Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Professor of Geomorphology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
2
PhD student geomorphology university of mohegehgh ardabili ardabil iran
10.22034/gp.2025.68901.3447
Abstract
Objective: Geomorphosites are defined as parts of the Earth that have special geological or geomorphological significance that have acquired scientific, cultural-historical, aesthetic, or socio-economic value due to human understanding or exploitation. The aim of the present study is to identify and evaluate karst geomorphosites in Zanjan province using the Nicholas and Facilus models.
Methods: The method of this study is descriptive-analytical-applied and to evaluate the study areas, the Nickolas model, which examines geomorphosites in three criteria: scientific and educational value, potential threats, and conservation needs and usability, and the Fassoulas model, which evaluates geosites using scientific, tourism, and conservation value criteria, were used.
Results: The results show that in the Nickolas model, the karst geomorphosite of Katalekhor Cave has the highest score and has the highest geotourism value with a total score of 5.67; the geosites of Mount Panjeh Ali and Cheshmeh Karsef are in the next ranks with a score of 5.54 and 5.52, respectively. Also, according to the results of the fassoulas model, Katalekhor Cave has the highest geotourism potential in the region with a score of 5.147, and Dodkash Jen is in the second place with a score of 5.127 and Cheshmeh Karsef is in the next place with a score of 120.
Conclusions: Therefore, it is concluded that among the studied karst areas, the geomorphosites of Katalekhor Cave, Cheshmeh Karsef and Dodkash Jen and Mount Panjeh Ali are introduced as the top geomorphosites of the region with potential geotourism potential. Finally, it is suggested that future studies use artificial intelligence tools and modern geotourism models to identify the geotourism potential of regions and attract domestic and foreign tourists.
Keywords
Main Subjects
)