Ecosystem dependence on geodiversity

It is increasingly recognised that conservation management of the non-living parts of the natural world is crucial for sustaining living species and habitats.

Rocks, sediments and soils form the land on which we live and on which the plants and animals of Scotland's ecosystems thrive. The geomorphological processes that shape our mountains, rivers and coasts also maintain the dynamic habitats and ecosystems which Scotland's biodiversity depends on.

For example limestone pavement communities and serpentine heath are clearly dependent on the underlying rock type, especially its chemical composition. Blanket bog communities are equally clearly dependent on the underlying soil type (peat) and drainage. Many other important factors, besides substrate composition, such as latitude, altitude, slope, aspect, climate, hydrology and past and present site management also play a part in determining biodiversity; but many of these factors are in turn influenced by geodiversity.

Geological processes are a controlling factor in climate change and its impacts and also shape the landscape. Over geological timescales, the cumulative effects of erosion and weathering wear away softer rock to form valleys, while more resistant rock remains as higher altitude terrain. On a shorter timescale, geomorphological processes also play a key role in shaping the landscape: fluvial processes have created a diversity of river habitats, and coastal processes are vital to the well-being of coastal biodiversity.

On a very local scale, the likely locations of a species with particular requirements such as substrate pH, drainage, and chemical tolerance, can be identified by studying a geological map and a soil map to pinpoint where the conditions may be located.  When considering an ecosystem approach it is necessary to understand not only the biodiversity, but also the geodiversity and how the two interact to shape the ecosystem. One instance where the links between geodiversity and biodiversity are clearly important is when considering ecosystem responses to climate change.