Affiliation:
1. Firouzabad higher education center, Shiraz university of technology
2. Hakim Sabzevari University
3. University of Isfahan
Abstract
Abstract
Geodiversity refers to geographical diversity of geological materials, forms, and processes that comprise the planet Earth. Geodiversity is a fundamental concept for determining the importance of non-living natural resources. Accordingly, development of geodiversity-related studies, particularly in Iran with its rich geology and geomorphology, can open a new window toward exploring natural potentials of different areas around the country. Indeed, the geodiversity and, even more importantly, geomorphodiversity have been acknowledged as effective potentials for tourism, and may comprise building blocks of tourism in Zagros Mountain Chain in Iran. With its karstic landforms, Fars Province possesses numerous geomorphodiversity capabilities. Accordingly, the present research aims at investigating the geodiversity of the Mamasani Watershed in western Fars Province, where a range of unique geological features like waterfalls, caves, tight lapies, karstic valleys, natural arches, etc. are hosted. In order to evaluate geodiversity potentials of the study area, we used geodiversity index (GDI), per-area roughness density (PRD), Simpson’s evenness index (SIEI), Shannon’s evenness index (SHEI), Shannon’s diversity index (SHDI), Simpson’s diversity index (SIDI), roughness density, modified Simpson’s diversity index (MSIDI), and modified Simpson’s evenness index (MSIEI). Results of GDI, PRD, SHDI, SIEI, SIDI, SHEI, MSIDI, and MSIEI in Unit 1 (i.e., Tang-e-Buan) were found to be maximal (i.e., equal to 12.7, 0.031, 1.56, 0.76, 0.87, 0.84, 1.5, and 0.93, respectively). Unit 3 in the western part of the watershed finished second while Units 2 and 4 were ranked 3rd and 4th, respectively.
Publisher
Research Square Platform LLC
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