Journal of Geographical Studies of Mountainous Areas

Journal of Geographical Studies of Mountainous Areas

Evaluation of the capabilities of watershed geosites in Daran Dasht basin using the Pralong model

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Asadullah Hijazi 1
Saye Habibzadeh 2
Habib Purebrahim 2
1 Department of Geomorphology, Faculty of Planning and Environmental Sciences of Tabriz University, Tabriz, Iran.
2 Department of Geomorphology, Faculty of Planning and Environmental Sciences, Tabriz University, Tabriz, Iran.
10.22034/gsma.2025.2045133.1040
Abstract
1. Introduction
Tourism is a phenomenon of the 20th century and cannot be ignored, but should be seen as a phenomenon that exists (good or bad). Every year, millions of people travel and no one can stop them from traveling, they will come, so let this movement be used as a source of development. In recent decades, a new branch of tourism has been formed, which It has a conscious relationship with inanimate nature. So that this term has an international scope today. Geosite and geomorphosite are two new branches in tourism studies that have entered the geography and tourism literature by emphasizing the determination of special places with tourism value. In fact, geotourism examines the characteristics of a place, including environmental, cultural, aesthetic, and geological heritage, and develops the well-being of residents. In geotourism, geomorphological phenomena are more dominant than other geological phenomena. These audiences are not only specialists and experts in geomorphology and geology, but also ordinary tourists and nature enthusiasts. Nowadays, most of the tourism markets have been affected by geotourism. This issue is affected by the number of tourists who are looking for natural and unique attractions. In other words, geotourism is a special form of tourism industry in which geosites are in the center of tourists' attention. A geosite can be a landscape of a group of various forms of land surface irregularities (landforms) or a single landform, a rock outcrop, as well as fossil layers of a particular fossil. This type of tourism is synonymous with geographic tourism, which aims to discover an area with all the natural and human elements associated with it. The most important sources and phenomena of geotourism are: caves, valleys, fractures, waterfalls, springs, rivers, depressions and folds, sediments of different geological periods, volcanoes, external igneous materials, floors Crystalline, stalagmites and stalagmites inside caves and cavities, cave and marine porches and columns, salt domes, hills and coral colonies, beach cuts (fjords), marl layers, boulders and pieces of large balanced stones, ripple marks of sand The flow and waves of the coasts, tidal water channels, windy sand dunes, watery and windy gorges and tunnels, grooves and stretches of layers and remnants of sedimentary fortifications, fossils, vegetation of upland lands and many shapes and sizes are important. The most works and phenomena of geotourism are for tourists to visit.

2. Methodology
In this research method, firstly, through library studies, by reviewing documents and documents related to the subject, the required information and data have been collected. Then by examining topographic maps, field visits, landforms were identified and the location of each of them was determined. To achieve the goals of the research, a large amount of data from geomorphological places in different parts of the sample tourism area has been evaluated and these features have been set in cards as geomorphological place identification cards. After completing the sheets related to each landform to determine the potential and capabilities of the tourism land by geomorphological locations, the Prolong model has been used, which geomorphological landforms with four criteria (appearance beauty, scientific, cultural-historical and economic-social). can be checked. Specific criteria for determining each of the aspects of tourism in geomorphological landforms, including beauty, scientific, cultural-historical and economic-social, have been determined. With such a situation, the amount of tourism capabilities of a landform is the average of the above four indicators and is expressed in this way.

3. Results
According to the values ​​obtained from the calculation of the tourism value of the geomorphological places in the region and their comparison, the Stone Farm has the highest number (49.) and it can be considered as the most attractive geosite in the region. The reasons that have increased the tourism rate of this geosite include the existence of a very beautiful landscape in the mountain slopes leading to this geosite, the high level of science that shows the importance of this attraction and the possibility of reconstructing the past and present climatic conditions in the region. After this, Darandash Valley is ranked second with (41) and the reason for this geomorphological place to get this rank is firstly because of its proximity to Darandash village, where it is possible to settle and use the facilities and proximity to it, and secondly, The reason is the accumulation of river and karst forms in a relatively small area of ​​the river, which made the scientific quality of this geosite get a high score. In the next rank, Tudeh Inferi has been scored with (33.) and finally, Rock Fall is in the last place with a rank of (30.). In relation to the level of intensity of productivity, contrary to the level of tourism, Darandash Valley has taken the first place and Sangi Farm has been placed in the second place. The reason for this is the impassability of the access road to the stone farm, the lack of any amenities, and the lack of recognition and introduction of it by people related to geographic and geological sciences and other people who are somehow related to the issue of geotourism.

4. Discussion
Geomorphological landforms are a geomorphological complication that has scientific, cultural-historical, aesthetic and socio-economic value according to human understanding. These landforms may contain one or more geomorphological phenomena and landscapes, and human actions can cause them to change and transform, cause them damages and sometimes even destroy them. In the research literature, geomorphological landforms have been described with titles such as geomorphological capitals, geomorphological attractions, geomorphological landscapes, etc. In recent years, geomorphological heritages have been evaluated in terms of quality in the framework of titles such as: environmental assessment, natural heritage landforms, natural parks, etc. Field investigation and observation of satellite images showed. Darandash valley, rock fall, stone field, intrusive mass are the geomorphological landforms of the studied area.

5. Conclusion
Providing subsidies or financial incentives can help farmers mitigate financial burdens and encourage the adoption of more environmentally friendly practices. Educating consumers about the importance of sustainable agriculture and the health benefits of eco-friendly products can boost demand, leading to higher prices and, ultimately, increased income for farmers. Given the extensive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, it is crucial to raise awareness and promote integrated pest and disease management techniques that combine biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods, all while minimizing economic, health, and environmental risks. This approach can significantly reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides in vegetable farming. Additionally, implementing stricter regulations on the use of chemical pesticides, including limitations on the types and quantities allowed, can further decrease the usage of harmful substances in agriculture. Vegetable growers recognize that their practices significantly impact public health and contribute to their communities. However, these beliefs are often shaped by concerns related to their family's financial stability and livelihood. Therefore, effective management of agricultural practices is essential to ensure a high quality of life and income for the families of vegetable farmers. This necessitates the development of systematic and practical mechanisms for producing healthy vegetables.

Author Contributions
In the preparation and writing of this article, all authors (first, second, and third) have contributed equally and jointly. All stages of the research, from study design and data collection to analysis of results and final writing of the article, are the result of collaboration and collective agreement of all authors.

Data Availability Statement
Data available on request from the authors.

Acknowledgements
We are very grateful to everyone who assisted us in conducting this research.

Ethical Considerations
All authors affirm that this research was conducted in accordance with ethical standards, with no data fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism.

Funding
This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Conflict of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest
Keywords
Tourism
Geosite
Darandash
Pralong
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Journal of Geographical Studies of Mountainous Areas
Volume 7, Issue 1 - Serial Number 25
Spring
Spring 2026
Pages 129-148