Pliocene Geotourism: Innovative Projects for Valorizing the Paleontological Heritage of Three Different-Staged Quarries of Tuscany (Central Italy)

Abstract Quarries are areas of pivotal importance for investigation, popularization, and educational purposes in the field geosciences. Here, we focus on three quarries Tuscany (La Serra, Arcille, Certaldo) that have been home to significant finds marine vertebrate fossils. The selected localities representative many active Serra), inactive (Arcille), abandoned (Certaldo) Tuscan where vertebrate-bearing Pliocene deposits exposed. Given richness scientific value their paleontological content (including holotypes as well otherwise unique specimens), abundance exposed sedimentary structures, high potential open-air musealization, La Certaldo should be regarded geosites. These thoroughly described, several suggestions preservation valorization proposed, focusing geotourism, with goal reaching out broadest audience possible. Many innovative dissemination tools, including 3D technologies, now available pursuing such an aim.