THE MOST VALUABLE ERRATIC BOULDERS IN THE WIELKOPOLSKA REGION OF WESTERN POLAND AND THEIR POTENTIAL TO PROMOTE GEOTOURISM

Abstract

In the present paper, twelve erratic boulders in the Wielkopolska region of western Poland are described in detail, indicating their Scandinavian source area, location, form of protection, petrographic type and morphology. In particular, special attention is placed on an evaluation of these boulders’ current and potential significance for geotourism with the aim of promoting geotourism. The point bonitation method was used, which took into account scientific, educational, economic and protective values of boulders and other factors. The analysis demonstrated that the Boulder of St. Adalbert has the greatest potential to promote geotourism. All the erratic boulders studied are elements of the geological heritage and are important in the comprehensive geodiversity of the region’s natural environment.

Keywords

• scandinavian erratic boulders
• an inanimate nature monument
• geodiversity
• geological heritage
• geotourism
• wielkopolska region