Volcanic tuff as a World Heritage Georesource, a Case Study of Tokaj Wine Region UNESCO Cultural Landscape

Volcanic tuff in the Tokaj Wine Region (TWR) emerges as a significant georesource with untapped potential for geoconservation and geotourism. The study highlights that the rhyolitic pyroclastic rocks, formed by Miocene eruptions, cover 100 km² and exhibit unique geological features due to diagenetic and hydrothermal alterations. While these rocks have been historically used in wine cellars and terrace walls, only one site is designated for nature conservation, leaving many quarries abandoned and at risk of instability, pollution, and vegetation overgrowth. The research underscores the need for restoration efforts to preserve the geoconservation value and enhance its role in education and tourism.

Szepesi, J., Ésik, Z., Novák, T. J., József, I., Sütő, L., Harangi, S., & Lukács, R. (2024). Volcanic tuff as a World Heritage Georesource, a Case Study of Tokaj Wine Region UNESCO Cultural Landscape. Geoheritage, 16(4). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-024-01032-x