Conservation and characterization of karst water using morpho-hydrogeological methods in Pindul Cave system, Gunungsewu Karst, Java, Indonesia

Pindul Cave system is one of the essential water resources in Wonosari Basin. Pindul Cave has a perennial flow and is used to cave tubing. Administratively, this research was conducted in Pindul Cave and its surrounding areas located in Karangmojo District, Gunungkidul Regency. The aim of this research are: (1) to analyze the underground flow system in Pindul Cave (2) to estimate the catchment area of Pindul Cave using morphology approach (3) to propose management action of the catchment area. The method used in this study using a survey method that is divided into several stages include the preparation stage, the fieldwork stage, and the post-field stage. The preparation stage includes site selection study, discharge measurement site selection, site selection, and injection of dye tracer. The fieldwork stage is ground check survey, discharge measurements, and tracer tests. The post-field stage is analyze breakthrough curve, and making the management action of catchment area. The results of this research are: (1) based on tracer test result show that, Pindul cave stream is supplied from 2 sources, namely those originating from the cave system and those originating from surface runoff; (2) the estimated catchment area of the Pindul Cave system using a morphological approach is 15,44 km2; (3) Propose management action for the catchment area of the Pindul Cave system are not mining in the upstream area, not throwing garbage in the upstream underground river, continuing to apply the rules with restrictions on visitors to Pindul Cave in accordance with the carrying capacity.