The multiple dimensions of geodiversity

Abstract For two decades, the concept of geodiversity has gained a prominent interest within a broad scientific community spanning multiple disciplines. The expansion of this concept has led to a multitude of definitions, approaches, renewed conceptualizations and neologisms (e.g. geosites, geoheritage, geoconservation, geotourism, geodiversification, geofunctionality, megageodiversity, exogeodiversity, geodiversity hotspots). Based on the existing literature, this Perspective has the objective to highlight and structure the idea that geodiversity is a multidimensional concept prone to operationalization. Contrary to usual definitions, we argue here that geodiversity should not be considered purely abiotic as it is also shaped by biotic and anthropic factors within the Earth's Critical Zone: it represents a four-dimensional open system characterized by multiple and complex interactions with the biosphere and the anthroposphere, that must be understood to achieve sustainability.