNESCO Global Geopark
ES
Try local traditional products such as honey from the Caldereros Range, sausages from El Pairon, truffles, or wine, promoted through fairs and local markets.Visit one of the geopark’s museum
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksChablais UNESCO Global Geopark
FR
Modern history in the Chablais dates to the 19th century during the industrial era with the large-scale quarrying of gypsum, slate and building stone in the towns of Armoy, Morzine and Meill
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksEnglish Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark
GB
The South West Coast Path runs the entire 22-mile stretch of the geopark coastline taking in Berry Head National Nature Reserve, Cockington Country Park, woodlands, and farmland.Torre Abbey
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksPsiloritis UNESCO Global Geopark
GR
Discover traditional shepherd shelters (mitata) and learn about dry-stone building techniques that are still in use today.Hike to the summit of Psiloritis, Crete’s highest peak, and take in
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksReykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark
IS
The iconic Reykjanesviti Lighthouse, standing proudly on the peninsula’s edge, is a symbol of maritime heritage with panoramic views.Birdwatchers can spot a variety of species, including puf
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksAdamello-Brenta UNESCO Global Geopark
IT
Hike to the stunning Lake Mandrone, a glacial gem nestled at 2,409 m in a serene plain below the ‘Mandrone-Città di Trento’ mountain hut.Try and catch a glimpse of the majestic Alpine Ibex,
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksMagma UNESCO Global Geopark
NO
Explore the Jøssingfjord Science Museum in Helleren, where minimalist architecture meets an immersive journey through the region’s geology, culture, and technology—making it a must-visit des
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksMadonie UNESCO Global Geopark
IT
Take a dive in the Sclafani Bagni thermal baths.Explore the Gole di Tiberio (Gorges of Tiberius), a canyon along the Pollina River that can be crossed by rubber boat, revealing unique karsti
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksPollino UNESCO Global Geopark
IT
Hike to the top of the region’s highest peaks: Serra Dolcedorme (2,267 m), Mount Pollino (2,248 m), Serra del Prete (2,181 m), Serra del Ciavole (2,127 m), and Serra di Crispo (2,053 m).
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksMajella UNESCO Global Geopark
IT
The “Corsa degli zingari” is a unique event where the faith and endurance of participants are tested. Held every September in Pacentro, 30 men run barefoot through steep forest paths to reac
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksHaţeg Country UNESCO Global Geopark
RO
Follow the “Dinosaur Valley” trail, beginning at the House of Dwarf Dinosaurs and leading to the “La Scoaba” geosite, where the first dinosaur fossils in the geopark were discovered. The tra
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksTerras de Cavaleiros UNESCO Global Geopark
PT
Experience the Wild Boar Gastronomic Route, held annually on the last weekend of January, as local restaurants present traditional dishes featuring this regional speciality.Visit the Olive O
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksAraripe UNESCO Global Geopark
BR
The Padre Cícero Museum, located at the Colina do Horto Geosite, explores contemporary and historical faith and popular culture.The Memorial do Homem Kariri focuses on archaeological and ant
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksSouthern Canyons Pathways UNESCO Global Geopark
BR
Canyons can be visited from the high ground or through the valleys. The best known are the trails of the Itaimbezinho Canyon, Fortaleza Canyon, Malacara Canyon, Rio do Boi Trail, and Tigre P
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksPercé UNESCO Global Geopark
CA
The geopark offers many other seaside geosites, such as Cap Barré – The Three Sisters, Cape Mont-Joli, or Cape Blanc, a majestic cliff with a lighthouse that offers views to Percé Bay and Ro
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksStonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark
CA
Witness the power of tides in the Reversing Rapids.Walk through 400 million years of Earth’s history in the Fundy Trail Parkway.Kayak on the numerous lakes of the region.
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksYimengshan UNESCO Global Geopark
CN
Visitors to Yimengshan UNESCO Global Geopark can enjoy natural hot springs, with some reaching temperatures of 45°C, popular for relaxation and health benefits.The Yunmeng Pearl Museum spans
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksWugongshan UNESCO Global Geopark
CN
Join thousands at the annual Wugongshan International Camping Festival, featuring mountain biking, student field trips, and the Guinness World Record for the longest line of tents.Walk throu
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksXingyi UNESCO Global Geopark
CN
Marvel at the Wanfenglin karst landscape, where more than 20,000 sharp peaks stretch across the horizon.Discover the “Xingyi fauna” fossil site, offering rare insight into marine life from o
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksSchelde Delta UNESCO Global Geopark
BE,NL
Visit one of over 100 drowned villages—the highest concentration in Europe. Traces of these lost settlements prompt reflection on the fragility of human life in the face of climate change.Ex
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksThe South Fyn Archipelago UNESCO Global Geopark
DK
Walk the 30-kilometre coastal trail Kyststien across Ærø island, passing scenic landscapes from the southern to the northern end.Taste locally brewed beers and learn about the brewing proces
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksCalatrava Volcanoes. Ciudad Real UNESCO Global Geopark
ES
Explore the Calatrava La Nueva geo-route, featuring maars, magmatic volcanoes and active carbonic springs ("hervideros"), showcasing key volcanic formations of the geopark. The rou
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksArmorique UNESCO Global Geopark
FR
Walk the heathlands of the Monts d’Arrée to reach Montagne Saint Michel and its chapel, with views over ancient peaks once as high as the Himalayas.Step into 19th-century rural life at the K
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksMeteora Pyli UNESCO Global Geopark
GR
Perched atop towering sandstone pillars, the six Byzantine monasteries of Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, showcase remarkable post-Byzantine frescoes and offer insight into
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksMurGeopark UNESCO Global Geopark
IT
<ul> <li>Explore the Bauxite Mines of Murgetta Rossa in Spinazzola, where red earth deposits rich in iron and aluminium oxides colour the karst landscape—once a key site for mine
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksNorth Riyadh UNESCO Global Geopark
SA
Climb Khashm Al-Hussan Mountain, the highest point in North Riyadh Geopark, and take in panoramic views from this remarkable natural landmark.Visit Al Jeraisy Castle, an ancient fort linked
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksDanyang UNESCO Global Geopark
KR
See the iconic Dodamsambong Peaks, three cone-shaped limestone pillars rising from the river, shaped over time by water and weathering.Take part in outdoor activities like paragliding, hikin
Map, evidence and context →Natural world · UNESCO Global GeoparksLang Son UNESCO Global Geopark
VN
Try local specialities made with star anise, one of the region’s most extensively grown crops, supported by Lang Son’s mineral-rich soils and covering more than 34,000 hectares.Explore the N
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