EVAlUATION OF INTERAL KARST SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT USING HYDROCHEMICAL METHODS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the extent of development and recognition of the hydrochemical behavior of karst aquifers of Bistoon and Dalahoo limestone masses using graphical methods, clustering, factor analysis and saturation indices. The results of hydrochemical methods indicate that the dissolution process is active in the karst aquifers of the studied masses. These methods have acceptable efficiency in determining the origin of karst water, effective factors in quality characteristics, water retention in the aquifer and evaluation of the development of the internal network of karst systems of the studied masses., Shah Hossein, Sarableh, Varmanjeh and Mirahmad springs in Bistoon mass and Rijab and Marab springs in Dalahoo mass were identified as springs with internal karst development. The Bistoon Mass Formation due to its size and integrity, thickness and pure mineralogical composition, has much more karst formation capacity than the Dalahu Mass and plays a key role in the formation and development of the Biston Massif karst geomorphology.