Geotourism potentials of Omid Abad Sarab Complex in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province (Central Zagros)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Department of Petroleum engineering, Islamic Azad university, Masjid Soleiman branch
2 Department of Environment, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province
Abstract
Omid Abad Sarab region of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province has a great potential of natural geotourism and hence is among the most beautiful and attractive areas of Central Zagros. The natural and spectacular phenomena of this region includes: Sarab Cave, Sarab Valley, Zagros main thrust, Sarab River, beautiful outcrops of Tarbur, Pabdeh and Jahrom-Asmari formations, fossil bearing facies of Pabdeh Formation (with plants and vertebrates (fish) remains), attractive rock cliffs and walls, soaring mountains and high ridges, long, deep, labyrinthine and wonderful valleys, refreshing water springs, roaring streams, natural landscapes and mountain pastures. These natural potentials can turn this region into a geotourism hub and improve local economy by increasing employment, income generation and rural development. So far, due to the lack of proper and sufficient introduction, this pristine and valuable area has been unknown to the non-local people. In this research some of these special natural features, with a focus on paleontological attractions are introduced.
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