Determination of Geo-diversity of Lake Tortum-Tortum Gorge Valley and Surrounding Places (Uzundere-Erzurum and Yusufeli-Artvin) through Serrano and Ruiz-Flaño Method

Geodiversity degree is a very clear indication of abiotic values that area possesses. It is necessary to determine that potential through an objective method which is based on certain criteria in order to protect nature and manage it correctly. In this direction Lake Tortum-Tortum Gorge Valley and the surrounding places, which are located in the Eastern Black Sea Section of Black Sea Region were chosen as the field of study and the geodiversity potential of this place was determined by the use of Serrano and Ruiz–Flaño Method, which is notable for its objectivity. According to this, 74 geological, geomorphological, hydrographical and edaphic elements, which constitute the basis for the geodiversity potential of research area, were identified and evaluated together with other components (actual domain, rugosity parameter). The obtained geodiversity index (9,13) put forth that the degree of research area’s geo-diversity is very high. Therefore, it is important that this research area be given a status of protection, such as that of a national park or geo-park. Thus, if the area is used for the geotourism, both its natural structure will be put under protection and it will highly contribute to the regional development.