Description of Geoheritage and Ecotourism Potential of River-Glacial landscapes Alvand Massif in Hamadan (Iran)

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Associate Professor of Geomorphology. Geography department. University of Zanjan. Zanjan. Iran

Abstract

The landscape elements without apparent use or utility usually find a window in geotourism to escape from the unknown. Alvand massif of Hamedan, located at the southeast of the northwest of Iran, is a geomorphic unit with an intrusive -glacial-water origin that has a valuable potential to be turned into a geotourism area. The aim is to present the intrinsic value of the numerous components in Alvand mountain massif of Hamadan, by adopting a systemic approach and applying geomorphological and literary interpretation techniques. For this purpose, geological, geomorphological, cultural, ethnographic and biological elements were defined. Then, their potential is evaluated according to the main interests, superior value, and unique example at the national level, potential uses, conservation status and degree of vulnerability, using a weighted Likert scale. The evaluation of 22 sites of interest to tourists (10 of interest to geologists-geomorphologists and 12 of general tourism) shows that 40.91% of sites have very high geotourism potential, complemented by another 31.82% of sites with high geotourism potential. 45.45% of the sites show a level of geological-geomorphological interest, which, together with additional data (18.18% of mountain sites with mythical value), altogether account for 63.63% of the main interests of tourists. The special conditions of Serkan Valley and the existence of very distinct moraine terminals provide the basis for the formation of a special geological-paleoclimatological geopark. The two valleys of Simine and Ganjnameh, with the presence of public and fun geosites, they can witness special science visitors and other tourists. 77% of the sites of interest are accessible along 100 km of existing roads. To visit the mountain sites, one has to mountaineering 30km.

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References

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Geography and Territorial Spatial Arrangement
Volume 14, Issue 52
October 2024
Pages 27-58

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History

  • Receive Date: 09 February 2024
  • Revise Date: 20 May 2024
  • Accept Date: 16 June 2024

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