Tehran – A ruptured water pipe in the garden of a country house in Balzok near the ancient city of Kashan led to the unexpected discovery of a limestone cave.
Initial research suggests that the cave has two levels, with the corridor extending up to 50 meters. One vertical passageway leading to the low level is approximately 10 meters deep. The Iranian speLeology Task Force is currently working with Caver to map and evaluate the site.
Members of the Iranian Cave Consuls Association confirmed the discovery of this limestone cave in Barzok by local residents. The cave has multiple chambers and passageways, which reportedly once contained freshwater springs, which are dry due to lower groundwater levels, Irna reported.
Association member Javad Nezamdoost provided details about the discovery of the cave. He explained that a water pipe had burst in his local summer home several years ago. The garden flood was suddenly drained, revealing a hole in which the water had disappeared. Upon further inspection, locals initially assumed that the holes were underground wells that could help solve drainage problems. However, further investigation has led to an astonishing discovery of the extensive limestone caves.
The Iranian Cave Association immediately contacted the homeowners, and the Alborz cave team began mapping the caves, covering an estimated area of 350 to 400 square meters. Despite the dry spring, the caves remain an important geological discovery.
Nezamdoost emphasized that although the caves contain important limestone formation and sediment deposits, they are not suitable for tourism and need to be preserved. The Iranian Cave Association advises cave discoverers and local residents on the importance of protecting it from damage and unauthorized entries.
He also pointed out that not all caves are suitable for tourist and commercial use. Some people accidentally associate cave discoveries with hidden treasures, but such assumptions are unfounded. He pointed out that there were caves (probably one in 1,000) that were historically used as human dwellings. Many caves have not been discovered because there is no visible entrance. Its existence does not justify excavation or destruction in search of artifacts.
Nezamdoost explained that the Iranian National Cave Protection Framework, established around 30 years ago, categorizes caves into four levels of protection. Grade One caves are strictly protected and only accessible to scientific research and mapping. These caves often contain rare geological, ecological, or hydrological features, or endangered species of homes. Grade 2 caves have limited entry permissions and require further research before they are possible use. While three grade caves may be developed for tourism under regulated conditions, fourth grade caves are open to be made public without serious conservation concerns.
Nezamdoost believes that given its unique features, this newly discovered cave needs further evaluation before determining a classification.
Kashan is located on the route that connects Tehran to its huge destinations in Isfahan, Shiraz and Yazd. Moreover, the ancient town is the gateway to many sights, stories and charming villages around it. Among the highlights are gorgeously decorated homes of Blue Geldi, Tabatabai, Amelie and Abbasi. Additionally, Cashan embraces several archaeological gems. Most importantly, Tepe Sialk produced interesting ceramic fragments, metal tools, and domestic tools made from stones, clays and bones from the period from the 4th millennium BC.
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