Abstract
Given special tectonic and climatic conditions, Iran has the most diverse land-forms and beautiful geological phenomena, which could attract many scientific, adventurous tourists and geological researchers. The present study aims at studying and introducing wonderful geomorphological attractions and numerous geotourism potentials of very hot paradise of the earth, e.g. Dasht-e Lut of Iran, a desert which contains a collection of exclusive desert relieves and geological and geomorphological records of the world. Such unique perspectives as the biggest Nebkhas of the world, the largest Yardangs or Kaluts of the world, the hottest point of the earth, as well as rare species of desert structures such as salt marshes and salt polygons, Gandom Beryan Hill, massive sand dunes, Barchans, clay zones in pretty shapes, saline river , etc., present a vast and diverse extension of geographical beauties and phenomena of the desert. Using library studies, interpretation of satellite images and field studies, this study has been conducted. The results of the studies show that Lut Desert has considerable capability for carrying out complementary studies as well as effect on economic development process in national and international levels. In addition, geotourism development obstacles in Lut Desert are identified, and such solutions as development of ways for access to attractions, erection of geotourism development centers, advertisement and introduction of the desert's attractions, dispatch of guides with tourists, promotion of the region security, extension of accommodations and… for better use of the potentials of the desert, are provided. Furthermore, towards developing the region geotourism, some other fun and exciting activities such as sand skiing, racings and desert rallies, endurance cycling, sun bath, star observation, camel riding and so on, are suggested. Obviously, having various desert attractions and multiple geotourism potentials, Dasht-e Lut has the capability of being considered among global geoparks of UNESCO.
Highlights
Iran has rich culture and outstanding landscapes
There are lands covered with salt and gypsum lands scattered in the central area, Malek Mahmoud Hole in the west of Rig-e Yalan. -There are clayey lands hosting short life vegetation and mainly exist in the north and south of Lut. -There are sandy lands in the eastern part known as Rig-e-Yalan they are scattered between the Kaluts in the west. -In the west, there are huge dunes of clay which were formed into various beautiful shapes as a result of erosion; they are known as Kalut
Since Lut Desert locates between Kerman, Sistan and Baluchestan, and South Khorasan Provinces, some geotourism development centers can be built in each of these provinces
Summary
Iran has rich culture and outstanding landscapes. Its diverse cultural and natural features have ranked Iran among the world’s first ten best tourist destinations Iran’s archaeological, cultural, natural, and geological attractions contribute to the development of geotourism (Amrikazemi and Mehrpooya, 2006), [1]. Desert land forms cover twenty-five percent of Iran’s area. These lands include a unique collection of geomorphological phenomena. The word Lut means barren in a way that lacks everything In other words, it lacks vegetations and water, two vital factors for the survival of humans and animals; as a result, some indigenous people were and still are afraid to go to this area. It lacks vegetations and water, two vital factors for the survival of humans and animals; as a result, some indigenous people were and still are afraid to go to this area This wonderful land has still remained somehow unknown to researchers
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