Anhydrite Weathering Zone with Hydration Caves at Dingwall (Nova Scotia, SE Canada) as a Potential Geosite and Geodiversity Site

Abstract The abandoned gypsum quarry at Dingwall, in Canada, is a unique place with peculiar “living” landscape created by expansive hydration of anhydrite process actively operating the weathering zone bottom. It causes rapid volume increase rocks and formation domed tepee-like landforms (several meters length up to 2.09 m high) internal caves (swelling caves, German: Quellungshöhlen ). also shows some rare evaporite minerals, sulphate karst, spheroidal other phenomena. Several steps geoconservation strategy are described promote Dingwall as geosite geodiversity site: inventory, quantitative assessment, conservation, interpretation, promotion monitoring. performed inventory describes elements geoheritage. assessment site, made according method Brilha ( Geoheritage 8:119–134, 2016), was based on four aspects: scientific value, potential educational use, tourist use rate destruction. For showing geological heritage, plan site prepared, paths for visitors, attendant infrastructure, thematic interpretation panels plates QR codes. As part promotion, application Internet already sites (e.g. hydrationcave.com) proposed. In turn, monitoring, measurements benchmarks photographic photogrammetric documentation, will ensure proper functioning after establishing it site.