Karst Caves Origination Conditions in the Zemo Imereti (Chiatura) Structural Plateau, Georgia.
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Date
2019-11-05
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Abstract
Zemo Imereti structural karst region comprises the easternmost part of the limestone strip of Georgia and it is the
only platform karst region in Georgia. The peculiarity of the relief of the mentioned plateau, namely, dense and deep
(100-250 m) fragmentation, sharp distinction of plateaus, their altitudinal (400-800 m above sea level) distribution,
plain surfaces (6-12° sloping), as well as the climatic conditions, positive annual balance of runoff and hydrological
regime along with the structural-tectonical conditions of substrate constructed karstified rocks creates favourable
conditions for karst development. Unlike the geosynclinal karst zone of Georgia, formation of the mentioned region
proceeded under the platform conditions. Existence of this solid platform stipulated the relatively simple tectonic
structure of Zemo Imereti Plateau; namely, smooth subhorizontal layout of Cretaceous and Tertiary suites over the
Hercynian platform and dominated distribution of stratification fissures, which stipulated formation of
hydrodynamic zones and wider development of subhorizontal caves (80% of caves are subhorizontal). Karst caves
in the Zemo Imereti Plateau are the product of the evolution of hydrodynamic zones significantly. The evolution
starts from Pliocene and is still underway. During this long process the hydrodynamic zones are under the
permanent changes: dying-drying of upper zones and conceiving-watering of lower zones. Post-Sarmatian intensive
ascending tectonic movements and short-term delay epochs mainly stipulated the storey distribution of represented
caves and wide distribution of tunnel type caves. Correlation of relative heights of caves levels and terrace stairs, as
well as the absolute heights of caves entrances and karst sources outlets lets us assume that there should be at least
4-5 slow down epochs of ascending tectonic movements.
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Keywords
platform karst, stratification fissure, subhorizontal karst, caves