Evaluating the Geoheritage and Geotourism Potential of the Gap Waterfall Nature Park, Derik, Mardin, Türkiye

Abstract Gap Waterfall Nature Park was designated as a protected area in 2017. Its natural assets include the Gap Waterfall, various caves, and travertine formations. This study aims to identify the general geomorphological characteristics of Gap Waterfall Nature Park and to reveal the significance of the area in terms of education, science, geotourism, and geoheritage. Within the scope of the research, six locations of significance to Earth sciences and considered essential for understanding the geological and geomorphological evolution of the area were identified within Gap Waterfall Nature Park: Upper Gap Cave, the Gap Spring and its associated cave, the Gap dry valley, Gap Waterfall, Gap travertines, and the travertine caves. The geoheritage and geotourism status of these locations was examined using the Preliminary Geosite Assessment Model (GAM) method. According to the model, the potential geosites within the nature park were evaluated under the main values category, with scores ranging from 7.0 to 9.25. The results indicate that these locations constitute evidence of the geological, geomorphological, and paleogeographical history of the region and also represent areas of high educational, scientific, and scenic value. Due to these characteristics, they were identified as potential geosites that should be protected and preserved for future generations. In the same analysis, the potential geosites within Gap Waterfall Nature Park were evaluated in terms of additional values (functional characteristics and touristic values) with scores ranging from 7.25 to 9.00. It has been observed that some sites received lower scores in terms of additional values. This situation has been determined to result from deficiencies in tourism infrastructure and their distance from attraction centers. These values ​​indicate that the area also has high potential in terms of geotourism.