Royal Alberta Museum - Geoloical Significance Evaluation Form

Geological Significance Evaluation Form Text Image

This evaluation has a maximum score of 50 points (40 points in cases of a 'not applicable' response to question #3)

All criteria are evaluated on a provincial basis only. Each criterion has several selections to choose from. Please make one selection for each criterion and place its corresponding numerical score (on the left) in the box on the right.

#1. Rarity

Geologic features are evaluated on the basis of their abundance relative to similar features within the Province of Alberta. The evaluator should be aware that the visibility of a feature, and/or the amount of effort that has been expended studying it can bias the perception of abundance.

• (20) unique (only 1 in province)

• (10) rare (less than 5)

• (5) moderate occurrence (5-10)

• (1) common occurrence (over 10)

#2. Quality

The feature is evaluated according to how well it measures up to the "ideal" or "textbook" example of its type, and how easily its characteristics are discerned. A high-quality feature need not necessarily be complete.

• (1) low (only a specialist could recognize it, feature not chosen for illustrating example)

• (5) moderate

• (10) high (textbook quality, all features easily discerned)

#3. Degree of Completeness

The feature is evaluated according to the extent to which the characteristic attributes are present. An example of a complete feature is a reef site that includes platform, reef, and gradation into basin sediments. However, a reef site that includes only the reef itself, even though it may be of high quality, would score low.

• (1) low (fewer than 20% of expected characteristics are present, although what is present may be of high quality)

• (5) moderate

• (10) high (more than 80% of expected characteristics are present)

• not applicable (N/A)

#4. Scientific/Professional Significance

Examples of recognition include publications, high-visitation rates by school and professional groups (e.g., field trip site), and planning reports.

• (1) no recognition

• (5)moderate recognition (1-2 references)

• (10) high recognition

#5. Established Recognition

Do you feel this site has:

• (1) Local recognition only

• (3) Regional recognition

• (5) National recognition

• (10) International recognition

Total Score For Geological Significance =