Paleoclimate and Archaeological Foundations of the Proposed Iori Upland Geopark

Abstract

The proposed Iori Upland Geopark represents one of the most distinctive areas of Georgia, combining exceptional geological, geomorphological, archaeological, and ecological heritage within a single landscape. This study aims to evaluate the paleogeography, paleoclimate, and archaeological foundations that support the scientific justification for establishing the geopark and to demonstrate their importance for geoheritage conservation, sustainable development, and geotourism. A multidisciplinary approach was employed, integrating literature review, paleogeography and paleoclimate reconstruction, archaeological analysis, comparative assessment, and Geographic Information System (GIS)-based spatial analysis. Geological, geomorphological, archaeological, and environmental datasets were synthesized to reconstruct the long-term evolution of the Iori Upland and examine interactions between environmental processes and human occupation. The results indicate that the region preserves an outstanding record of landscape evolution from the Neogene through the Holocene, reflected in its geological formations, semi-arid ecosystems, and numerous archaeological monuments. Evidence suggests that the onset of desertification predates modern climate change and was primarily driven by extensive anthropogenic landscape transformation, particularly deforestation and intensive land use, which altered hydrological regimes and accelerated ecosystem degradation. Archaeological records further demonstrate continuous human occupation since the Bronze Age and reveal the close relationship between environmental change and cultural development. The integration of geological, climatic, ecological, and archaeological evidence confirms the exceptional scientific and educational value of the Iori Upland and highlights its potential as a geopark of national and international significance. Establishing the geopark would contribute to the conservation of Georgia's geoheritage, strengthen interdisciplinary research, support environmental education, and promote sustainable geotourism while enhancing public awareness of long-term landscape evolution and the impacts of climate and human activities.