Understanding and Communicating Hidden Geoheritage

Over the past two centuries, terms like hidden, absent, masked, disappeared, invisible, and missing have described heritage that is no longer visible. These terms apply to both tangible and intangible elements, spanning both natural and cultural domains. Heritage itself represents a huge array of categories, all of which can have hidden aspects. These pieces of heritage may have been hidden due to many reasons, some accidentally, some purposefully erased, others modified, forgotten or destroyed by man or nature or even for some they have always been hidden. The term ‘hidden geoheritage’ has yet to be formally defined which is the focus of my first research paper. The visible and tangible side of geoheritage is well-established, but its hidden yet still tangible dimensions are largely underexplored. Through incorporating perspectives from elsewhere, this concept of hidden heritage is being developed in the context of the concealed coalfield of the Nord-Pas de Calais Mining Basin in Northern France, and the Cross Channel Geopark project, which encapsulates parts of both England and France. Focusing on physical components such as geological formations, industrial structures, institutional and private collections (both geological and documentary). A comprehensive definition of ‘hidden geoheritage’ is being developed and will be presented. Such a definition is necessary to help ensure that in all geodiversity related studies –including regional inventories- just because certain aspects of a region’s geological heritage cannot be seen or visited, it does not mean they do not exist, and hence no survey or assessment can be complete without consideration of the key features that might currently be hidden from public view. 

Even though the geoheritage in question is hidden, it still has value for science, tourism and educational purposes. It is important to effectively communicate the hidden geoheritage. Some forms of hidden geoheritage can be reversed. For example, private collections that have since been made accessible, perhaps with the aid of technology to create a digital format and archive or perhaps through a rotation of the collections and specimens on display in the form of exhibitions. Through digitising these hidden collections, researchers around the world can access and study them. However, for many of the institutions that house these collections they remain unseen and unstudied.

In other circumstances, the geoheritage is permanently hidden, perhaps underwater or underground. In these situations, more advanced technology can be used to reveal these geological features, for example through virtual reality or photogrammetry. These methods help to provide a visible component to the hidden geoheritage so that they can be understood better and appreciated. Also, if a visible component has been created then social media can also be utilised to help promote the hidden touristic and educational value of an area. Hidden geoheritage tells the full story of an area's geological evolution and shouldn't be overlooked. Through uncovering and communicating these hidden treasures, we can foster a deeper connection with the natural world and inspire a greater appreciation for the planet’s geological history ensuring it is remembered and celebrated for generations to come.