Document Type : Research
Author
Associate Professor of Geomorphology, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran
Abstract
Salt karsts are formed when salt formations are dissolved in water. Despite the diverse forms of salt karst in Iran and their significance in civil engineering projects, a paucity of studies in this field is felt. Investigating these karsts is essential to mitigate potential hazards and improve scientific knowledge about salt karsts. The primary goal of this research is to identify the areas of salt karst in the northern part of Meyami County in Semnan Province. In this study, field surveys and satellite imagery were used to explore the processes and diverse forms of salt karsts in the northern part of Meyami County. The results suggest that, influenced by salt diapirism, unique landforms have emerged in this region, with an approximate age dating back to the Miocene period. These landforms, and tectonic and erosional processes have given rise to various salt karst features such as salt karrens, closed depressions, underground cavities, and hydrological forms. Salt karrens are the most abundant and diverse karst features observed in most parts of the region. Poljes are the widest, and dolines are the most typical forms of closed depressions, which have formed in the Gilan anticline in the central part of the region. Among the underground cavities, caves are the least known, while ponors are the most prevalent forms. Salt valleys and springs are hydrological features that have developed along the Kalshour River. Given the diversity of karst features and the predominance of evaporative formations, the salt karsts in this region can be classified as mature karsts. These karsts have shaped a unique topography in the area, characterized by thousands of valleys and badlands, distinguishing its morphology from the surrounding landscapes.
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