Geodiversity assessment of Jodhpur region of Western Rajasthan, India: A remote sensing and GIS-based quantitative approach

Abstract

Geodiversity concept implies the diversity of natural and physical components of geology, geomorphology, hydrogeology, and soil, including their characters, assemblage, interpretation, relationship, and systems. This concept serves as an effective tool for land-use planning, integrating the physical environment in which both biodiversity and human societies coexist. This contribution presents a quantitative approach for mapping geodiversity indices at a landscape scale in the Jodhpur region of western Rajasthan, India, utilizing various spatial techniques and procedures. The selected method under the present study is based on the overlay of a grid over different maps to calculate the sum of four partial indices. The partial indices represent the main components of geodiversity in the created maps including geology (stratigraphy, lithology, minerals, and structures), geomorphology (relief and landforms), hydrogeology (hydrography and water bodies), and soil. All the partial indices are integrated to create final geodiversity index (GI) map showing the richness of elements of geodiversity and their distribution throughout the territory. The resultant GI maps can also be used as a tool in land management and can also be used for recognizing the rich geodiversity areas for their geoconservation and protection. Since, geodiversity is the foundation of geoheritage, two geodiversity-rich hotspots have been identified, especially for geopark and geotourism initiatives for environmental conservation, social, and economic benefits in the Jodhpur region.