Este trabajo pone en valor el patrimonio geológico de un sector de la costa calcárea oriental asturiana, caracterizando cuantitativa y cualitativamente las morfologías singulares. Para ello, se ha ...realizado un análisis de los principales elementos kársticos-marinos observadas en estos acantilados. También se ha generado un inventario lo más amplio posible de las morfologías presentes, en las que destacan los bufones, estando representados en dos campos, el de Pría y el de Arenillas, los cuales pueden considerarse como la mayor concentración de éstos de Europa y posiblemente del mundo. Y finalmente se realizó un estudio detallado de los contactos entre estratos, midiendo las direcciones de desarrollo de fallas y diaclasas en aquellos de mayor extensión. En esta costa, además de las formas kársticas y kárstico-marinas de varios tipos, pueden observarse otros tipos de elementos ligados a la dinámica litoral como playas y estuarios confinados. Algunas de las formas ligadas al karst están incluidas en el Inventario Español de Lugares de Interés Geológico (IELIG). Dada su relevancia internacional se propone su incorporación al Proyecto Global GEOSITES.
The Luna Valley complex geosite (northwestern Spain) is a region of geoheritage significance located in an area with high environmental value. Geological studies began in the mid-20th century and ...continue to provide scientific data of significant relevance to the knowledge regarding the Palaeozoic stratigraphy of northern Gondwana and the tectonics of the Variscan orogen. This region also has high value for geoeducation, being visited regularly by both students and the general public. Educational use of the area has promoted the creation of several publicly available materials and activities that include trails, guides, displays and brochures, as well as the development of a small museum. However, over time, weathering; the abandonment of rural life; and the intensive, uncontrolled, and careless use of this region as a geosite for scientific and educational purposes has led to significant degradation and the consequent loss of its geoheritage value. This paper describes the geology of five key geosites in the Luna Valley. This is followed by a review of the promotional initiatives carried out in the area. These data, along with our knowledge of the area, allow us to develop a heritage analysis that includes the main geological interests, conservation status and some key management issues for each of these five individual sites. Several recommendations aim to control the physical degradation of the geosites, encourage their regular monitoring and the updating of the outreach materials using virtual tools, and promote the involvement of the local population in the conservation of this unique site.
