The Geoheritage of Hot Springs

Patricia Erfurt studied geography, geology and soil science at the University of New England (UNE) in Armidale, New South Wales. She received her Ph.D. from James Cook University (JCU) in Cairns, Queensland, for the subject of natural hot springs and their role in health, wellness and recreation. Since retirement from university teaching, Patricia has worked as a Research Scientist and Consultant at GEOTOURISM Australia with a special focus on risk prevention and risk management in geothermal and volcanic environments. Her main research interests include exploring new hot spring locations with an emphasis on sustainable management and conservation of endangered sites. She spends much of her time publishing research findings and has authored and co-authored books, book chapters and articles about hot spring tourism, volcano tourism and geotourism. Patricia actively promotes the concept of sustainable geotourism, assists with planning and establishing geotrails and works as advisor for the conservation of natural and cultural resources and their geoheritage.