Evaluating Geomorphosites and Geoconservation of the Proposed Geopark of West Khorasan Razavi Using Shayan Yeganeh et al.’s Native Model and Comparing with the Global Models of Comanescu, Fassoulas, and Brilha

To find the geotourism potential of a region or to measure the tourist potential of geoparks, researchers in Iran and the world have always sought to evaluate the geosites and geomorphosites of regions. The purpose of this study is to compare the models of Brilha, Comanescu, and Fassoulas, with Shayan Yeganeh et al.’s native model. It examines the strengths and weaknesses of each of the international models with the Iranian model. The study area with an area of 4257 square kilometers is located in the west of Khorasan Razavi, which can include parts of Sabzevar and Davarzan cities. This research has dealt with the subject with an analytical-comparative method. The data were collected using documentary and field methods and analyzed using GIS, SPSS, and Excel graphic and statistical software. The results of the research show that geomorphosites that are water erosion subsets have the highest scores in all models, and in contrast, wind erosion geomorphosites have the lowest scores. From the comparison of the models, it can be concluded that Shayan Yeganeh et al.’s model is the most consistent with Brilha’s model. The Brillha model can be used to evaluate the ophiolite and desert regions. The native model of Shayan Yeganeh is designed for the dry and semi-arid deserts and mountainous regions, and it seems that it is necessary to give a few changes and modifications for coastal and glacial areas. Regarding the innovation of the study, it investigates the latest Iranian model for evaluating geomorphosites and geosites and examines its strengths and weaknesses.