Extended Abstract
Introduction: The salt domes of Semnan province are geomorphosites that have undergone many changes and transformations over time, influenced by internal and external factors. As a result of these developments, very diverse and beautiful geomorphological forms have appeared on the surface of these domes and the surrounding areas. The existence of such natural attractions has made this province one of the most important regions in the country for attracting private investors in tourism and developing infrastructure for the tourism industry. This research aims to first investigate the salt domes of Semnan province and then identify which domes can be converted into geomorphosites. For this purpose, two regions of the salt domes in Semnan province were considered as geostructures: the salt domes in the south of the province and the salt domes of Garmsar.
 
Materials and Methods: After determining the locations of the salt domes in these two regions on the province map using Google Earth, related shape layers, ArcGIS software, and the Geosite Assessment Model (GAM) and its modified model (M-GAM), the tourism value of the two regions was evaluated, and the limitations of these area were determined. These salt domes were quantitatively analyzed using 27 sub-criteria from the GAM and M-GAM models, supported by a questionnaire. Data from the questionnaire (168 participants, including 117 experts and specialists, and 51 tourists and visitors) were input into the models, and the results were compared. The total values (main and supplementary) were placed in the matrices of models and analyzed. Finally, the sites were ranked based on three key values in each geomorphosite: scientific, conservation, and tourism values. Since geomorphosites are closely related to these three values, the two studied geomorphosites were ranked accordingly by combining sub-criteria and detailed values from the two models.
 
Results and Discussion: Based on the final values obtained, the salt domes of Garmsar rank first, and the salt domes in the southern province rank second. The results showed that the final value of the salt domes in the south of the province and Garmsar in the GAM model is 10.5 and 13.25, respectively, while the final values in the M-GAM model are 5.66 and 6.61, respectively. By examining the results of this research and other studies, it can be concluded that most geomorphosites have a high value in terms of main values but a low value in terms of complementary and infrastructure values. This combination was equally observed in both models. In both models, Garmsar salt domes ranked first in scientific and tourism values, while the salt domes in the south of the province ranked first in conservation values. The primary reason for the higher conservation value of the southern salt domes and their lower scientific and tourism values is the poor access to these domes. The lack of suitable roads, the presence of a military zone in the south of the province, and the lengthy process of obtaining permission to enter the region are the main barriers to proper access. These access issues create several bottlenecks, including inadequate infrastructure, lack of accommodation, insufficient restaurant services, and a general lack of public awareness about the existence of these salt domes. Therefore, improving access to the salt domes in the south of the province and leveraging this natural resource's potential is crucial.
 
Conclusion: Due to the greater attention given to the salt domes in the south and west of the country, which are important for oil reserves and other economic resources, less attention has been paid to other salt domes. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that using the GAM and M-GAM methods together allows for better investigation of geomorphosites. Since geomorphosites are closely related to scientific, conservation, and tourism values, the 27 sub-criteria were categorized accordingly. This new composition can significantly aid geomorphotourism planning and prioritization. Since tourism transforms threats into opportunities, developing suitable infrastructures and investing in tourism can mitigate the negative aspects of salt domes.