Project number: FR-18-013
Project title: Classification of Karst Landscape of Georgia
Funding organization: Shota Rustaveli national Science Foundation of Georgia
Start and end dates: 22.02.2019-22.06.2022
Principal investigator: Lasha Asanidze
Key personnel: Lasha Asanidze; Levan Tileidze; Zaza Lezhava; Kukuri Tsikarishvili; Lela Gadrani
Project Summary: The issue is very topical, because the karst-speleological fundamental researches and the obtained scientific results can play the largest role regarding the karst landscape protection, caves tourist use and their effective management, for creation of protected cavernous systems, using karst waters for drinking, for security of the country, for construction of large electric power stations in the intensive karst areas and etc. It should be noted here that the complex study of karst landscape together with its practical application, is a great scientific significance, because based on the study of karst both regional and wide karstological issues will be identified. Based on the above mentioned, the novelty of the research will be the complex speleological researches conducted based on the education and skills obtained during the years both in Georgia and abroad and as a result, we will introduce and adopt modern research methods and approaches accepted in the world, that is very important for further enhancement of scientific level and professional advancement.
Achieved results: Based on the results of the study, a karst map of Georgia (Limestone and Clastokarst Massifs of Georgia - 87 limestone and 6 clastokarst massifs) was compiled, in which karst and clastokarst massifs are highlighted. Also, with the direct participation of the project manager, coordinator, and the key persons, based on complex studies, a monograph was compiled and published, which covers the results of complex karst-speleological research on the Migaria Limestone Massif. The conditions and factors of karst occurrence, the problems of karst- and speleogenesis, the main signs of the conception and evolution of surface and underground karst forms are discussed. Significant experience was gained during the implementation of the project, because interdisciplinary research was carried out on various limestone massifs of Georgia, which involved both Georgian and foreign qualified scientists. Accordingly, both well-proven and state-of-the-art research methods and devices were used in the research process. Thus, I think that the inter-institutional international cooperation that we have, is important for further expansion of future research.