TITLE:
Dasht-e Lut in Iran, the Most Complete Collection of Beautiful Geomorphological Phenomena of Desert
AUTHORS:
Abdollah Yazdi, Mohammad Hashem Emami, Seyed Mohsen Shafiee
KEYWORDS:
Geomorphology, Geotourism, Dasht-e Lut, Deserts, Kalut, Iran
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Geology,
Vol.4 No.6,
June
10,
2014
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.