Perhaps you’re wondering what lies beneath our feet in Rhineland-Palatinate? Right here we have the answer. It’s displayed in a unique and engaging way at the Begehbare geologische Karte von Rheinland-Pfalz.
The Begehbare geologische Karte von Rheinland-Pfalz is a walk-on geological map. It’s a collaborative project. The Landesamt f\u00fcr Geologie und Bergbau Rheinland-Pfalz and the Geology Department of the University of Trier created it together. The map lets you experience geology firsthand.
Opened on July 15 2005, the Begehbare geologische Karte RLP uses rocks. These are original rocks from Rhineland-Palatinate. They represent different geological units. The geological units are simplified but accurately scaled. The map’s scale is approximately 1:7,000. Its dimensions are about 37 by 27 meters.
The Rhine and Moselle rivers are represented as accessible paths. These paths accommodate strollers and wheelchairs. Larger landscapes such as the Upper Rhine Graben and the Schiefergebirge are separated by height levels. These height levels offer informal seating.
The Begehbare geologische Karte von Rheinland-Pfalz sits next to the “Turm Luxemburg”. It is located on the grounds of the former Landesgartenschau in Trier. This location allows visitors to view the map from above. This provides a better understanding of the spatial relationships.
The construction of the Begehbare geologische Karte von Rheinland-Pfalz is impressive. The substructure weighs 650 tons. The rock itself weighs 480 tons. The total mass is 1130 tons. The built-up area is 540 square meters.
Information boards explain the geological map. They also describe the geology of Rhineland-Palatinate.
The Begehbare geologische Karte von Rheinland-Pfalz integrates into Trier’s tourism concept. It serves as a teaching tool for geography students. It also provides targeted information for visitor groups. School groups are especially welcome.
The Porta Nigra offers an example of local geology. It was built using Kylltal sandstone. This sandstone was mined near Kordel. Sculptors still use it today. They create monuments and gravestones with it. It’s also used for window and door frames. Grauwacke is another common rock. You can find it as street pavement or curbs.
Dachschiefer covers roofs all along the Moselle. It is also used for road construction. It becomes road base and surfacing. It’s also an aggregate for concrete. Dolomite rock is used to make cement.
The Begehbare geologische Karte shows us what the region is made of. It connects us to the earth. It is educational. It is also a unique and beautiful attraction in Trier.