Conservation of history in a changing environment: a geomorphological approach

Mol, Lisa ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5272-3671 and Viles, Heather 2012. Conservation of history in a changing environment: a geomorphological approach. Mol, Lisa and Sternberg, Troy, eds. Changing Deserts: Integrating People and their Environment, Cambridge: White Horse Press, pp. 215-236.

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Abstract

One brief glance at the UNESCO World Heritage List (August 2010) shows that currently 18 cultural sites are ‘under severe threat’. Of these, 14 are situated in arid environments. The harsh nature of these climates in combination with the often inaccessible and instable nature of their geographical location means that cultural heritage is often difficult to monitor, manage and conserve. Of the number of threats described in the ‘Case studies on Climate Change and World Heritage’ report (UNESCO, 2007), many apply specifically to arid regions such as increased erosion and weathering through desertification and salt weathering, ground water fluctuations, changes in wetting and drying cycles and extreme temperature fluctuations. Whilst our knowledge of the causes of decay and how to control it is continually progressing, monuments are deteriorating at an alarming rate. Many stone monuments which are a testimony to and record of our history and cultural development are now at risk of fading away into the past rather than standing tall for future generations to see. Even when deterioration does not appear to be catastrophic, weathering processes are slowly chipping away at statues, fountains, doorways and foundations. This is a problem for stone-built heritage in any environment; Durham Cathedral (UK) for example recently had to be completely surveyed and substantial parts of its structure had to be replaced due to honeycombing and flaking of the stone work (Attewell and Taylor, 1990). Similarly, pollution has created problems for the future of the Cathedral of Cadiz, Spain (Torfs and Van Grieken, 1997) while sandstone weathering is damaging monuments such as Giza, Egypt (Fitzner et al, 2003). In addition, numerous reports are available discussing rapid deterioration of well-known heritage such as Petra, Jordan (Heinrichs, 2008) and Angkor Wat, Cambodia (Uchida et al, 2000). What makes weathering in arid environments different from weathering in temperate climates is the astonishing process rate. Research has shown, for example, that test blocks of stone left in the Namib desert virtually dissolved over the span of a few years (Goudie et al, 1997; Viles and Goudie, 2007). Furthermore, there are many examples of structures such as newly built housing as well as pipelines decaying badly in a matter of years (Goudie and Viles, 1997). Arid environments are home to a vast range of different heritage sites; these vary from the stunning remains of Babylon (Iraq), where wholly intact temples, murals and houses can still be seen, to the fantastic rock art sites of the Tradat Acacus (Libya) to the extensive ruins of the trade city Paquimé Casas Grandes (USA). The entire area just north of the Tropic of Cancer is home to a vast number of UNESCO Cultural Heritage Sites, showing not only the density but also the importance of the historical and archaeological sites found in this region. The questions that beg to be answered are ‘How bad is stone weathering in arid environments, what can we about it and what implications does it have for the future enjoyment of stone heritage?’ Placing heritage in the larger picture of war, food and water shortages and lack of education opportunities, how important is it to focus our efforts on understanding the decay of heritage? Keats’ statement could actually go a long way towards explaining the importance of preserving cultural heritage. Many of these structures are ‘things of beauty’, positive additions to our cities and landscapes and reminders of cultural achievements. The ones that are not obviously beautiful but bear historical significance such as the barracks at Auschwitz also provide an important reminder of our past. Not only can joy be found in the aesthetically pleasing structures, structures such as Auschwitz also often remind us of the ugly parts of history as well, events that should never be repeated. They may not be able to solve world-wide problems, but they can act as a reminder to prevent future events that should never take place.

Item Type:	Book Section
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Earth and Environmental Sciences
Subjects:	D History General and Old World > D History (General) G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > G Geography (General)
Publisher:	White Horse Press
ISBN:	9781874267690
Last Modified:	28 Oct 2022 08:57
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/72749

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