Geomorphosite evaluation for geotourism development using geosite assessment model (GAM): A study from a Proterozoic terrain in eastern India

Abstract

Geotourism is a type of nature-based tourism of the landscape and landforms, which emphasizes the sustainable use of geosites, including geomorphosites. Geological and geomorphological landforms get scientific, aesthetic, cultural, and economic value from the human perspective are considered as geomorphosites. The objective of the study is the geotourism potential of the Proterozoic terrain of Eastern India, which is evaluated through the identification and description of geomorphosites using a 10-digit geo-coding scheme and the geosite assessment model (GAM). The studied region has vast richness in diversified landforms due to multi-phase evolution history and due to a wide range of geomorphological events that have occurred on the terrain. A total of twelve geomorphosites have been identified for evaluation. The structure of GAM has been modified in this study by adding a secondary indicator (ecological interest) in the scientific value section and a primary indicator (cultural value) in main value. The results revealed that the top five geomorphosites have high geotourism potential, and they are Ajodhya, Dalma, Gar Panchakot, Joychandi, Susunia, whereas Dhangikusum and Jharnakocha have low potential. The improvement of infrastructure and accessibility to geomorphosites will increase the additional value of the sites and also increase geotourism potential. The development of geotourism on geomorphosites emphasizes the economic and cultural utilization of landforms and geo-conservation of features of the geosphere which can potentially yield better the socio-economic condition of the region.