Urban geoheritage complexity: Evidence of a unique natural resource from Shiraz city in Iran

Tahereh Habibi, Alena A. Ponedelnik, Natalia N. Yashalova and Dmitry A. Ruban

Resources Policy, 2018, vol. 59, issue C, 85-94

Abstract: Cities often possess unique geological features (geoheritage), but knowledge relevant to its description still remains limited. Urban geoheritage can be defined as the entity of unique geological objects, geological processes, and pieces of geological environment on urban territories and within close vicinities of cities that are important to modern society because of their scientific, educational, and touristic value. The inventory of the urban geoheritage of Shiraz (a big city in the Fars Province of southwest Iran) allows for the description of several in situ and ex situ geoheritage features: 1) two viewpoint geosites (sites with panoramic views of the Zagros landforms and geological formations), 2) the salt Maharloo Lake with its hydrological and geochemical peculiarities, 3) geological specimens in museum collections and museum art objects (stone carvings and statues) with rock peculiarities and abundant fossil remains, and 4) decorative natural stones (with well-visible shells of fossil invertebrates) in building facades and street benches. This urban geoheritage appears to be a useful resource for scientists, educators, and geotourists. The complexity of the Shiraz's geoheritage is determined by its combination with historical and cultural heritage, as well as by the existence of several geoheritage types and forms. The geoheritage of Shiraz can be used for diversification of the local tourism industry. It should be also considered as a component of the city's socio-ecological system and factor contributing to urban environment and streetscape perception.

Keywords: Geosite; Museum; Streetscape; Urban geology; Urban environment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (9)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:jrpoli:v:59:y:2018:i:c:p:85-94

DOI: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2018.06.002

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