A statistical approach to estimates of geomorphological-morphotectonic diversity for evaluating the scientific value of geosites: a case study from the southeastern Lut desert, Iran

A statistical approach to estimating geomorphological and morphotectonic diversity reveals the southeastern Lut Desert, Iran, as a site of significant scientific value. The study introduces the dv-index (diversity index), which evaluates topographic continuity patterns (TCP) and slope position correlations (TSPC) using advanced statistical analysis. Unlike traditional scoring methods relying on expert opinion, this approach provides a data-driven assessment. Analysis of slope continuity and TSPC parameters yielded a dv-index score of 1.46 out of 2, indicating high scientific value. This method enhances the evaluation of geotouristic potential by grounding assessments in rigorous statistical frameworks.

Sadeghi-Farshbaf, P., Khatib, M. M., & Rezaei, N. (2020). A statistical approach to estimates of geomorphological-morphotectonic diversity for evaluating the scientific value of geosites: a case study from the southeastern Lut desert, Iran. Geologos, 26(1), 75–86. https://doi.org/10.2478/logos-2020-0006