Geodiversity of Smaquli area as a potential geopark in Kurdistan region, Iraq

This research aims to spotlight abiotic elements of geodiversity in the Smaquli area and value and use as geoconservation through potential geopark. Smaquli area, situated in the southeastern part of Safen anticline, north of Iraq Kurdistan region, has a rich and diverse geological and geomorphological heritage, making it an interesting area for this study. This study aims to present the geodiversity of the Smaqule site as an opportunity to carry out future sustainable socio-economic activities in the geopark. The study includes fieldwork on the area's stratigraphy, structural geology, and geomorphology. Tectonically, the study area lay within the High Folded Zone of the Unstable Shelf of Iraq and was affected by the collision of Arabia-Eurasia Plates which started before 23–25 Ma in northern Zagros. The exposed rock unit formations in the Smaqule area range in age from Cretaceous to Paleogene. The oldest outcrop rock unit is the Qamchuqa Formation. Stratigraphy of the study area includes Qamchuqa, Bekhme, Shiranish, Tanjero, Kolosh, Gercus, and Pila Spi Formations. The study area is a mountainous area with different heights ranging from valleys to high ridges; this is due to structural controlling topography and differential erosion of the structures in the area and their different lithology of the rocks. Many geomorphological landforms are studied in the area, such as ridges, longitudinal and transverse valleys, Sulfur springs, caves, faults, drainage patterns, Badland, and an elongate lake. These features are very attractive landscapes for tourism and balneotherapy. This study highlights the area's geological significance to add to its known cultural value, local products, and tangible and intangible heritage. The study area is suitable for investment by the national and international tourism, creating employment opportunities for local people, and leading to socio-economic development. The Geosites Assessment Model (GAM) has been applied in this study to quantify the geotourism potential in the four geosites within the study area.