Identification And Geomorphological Analysis of Kotral Caves, Sardasht, North West of Iran

Abstract

Kotral caves are the natural caves in Sardasht and Piranshahr area. These caves are located in the direction of the bottom line of a high valley in Ghandil Mountain and have two separate parts. The upstream cave is actually a blind valley with a river that led to the formation of the cave. The downstream cave is located in the thalweg line of the valley and has an icy tongue. The distance between these two caves is less than one hundred meters. The above caves are located in the northwest of Sardasht, at a distance of 30 km from Mirabad city. The purpose of this study is to identify and analyze the geomorphological characteristics of Kotral caves. In this research, documentary method along with field studies, mapping and cartography, sampling and laboratory methods have been used to collect and analyze the relevant data. In addition, various soft wares have been used in the analysis part of the research. The characteristics and morphology of the Kotral caves were also scientifically interpreted and the pollution sources of running water in both surface and underground of was investigated and the parameters and chemical elements of the water and ice samples were analyzed. After examining the concentration of chemical elements, the results of the samples were compared with the standard table of global drinking water health. Through laboratory analysis of the samples, it was found that the amount of arsenic and lead in the measuring stations is high and the water is not drinkable. However, the concentration of other elements in the collected samples, compared to the world standard table of drinking water, has shown the normal limit in the two seasons of the year