Türkiye Jeoloji Bülteni

Geoheritage and Geomorphotourism Potential of the Surroundings of Lake Bolluk (Cihanbeyli-Konya Central Anadolu)

Abstract: Geomorphotourism is a type of alternative tourism that utilizes the specific potential of areas / unitsthat differ in lithological and geomorphological formation, development processes, and morphological appearance,and whose relief is rare, unique, and intriguing. Türkiye, due to its geomorphological diversity, hosts numerousgeosites, geomorphosites, geoparks, geoheritage elements, and geomorphotourism resources. This study examinesgeomorphotourism potential of travertine cones and other geomorphological elements around Lake Bolluk, locatedsouth of Cihanbeyli (Konya) in the Central Anatolia Region. Geomorphosites in the study area were identified usingcartographic data, satellite imagery, orthophotos, and field observations. These elements were then evaluated in  terms of geomorphotourism potential using the Geomorphosite Assessment Criteria (GEC). Travertine cones, tufadeposits, dolines, travertine channels, micromounds, paludal deposits, Lake Bolluk and salt pans in the study areawere defined as geomorphosites. Travertine cones, formed under geomorphological, climatological, and edaphicconditions due to karstification, tectonism, mineral springs, and other factors, are concentrated particularly in thenorth and east of Lake Bolluk. The 64 cones vary in type, morphometric characteristics, morphological appearance,hydrographic status, and extent of damage. Travertine channels, tufa deposits, microhumps, and paludal depositsare considered rare geomorphosites formed by the same factors and processes in the region. According to theGEC analysis, travertine cones have the highest overall mean (0.61). Following the travertine cones in termsof geomorphotourism potential are travertine channels (0.56), dolines (0.55), tufa deposits (0.54), Lake Bolluk(0.54), microhumps and paludal deposits (0.48), and salt pans (0.46). The overall geomorphotourism mean for allgeomorphosites was 0.53, while the scientific value mean was 0.64, the secondary value mean was 0.51, and theusage potential mean was 0.44. The findings indicate that the study area has a high potential in terms of geologicaland geomorphological representation, aesthetics, and scientific dimensions, and that significant shortcomings,however, exist in areas such as promotion, services, and transportation. Planning is necessary to protect these raregeomorphosites and facilitate their inclusion in alternative tourism.