Geomorphological Heritage Attractions Proposed for Geotourism in Asir Mountains, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This study is going to deal with attractions proposed by the geomorphological heritage in Asir Mountains. The reason behind conducting this study is for presenting the abilities of geo-tourism development in Asir Mountains. The geomorphological heritage embraces landforms and processes playing a key role in the understanding the history of earth and having a strict relationship with both the geomorphological and cultural heritage. The geomorphological heritage is unique and distinctive within the geo-heritage and has promoted great interest over time from a touristic viewpoint. Geomorphological heritage is more than ever in a position to become a significant sustainable territorial resource, enhanced through geo-tourism. A heritage geomorphology emerges, which are not only the characterization of the geomorphological heritage, but also methods of protection and management. In order to analyze geomorphological features of this area and to achieve a digital map, a GIS database created by using both of topographic and lithological maps and satellite images. Using these datasets, the main geomorphologic features extracted and realized based on two stages. First stage is consisted of field campaigns to collect morphological information, and selection of significant geomorphologic sites was based on field survey and study of relevant literature, which chose ten geomorphologic sites. The second one achieved the map of landforms that have geo-touristic potentials in the study area. As a result of this study, the main geomorphological heritage sites were extracted; these geosites can help to interest of the geotourism attractions in Asir Mountains. All these geosites should be conserved and developed to maintain and protect natural and geological attractions while supporting the geotourism for the use of scientists and students and tourists and other casual recreationalists in Asir Mountains.