Karst and Non-Karst Systems, Symbols of Habitat Patterns Index(Case Study: Romeshkan Region)

One of the processes that has been able to create the largest unit of form in geomorphology is the process of karstification. In many cases, the processes are not able to create a landscape or other units, but the karstization process has formed in different scales and one of the frameworks in geomorphology is related to these landscapes (Nojavan, et al., 2017, p. 99). The karst areas provide good opportunities for researchers to study the relationships and evolution of human societies. The recognition of past climatic relations, cave sedimentology, and the possibility of pollen studies, etc. can determine this issue on past human societies and identities. In dealing with various geomorphic units, humans have adapted to the environment according to the capabilities of the environment. According to this issue, the impact of karst landscapes on the realm of human societies and their distribution can be expressed. Karst areas in the past and present have a great impact on improving the condition of water resources and creating a suitable and beautiful visual landscape in the areas. Among these areas, we can mention the karst spring of Gharbalbiz in Yazd. It is noteworthy that this region has an ancient civilization and culture.The importance of recognition of karst areas lies in the way they are exploited. Karst areas are very important to the development of the civilian core.  Regarding the forms of civilization in the past, it has been argued that the distribution and settlement of the population on Earth depend on the levels that have created the right conditions for the creation of the civilian core. The isohyetal maps of karst areas in Iran show that most of them are located on the Zagros Mountains, the Azerbaijani plateau, the northern regions of Iran, the Alborz Mountains, northeastern Iran (Khorasan), and a limited number of other highlands. Currently, 25 percent of the world's population uses karst water sources for drinking (Gillison, 2003, p. 23). The development and expansion of human resource centers depend on the size of karst resources in a region. Karst waters are able to move more than 1,000 kilometers inland and can be used in other regions such as western Iran (Limestone caves in Kalhorud, Asadabad, etc.). Human distribution and urban development are mainly in the western patterns of Iran in the Zagros. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of karst and non-karst systems onhabitat patterns index in the Romeshkan region according to environmental conditions.

In this study, the method of synoptic analysis was used. The method of comparing karstic and non-karstic areas was used in terms of how the settlements are distributed. To achieve the objectives of the research, geological maps 1: 250,000, topographic maps 1: 50,000, DEM 15 meters, and Google Earth images were used and the maps were drawn in the Global Mapper and Arc Gis10.5 software environment. After collecting the data, different layers of information were prepared including topographic, geological, karst, scattered caves and karst springs, summer settlements, rural, and urban areas. Each of these layers was matched with the karst areas of the region. Then, descriptive information related to layer overlap was extracted from Arc Gis10.5 software.

Romeshkan is one of the cities of Lorestan province. In terms of geomorphology, it is one of the intermountain plains of the Central Zagros, which is located in the southwest of Lorestan and the northwest of Ilam province. Analysis of Geomorphology and Civilization of the Romeshkan Plain:According to the studied sources and theories of analytical geomorphology of Iran, the Romeshkan plain is one of the inland areas. In this regard, it can be said that it is one of the holes of Iran in the cold and wet Quaternary period. Due to the dissolution in the northwestern parts, its water is drained and it is not possible to trap water at the moment (Safari, 2013, p. 56-57). Oberlander (1956) refers to waterway patterns along with a focal point as evidence of the existence of these lakes. The presence of ancient hills in the bed and margins of these holes is evidence of this claim. In most of these hills, evidence of pottery fragments and remnants of pottery kilns have been found. The presence of such artifacts shows that the shores of the lake were a place of civilization and that the quality of water was far more favorable than during the warmer periods.