Erosion Risk Analysis in Çıldır Lake Basin (Türkiye)

Abstract

The Çıldır Lake Basin, which is the subject of this study, is located in the Erzurum - Kars Subregion of the Eastern Anatolia Region in the northeastern of Turkey. The aim of this study is to determine the erosion risk and its distribution and to determine the annual total soil loss in the Çıldır Lake Basin. In order to determine the erosion risk in the field, the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), which is a method frequently used in erosion studies today, has been preferred. 1/25.000 scale topography sheets were used as base data ın the study. Land use and precipitation data of the field and soil samples taken from different points of the basin are other data sets used. As a result of the maps produced within the scope of the study and the analyzes made, the erosion risk classes of the field and the annual total amount of soil loss were calculated. As a result of the analysis, six different erosion risk classes were determined. It has been determined that a large part of the field (82.75%) falls within the very light and light erosion risk classes. It has been determined that the remaining part of the field is in the moderate and very high erosion risk classes. The annual total soil loss in the basin was calculated as 430,140 tons. According to the results obtained from the study, the risk of erosion in the field is not very high. In order for the current situation to continue in this way, it is necessary to take measures against land degradation. If the necessary precautions are not taken, the risk of erosion may increase. As a result, the people of the region may suffer economic losses.