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Armenian karst project

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Abstract

On the basis of an international collaboration agreement between the Armenian Speleological Center and the Hyblean Center of Speleo-Hydrogeological Research of Ragusa, Italy, in the years 2016–2017–2018, three research campaigns were carried out on the karst and volcanic morphologies present in some areas of the Republic of Armenia. In 2016, the aforementioned researches involved the karst area of Ehegnadzor—Vaots dzor Marz province; in 2017 the northeastern sector of the country, namely the karst region of Ijevan, including the southern slopes of the Ijevan Mountain Range and the Western Hakhum Mountain Range, as well as the volcanic District of Lori; in 2018, the third phase finally took care of the Ararat Region and the Sisian volcanic Region. The researches concerned surface geomorphological karst aspects and caves, these latters through the exploration, survey and analysis of 21 caves of different types and genesis. In addition to the karst-morphological and speleogenetic aspects, interesting elements have arisen from the exploration of some caves, from a paleontological and paleoanthropological point of view, with the discovery of animal and human fossil bones; on the archaeological side, with the discovery of red ocher animal paintings on walls and remains of ancient fires; and from the biospeleological profile, with the presence of singular coleoctera with a blue-shimmering back (probably new species). The surveys on morphologies, structural data, deposits and some physico-chemical elements, under analysis, although not exhaustive, will constitute a useful starting point in the continuation of research for the formulation of preliminary speleogenetic models. From the researches carried out, we can highlight a karst context of the Armenia of particular relevance for the various scientific aspects mentioned, for the hydrogeological applicative aspects in the search for drinking karst waters, and not least for what concerns the enhancement, protection and fruition of some richly concretioned caves of particular charm and awesomeness.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hyblean Center of Speleo-Hydrogeological Research, Ragusa, Italy

    R. Ruggieri, R. Orsini, A. Ingallinera & G. Agosta

  2. Armenian Speleological Center, Yerevan, Armenia

    S. Davtyan, S. Shaihinyan & A. Ugujyan

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  1. R. Ruggieri
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  2. S. Davtyan
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  3. S. Shaihinyan
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  4. A. Ugujyan
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  5. R. Orsini
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  6. A. Ingallinera
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  7. G. Agosta
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Correspondence to R. Ruggieri.

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Ruggieri, R., Davtyan, S., Shaihinyan, S. et al. Armenian karst project. Carbonates Evaporites 37, 14 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13146-021-00755-0

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