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Evaluation of karst features using principal component analysis (PCA): a case from Zarneh and Kergan, Western Iran

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Abstract

Zarneh and Kergan are two limestone mountains of the Zagros mountain range located in Western Iran. High-volume lime and relatively heavy rainfall have provided a favorable condition for the development of karst features in the highlands of the Zagros mountains. The present study was carried out to detect karst features in the High Zagros Belt using satellite images. In this case, some aspects such as climate, structural criteria, and sub-criteria are affecting the formation of karst sinkholes and are identified in this study. The results indicate that karst features of sinkholes have originated from joints and faults which are caused by tectonic motions over time. In terms of spatial dispersion, the sinkholes are found at altitudes higher than 1900 m in Kargan and 2000 m in Zarneh. This proved the importance of altitudinal gradient, the role of moisture, and pleasant climatic conditions on the development of karst features in the study area.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank anonymous reviewers and editor for their valuable and constructive comments on the earlier version of the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geomorphology, Faculty of Geography, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran

    Omid Ebrahimi

  2. Department of Geomorphology, Faculty of Geography and Planning, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

    Mehdi Ahmadi

  3. Department of Geomorphology, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran

    Himan Shahabi

  4. Researched Center of Agriculture & Natural Resources of Ilam, Ilam, Iran

    Shamsollah Asgari

Authors
  1. Omid Ebrahimi
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  2. Mehdi Ahmadi
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  3. Himan Shahabi
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  4. Shamsollah Asgari
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Correspondence to Himan Shahabi.

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Ebrahimi, O., Ahmadi, M., Shahabi, H. et al. Evaluation of karst features using principal component analysis (PCA): a case from Zarneh and Kergan, Western Iran. Carbonates Evaporites 33, 625–635 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13146-017-0373-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13146-017-0373-2

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