Scientific research
A unique geological, paleontological and historical heritage that allows us to reconstruct the origins of the Earth.
There are many Sites of Geological Interest in the Orígens UNESCO Global Geopark.
At these locations, internationally renowned for their rich history, institutions and teams of scientists from around the world carry out research in the field of Earth Sciences.
What do we research at the Geopark?
Geology
The Geopark boasts a geological record spanning more than 500 million years of history.
Tectonic movements, together with other geological and climate phenomena, have formed the region over millions of years.
The faults, folds, thrust faults, placement of the rocks and structure of the mountain ranges guide us as we study this history and work back to understand the formation of the Pyrenees.
Palaeontology
Archaeological dig sites in this region have turned up fossils from the planet’s first plants with flowers, as well as insects, marine invertebrates, amphibians, small reptiles and dinosaurs.
These rich remains have allowed us to discover species of sauropods, hadrosaurus, theropods and ornithopods, as well as turtles and crocodiles.
As a result, the Conca de Tremp and Coll de Nargó sites are considered the most important dinosaur egg site in Europe and enjoy worldwide renown.
Mining
Although the mines have now fallen into disuse, mining was historically one of the region’s primary socioeconomic activities.
The Geopark mines allow us to understand how our ancestors exploited natural resources by mining and processing calcium, cement, metals and uranium.
We also study the use of water resources at the Capdella, Talarn and Camarasa hydroelectric power plants – the first in Catalonia.
Caves and karst
Canyons, gorges, springs, waterfalls and caves: the Geopark is home to many karstic formations formed by the action of water and the erosion of the rocks.
These shapes form part of our underground heritage, where speleologists and climbers from around the world come to carry out their activities and research.
Natural areas
The Geopark is home to Protected Natural Areas where researchers study the evolution of animal species and ecosystems, flora, aquatic bird migration and the formation and evolution of geological phenomena, among other subjects.
A highlight is the Boumort National Game Reserve, created with the aim of protecting, supporting and enjoying animal species in their native habitat and preserving these ecosystems.
Part of the periphery of the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park also belongs to the Geopark, and we have land stewardship areas in partnership with Gratitud Pallars.
Culture
Prehistoric dig sites, megalithic compounds, Romanesque ruins, mediaeval and modernist architecture, historical memory…The Geopark has a diverse cultural heritage that facilitates research on the evolution of human life from its very beginnings.
Researchers here also study and spread awareness about the importance of myths, legends, traditions and trades that formed a part of life for our ancestors.
Not to mention, our night sky holds Starlight Reserve status and is used on an ongoing basis to study the origins and evolution of the universe.
The results of our reserach
As a UNESCO Global Geopark, we collaborate with universities and research institutions
in carrying out research in different parts of the territory. The results of this research help us
understand the processes that formed the Earth and the evolution of the beings that inhabit it.
Research
We study the lives of the last dinosaurs in Europe, the formation of the Pyrenees, the utilisation of natural resources, the reproduction of geological scenarios and the human occupation of this region over the past 200 000 years.
We also look at the diversity of geological processes, climates and biological activity, including human activity.
Research grants
As a Geopark, we offer funding to encourage scientific research in this region. We consider proposals in various fields relating to geology, palaeontology, ecology, biodiversity, humanities, astronomy, cultural heritage (including immaterial cultural heritage) and themes relating to sustainable development.
Publications
At the Geopark, we carry out daily work writing and sharing articles, theses, books and maps. In addition, at our scientific headquarters in the Pyrenees Territorial Support Centre of the Cartographic and Geological Institute of Catalonia, we offer a library with a large selection of books related to the region.
Good Practice Protocol
In order to guarantee the optimal preservation of our heritage and human safety, we kindly ask that students and scientists follow the indicated protocol. We also request that you complete the following forms before your field trips.
The future of scientific dissemination
GEOPARC ORÍGENS VIRTUALIS MUSEUM is a project born from the desire to make the results of our scientific research available to the public.
With the aim of realizing this goal, we are compiling and digitizing our research and using it to produce virtual reality audiovisual content.
Using this large digital database, we will be able to create educational material, share scientific knowledge and equip the routes of the Geopark with virtual reality stops.
This project is funded by MICIU/AEI /10.13039/50110001103 and by the European Union NextGenerationEU/PRTR.
