Geomorphosite Assessment of Wadi Al Disha: from the Perspective of Geotourism Development in a Canyon

Wadi al Disah is 220 km south of Tabuk City in Saudi Arabia. It comprises various landform diversities, such as scarp, wadi, sandstone crossbeds, buttes, pinnacles, and vertical faulted structures, located in the 18 km linear stretches of the Canyon. Such geomorphic features were overlooked as a geo(morpho)site, despite the immense geotourism potential. Therefore, this paper aims to assess the geomorphosite and describe the potential for geotourism. Wadi Al Disah represents the canyon landscape, characterized by a sinuous valley structure initially formed due to tectonic activity in this region, which is associated with the opening of the Red Sea. Various vertical faulted structures in the sandstone structures indicate the dominant tectonic activities in this region. Moreover, the presence of vegetation and several farms in the wadi indicates the near-surface water-bearing strata. The signatures of tectonic activities and footprints of the fluvial networks indicate the canyon’s massive geomorphic evolution. Geomorphosite assessment of this canyon indicates its high scientific value. Thus, the canyon geomorphosite will be an alternative geotourism destination in Saudi Arabia.