PROPOSED METHODOLOGY FOR SELECTION, EVALUATION AND CONSERVATION OF GEOLOGICAL SITES –FALCON STATE CASE STUDY

Abstract

This paper consisted of the implementation of a methodology (modified from Bruschi, 2007) for the selection, evaluation and conservation of sites of geological interest in Falcón State. It is a contribution to the knowledge about the variety of the Falcón region, known only by scientific research on its stratigraphy, paleontology, tectonics among others, but not by the delimitation of sites with potential interest for Geology. Thanks to the support of experts from different geological disciplines with knowledge about Falcón State, a list of 28 sites in Falcón that were subject to evaluation through direct and indirect procedures to calculate the Value of Site of Geological Interest was obtained. The first allowed to totalize the scores of the sites given by experts and assess the amount of sites depending on the amount of times they were cited; with the indirect or parametric procedure, the variables (criteria) that rated the site were considered in addition to site scores and Factorial Analysis was used. Also alternatives were given for the conservation and preservation of sites of geological interest. When comparing both procedures, it was evidenced that there is a high coincidence degree, however, it is advisable to use the parametric method as it is more reliable and objective.