The chemistry of springs in relation to the geology in an arid region of the Middle East (Khurasan, Iran)

Abstract

In the investigated area of the East-Iranian desert the mountain ranges differ widely in their geologieal strueture and the average annual preeipitation is not more than 100 mm. Water resources are therefore scarce but yartieularly suitable for a study of the relationship between geologieal features and natura waters under the eonditions of an arid elimate.

These natural waters consist of small springs and of underground drainage canals, the so-called “qanats”. Abou t 150 qanats and sprinp, anda few additional samples of rainwater were the objects of our hydrogeologieal investigation whieh is being published extensively (including a hydrogeologieal map) in: Jahrb. Geol. Bu. Anst. Wten 115, 1 — 48; Sept. 1972.