Abstract:
Tourist geology, a developing branch of geology, is concerned with the applications of some principles, methods and latest research information of geological science in observing, analyzing, expaining and exploring the forma- tion, development and evolution of scenic aceas or spots as well as the discov- ery, development, utilization and protection scenic areas or spots. It serves tourist industry. Tourist resources are very rich in China and can be classified into three categories:natural landscape or natural tourist xesources, humane landscape or humane tourist resources, compound landscape or compound resources. In addition, there is also a special type of tourist resources which serves all kinds of investigations of natural sciences; this type is usually classified as natural reserves. The investigation of tourist resources, particularly tourist geological resour- ces, is a duty-bound task of a geologist. We hold that while carrying out regional geological surveys we can certainly undertake a general survey of tourist resources incidently. Thus the following five points for attention are proposed. 1. While investigating mountainous areas and suburbs of cities, we should also pay attention to the tourist geology of large-and medium-sized cities. 2. We should take notice of not only direct but also indirect phenomena relating to geology. 3. Attention should be paid to not only to magnificent scenery but also to spots of special geological interest, for example, fossil localities, typical geolog- ical structures, remnants of glaciation and ancient ruins of mining and smelting. 4. We should give an eye not only to discovery and development but also to utilization and protection. 5. Care should be taken not only to make a reconnaissance and investigation personally but also to read relevant literature and information and visit the masses and collect information from them. As regards the future work, the following suggestions are presented. 1. Work out a plan for exploration and development of tourist resources. 2. Compile various kinds of tourist geological maps. 3. Prepare prognostic maps of tourist geology of various places. 4. Train qualified tourist geological personnel. 5. Publish text books, dictionaries and series of books concerning tourist geology.