Assessment of geomorphological risks and attractiveness for recreational purposes in areas with high contemporary relief dynamics

Abstract

In a progressively developing scope of tourism the interconnection of relief, as the basis of landscape, and recreation has become a topical question. The study of these connections opens new perspectives for scientific activities, since it allow more efficient use of natural resources, as well as ensure the safety of recreation. Approach to identify and evaluate recreation and geomorphologic potential is based on the notion of "fields of attractiveness and risk". Comprehensive study of these "fields" gives a quantity, which indicates a complex functional suitability of territory for recreational purposes. The component-wise assessment of geomorphic risk and attractiveness was made for three sample areas with high contemporary geodynamics (South Iceland, Sicily, Kamchatka peninsula). These territories along with high recreational attractiveness represent enormous risks induced by active relief dynamics. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013.