Karst hydrogeology investigation of Saimbeyli (Adana) Obruk Waterfall

Obruk Karstic Spring which is discharged from Jurassic-Cretaceous aged Köroğlutepesi limestone along to a strike slip fault is located in western part of Eastern Taurus region within the province boundaries of Saimbeyli district of Adana extends about a surface area of 59,95 km2. In this study, the Köroğlutepesi limestone whose boundary conditions and three dimensional geometry can be defined was investigated in terms of morphology ? hydrogeology relationships. For this purpose, hydrogeological conceptual model of the study area was developed based on the physical parameters such as geology, tectonic, morphology and dynamic properties such as precipitation regime, infiltration, recharge, flow and storage.Obruk Karstic Spring which was discharged from Köroğlutepesi limestone is the only aquifer in the study area has karstic characteristics. Well developed karst system such as karrens, sinkholes, depression areas and cavities is predominated over this formation. Recharge in study area occurs in two different forms; allogenic, autogenic-diffuse and autogenic-point. The water which run of from near catchment areas recharge to the system as allogenic. On the other hand, precipitation which falls on the limestone rock-mass supplies the autogenic diffuse and otogenic point recharge to the system. In this determinated system the karstification which has occured depending on lithologic characteristics of the carbonate rock and climatic changes is controlled by tectonic