Karst Terrains in Iran (A Case Study of the Zagros Mountain Region)

The fractured karstified rocks covering more than 90% of the territory of the Zagros Range (Iran), which makes well-developed karst aquifers the main hydrogeological characteristic of the range, are investigated. It is shown that the increased demand for freshwater has led to the need for new studies of karst waters in the Zagros region. It is revealed that the presence of surface and subsurface karst features and strong discharge from springs feeding the alluvial aquifer make the Iranian Zagros Range a unique hydrogeological region. It is established that the primary porosity of limestone and intensive fracturing caused by tectonic activity facilitate the groundwater flow in karst areas. It is concluded that the study of the karst hydrogeology features in Zagros will lead to a better understanding of karst aquifers overall and help overcome the problem of drinking water shortage in the region. Accurate and complete data on the number of wells, springs, and extraction sites, as well as the volume of water extracted from these reservoirs, are necessary to ensure the protection and preservation of these resources.