The Potential for a Geohazard-Related Geopark in Armenia

The territory of the Republic of Armenia (RA) stands out in its complex geological structure and diversity of formations due to its complex geodynamic history and the country being located in the axial part of the Arabian and Eurasian continental collision zone. The selected geohazard-related geosites of regional and international interest allow us to propose the creation of a geopark, focused on geohazards. The Armenian geohazard-related geopark will encompass 26 geosites with various geological hazards concerning active faults and surface ruptures, recent volcanism and related lava flows, stratigraphic evidence of mass extinction events, saturated with carbon dioxide subaquatic gas emissions related to buried active fault segment and a borehole of a pulsating water fountain, coastal transgression and regression of various intervals from several thousand to about three hundred million years, active geodynamic processes and related ophiolite obduction, earthquake-related active slope processes, causing destruction and deformation of historical monuments, among others. Some geosites are exceptionally rich in archaeological monuments affected by geological phenomena. From the perspective angle, the results of this study will benefit management of the land environment, historical and cultural heritage, raising awareness of natural hazards and increasing population resilience. The study’s results can have wide-ranging implications, including improved geoheritage education, development of conservation ethics, better land management practices, enhanced understanding of historical and cultural heritage, increased awareness of natural hazards, and the promotion of sustainable development through the proposed Armenian Geopark.