The Potential of Agh-Ghala geological site and its Role in sustainable tourism development

The Potential of the Agh-Ghala geological site in the Gorgan area with a special view on its mud volcanoes and its role in sustainable tourism development was studied. The mud volcanoes of this geo-site include inches borun and Gharniarigh Tappeh, which are a geological heritage with outstanding scientific, cultural, touristic, industrial, and educational values that, in this research, its therapeutic effects were proved. The mineralogical and geochemical studies carried out by XRF&XRD methods show that both mud volcanoes have no significant toxic substances; their main minerals are quartz, calcite, dolomite, halite, and clay minerals such as smectite and illite. There is a high amount of elements boron, copper, iodine, bromine, vanadium, magnesium, sodium, calcium, organic acids, aromatic hydrocarbons, and bicarbonate. So mud volcanoes have a therapeutic aspect and can be one of the essential destinations for curative geo-tourism. Geological site of Agh-ghala with having wonderful geomorphology; if tourism infrastructures are provided in that area, such as suitable access roads, accommodation, welfare, security, signposts, proper supervision and management over the collection, etc. it can say that this potential Geo-site becomes a real Geo-site with aesthetic resources. The geo-site achieves its goals through conservation, education, and tourism. The goals consist of enhancing livelihoods, increasing local economic growth, and providing for environmental protection.

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Keywords: Agh-Ghala ، Geological site ، Geotourism ، potential ، Sustainable Tourism