Documenting geosites in the Kruger National Park: PART I

摘要

There is a close relation with between the underlying geology and ecosystems that form the basis of the Kruger National Park's scenic beauty. The starting point is that geology is the basis of all. Geology shapes the environment, but receives comparatively little popular recognition. There is a host of illustrated publications on South Africa's scenic wonders, as well as many books describing the fauna and flora, but hardly any of these make more than a passing reference to the fascinating geology of the park. South Africa is well known as a nature destination, but the great potential for natural attractions; the rugged mountains, beautiful scenery, and places of geological interest, for example, has not been fully utilised. "South Africa's magnificent and varied scenery draws millions of tourists annually from home and abroad, …and can be appreciated by the tourist and scientist alike" (Edwards, as cited in Viljoen and Reimold, 1999). The geology of the park is unique, and, taking into account the size of it, is unequalled anywhere else in the world.