Unveiling the Igneous Geodiversity of the Shunku Rumi Geosite for Geoeducation and Geotourism Actions in the Napo Sumaco UNESCO Global Geopark (Ecuador)

The Shunku Rumi Geosite, located within the Napo Sumaco UNESCO Global Geopark in Ecuador, offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the igneous geodiversity of the Abitagua Batholith. This study employs an integrative approach combining petrographic, geochemical, and structural analyses to characterize the site’s lithological diversity, mineral assemblages, and emplacement mechanisms. Detailed fieldwork at a 1:3000 scale included geological mapping, 23 intrusive rock samples, and over 100 structural measurements. Laboratory techniques, such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thin-section petrography, revealed a wide range of mineral phases, with dominant minerals including quartz, plagioclase, biotite, and amphibole. The petrographic and geochemical dataset is consistent with a calc-alkaline affinity, reflecting subduction-related magmatism. Alteration zones, predominantly propylitic, were identified through secondary minerals like epidote, chlorite, and sericite, signaling late-stage hydrothermal processes. Structural analysis shows NE–SW dyke emplacement was controlled by pre-existing fault systems. The study emphasizes the educational and geotourism potential of Shunku Rumi, with its accessible exposures offering a unique platform for geoeducation. These results also underpin the development of field-based learning materials and practitioner guides within the geopark, linking geological processes to local cultural heritage and promoting sustainable development. The findings contribute to the growing efforts to integrate scientific research with community engagement, fostering a deeper understanding of Earth’s dynamic systems within the context of the Amazonian landscape.