Mapping of Potential Show Caves in the Racha Limestone Massif (Country of Georgia)

Author Information

Lasha Asanidze, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Vakhushti Bagrationi Institute of GeographyFollow
Zaza Lezhava, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Vakhushti Bagrationi Institute of GeographyFollow
Nino Chikhradze, (Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Vakhushti Bagrationi Institute of Geography. Ilia State University, School of Natural Sciences and Engineering.Follow
George Gaprindashvili, Department of Geology, National Environmental Agency, Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture of GeorgiaFollow
Guranda Avkopashvili, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Elephter Andronikashvili Institute of Physics.Follow

Publication Date

April 2018

Abstract

Abstract: The Racha limestone massif is located in the eastern part of the karst zone of western Georgia. The massif is a typical example of Georgian mountain karst regions, where diverse surface and subsurface karst landforms are found. The main aim of this research is to present mapping of two potential show caves, and document speleological information from the Racha limestone massif. The morphological parameters and tectonic directions of the Muradi and Usholta Caves were mapped using the compass-clinometer and laser distance meter, to compile 3D models of the caves. To our knowledge these are the first 3D models of karst caves in Georgia.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.5038/9780991000982.1064