Hemeroby As a Threat to Geomorphological Landscape: Rapid Assessment of Geomorphodiversity Hotspot in Bayat Purba Aspiring Geopark

Abstract

The Geomorphodiversity Index represents a specific quantitative geodiversity assessment approach, whereby the critical evaluation of landforms within a given area is the primary focus. The index is typically employed to elucidate the interrelationship between urban expansion and landform diversity. However, its utilization in the domain of geoconservation remains constrained. The objective of this research is to assess geomorphodiversity hotspots using the geomorphodiversity and hemeroby indices within the Bayat Purba Aspiring Geopark. The data set includes a DEM and Sentinel 2A imagery. The digital elevation model (DEM) is processed to derive a series of geomorphometric parameters and measured using Rao's Q diversity index. The DEM data is also used to correct supervised image classification for the most accurate LULC data. In this regard, the LULC data was obtained through the supervised image classification method on Google Earth Engine using Sentinel 2A as the source. The LULC data is then converted into the hemeroby index. Subsequently, the DEM derivatives are summed and multiplied by the hemeroby index, thereby generating the geomorphodiversity hotspot. The findings indicate that geomorphodiversity hotspots in Bayat Purba Aspiring Geopark are concentrated in areas with high hemeroby indices. Seven out of thirteen geosites require medium concern in geoconservation, underscoring the necessity for effective management to address regional and site-specific geoconservation.

Keywords: geodiversity, Geomorphodiversity Index, Hemeroby Index, Geomorphodiversity Hotspot. Geoconservation, Bayat Purba Aspiring Geopark