مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - Demre Creek Paleogeography Period Valley Changes and Geomorphic Evolution of Beymelek Lagoon

Abstract :

Demre Creek is one of the most important rivers of Southwest Anatolia with its basin width of about 1000 km2 and its delta of 22 km2. Beymelek Lagoon on the south of Demre delta was formed by accumulation of Demre Creek alluvial deposit before Beymelek Bay through coastal dynamics under the effect of prevailing south wind. The lake fed by karstic sources is independent of Demre Creek basin except for southwest delta and sandbars. In this research, it was determined that Demre Creek was formed during Neogene Period and that it first flowed into Beymelek Bay and later into the Mediterranean Sea from the southwest of the bay. Also, Demre Creek used these valleys throughout Pliocene-Lower Pleistocene Periods, but left these places due to tectonic activities and climatic fluctuations of the area and started to flow from its current valley during Middle Pleistocene.In this research, which aimed to determine the relation between the valley changes of Demre Creek during Paleogeography Periods and Beymelek Bay, geologic and geomorphologic characteristics of Demre Creek basin were analyzed in details and especially the evolution of the basin from its formation to Prior Holocene was dealt with.