The role of lithology in the formation of inselbergs in Safi Abad plain in northeastern Iran

The morphology of each region is related to its landforms, the morphology of flat areas is related to inselbergs. The presence of inselbergs in desert and dry areas gives a special appearance to the morphology of these areas. The study of these landforms and the effective factors in their formation is considered a necessity in terms of regional development. According to the studies, various factors play a role in the formation of inselbergs, and the role of lithology seems to be more prominent. In this research, which was conducted with the method of field and library studies, we identified 18 inselbergs in Safi Abad plain and by studying them, we came to the conclusion that the inselbergs of this plain are mainly formed in sedimentary rocks such as limestone, conglomerate and sandstone. Among the geological formations, the largest and most diverse inselbergs in the Safiabad plain are formed in the mass conglomerate formation with good hardening because this formation is the most widespread in this plain. But the most typical inselbergs of this plain are formed in thick layered limestone. Because this formation is more resistant to erosion. Lar Formations including Limestone and Thick Limestone’s to Mass Dolomite and Delichai Formations have also played an important role in the formation of inselbergs in this plain. Although the extent of these formations is not significant, but due to their significant resistance to erosion and being far from these processes, they have caused the formation of evolved inselbergs in this plain