Geoheritage Resource of a Small Town: Evidence from Southwestern Russia

Abstract

Urban geoheritage is an important research theme, and new lines of evidence are necessary for its development. The small town of Kamennomostskiy located in southwestern Russia is crossed by lengthy outcrops of Tithonian variegated sedimentary rocks along the Belaya River and its right tributary. These rocks include red (iron rich) siltstones, dolomitic siltstones and dolomitic marlstones. They accumulated in sabkha environment. The studied outcrops constitute a nationally unique geological object (geosite), which represents the Late Jurassic dolomite-bearing sabkha deposits. This geosite occupies a significant part of the urban area and boasts exceptional aesthetic properties, appropriate visibility and perfect accessibility. It can be used for the purposes of science, education and tourism. This geosite creates a significant advantage to further development of Kamennomostskiy.