Identification of karstic zones using RS & GIS method, Fuzzy logic and AHP in Neka catchment, Mazandaran, Iran

the RS & GIS method along with Fuzzy logic integration and the
Hierarchical Analysis Process (AHP) in part of Neka catchment in
Mazandaran province in the north of Iran. In this research, eight
lithological factors, density and distance from the fractured
lineaments, density and distance from the drainages, topographic
slope, precipitation and vegetation status, were extracted from
satellite and archival data as well as field data. Then these factors
which affect karst formation and development are fuzzy and are
weighted by the AHP method and integrated with T-norm, T-conorm
(S-norm) and Compromise Operators. The results were processed by
using software such as ArcGIS, ENVI, RockWorks, IDRISI, Expert
Choice and PCI Geomatica, which were evaluated based on
fieldwork. The results of this study show that most karst
developments occurred in Lar Formation with the upper Jurassic.
According to field visits, the best and most appropriate output for
fuzzy layers integration are the use of a compromise operator in the
range of 0.9 to 0.95. In spite of the suitable ability of Landsat 8 bands
to extract lineaments due to vegetation status and other
environmental conditions, the use of DEM was also necessary. This
study shows that the use of new remote sensing and GIS technology,
combined with Fuzzy logic and AHP, increases accuracy and speed
and reduces cost in karst studies.