Analysis of Cavities Characteristics in the Semar - Kiskendo Caves System, Jonggrangan Karst Area, Kulon Progo, Indonesia

Abstract

The Kiskendo Cave System is a system that has many benefits, including as a tourist site and water source. One of the systems in the upstream of Kiskendo Cave is the Semar-Kiskendo Caves system. This system is estimated to greatly affect the condition of the Kiskendo cave system because it is connected to the allogenic river which contributes to recharge from outside Jonggrangan Karst Area. The purpose of this research was 1) to find out the characteristics of the Semar Cave cavities and 2) to analyze the connectivity and characteristics of cavities in the Semar - Kiskendo Caves system. This research employed a survey method by mapping the cave to answer the first problem and conducting a tracer test of underground river stream to answer the second problem. The results showed that the Semar Cave cavity that could be mapped was 158.2 meters long, the total volume of the cave was 1,220.6 m3, and the average diameter of the cave cavity was 2.8 meters. The results of second study using the tracer test showed the connection between Semar Cave and the underground river in Kiskendo Cave, and the cavities had a characteristic of a single conduit which was sufficiently developed.