Konya Karapınar obruks (Sinkholes) of Turkey

Abstract

Konya plain in Central Anatolia features various unique karstic formations from different ages. The most peculiar of these formations are the obruks, which are mainly found within the lacustrine limestone of Neogene age. The unconfined groundwater in the region outcrops in the form of obruk lakes. The Neogene formations at the upper part and the basement limestones are hydraulically linked. The Neogene formation is more porous because of cavities, and the pervious nature of the basement is due to karst conduits. The obruks have been formed by the combined effects of the carbonates, structures, karstification, and the tectonic history of the area.