Geology and geoheritage potential value of karst at Kampung Sungai Kepa, Gua Musang, Kelantan for conservation and geotourism

Kampung Sungai Kepa possess many unique geological features with karst landscape as the dominant features along with the presence of other geological structures. Rapid development at the study area had causes it geological features to exposed to threats. This study area is located at N 4°50'11.6", E102°00'15.2" in Gua Musang District, Kelantan with 5km × 5 km and surrounded with karst features and oil palm plantations. The highest elevation of topography at the study area is 600 meter while the lowest is 200 meters. This research focusses on the general geology and geoheritage potential value of karst at Ladang Chin Teck. The objectives of this research are i) to generate a detail geological map, ii) derive a detail geodiversity map index and iii) determine its geoheritage elements. ArcGIS Software are used in this research to process and generated the maps. Next, DEM data was used to generate the detail geological map of the study area by processing, analyzing and interpretation to obtain the information. There are four types of lithology rock units found at the study area which are alluvial, limestone, metasedimentary rock, and acid intrusion of granite. As for the geodiversity map index, geodiversity assessment method was used by dividing the geodiversity into several partial indices. Geoheritage potential value of the study area are determined from the value of geodiversity occurrence. Based on the assessment, the karst limestone held high geodiversity value, thus also high in geoheritage values. Recommendation are included for conservation of the geological heritage features and geotourism purposes. It is important to preserve and maintain the geological heritage from the threat of rapid development and to ensure the longevity of the place.