Effects On The Processes In The Göksu Delta, Mersin-Turkey

Abstract

The Göksu Delta, located on the Mediterranean coast in the South Anatolia, is the most significant wetland both in Turkey and Eastern Mediterranean region. The delta environments present suitable reproduction and living conditions for large numbers of continental migratory birds and aquatic species under protection. The eastern shoreline of the delta has been retreating for the last fifty years, whereas recent mouth of the delta progrades toward the gorge of the lagoon. In addition, the lagoons are filled by deposits of crevasse splay, dune and barrier islands deposits by aeolian effects. Dynamic processes in the delta environment were investigated in detail, to explain the causes of retrograding and prograding of the shoreline of the delta and to find possible solutions. According to the data obtained, the natural fluvial system, the shoreline dynamics, and the aeolian processes in the delta have been changed by the anthropogenic effects. The persistence of the variation of the shoreline will cause significant ecological disruption of the delta.