Basic features and geoscientific foundation for European geoparks

Under the UNESCO's and EU's patronage,the Network of European ge oparks with ten mem-bers has been formally established.These geoparks have dif ferent geoscientific significance,which depends on the history of tectonic ev olution that the area where geopark is located has.The tectonic divisions of Europe obviously have controlling effects on the types,distribution and associa tion of geoheritages.Geo-science support is the key to the investigation,ass essment ,planning and construction of geoparks.