Geological and Geotourism Study of Iran Geology Natural Museum, Hormoz Island

Abdollah Yazdi, Mohammad Ali Arian, Mahmoud M. Rezapour Tabari

Department of Engineering, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran.
Department of Geology, Kahnooj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kerman, Iran.
Department of Geology, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

DOI: 10.4236/oje.2014.411060                

Abstract

Iran is a country that benefits from nice nature, diverse continent, areas full of unique geological phenomena. Thus, it is necessary to study these attractions for better recognition of them. In this regard, Hormoz Island with valuable geoheritage, biodiversity, cultural, historical and political diversity is very important. The accumulation of these attractions and its being located in Persian Gulf strategic area made it of considerable significance in national and international communities. Hormoz Island is a spherical salt dome which is located in Hormoz strait. This Island is composed of evaporites, igneous rocks and sedimentary rocks, and sediments mainly belong to Mishan and Aghajari formations and salt, gypsum and, to a lesser extent, limestone evaporites. In sedimentary formations of Hormoz, Aouthigenic minerals such as Pyrite, Dolomite, quartz, Anhydrite, gypsum and halite are frequently seen. Mineralization of volcanic leads to formation of high temperature minerals, such as oligiste, pyroxene, amphibole and low temperature and hydrothermal minerals such as Pyrite, quartz... in the tracks of igneous rocks. This unique geodiversity in rocks and mineral which made various colors in Hormoz Island made it a mineraogical reservoir. Beside considerable mineralogical attractions, there are other potentials like ochre mine, coral reefs, rock seashore, sea caves, salt caves, plant cover and wild life which have added to various tourism capabilities of this Island and made it a unique place in the world. This paper studies Hormoz Island in terms of geological features and geotourism potentials.

Keywords

Salt dome, Geology, Geodiversity, Geotourism, Hormoz Island, Iran

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

[1]	Bayati Khatibi, M., Shahabi, H. and Qaderi Zadeh, H. (2010) Geotourism: A New Approach in Utilization of Geomorphologic Attractions. Journal of Geographical Space, 29, 27-50.
[2]	Papeli Yazdi, M.H. and Saghaei, M. (2011) Tourism, Nature & Concepts. 6th Edition, Samt Publication, Tehran, 6.
[3]	Servati, M.R. and Qasemi, A. (2008) Geotourism Strategies in Fars. Journal of Geographical Space, 2, 6.
[4]	Yazdi, A. (2012) A Study of Iran’s Lut Desert: Geomorphological and Geotourism Attractions. Proceedings of Annual International Conference on Geological & Earth Sciences (GEOS2012), Singapore, 3-4 December 2012, 35-41.
[5]	Newsome, D. and Dowling, R.K. (2006) The Scope and Nature of Geotourism. In: Dowling, R.K. and Newsome, D., Eds., Geotourism, Chapter One, Elsevier, Oxford, 3-25.
[6]	Gates, A.E. (2006) Geotourism: A Perspective from the USA. In: Dowling, R.K. and Newsome, D., Eds., Geotourism, Chapter Nine, Elsevier, Oxford, 157-179. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-7506-6215-4.50017-8
[7]	Dowling, R.K. and Newsome, D. (2006) Geotourism’s Issues and Challenges, Geotourism, Chapter Thirteen, Elsevier, Oxford, 242-254.
[8]	Amrikazemi, A. (2009) Atlas of Geopark & Geotourism Resources of Iran. Geological Survey of Iran Publication, Tehran, 22-23.
[9]	Elyasi, J., Aminsobhani, E., Behzad, A., Moeinvaziri, H. and Meysami, A. (1975) Geology of Hormoz Island. Geological Survey of Iran Publication, Tehran, 1, 13.
[10]	Stocklin, J. (1972) Lexique Stratigraphique International. Vol. 3, Geological Survey of Iran Publication, Tehran, 6, 15.
[11]	Waltham, T. (2008) Salt Terrains of Iran. Geology Today, 24, 188-194. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2451.2008.00686.x
[12]	Aqanabati, S.A. (2006) Geology and Mineral Potential of Hormozgan Province. Journal of Development of Geology Training, 12, 4-11.
[13]	Moeinvaziri, H. (1996) An Introduction of Magmatism in Iran. University of Tarbiat Moalem Publication, Tehran, 440.
[14]	Yazdi, A., Emami, M.H. and Jafari, H.R. (2013) IRAN, the Center of Geotourism Potentials. Journal of Basic and Applied Scientific Research, 3, 458-465.