Karst geology of carbonate rocks mass in Abegarm area, south of Qazvin province

Understanding the geological phenomena created by dissolution can be a great help in understanding karst systems. Hence, geology is usually the first step in studying the karstification process. Abegarm is located in the Central Iran structural zone and includes the Formations of the Paleozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras. The most important carbonate formations in Abegarm are Soltanieh, Ruteh, Elika, Lar and Qom formations. In this study, karstification potential was investigated after field work and sampling of carbonate rock units and comparing them in terms of the development of karst landforms. Sampling of karst springs in both dry and wet periods, as well as measurement of EC, pH and temperature on the ground were performed. Remote sensing studies were performed by ILWIS software on Landsat satellite images for isolation and calculation of the area of ​​carbonate formations. AqQa software was used to review and interpret the findings of chemical analyses and Phree Qc ​​software was used to model water chemistry. The most important karst landforms in the region include karrens, vugs, caves, and karst springs. Based on the combination of field studies and remote sensing data, the intensity of karstification in the Abegarm area graded from high to low, include: Qom, Soltanieh, Lar and Cretaceous formations. Based on karst development classification, Abegarm karstification is merokarst (incomplete) and shallow; and based on the karst cycle classification it is classified as juvenile to young.