Zonation of Karst Evolution Using Entropy Model: A Case Study of Noa Anticline in Northwest Zagros

The Noa Anticline is located in west part of Kermanshah Province and due to extension of limestone formations, existing of faults and joints, and also climatic conditions of the area involves an evolved karst. This study carried out to recognize the karstic evolution process and zonation as well as the impact of different factors on the process of karst developing in the Noa anticline. The data gathered for this study are topographic, geological, soil, land use, aerial, and satellite maps and also climatological statistic data. In this study, nine environmental factors as independent parameters and karst features geomorphology as a dependent parameter were examined. Then, with intensive field works, we recognized the closed holes as the most evolutionary ones of karst features of this area, and concerning the characteristics of these landforms, a proper weight was given to each parameter. Finally, by using GIS software, we prepared overlap maps and in a final manner using Entropy model, adaptation of factors and definitive modification have been performed. The results of this study show that this area embraces four categories of Karsts include lack of karst evolution, moderate evolution, high evolution and very high evolution categories. Regarding nine factors, five factors such as distance from fault, slope, slope aspect, temperature and rainfall recognized as the most effective ones and other factors such as soil factor, land use, contour lines and lithology as with no effect on area’s karst is recognized. The model preciseness applying on the closed holes shows that there are 92 % closed holes in the two categories (high evolution and very high evolution) and have indicated the favorite effectiveness of using Entropy model on the karst evolution zonation.