How was the Anatolian side of Istanbul formed? A geomorphologic assessment (NW Turkey)

Abstract

This study investigates the Geomorphological evolution of Anatolian side of Istanbul. This area is one of the most problematic and most discussed areas in the Near East geography. There is no detailed contemporary geological study undertaken in the area although there are various publications regarding the study area in terms of geomorphology. Current study aims to explicated the geomorphologic features of the study area. In addition to examining the related literature in terms of subject and field, topography maps scaled 1/25.000 were utilized in the study as main materials. Geological characteristics were compiled from geological maps with various scales and reports generated by different researchers. Mapping phase of the study was undertaken with the help of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) software ArcGIS/ArcMAP 10 package program. Obtained data were checked in situ via field surveys and missing points were completed. It was observed that Anatolian side of Istanbul was a product of elements and processes that completely developed in the new tectonic period. The field was observed to be the product of various morphological transformations, different developments and different elements and processes with a topography which has various landforms and polycyclic features due to a lengthy and discontinuous process. Time concept which started with the first lithological storage in Lower Ordovician continued with the deformation related to the right lateral heave around the Marmara Sea and with the clockwise rotation of the study area in Middle-Upper Miocene. The distortion caused by relief inversion during the geomorphologic development caused the formation of embedded valleys in places as a result of drainage gaining a new energy. The study area has obtained its contemporary geomorphologic form. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.