Türkiye Jeoloji Bülteni

Abstract: This study aims to establish a geological heritage (geosite) inventory for Adıyaman Province and to evaluate the geotourism potential of this heritage. Within the scope of the study, geosites through out the province were systematically cataloged based on the ProGEO (1998) and Kazancı et al. (2015) classifications, their geographical distribution was mapped, and they were categorised according to their scientific, educational, and visual/aestheticvalues. Adıyaman is located on complex tectonic structures of the Bitlis-Zagros Orogeny, formed by the collision ofthe African, Arabian, and Eurasian plates. This geological history has led to the emergence of numerous geological heritage features with national and international importance. The findings reveal that despite its geographically small area, Adıyaman possesses extraordinary geodiversity. This rich accumulation of geological and natural assets indicates that the region holds significant, yet untapped, geotourism potential. In particular, integrating the identified geological heritage with the archaeological wealth of Mount Nemrut offers a strategic opportunity for sustainable regional development. However, anthropogenic threats such as quarrying, vandalism, and legal gaps endangerthis heritage. The study proposes comprehensive geo conservation and geotourism strategies against these threats, including site protection, buffer zone establishment, local employment, development of thematic georoutes, and the  establishment of a UNESCO global geopark. In conclusion, interdisciplinary cooperation, scientific research, andenhancing public awareness are crucial for the sustainable conservation of Adıyaman`s geological heritage and its transformation in to regional development through geotourism.

Abstract: The Adana Basin is located between the Taurid Mountains to the north, the Mediterranean Sea to thesouth, the Ecemiş Fault to the west, and the Amanos Mountains to the east. The basin is an important geologicallaboratory with remarkable tectonic, stratigraphic, and morphological features, and contains numerous geologicalheritage elements. This study evaluated the geological heritage value and geotourism potential of Kapıkaya Canyon,one of the important geological and geomorphological formations of the Adana Basin. Kapıkaya Canyon is locatedon the Çakıt Stream of the Seyhan River, a major stream in Çukurova. The canyon is 72 kilometres from Adanaprovince and 5 kilometres from the district of Karaisalı. It is located between Yerköprü, a prominent karst featurewithin the study area that provides observable groundwater flow typical of karst systems in Turkey, and KapıkayaVillage in the Karaisalı district. The canyon has an elevation of 200 meters and a length of 7 kilometres. Along thecanyon route, Paleozoic and Mesozoic units, which form the basement of the Adana Basin, as well as Cenozoic units,are exposed. Subparallel faults oriented in a north–south direction are observed along the Çakıt Valley, placing the geological units in tectonic contact. Geostations containing sedimentary rocks, faults, folds, and fossils, importantfor geoscience education, were identified throughout the canyon. The canyon also boasts waterfalls and hydropowerplants. Its biodiversity is notable for its natural flora and fauna, including monumental trees. Castles, bridges,and inns are cultural assets in the canyon`s vicinity. Geotourism potential includes nature observation and hiking,mountaineering, rock climbing, paragliding, canyoning, camping, nature photography, and visiting cultural heritagesites. The canyon still has the status of a "Sensitive Area to be Strictly Protected".

Abstract: Geosites encompass natural elements that represent geological / geomorphological events, processes,and features extending from the past to the present, including fossil assemblages, minerals, rocks, structuralcomponents, and landforms. They also include cultural elements such as ancient quarries, water channels, androck dwellings. Geological heritage (geoheritage) consists of geological-geomorphological formations that possesssignificant scientific, educational, and landscape value and must be preserved against natural / anthropogenicthreats through a sustainable approach.Within the borders of Uşak province, which has a surface area of approximately 5,341 km², there are natural andcultural geosites that have geoheritage value and represent significant potential for the development of geotourism.Elements with geosite potential in Uşak province, including faults, fault scarps, plant and vertebrate fossil deposits,skarn zones, and alteration zones, were identified. In addition, landforms identified during fieldwork—namelytravertines, travertine cones, dacite columns, fairy chimneys, canyon valleys, intra-valley bed depressions, badland topography, and erosion- and deposition-derived karstic forms—were examined, classified as geosites, and theirmorphological and geological characteristics were described. Uşak province hosts not only a diversity of geositesformed by natural processes but also a variety derived from cultural and historical heritage. In this context, culturalgeosites such as ancient water channels, ancient roads, ancient quarries, rock tombs, mounds (höyüks), tumuli, androck (cave) settlements were identified and their characteristics detailed.According to ProGEO`s geosite classification, the identification of a total of 64 geosites from seven differentclasses in the research area demonstrates that Uşak province possesses a rich natural and cultural heritage potentialfrom geological, geomorphological, and geoarchaeological perspectives.

Abstract: Travertine formations represent a significant component of geological heritage due to their scientific,educational, aesthetic, and geotourism value. Globally, such structures are protected for their rarity and ecologicalimportance. In Türkiye, travertine deposits are widespread, with 16 distinct localities identified in Sivas and itssurroundings. However, extensive quarrying activities threaten the preservation of these natural features, leading torapid depletion and irreversible destruction.The Delikkaya travertine field (Yıldızeli–Sivas) is of particular importance, hosting four ridge-type travertines.Geochronological data indicate that formation commenced approximately 15.1 (±0.5) ka in the Upper Pleistoceneand was completed 11.4 (±0.7) ka later, corresponding to the Greenlandian stage. The NNW–SSE-trending ridgetype travertine includes a natural travertine bridge, formed through stream erosion and block disintegration, whichis large enough to permit passage both above and below.Preservation of the Delikkaya Travertine Bridge and its surrounding travertine field is essential to safeguardgeological heritage and to promote regional geotourism potential. Registration of this site as a geosite would not only ensure its protection for future generations but also contribute to scientific research, educational development,and sustainable tourism initiatives.

Abstract: Geomorphotourism is a type of alternative tourism that utilizes the specific potential of areas / unitsthat differ in lithological and geomorphological formation, development processes, and morphological appearance,and whose relief is rare, unique, and intriguing. Türkiye, due to its geomorphological diversity, hosts numerousgeosites, geomorphosites, geoparks, geoheritage elements, and geomorphotourism resources. This study examinesgeomorphotourism potential of travertine cones and other geomorphological elements around Lake Bolluk, locatedsouth of Cihanbeyli (Konya) in the Central Anatolia Region. Geomorphosites in the study area were identified usingcartographic data, satellite imagery, orthophotos, and field observations. These elements were then evaluated in  terms of geomorphotourism potential using the Geomorphosite Assessment Criteria (GEC). Travertine cones, tufadeposits, dolines, travertine channels, micromounds, paludal deposits, Lake Bolluk and salt pans in the study areawere defined as geomorphosites. Travertine cones, formed under geomorphological, climatological, and edaphicconditions due to karstification, tectonism, mineral springs, and other factors, are concentrated particularly in thenorth and east of Lake Bolluk. The 64 cones vary in type, morphometric characteristics, morphological appearance,hydrographic status, and extent of damage. Travertine channels, tufa deposits, microhumps, and paludal depositsare considered rare geomorphosites formed by the same factors and processes in the region. According to theGEC analysis, travertine cones have the highest overall mean (0.61). Following the travertine cones in termsof geomorphotourism potential are travertine channels (0.56), dolines (0.55), tufa deposits (0.54), Lake Bolluk(0.54), microhumps and paludal deposits (0.48), and salt pans (0.46). The overall geomorphotourism mean for allgeomorphosites was 0.53, while the scientific value mean was 0.64, the secondary value mean was 0.51, and theusage potential mean was 0.44. The findings indicate that the study area has a high potential in terms of geologicaland geomorphological representation, aesthetics, and scientific dimensions, and that significant shortcomings,however, exist in areas such as promotion, services, and transportation. Planning is necessary to protect these raregeomorphosites and facilitate their inclusion in alternative tourism.