The echo of the Sharshar waterfall in the mountains of Shirvan
Waterfall is one of the geological phenomena. A waterfall usually occurs when water flowing in a bed (river, stream, etc.) passes over an erosion-resistant rock that differs in level from its environment. This waterfall, as mentioned, originates from its upstream springs and after a short distance, it hits a precipice at a height of about 20 meters, which results in this waterfall. The existence of this waterfall has a very vital role for the village of Astakhri, and the greenery and the fact that people live in it are definitely dependent on the existence of this waterfall and its river. All the economic activity of the people of the region, which is mostly agriculture, needs the water of this river and waterfall.
Astakhri village is located 29 km southwest of Shirvan city and its natural location is in the form of a valley. Due to the topographic position of the region, which is mountainous and has a high altitude, it has a relatively “cold” climate. A river flows through this village, which is directed from south to north, passing in its path through large boulders and creating beautiful landscapes. The river originates from the total water of several springs in its upstream, which on the way to reach the Istakhri valley and collides with a precipice about 20 meters high, creates a beautiful waterfall. It has made the village of Estakhri green and beautiful, and around this waterfall, many trees of poplar, sycamore, walnut and willow species can be seen, the density and dense cover of which has made the area look like a beautiful forest. They can be one of the most powerful attractions in attracting tourists. Cited.
A river flows through the center of this village, which is formed by a spring that is located above it. The water of the spring reaches a precipice on the way to the valley of Astakhri village, which from now on forms a very beautiful waterfall called the local waterfall. This waterfall, as mentioned, is the result of the water of a river that originates near the village and consists of several large and small springs. Numerous rockfalls and numerous ponds double the beauty of the waterfall, and the intersection of trees, mountain and river topography, gives a strange beauty to this unique waterfall. The average flow rate is about 15 cubic meters per second and water flows from a height of about 20 meters to the bottom of the valley. As the water swirls over the cliffs and rises rapidly out of the heart of the mountain, willows and walnuts fall on large poplar trees due to collisions with rocks and large boulders at the bottom of the valley as a white cloud that creates a very interesting and spectacular view. . Even in the cold of winter, when this waterfall freezes, it creates an unparalleled spectacular view that it is impossible to comprehend all this beauty except by seeing.
The geology of this region is located among the geological formations of Kopeh Dagh. The formation of this area is in the second geological period (Mesozoic) and includes the Shuricheh Formation. This formation has a limited extent. Thick-layered limestone with marl interlayers of Mozdoran Formation has gradually become Shuriche Formation. Its average thickness reaches 400 meters. Due to its stratigraphic position between the Mercenary and Tirgan Formations, it belongs to the Neocumin (Hotrivin to Barmin estuary).
The beautiful Sharshar waterfall of Astakhri village is of great value for the people and residents of the region, because it is considered to be the blessing of their village. In cases of reduced rainfall, which can reduce the volume of the waterfall, people vow and ask for rain, and the water of this waterfall is considered the most important factor in the emergence of the village of Astakhri and the settlement of their fathers. Also, the beautiful nature around it has caused people and nature lovers to spend all year round and even in winter.
Due to the fact that people spend their time around this waterfall, whether upstream or downstream, there is garbage around it, which can damage the beauty of its scenic view. Also, in recent years, due to the decrease in rainfall, the discharge of the spring has decreased, which has led to a decrease in the amount of water in the rainy season. The most important threat that tourism can pose to this natural effect is to discuss harming it by not observing environmental hygiene and dumping garbage and extra materials around the waterfall, which will eventually lead to environmental pollution as well as damage to the surrounding landscape. Also, the presence of the waterfall and its water has increased the relative humidity of the area, which has caused a forest cover around it; Therefore, the risk of fire and its spread to the surrounding trees is felt by tourists.
Of course, the necessary points regarding the protection of this natural monument in terms of human threats such as lighting fires, dumping garbage and extra materials next to or around it, should be considered, which can be done with culture and care of residents and village council.