Hydrodynamic zones of fissure-karst waters of Zemo Imereti Plateau in the Republic of Georgia

Aim: The aim of this research was to study the hydrodynamic zones of fissure-karst waters of Zemo Imereti Plateau. Zemo Imereti Plateau comprises the eastern most part of the karst strip of western Georgia and represents the only region of platform karst in the Caucasus, which sharply differs from other massifs of the karst strip of Georgia in structural-geological and relief terms. Methodology: Based on karst-speleological researches, indicator experiments were carried out in the region. The common level of underground karst waters was identified. The existence of isolated streams of fissure-karst waters was also observed during the study that are mainly related to disjunctive dislocations. In most cases, underground streams flow under the bed of surface streams and come out on the surface as karst sources. Results: Studies have revealed that formation of a common water-containing horizon in the Zemo Imereti Plateau is greatly contributed by its platform feature, particularly by the horizontal layout of relatively weakly dislocated and low-capacity karstified rocks, the structural features of the impermeable horizons and the water discharging conditions from the underground basin. In addition, the tendency towards the formation of common level of karst waters can be observed at early stages of karst development. Interpretation: Based on previous studies undertaken, we drew a scheme of hydrodynamic zones of karst waters within the Zemo Imereti Plateau, where we distinguished the aeration levels seasonal fluctuation,complete saturation and depth circulationhydrodynamic zones. Within the aeration zone we distinguished the surface circulation, circulation of hanging waters, downward vertical circulation and sub-horizontal circulation subzones. The conditions for the formation of water circulation and karst caves in hydrodynamic zones were studies at length. Apparently, the hydrodynamic zones undergo a constant change in the background of ascending tectonic movements.