Bibitalkhone and Gariveh Springs paradox symbol of the Pabdeh karstic anticline in southwest Iran

The main discharging sources of the Pabdeh karstic anticline in the southwest of Iran are two closely spaced springs called Bibitalkhone and Gariveh. Both springs have emerged about 200 m apart at the trend of a crushed zone resulted from the hidden Pabdeh thrust fault and a contact with salty-gypsum layers. Although superficially similar geological conditions of these springs, their discharge and water quality are different. The discharge, electrical conductivity (EC), and water type of the Bibitalkhone Spring are more than 2 m³/s, over 1000 μS/cm, and Cl–Na, respectively, while those of Gariveh Spring presented in order are 0.05 m³/s, less than 500 μS/cm, and HCO₃–Ca (Mg). Hydrogeological, hydrochemical, tectonic, geomorphologic, and geophysical data were used to verify these diversities. The results marked that geological and tectonic settings of the area is governing different discharge rates and chemistry of the springs.