Identifying active morphogenetic landforms in Payam Pass (Northwestern Iran) for geotourism planning

The proposal of geomorphologic matters in relation to tourism is one of interdisciplinary research approaches that has been considered in recent years. In this manner، geomorphological sites are defined as geomorphological landforms and processes that have acquired a scenic/aesthetic، scientific، cultural/historical and/or a social/economic value due to human perception of geological، geomorphological، historical and social factors. Therefore، introducing Payam pass geomorphosite (North West of Iran) and presenting its Ecotourism potentials، is the main object of this report. Interpretation of topographic and geologic maps، areal photos and satellite images، and specially field studies are the most important information sources in the investigation of morphogenetic units and minigeomorphosites. On this base، fluvial systems، periglacial system، travertine production system and anthropogenic factors are the main morphogenetic processes in study area. Perfectly، the whole Payam pass landscape is affected by tectonic activity and fluvial processes in geologic periods. At present، exploitation of Payam pass as a geomorphosite is accomplished by non-ecotouristic policies، and activities of morphogenetic systems are unattended. Eventually، the presentation of a new view to catchments and geomorphologic units and definition of these areas in the moulding of ecotourism concepts is the main finding of this paper that should be followed by further studies. Such investigations as this can create a relationship between nature of morphogenetic systems and whatever planners need.