Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Wetlands, cilt.44, sa.83, ss.1-14, 2024 (SCI-Expanded)
This study was prepared to investigate the ecogeomorphological aspects of the Kızılırmak mouth and its immediate environs,
which have been seriously subjected to anthropogenic pressures in recent years. Situated in the center of Turkey's most
significant wetland, the Kızılırmak delta, is the research area. In this study, remote sensing methods and field observations
were used together, and the collected data were interpreted with an interdisciplinary approach by experts in geomorphology,
ornithology, ichthyology, botany, physical geography, and environmental engineering. The Altınkaya and Derbent dams built
on the Kızılırmak river negatively affected the sediment budget of the delta. Significant part of the dried floodplains was
turned into agricultural field. Later, the stream was taken into an artificial canal. The former bed parts outside the canal turned
into lakes and swamps. For this reason, between 1990 and 2021, the coastline was retreated by 500 m, 75.1 ha of wetland
were converted into agricultural land and 18.1 ha of new lake area was created. The biological and hydrological features of
the study region changed as a result of these changes; habitats were fragmented, animal breeding and nesting grounds were
damaged, and some animal populations tended to decline. Despite this, many artificial lakes still have wetland characteristics
and can be preserved as a suitable habitat for many different plants and animals. In light of this study, it is advised that the
current wetland management plan be carefully revised and implemented.