Quantitative Geodiversity Assessment in Biodiversity Investigations

Geodiversity, the diversity of non-living nature, has gained increased attention in scientific discourse in recent years. It refers to the diversity of geological, geomorphological and hydrological features of the Earth's (sub-)surface, which also provide the basis for biodiversity.

This thesis investigates the concept of geodiversity and its relationship with biodiversity. The main objective is to establish a theoretical and methodological framework for studying landscape-scale geodiversity in biodiversity investigations, with some insights for nature conservation. The research includes a theoretical overview of the geodiversity–biodiversity relationship and provides empirical evidence of the relationship from both freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems. Additionally, it introduces the first Europe-wide geodiversity dataset, facilitating future research on this topic.

Moreover, this thesis challenges conventional views of nature’s diversity that define diversity narrowly and primarily in biotic terms. Increased understanding of geodiversity will contribute to a more holistic approach to nature, both in research and in public discourse.