Journal of Sustainable Urban & Regional Development Studies (JSURDS)

Abstract Background and Objective: The present study aimed to test the level of sustainability of economic tourism in these three cities based on the quantitative models of Zoros, Kobalikwa, and Feuillet.
Methodology: The research method is a combination of quantitative and descriptive-analytical methods and the required data are collected through official statistical sources, field questionnaires and secondary data. In the Kobalikova method, the criteria are placed in five groups. It covers almost all the features of geotourism. The value of each criterion in this model varies between zero and one (0-1). In the Violet method, geomorphosites and landforms were selected for study and evaluation based on four criteria: origin of formation, geographical distribution, tourism, and general accessibility status of this national park. The overall evaluation of geotourism and geomorphosites in this method is based on two main rates. In the Zoros method, scientific criteria of potential threats and usability are used to evaluate geosites, and each of the criteria used also has sub-criteria.
Findings and results: Based on the results obtained from the Kobalikwa model, Sarein County has obtained the highest score compared to other geotourism areas with a value of (74.6). The evaluation of the Zoros model also showed that among the geosites of Ardabil province (the studied areas), the Sarein geosite has the highest score with 74 points, and after this geosite, the Khalkhal and Germi geosites have obtained 68 and 58 points, respectively. Also, in the method of evaluating national parks, where the value of geotourism is evaluated in two parts: management rate and tourism rate, Sarein County, with a total score of (14.7), has diverse capabilities compared to other geotourism areas.
Conclusion: Therefore, it is concluded that Sarein County is in a relatively stable state in all three models due to its high concentration of tourism infrastructure, economic investment, and economic efficiency. Khalkhal County, despite its natural and ecotourism capacities, is ranked second due to its weakness in economic infrastructure. Despite its regional potential, Germi County has the lowest level of economic sustainability of tourism in terms of the three indicators. Finally, it is suggested that future studies should use various models and online questionnaires to evaluate the capabilities and capacities of economic tourism.
Keywords: : Economic tourism, sustainability, quantitative models, Ardabil province

Abstract Background and Objective: The natural flow regime of the river is a very important factor in determining the functions of aquatic ecosystems and their surroundings. The aim of this study is to evaluate the hydrogeomorphological conditions of the Qorichai River in Ardabil Province using the MQI method.
Methodology: In order to achieve this goal, the Geomorphological Quality Index (MQI) method has been used. First, the river network is divided into homogeneous intervals (6 intervals). Then, related morphological indices such as bank stability, channel pattern, cross-section changes, sedimentation potential, and adaptation to the surrounding environment are calculated.
Results and findings: The results showed that the value of the geomorphological quality index in the studied intervals is between 0.77 and 0.27, among which the maximum coefficient is in interval 2 with a score of 0.77 in the good category, which indicates the greater dynamics of this interval compared to other intervals, and the minimum score is in interval 3 with a value of 0.27, which is in the very poor category. Therefore, it was concluded that the Qorichai River is in a poor condition from intervals 3 to 6 and does not have favorable conditions, but on the contrary, it has appropriate dynamics in intervals 1 and 2. Finally, it is suggested that practical measures be taken to protect the river in intervals with unfavorable quality.

Abstract Background and Objective: Water security as a comprehensive concept that encompasses the measurement of the achievement of various water resources management goals. In other words, water security is strongly influenced by many factors, including increasing urban population, economic development, changes in living standards, increasing water pollution, overexploitation of groundwater resources, and climate change. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate and prioritize the Water Security Index (WSI) in the Qarasu sub-basins in Ardabil province.
Methodology: In this study, hydrological (H), environmental (E), life (L) and ... indicators were used to estimate the water security index. In other words, the water security index uses the combination of the aforementioned indicators and normalization to assess the sustainability of the watershed.
Results and findings: The results of the environmental criteria assessment showed that the most rangeland is in sub-basin (17) with 19.33 percent, and in terms of forest land, the most is in sub-basin (7) with 60.92 percent, and the least rangeland is in sub-basin (11) with 0.04 percent, and forest land is in sub-basins (5, 11, 14) with 0.01 percent. The results of the life criteria assessment also showed that the most human development is in sub-basins (1, 4, 5, 11, 14, 15, 17, 24, 25) with a maximum score of 1. Finally, based on the results of combining the (H, E, L) indicators, the results of the Water Security Index (WSI) showed that the highest level of sustainability of the Qarasu-Samian watershed in terms of water security is related to sub-basin (1) with a value of 0.63, which indicates the sustainability of this sub-basin in the entire area of the Qarasu-Samian watershed. Also, the lowest level of water security sustainability of the watershed was assigned to sub-basin (21) with a value of 0.03, which indicates a very high weakness of the water security of the sub-basin in the entire area of the Qarasu-Samian watershed.
Conclusion: Therefore, it is concluded that the higher the sub-basins are in terms of hydrological, environmental and life indicators, the higher the watershed will be in terms of sustainability and water security. Finally, it is suggested that in future studies, more tests, indicators and new methods should be used to assess the water security of the watershed.

Abstract Background and Objective: Seismicity is a measure that encompasses the occurrence, mechanisms, and magnitude of earthquakes in a given geographical location. Thus, it summarizes the seismic activity of a region. Based on geological evidence and recorded earthquakes, the study area is considered one of the active and seismic zones in Iran. Therefore, knowledge of the seismic potential of the region is necessary to prevent unprincipled construction in the study area. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the seismic potential of faults in the Balharud-Garmi basin.
Methodology: In this study, ArcGIS software was used to draw maps and analyze them. First, using the 1:100,000 geological map of the Geology and Mineral Exploration Organization of the country, the faults (main and minor) in the study area were determined and their lengths were determined. Then, the seismic power of the faults in the study area was calculated using the relations of Zare (1995), Norouzi (1985), and Norouzi and Ashjai (1978).
Findings and Results: According to the relevant results, the average seismic power in terms of Richter in the faults of Nowruzabad is 12.55, Azadabad 10.20, Sari-Nasirlu 28.62, Ilikhchi 9.08, Chenar 6.56, Farzi-Kandi 17.42, Parchin 10.35, Ojaq-Alazar 17.94, Demirchi 7.23, Pireh-Khalil 6.55, Qanab 19.16, Shorfeh 7.73, and Shordarq 3.92. The results showed that the study area, especially the central parts towards the south of the basin due to the concentration of fault lines, is prone to seismicity and there is a possibility of earthquakes with a magnitude greater than 4 on the Richter scale. The Sari-Nasirlu, Azadabad and Al-Qanab faults have the highest seismic power in the region, respectively. Studies also show that there is a direct relationship between the seismic power of faults and the length of the fault. Given the lack of sufficient studies on the tectonics and seismicity of the region, other studies should be conducted

Abstract Background and Objective: Floods are one of the natural phenomena that can cause significant damage to infrastructure, farmlands, and the environment. This phenomenon primarily occurs due to heavy rainfall, snowmelt, or a combination of these factors. Therefore, the aim of this study is to map flood hazard zones and examine their relationship with land use using the Analytic Network Process (ANP) model in the Razi Chay watershed in Ardabil Province.
Methodology: In this study, data from Landsat 8 satellite imagery from 2022, a 30-meter ASTER DEM map, a 1:50,000 scale topographic map, a 1:250,000 scale geological map, and other detailed information of the studied watershed were utilized. Ten parameters influencing flood occurrence were analyzed, including elevation, slope, slope aspect, vegetation cover, geological formations, distance from the river, flow direction, land use, precipitation, and drainage density. The Analytic Network Process (ANP) model was employed to determine the importance of each variable.
Findings and Conclusion: Among the studied parameters, slope (with a weight of 30%), elevation (with a weight of 21%), and land use (with a weight of 17%) were assigned the highest weights, indicating their significant influence in controlling flood occurrence in the Razi Chay watershed. The results show that approximately 36% of the Razi Chay watershed falls within high-risk and very high-risk zones. These areas are typically located in the lower part of the watershed, often at the confluence of the two main streams. Considering the spatial distribution of settlements in the region, it can be concluded that most of the settlements in the lower part of the watershed are exposed to flood risks

Abstract Background and Aim: Ecotourism, as a sustainable approach to utilizing natural resources, plays a significant role in improving the livelihoods and economic resilience of local communities. In border regions, this approach can, in addition to creating employment opportunities, enhance cultural identity and social interactions. This study examined the impact of cultural–social dimensions of ecotourism on the sustainable economic development of border residents in Ardabil Province, Iran. The novelty of this research lies in its localized focus on border areas and in analyzing the effects of cultural–social dimensions on sustainable economic indicators, an issue that has received limited attention in previous studies.
Methodology: This applied research employed a descriptive–analytical method. The statistical population consisted of residents of the border areas of Ardabil Province, with a sample size of 384 individuals determined using Cochran’s formula and selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS through descriptive statistics, Spearman’s correlation, and multiple regression analysi.
Results and Findings: The results indicated that all cultural–social components had a positive and significant relationship with sustainable economic development at the bivariate level. However, in the multivariate model, environmental education and awareness and institutional trust had the strongest positive effects, whereas cultural attitudes and social capital showed significant negative effects. Local participation also had a positive and significant, but weaker, effect compared to the correlations.The findings highlight the importance of investing in environmental education, strengthening institutional trust, and enhancing local participation to promote sustainable economic development. Moreover, the need to reform cultural approaches and improve social capital to align with sustainability goals was emphasized. Overall, the results can serve as a strategic basis for developing ecotourism-oriented policies in the country’s border regions.

Abstract Background and Objective: This study evaluated the geotourism capabilities and potentials of Nir County, located in Ardabil Province. This county has high geotourism capabilities due to its location on the slopes of Sabalan and Bozqosh. The development of the geotourism industry in this county can be a driver of sustainable economic development in the region. The purpose of this study is to analyze the geotourism and geomorphological potentials of Nir County in Ardabil Province.
Methodology: In Nir County, there are two geotourism axes: Bulaghlar and Saein. In the present study, the geotourism capabilities of the aforementioned axes were evaluated using two models: Kobalikwa and Feyolt. The aforementioned models have numerous indicators that, in addition to geological-geomorphological aspects, also consider other factors such as cultural-historical monuments, access, management, and vulnerability.
Findings and Results: The evaluation of geotourism axes using the aforementioned models showed that the Bulaghlar region has higher geotourism potential for several reasons. In this context, we can mention geomorphological diversity (geodiversity), the presence of numerous hot springs, beautiful and lush nature, proximity to the Nirchai and Balikhlochai rivers, proximity to the city of Nir, easier access, the presence of cultural-historical monuments, the display of local traditions through the holding of numerous festivals, favorable access to the Sabalan ranges, and similar cases. For this reason, the Bulaghlar region obtained higher scores in relation to most of the indicators of the models used. According to the results of the models, it can be said that two basic challenges, including the lack of protective measures and the limited infrastructure and service-welfare facilities, are among the most important obstacles to the development of the geotourism industry in Nir county.
Conclusion: The results show that the development of tourism and geotourism in Nir County is generally one-dimensional and that various aspects of geotourism such as scientific values, geomorphological diversity, geomorphological conservation, and sustainable development have been neglected. However, a multidimensional view of the geotourism industry with a conservation approach along with the development of infrastructure and facilities can significantly develop the tourism industry and transform the regional economy.

Abstract Background and Objective: The word geothermal has Greek roots. Geo means earth and thermal means heat, which is based on geological features and water resources. Over time, it has been described as a different type of tourism that has a geological or geographical orientation. The aim of this study is to identify the potential of geomorphological and geothermal destinations in Ardabil province using the Brailles and Zoros model.
Methodology: The method of the present study is descriptive, analytical and comparative. In this study, two geotourism models, Brailles and Zoros, were used. This study was conducted in 2024 the statistical population was tourists and tourism and geology industry specialists. In this study, the Braille model refers to the median of the terrestrial diversity index sites that do not have any intrinsic or scientific value and their capabilities are measured based on their relationship with educational and tourism values. The medians were selected by four factors: reputation, integrity, geological type, security, accessibility, and beauty. In the Zoros method, scientific criteria of potential threats and usability are used to evaluate geosites, and each of the criteria used also has sub-criteria.
 Findings and Conclusion: The results of the Zoros model evaluation show that the Meshkinshahr geothermal area has the highest score (75/80). The Ardabil geothermal area is also in second place with 72/5 points. According to the Zoros model results, the Sarein region has the lowest score of 69, which indicates the low geothermal potential in this city. The results of the Braille model showed that in terms of accessibility index, Ardabil region has the highest score with an average of 2.62 and is in first place, and in terms of scientific index, Meshkinshahr region has the first place in terms of world reputation criterion with 12 points. In terms of vulnerability, Sarein region is in first place with the highest score. Therefore, it is concluded that considering that the geothermal areas of Ardabil province are affected by the Sabalan Mountains, this has caused all three geothermal areas to have different capabilities, which the aforementioned models showed that the highest thermal energy is in Meshkinshahr county. Finally, it is suggested that artificial intelligence tools be used in future studies to estimate geothermal areas.

Abstract Background and Aim: Geotourism is a special form of tourism industry in which tourists are the center of attention. A geosite can be a landscape, a group of various forms of unevenness of the earth's surface (landforms) or a single landform, a rock outcrop, as well as fossil layers or a particular fossil. The present study is to assess the geotourism and geomorphological capabilities in tourist villages of Ardabil province.
Methods and Material: This study is descriptive-analytical-applied in terms of its purpose and uses Pavlova models to evaluate the competitiveness of the studied areas and is based on the formation of positive and negative factors and calculations related to them; The Violet model, which examines geotourism areas based on four criteria of origin, geographical distribution, tourism, and accessibility, and finally the Kobalikova model, which emphasizes scientific, educational, economic, conservation, and additional criteria, was used.
Results and Discussion: Based on the results obtained from the evaluation of the Pavlova geotourism model, these results were obtained: the geotourism areas of Biledarq, Khojin, and Sardabeh were ranked in the excellent, good, and appropriate competitiveness weights, respectively. The results obtained from applying the Violet model also showed that in the management section of the studied areas, Biledarq region was assigned a score of 0.68, and in the tourism rate section, Khojin village was assigned a score of 0.70, which indicates the relative superiority of welfare potentials. Also, based on the results of the Kobalikwa model, the village of Bileh Daragh has obtained high scores in most of the evaluation sub-indices and, with a total score of 11, has a high value compared to other villages under study. Therefore, it is concluded that Bileh Daragh village has high geotourism capabilities and potentials and can play a significant role in the growth and expansion of the tourism industry in the region. Finally, it is suggested that in order to identify the capacities of geotourism areas, they should be evaluated with different models in future studies