<p>Worldwide geoparks offer a vast opportunity for studying the unique geomorphological and geological features. As a pioneering initiative of the National Center for Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification in Saudi Arabia, the North Riyadh UNESCO Global Geopark was established. Therefore, this paper highlights the various geosites in this geopark, which remain underexplored. The objective of this paper is to develop an inventory of geological and geomorphological sites of outstanding value. As a methodological approach, a detailed description card is prepared for each site, highlighting its scientific, educational, touristic, and additional value. The present study reveals that the North Riyadh UNESCO Global Geopark offers an immense opportunity to study the formation of the cuesta, wadi, escarpment, and Jurassic fossils, which can be visible in 20 geosites. Moreover, the geopark represents a unique perspective on the geological evolution of the central part of Saudi Arabia. The massive faulted structures form due to tectonic uplift, which transforms the fault into a fault scarp through prolonged weathering. A fluvial system, dissecting the uplifted cuesta structure, forms a massive network of gullies. Due to the uplift of the Jurassic sedimentary structure, massive corals and fossils are abundant geological features in this geopark. Therefore, geopark and geotourism initiative is immensely beneficial to understand the landform evolution in the central part of Saudi Arabia. The significance of historical, cultural, and biodiversity sites in the geoparks enhances the geoheritage value. Considering outstanding geoheritage value and favourable tourism infrastructure, the North Riyadh Geopark has immense potential as a global geotourism destination.</p>

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Geoheritage and Geotourism Potential of the North Riyadh UNESCO Global Geopark, Saudi Arabia

  • Hussam Zuhair Turki,
  • Haris Ahmed Khan,
  • Subhajit Sen

摘要

Worldwide geoparks offer a vast opportunity for studying the unique geomorphological and geological features. As a pioneering initiative of the National Center for Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification in Saudi Arabia, the North Riyadh UNESCO Global Geopark was established. Therefore, this paper highlights the various geosites in this geopark, which remain underexplored. The objective of this paper is to develop an inventory of geological and geomorphological sites of outstanding value. As a methodological approach, a detailed description card is prepared for each site, highlighting its scientific, educational, touristic, and additional value. The present study reveals that the North Riyadh UNESCO Global Geopark offers an immense opportunity to study the formation of the cuesta, wadi, escarpment, and Jurassic fossils, which can be visible in 20 geosites. Moreover, the geopark represents a unique perspective on the geological evolution of the central part of Saudi Arabia. The massive faulted structures form due to tectonic uplift, which transforms the fault into a fault scarp through prolonged weathering. A fluvial system, dissecting the uplifted cuesta structure, forms a massive network of gullies. Due to the uplift of the Jurassic sedimentary structure, massive corals and fossils are abundant geological features in this geopark. Therefore, geopark and geotourism initiative is immensely beneficial to understand the landform evolution in the central part of Saudi Arabia. The significance of historical, cultural, and biodiversity sites in the geoparks enhances the geoheritage value. Considering outstanding geoheritage value and favourable tourism infrastructure, the North Riyadh Geopark has immense potential as a global geotourism destination.