Geoconservation evaluation of the sites of Miocene sedimentary rocks in the quarries of north-eastern Slovenia

Abstract

The article deals with the sites of Miocene sedimentary rocks in north-eastern Slovenia. Due to dense vegetation cover and consequently rare rock outcrops mostly abandoned quarries were elaborated. According to evaluation criteria defined by Nature Conservation Act and Decree on the categories of valuable natural features, out of 28 examined locations 6 were selected as important from the nature conservation point of view. These sites contain mainly the fossilferous lithothamnian limestone and they are proposed to be listed as valuable geological natural features . The quarries Osek - oolite limestone and sandstone site and Zgornji Duplek 1 -lithothamnian limestone siteare proposed as geological natural values of national importance. The lithothamnian rocks used to be important building stone. Nowadays we find it in some of important cultural monuments like castles, churches and other cultural monuments. In this respect some of the sites of Miocene sedimentary rocks have significant cultural value as well.