Karst Water Resources (Proceedings of the Ankara - Antalya Symposium, July 1985).

IAHSPubl.no. 161

THE FORMATION OF SINKHOLES (OBRUK) BETWEEN KARAPINAR

AND KIZREN - KONYA
Baki Canik
Seluk University, Faculty of
Engineering - Architecture,
Department of Geological
Engineering, Konya, Turkey
ilhami rekiogiu
DSl 4. Regional Directorate,
Geological Engineer,
Konya, Turkey

Abstract
Obruks constitute the most important karstic features within the carbonate rocks of Konya
region in Central Anatolia. The most important of these has been formed within lacustrine
limestones of Neogene, namely the Cihanbeyii Formation. In the region, obruks developed
in Cretaceous limestones also exist. Between Karapsnar and Kizoren, the karstification of
limestones and the related obruks development haye been continuing since the beginning
of Quaternary up to now. Among these, internal karstification is very important. The most
important factors affecting internal karstification are neotectonics of Centrai Anatolia after
Pliocene, groundwater flow and increased corrosion of limestones due to dissolving of
volcanic CQ2 and asidic gases in great quantities within the underground waters. The areas
of horizontal sections are observed to be widened deeper in the new and undisturbed obruks,
while the recent obruks are 70 m deep or more with dangerous appearence, the uvalas
have been formed by joining of the oldest obruks. The ceiling of the cavities that have been
formed as the result of the internal karstification, collapse because of heavy load. If the
collapsing reaches the water table, water filled obruks develop; if on the other hand
collapsing does not reach the water table, dry obruks are observed. Occasional out - coming
of shocks and sounds from the underground which disturb local people must be the informer
of the formation of a new obruk.
Introduction
Various karstic features have been formed within different aged limestones in Konya Plateau
of Central Anatolia. The most important of these consists of sinkholes formed within
lacustrine Neogene limestones. Approximately fifty sinkholes of different diameter and
depth exist between Southern Nebili sinkhole and Northwestern Haciveli sinkhole within
Karaptnar - Kizoren region which covers an area of 28 km length and 4 km width (Guidait,
and aroglu, 1983). The bottoms of a few of these have reached the water table. Their
formation has been continuing since Middle Quaternary. The area of study is approximately
1800 km 2 (Fig. 1).
193

194

B. Canik & 1. rekioglu

The average heights change between 10001080 m within the area, excluding Clzecek
Mountain which approaches an altitude of 1293 m.
Data from the Karapmar meteorological station indicate that the mean temperature
for the latest 7 years is 11.2C and mean precipitation for the latest 16 years is 278 mm.

Geology
Upper Paleozoic : The oldest rocks in the region are marbles. They crop out in a narrow
area at the South of Kizoren and Yellikuyu. They are grey coloured with abundant fractures
and solution cavities. Agalede (1954) also attributes an age of Upper Paleozoic for these.
Neogene : Widespread lacustrine Neogene deposits consist of conglomerates, marls,
silts, clays, limestones and silicified limestones.Their thickness around Sultanhani exceeds
1000 m in the drillings of Turkish Petroleums Ltd. and are named as Cihanbeyli formation.
The thickness of the basal conglomerate reaches 90 m in the drill - hole Sultanhani - 1
which is situated at the East of the study area. Grey and beige coloured marls come above
them. The marls consist of alternations of claystone and limestone, including a 20 m
thick gypsum level. Solution limestones do not show an important thickness within the area.
Their thickness in some petroleum drill - holes reach up to 300 m in the region (TPAO,

The formation of sinkholes in Konya

195

1076). Frequently marl, silt and clay exist in the uppermost part. They also contain 0.50 m
thick limestone intercalations. Marls and silts are widespread between Ozecek Mountain and
irah sinkhole. Here, the observed thickness is more than 70 m. Silicified limestone exists
below these and in turn below the silicified limestone, karstic limestones take place.
Clay and marl levels and lenses have been observed within these limestones by
geophysical studies. Upward increase in amount of dolomitic limestones is common between
irah and Meyil sinkholes. Its appearent thickness within irali sinkhole is around 85 m.
Within this, weakly cemented, brecciated 8-10 m thick silicified limestone levels exist.
These levels can be seen at the northern skirts of irali sinkhole. The silicification of the
limestone is related with the volcanisrn around Karapmar. Siliceous solutions which were
related to the post Upper Pliocene volcanisrn, caused the silicium enrichment within the
lake. Whitish and motley coloured marl, clay and silt deposits are widespread from irali
sinkhole towards northwest and the various characteristics of the lithology can be observed
in the sinkholes within the area. Marl and clayey levels are sometimes gypsious. MTA Tuz
Lake studies (1982), give an age of Mio - Pliocene to the Neogene lacustrine deposits.
Volcanisrn : The volcanisrn of Ozecek Mountain should certainly have the same age
with the young volcanisrn around Karapmar. Age of the extrusion is calculated to be 3 . 2 1.1 million years by K/Ar method (Keller, J., 1974). Ozecek volcanisrn consist of basalt
lavas, tuffites and pyroclastic materials. Mears which have been formed by gaseous
explosions related to younger volcanisrn also exist in the region.

Factors That Control Sinkhole Formation

The formation of sinkholes within the study area has its own characteristics and it is difficult
to observe similar features although similar circumstances happened to come together by
chance. Therefore, conic and cylindiric karstic features with various depths and diameters
occuring between Karapmar - Kizoren, should be defined as 'Obruk type karstification".
'The most important factors in Obruk type karstification are lithology of the rocks, effects
of neotectonism within the region, flow direction of the underground water and its chemical
composition.
A - Lithology of the Rocks : The lower levels of the Cihanbeyli formation in the
region generally consist of limestones with clay and marl intercalations. They have fractures
and solution cavities. The karstic structure has been well developed by the speeding up of
limestone corrosion an by more dissolving of C0 2 and other asidic gases related with Karapmar volcanisrn within the underground water. Since the above pressure is decreased, part of
the contaminated C0 2 evolves through the solution cavities during the flow of the underground water down to the spring. This, in turn, prolongs the effect of solution as it gains
asidic characteristics within wet and moist environments at the surfaces of solution cavities
and above the underground water table.
At the south, marl, clay and silt come over the limestone. These occurences which
does not support the above pressure, are uncompact and sometimes contain thin dolomitic
limestone beds. Nebili, Sekizli and Akviran obruks have been formed within them since

196

B.Canik & i.rekioglu

1977 (Fig. 2). Uniaxial compressive strength of marls and silts is found to be around 0.60
kg/cm 2 . Their cohesion is 0.30 kg/cm 2 , unit volume weight is 1.6-1.8 g/cm 3 and elastic
modulus is around 1718 kg/cm 2 .
In the vicinity of irali, Karain, Dikmen and Meyil obruks, a few metres thick clay
and marl stay above the lower limestone. The dolomitic limestones start from 980 m altitude
and reach 85-90 m thickness at the surface (Fig. 3). These are generally intensely fractured
and weakly cemented, and contain clay and marl lenses of a few metres thickness. The
most important obruks that have been developed within dolomitic and silicified limestones
are the above mentioned ones. The limestones had been silicified by mixing of siliceous
solutions of Karapmar volcanic activities during Upper Pliocene. Formation of the karst
features like irali, Karain or Akviran obruks by only surface solution of this type of rocks
is seen to be impossible. But, deeper solution of the limestones underneath the dolomitic
and silicified level, and collapsing of the incompetent marl, silt levels, prove the formation
of "Obruktype" karst features.

Fig. 2 -

Formation of Sinkholes (Obruks) Between Karapinar-Kizren, KONYA.

The formation of sinkholes in Konya

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o

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u
_o
o
to
BO
O

iZ

198

B.Canik & I.rekioglu

B - Origin of C 0 2 : The most important factor in the solution of limestones that

prove the formation of the obruks is the increase in the rate of CO, and the other asidic
gases in the underground water. Volcanoes of Karapinar lake, Ozecek Mountain and Maar
craters such as Meke Lake, Aci Lake and Yilan Obruk which have been formed by volcanic
explosions indicate youngest volcanic activities in Quaternary (Keller, J., 1974). These
activities which continued until the middle of Quaternary have caused emanation of C 0 2
and other asidic gases. Volcanic C 0 2 gase emanations can be observed even now around
Yanmca, Nebili in the north and northwest of Ozecek Mountain and south of Gullukuyu.
During the opening of wells of 6070 m depth, special precautions are necessary in order
to carry out the drilling against the C 0 2 gases collected from 2025 m on.

Fig. 4

Hydrogeological Map of The Area Between Karapmar-Kizren, KONYA.

The formation of sinkholes in Konya

199

CFJow of Underground Water : Here, some different views about the direction of
underground water flow were obtained in the previous hydrogeological studies (DSI, 1975;
Eroskay, 1976; MTA 1982), and hydrogeological map of the area has been prepared by
measuring the underground water levels within present wefls in a 1800 km2 area during
April 1985 (Fig. 4). The main direction of the underground water flow is seen to be from
south and north at the map. The hydraulic gradient is around 5x10 4 between the south
and north of the area. In addition, the asymmetrical ellipse of water isohips with the northerly sharp point, indicates basal water leakages at a point in the central part of the area
where deeps obruks are widespread. The local movement direction of underground water at
the northern half of the ellipse is toward the south because of these basal water leakages.The
outflow of underground water of northerly movement is from the springs in the marshy
place situated in the south of Tuz Lake. Most of the basal leakage is from two nearby spring
areas in Baglica (rekioglu,
1969). No great change has been observed in the water
yield withing the first 5 months period of 1985. Mean water yield of greater springs is 1.04
m 3 /s and of smaller springs is 0.23 m 3 /s. The movement of the underground water, from
south to north has caused dissolving of C0 2 and other asidic gases of volcanoes in the
underground water and turn, dissolving of the limestones through their way to the north.
The Tuz Lake fault is said to be a right lateral fault, formed during Middle - Uooer
Miocene in the neotectonism of Central Anatolia (aroglu,.et al., 1983), but the same
fault is said to have at least 250 m of vertical tilt in Quaternary ,(Aziz, 1985; TPAO oral
communication).This, in turn, indicates an underground water with greater paleohydraulic
gradient from the vicinity of Hotamis. marshy area at the south to the Tuz LaKe at the north,
during Quaternary period.

Characteristics of Obruks
Newly formed and shallow obruks are commonly called as "Opan". Akviran obruk that
formed suddenly in 1977 has 15 m peripheral diameter and 60 m depth, and its bottom
reaches the water table level. Its basal diameter is around 30-35 m. It developed within
silts, clays and marls. Rubble and rock fragments exist at the bottom, because of landslides.
Nebili obruk, suddenly occurred in 1983 within silts and marls, situated 1.5 km west
from Nebili hill. It has a mouth diameter of 10 m and depth of 70 m, and its horizontal
sections get wider downwards. Its bottom has already reached the water table level but
subsequenty broken rock fragments from the inside of the obruk have covered the bottom
water.
Sekizli obruk, has started as a hole with 10-15 cm mouth diameter in 1983. In
following few months, it suddenly collapsed within clays, silts, and marls in a rainy day.
Its mouth diameter is now 5 m and its depth is 8.5 m.
A hole with a 810 cm diameter had developed within a footpath, 2 km NE of Yirce,
in April 1985. Curious people without the knowledge of outcoming danger have enlarged
the hole up to 4050 cm diameter and deepened it to 40 cm. Here, a new obruk is to be
formed at any moment.

200

B.Canik & L rekioglu

Formation of obruks within the study area has been continuing since the beginning
of Quaternary and more effectively since the Middle of Quaternary. First formed obruks
within marly and silty areas caused on occurence of uvala having the obruk relicts by
increasing erosion between Dikmen and Sekizli. In addition, there exist many uvalas and
poljes. Most typical example of poljes is the Meyil polje within which exist wet and dry
obruks and settlements (Canik 1985).

Fig. 5

Map of the Area Sinkholes (Obruks) Intensively Distributed.

The formation of sinkholes in Konya

201

Most typical and good examples of oldest obruks constitute wet obruks of Meyil,
Karain and irali and dry obruks of Dikmen, Yunus, Hamam, Kizil, Yanm, Derin, Ak,
Fincan, Potur, Kangalh, Yilarili, Zincanca and Kayahbasj (Fig. 5). These are arranged in a
NW-SE direction, having diameters of 8700 m and depths of 10-80 m. Direction of
obruks arrangement approximately corresponds to the joint systems (Fig. 6). Of these,
Meyil, Dikmen, Karain, Kizil, Kangalli and irali obruks have formed within dolomitic
limestones, whereas ifteler and Ak obruks developed within marly and argillaceous rocks.
Underground solution cavities gradually get bigger and coalesce with each other and
wide caves have been formed, as dissolving and transporting effects of underground water
continue in the study area. The collapses begin when the cave ceilings get to support the
above weight. These collapses do not always directly reach the surface. But, some sounds
and quakes which occur as a result of great underground collapses can commonly reach the
surface. These kinds of sounds from underground and sometimes slight earthquakes disturb
the inhabitants of Hacihasip, Meyil, Uzuncakuyu, Egrikuyu, Haciveli, etc. Of course these
are detectable events as the internal karstification and the collapsing of great blocks from
the ceilings of underground caves continue. These events should be accepted as informers
of formations of obruks at unexpected times and unexpected scales.

W 270

90 E

380 joints
50 joints
Fig. 6 Joint Distrubition.

202

B.Canik & .rekioglu

Chemistry of Underground Water

Chemical compositions of the water samples taken from various locations have been
correlated and their similarities with each other and origins of the ions have been examinated
(Fig. 7). Lacustral Mio - Pliocene deposites which widespreadly occur within the area show
vertical and horizontal differences. Volcanoes around Karapmar have also affected the
chemical compositions of the waters. For example, the waters of Yellikuyu,Tilkiar,Songul,
Boriicek, Meyilyayla and irali obruk contain Ca, Mg and HC0 3 . Well waters of Gumudugiin, Siileymanli, ifte and Efeli yayla together with the water of Baglrca spring contain
Ca, Mg, Na, HC0 3 and CL Well waters of Seyithaci, Yelekli, ukurkuyu contain Mg, Ca, Na,
HC0 3 , S0 4 , CI and Tahir, Mezgitli yayla Mg, Na, Ca, S 0 4 , HC0 3 ( CI.

Fig. 7 -

Logarithmic Digram (after Scholler, 1935).

The formation of sinkholes in Konya

203

Chemical analysis of water samples in the investigation area :

Anions -meq/1

Cations - Meq/I

Name of water

CI

so 4

HC0 3

2,35

0,09

3,54

3,60

4,4

7,0

3,70

0,56

3,87

4,60

7,6

4,3

5,8

4,22

0,25

4,4

4,70

5,4

Meyil obruk

2,5

7,6

5,85

1,02

4,8

3,04

9,1

Tahiryayia

3,4

4,5

3,40

0,05

2,76

5,40

3,1

Mezgitli yayla

4,4

8,2

6,65

0,07

5,3

9,3

4,8

Suleymanh yayla

4,8

3,4

2,75

0,17

3,08

0,87

7,15

Gumu|dtigiin "

5,9

3,5

3,1

0,29

3,62

1,36

7,85

Bagiica spring

5,3

3,0

2,5

0,05

2,65

0,60

7,65

Eeii yayla

4,0

2,8

1,78

0,05

1,87

0,38

6,4

ifte

5,5

3,5

2,60

0,07

2,49

0,59

8,6

irali obruk

4,7

3,0

0,80

0,09

0,77

1,20

6,6

Tilkijar yayla

3,1

2,4

1,25

0,08

1,06

1,18

4,6

Yelli kuyu yayla

4,2

3,0

1,35

0,07

1,62

1,52

5,5

Songiil yayla

5,3

3,5

1,15

0,09

0,99

1,36

0,99

Briicek "

5,8

4,1

0,60

0,12

0,73

1,10

8,8

Sample location

Ca

Mg

Na

ukurkuyu

3,9

5,2

Seyithaci yayla

4,8

Yelekli

"

"

204

B.Canik &.rekioglu

While waters with Ca, Mg and HC0 3 indicate the waters wandering in doiomitic and
limestone areas, S0 4 contents also show the gypseous parts of the lacustrine ievels.

Conclusion
Internal karstification has been effective in the formation of obruks. The occurence of
solution limestones below; clay, silt and silicified limestones above, the occurence of underground water flow direction from south to north and the abundant occurence of volcanic
C0 2 and acidic gases within these waters constitute the most important factors.

Measured water levels within sinkholes and wells in the settled parts of the study area
(April-1985):
Name of the
Locality

Water lev.
(m)

995.25
Akayazi
990.20
Yelekli
1001.40
Demiryah
990.45
Akkuyu
994.47
Briicek
986.50
Kiilfat
990.98
Eseli
988.58
Yantnca
991.80
OimezH
990.90
Guiiiikuyu
987.92
Seyithaci
990.55
B. ukurca
991.85
Yaayay!a
999.10
Bursal
992.27
B. Krin
988.87
ingiryayla
987.68
S. Sekizli
987.00
Akviranyayla
989.30
Ortacebe
989.20
Akobrukyayla
985.75
Hacihasip
987.00
Kabahasan
987.55
Sivrioglu
984.50
Acikuyuyayla
ukurkuyuyayl; 990.32
984J90
Sinnelik
985.50
Htiseyinbey
98639
Karakolyayla

Water lev.
(m)

Name of the
Locality

Water lev.
(m)

Name of the
Local ity

Akaar
Kepez
Kizbogan
B. Burnak
Gktuzla
Okuyular
irinler
Yeniyayla
Elagz
Mezgitli
Kok
Ortakuyu
Sicakyayla
B. Sekeller
Gzerli
GiinesJi
Bozcamahmut
Arifyayla
Bayramdiigun
Bagotiiren
Siileymancik
Yenice
Bilezikli
Acikuyu
Egrikuyu
Kuzukuyu
Emirha
Yiizbasjoglu

993.22
988.40
978.60
978.17
979.22
981.43
987.90
97835
981.14
985.16
988.85
98132
981.58
983.95
984.55
983.00
963.68
971.10
98235
974.97
975.20
973.55
96638
972.05
989.80
1014.65
1012.20
1009.70

1019.90
HacayaySa
Imiryayia
1018.50
Hacihimmet
992.60
Yellikuyu
985 SO
Hacihasip
985.75
Yedikula
988.38
Yirce
990.68
Hanyiktgi
992.42
Yavanukuru 989.50
Egrikuyu
989.80
Apakyayla
992.30
Kamiagil
992.00
Ak obruk
984.57
Uzuncakuyu
98730
ukurkuyu
987.89
Dikmenyayla
983.65
Acikuyu
983.90
Poturyayla
981.45
Badink
986.63
Yazikumca
992.68
Kangalbogazi
988.10
Oveagili
983.68
Tatarli
981.44
Karaburun
984.06
K. Sekeller
98333
Meyil obruk
984.36
irali obruk
985.11
Karain obruk
983.95
Puthaciyayla
986.73

The formation of sinkholes in Konya

205

These karstic features having truncated conical or cylindrical shapes with various
diamtres and depths are locally called as "OBRUK" by the native inhabitants. It has its
own specific characteristics as such to be synonymous in every language in this branch of
science.
The vicinities of these obruks which have special beauties of the nature should be
protected as a national park.
REFERENCES
Agalede, H., 1954. Tuz gliiniin bati ve giineybati kenarlannin jeolojik etiidii. MTA rapor
no : 2371, yayinlanmamif. Ankara
Canik, B., 1985. Hydrogeologie karstique du polje d'irmene, Bodrum (Turquie). S.O. jeoloji
Bliimii, nun publie. Konya
rekioglu, L, 1969. Aksaray - Sultanhani - Kizren (Obruk) havzasi hidrojeoloji etiid raporu. DS 4. Bolge, yayinlanmami. Konya
Eroskay, O., 1976. The factors influencing the Konya obruks and their groundwater
potentials evaluation. i.Cl. Fen Fak. Mec. Seri B. 41 (1^t) : 5-14. Istanbul
Giildali, N., aroglu, F., 1983. Konya yresi obruklan. TJK, Yeryuvan ve insan, Cilt 7,
sayi 4. Ankara
Keller, J., 1974. Quaternary maar volcanism near Karapmar in Central Anatolia. Reprinted
from Bulletin volcanologique, tome XXXVI11-2 p. 378-396. Napoli
Konya - umra - Karapmar ovasi hidrojeolojik etiid raporu, 1975, DSI Genel Mudiirlugii.
Ankara.
aroglu, F., Boray, A., Ozer, S., Kuu, ., 1983. Orta Toroslar - Orta Anadolu'nun giineyinin neotektonigi ile ilgili goruler. Jeomorfoloji dergisi, sayi : 11, s. 35-44.
TPAO Petrol logs, Sultanhani, 1976.Ankara
Tuz Glii Proje Raporu, 1982. MTA Enstitusii, Endiistriyel Hammaddeler Dairesi. Ankara