Geological Studies to Support the Tourism Site: A Case Study in the <i>Rafflesia</i> Trail, Near Kampung Jedip, Lojing Highlands, Kelantan, Malaysia

Abstract

Some geological studies were performed in the Rafflesia Trail, near Kampung Jedip, in Lojing Highlands, Kelantan. This area is famous for its Rafflesia and has become one of the tourism attractions in Kelantan. However, the recent development of agricultural activities has significant effects on the area. The objective of these studies is to give substantial geological information including geomorphology, lithology, structural features, geohazard potentials, and water quality analysis in the study area. Desk study was conducted by reviewing some literatures related to the topic and the study area. Field work was organized during a scientific expedition in January 2014, to collect data, samples, and photographs. Geomorphologically, the study area is a mountainous area which mostly consists of mountain ridges and mountain valleys. Some fluvial features occur in the study area, such as waterfalls, cascades, rapids, runs, pools, potholes, lateral bars, and point bars. This area is composed of granitic rocks, mostly granite porphyry, and covered by superficial deposits of Quaternary age. The geological structure that is commonly found in the study area is joints, where they divide the rock body into large, roughly angular blocks, which is called as brecciation. The potential geohazard in the study area is landslides, where some of them are composed of soil only and others are mixtures of rock and soil. The water quality analysis has managed to identify that the stream water in this area generally has the quality of Class III (according to INWQS for Malaysia). These studies recommend that this area should be supported as a sustainable tourism site in Lojing Highlands.