Assessment of Geotourism Potential of Geosites in Hashtjin Township Using the Dynamic Model

Madadi, Aghil; Asghari, Sayyad; Mortazavi, Seyyd Ali

Assessment of Geotourism Potential of Geosites in Hashtjin Township Using the Dynamic Model

Document Type : Origional Article

Authors

Aghil Madadi ¹

sayyad asghari ²

seyyd ali mortazavi ³

¹ Professor of Geomorphology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

² Professor, Department of Physical Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

³ , Master's degree in Geomorphology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

Abstract

Background and Objective: Tourism—particularly geotourism, as an emerging branch focused on geological and geomorphological phenomena—plays a significant role in sustainable development, environmental conservation, and regional economic improvement. With its vast natural diversity, Iran possesses great potential in this field. The city of Hashjin, located in southern Ardabil Province, with its distinctive natural features, is one of the promising areas for geotourism development that has not yet been comprehensively evaluated. This study aims to identify and prioritize the region’s geosites and to analyze geotourism assessment indicators within the framework of the dynamic model.
Methodology: In this study, five selected geosites in Hashtjin Township were initially identified for analysis and evaluation. The statistical population consisted of experts in physical geography and tourists visiting the region. Using a non-random purposive sampling method, 15 experts and 30 tourists (a total of 45 participants) were selected to complete the questionnaire. Data collection tools included a researcher-designed questionnaire, geological and topographic maps, and ArcGIS software. Data analysis was conducted based on Hadžić’s dynamic model by calculating three main indices: scientific value, additional values, and geosite vulnerability.
Results and Findings: The results revealed that Agh Dagh Mountain and Qezel Ozan River, with scores of 73.0076 and 64.303, respectively, exhibit the highest geotourism potential among the studied geosites. Diz Waterfall (38.9839), Jafarabad Zaviyeh Hot Spring (38.1518), and Nodeh Waterfall (33.014) ranked third to fifth. Qualitatively, Agh Dagh Mountain was classified as "very good," Qezel Ozan River as "good," and the remaining three geosites as "moderate." Additionally, the findings indicated that Qezel Ozan River, with a vulnerability score of 5.5, is the most vulnerable geosite, while Agh Dagh Mountain, with a score of 10, has the lowest vulnerability.
Conclusion: The findings of the study indicated that the geosites of Hashtjin, particularly Mount Agh Dagh and the Qezel Ozan River, possess high potential for geotourism development. Despite the advantages of using the dynamic model for evaluation, challenges such as weak infrastructure and high vulnerability in certain areas necessitate targeted management. Accordingly, strategies such as officially designating the region as a geosite, conducting comprehensive documentation, and developing localized evaluation models are recommended.

Keywords

Geotourism

dynamic Model

Hashtjin County

Geosites

Subjects

Physical geogeaphy

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