Assessment of Urban Geomorphological Heritage for Urban Geotourism Development in Khorramabad City, Iran

Inventory and assessment of urban geomorphological heritage as a fundamental necessity and prerequisite for urban geotourism development are the main purposes of this research. Accordingly, the present study has been carried out in Khorramabad City, Iran. This research has been conducted using inventory and quantitative assessment of urban geomorphological heritage through fieldwork and (Brilha Geoheritage 8 (2):119-134, 2016) method with modification for urban geomorphosites. The results showed that among the 32 geomorphosites inventoried in karstic, fluvial, tectonic, anthropogenic and specific geomorphosites categories, the Falak-ol-Aflak Castle Hill has the highest score in all three scientific, educational and geotourism criteria. The highest degradation risk due to urban development is in the Absharan Valley. The lowest scientific, educational and geotourism value is related to the Masur Hill, Robat River and Gilvaran Cave respectively and the lowest degradation risk is related to the Gilvaran Cave. The total value of the geomorphosites varies between scores of 28 and 94 in all criteria. In general, in all three criteria, most urban geomorphosites are of high value, indicating the high potential of Khorramabad City for urban geotourism development. Further, due to intensive human activities in the city proper and its extraterritorial jurisdiction, they often require special protection; hence, paying attention to the conservation status of these geomorphosites is essential for preserving their scientific, educational and geotourism values.