Geotope
The term geotope, is borrowed from the German word and refers to a geological feature which specifically relates to rocks and soil of the uppermost part of the lithosphere. It differs from general land formations of the lithosphere in an area, which are referred to as physiotopes. Both geotopes and a physiotopes are non-living, that is they are chemical and physical parts of the environment, abiotic components or factors that affect living organisms and the functioning of ecosystems.
Geotopes are geological formations of an inanimate nature that impart knowledge about the evolution of the earth or of life. They include individual creations of nature and natural landscape elements as well as outcrops of rocks, soil, minerals and fossils. Geology or geoscience, sometimes called Earth science is the study of the structure, evolution and dynamics of the Earth and its natural mineral and energy resources, this science includes the study of geotopes.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Archaeology.
- Conservation areas.
- Designated land.
- Designated areas.
- Earth heritage.
- Geological periods.
- Geology.
- Lithosphere.
- National parks.
- Physiotope.
- Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI).
- Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
- Special areas of conservation.
- Special protection areas.
- Types of rock.
- Types of soil.
- Types of land.
- World heritage site.
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Leaders in Learning for Practice Network
Call for conservation leaders in learning to register interest in new network.
The importance of early engagement
Construction lessons from the Trillium HealthWorks Experience Centre.
Mayors are to be given planning call in powers
Mayors across England will be able to make the most important planning decisions.
The Master Builder: William Butterfield and his times. Book review.
Why construction can't afford to ignore the skills gap.
Building Safety Regulator, 19 August
Gill Kernick appointed Independent Chair of Residents’ Panel.
Connecting knowledge, technology and conservation
Building competence for the future of built heritage.
Building Regulations and Building Safety Act
CIOB publishes free advice for non-domestic clients.
Building Safety Newsletter from MHCLG.
An extraordinary record of steel engineering worldwide.
Households living near new pylons to save on bills.
ECA warns growth must not outpace grid capacity or skills.