The role of regional tectonics in structural caves, Simorgh Cave, Sofeh Mountain (Iran)

Abstract

The Sofeh Mountain in the south of Isfahan (Iran) has a development of shafts (vertical cave). Simorgh cave with a depth of 42 m and a length of 52 m has developed along significant fault structures. Structural analysis indicates relationships of orientation between the faults and fractures and shafts and Chambers geometries. Considering the main NE-SW trend of tectonic structures in the area, the faults have been classified in three sets: longitudinal, transverse, and oblique faults. In this research, the role of tectonics in forming the Simorgh cave has been investigated and a 3D model and a cave map (scale 1:250) are prepared for the first time. Diagrams of the faults and direction of the cave show that the formation of Simorgh cave has been controlled by faults and fractures directed to NE-SW.