Karstic Formations of the Eastern Black Sea: Geotourism Potential of Karaca (Torul, Gümüşhane) and Çal (Düzköy, Trabzon) Caves
Abstract: The sedimentary rock groups in Türkiye, which comprise valuable geological heritage, have been the focus of important publications world wide, first in palaeontology and then in sedimentology. The distribution of sedimentological units on the geological map of Türkiye is very diverse and corresponds to the palaeotectonic history of the region. The rocks suitable for karstification, mainly carbonate rock groups, have a significant volume in Türkiye. This volume, together with the effects of the climate zone and tectonics, has led to the formation of karstic caves and sink holes on a large scale. These karstic structures have created natural resources that attract tourists.Today, geotourism is a concept that combines both geological and touristic assets. The total number of visitors inthe 4-year period between 2020 and 2023 was 355,923 in Karaca Cave and 514,947 in Çal Cave. As examples of geological resource assets in regions with limited economic development, attempts to evaluate Karaca and Çalcaves in terms of tourism can be measured as the important contribution of karst structures to tourism potentialin the Eastern Black Sea region. This study showed that rocks of sedimentary origin have a regional, global, and sustainable impact in the context of geotourism and play a role both in geological terms and as tourist attractions.