Research Article
The Development of Geotourism in the Akhlamed Valley in Eastern Iran Through the Evaluation of Geomorphosites
Masoomeh Tavangar,
Alan Forghani*
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, February 2025
Pages:
1-16
Received:
12 December 2022
Accepted:
13 January 2025
Published:
7 February 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.earth.20251401.11
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Views:
Abstract: Geotourism or land tourism is considered a relatively new concept in tourism industry that has gained a considerable growth and attention in the recent decade. Geotourism can have the most harmony with sustainable development and all economic, cultural, social and environmental dimensions. The present paper aims to study an attractive geomorphotourism site around the city of Mashhad. To this end, several Geomorphosites resulting from the erosion process were selected for tourism development and their capabilities were evaluated. To evaluate geomorphotourism development potentials of the study area, Pereira method was used and field data collection and evaluation were conducted applying a Geographical Information System (GIS). By evaluating the scientific index of the selected Geomorphosites, it was found that dolines obtained the highest score followed by rock walls. For the complementary index, the highest score belongs to the rock walls and Akhlamad main waterfall, respectively. For the protection index, dolines, rock walls, and karst valleys had the highest scores, respectively. For the usage index, rock walls obtained the highest score followed by Akhlamad River. Scientific findings of the documentary and field studies showed that Akhlamad has significant potential for adventure and educational tourism, and mountain and winter sports due to the development of morphological-hydrological landscapes. The results also indicated that to make optimal use of the geotourism potential of Akhlamad, should be considered.
Abstract: Geotourism or land tourism is considered a relatively new concept in tourism industry that has gained a considerable growth and attention in the recent decade. Geotourism can have the most harmony with sustainable development and all economic, cultural, social and environmental dimensions. The present paper aims to study an attractive geomorphotour...
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Research Article
Geoinformatics-Based Assessment of Salt Mining and Its Socio-economic Impact on Uburu Community, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Innocent Ehiaguina Bello*
,
Blessing Ogonnaya Uta-Daniel,
Nnaemeka Michael Iheanacho,
Helen Olubunmi Oluyomi
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, February 2025
Pages:
17-32
Received:
20 December 2024
Accepted:
2 January 2025
Published:
17 February 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.earth.20251401.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: The aim of the study is to assess the geo-economic impact of salt mining activities on the people of Uburu community in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The objective of the study is to identify, map and examine the geographic pattern of the salt mining lake in the area using Geoinformatics method to capture (GPS and Remote Sensing), analyze and map (GIS and cartography) the time series changes in salt lake. Questionnaire was used to solicit for information on salt mining method, health, tools/materials and financial challenges in salt business in Uburu. The study shows the spatial location of the Salt Lake where salt mining activities take place. The study revealed that within a period of twelve years (12) between 2010-2022, there has been changes in the spatial extent of the lake. GIS analysis revealed that in 2010 the salt lake covered an area of 89.8 m2. In 2016 it was revealed to be 89 m2 which shows a spatial decrease in the extent of 0.8 m2. The shrinking of the lake can be attributed to mining activities and the effects of climate change. Conversely, the study showed that in 2022, the extent of the Salt Lake was 114.5 m2 indicating an increase of 25.5 m2. This is, however, attributed to the decline in the salt mining activities in the area. Since the lake has no outlet other than evaporation, the minerals accumulate and give the lake high salinity. The methods adopted by the miners in salt processing were identified to be mainly traditional as about 95% of the respondents indicated having no health challenge since they have been part of the activities. The study further revealed the use of locally made tools and materials such as clay pot, drum, calabash, firewood, bucket, etc. for salt mining and processing. The majority of the respondents (65%) incurred cost of more than N5,000 in the purchase of tools and materials and labor for salt mining business. Likewise, the study revealed factors such as modern technology, cost of materials and good market, if put in place, can improve salt mining business in the area. The t-test revealed that respondent’s monthly income from the salt mining business has no significant determinant relationship with the respondent’s educational qualification and housing type in the study area. Improved modern salt mining system is recommended.
Abstract: The aim of the study is to assess the geo-economic impact of salt mining activities on the people of Uburu community in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The objective of the study is to identify, map and examine the geographic pattern of the salt mining lake in the area using Geoinformatics method to capture (GPS and Remote Sensing), analyze and map (GIS and...
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