Investigation of the geomorphological characteristics of the Alakır River Basin

This thesis was conducted in the Alakır River Basin with the aim of evaluating geomorphological characteristics and the associated flood risk, as well as planning for potential future flood scenarios. The Alakır River, which is part of the Western Mediterranean Basin, holds a strategically important position in terms of regional disaster management, particularly due to its location within the boundaries of Kumluca district. The study focused on the development of flood susceptibility maps by examining past flood events, in order to minimize the impacts of such disasters in the future. In the research process, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and satellite imagery were employed to detail the physical characteristics of the basin. At the beginning of the study, past flood events were analyzed using data obtained from the State Hydraulic Works (DSİ) and other sources. Additionally, classical climate classification methods were applied to determine the climatic characteristics of the region. The analyses reveal that flood susceptibility in the Alakır River Basin exhibits a distinct spatial gradient: the southern parts fall into the high susceptibility class, the central parts into the moderate class, and the northern parts into the low class. The overlap of high-susceptibility zones with densely populated areas indicates that although a considerable portion of the basin falls within low-risk zones, the realized risk is concentrated in settlement areas. This highlights the potential for serious consequences in possible flood events, including infrastructure damage, transportation disruptions, agricultural productivity loss, and even loss of life. Therefore, strict control over construction in high-susceptibility zones, limiting interventions in floodplains, and the urgent implementation of risk-reducing measures are of critical importance. The study was carried out through a structured process. First, a literature review was conducted and the findings of previous studies were examined. In the data collection stage, various datasets such as the digital elevation model (DEM), flood records, river cross-sections, and meteorological data were compiled. These datasets were used to evaluate flood risk and to produce accurate analyses. In the modeling stage, a one dimensional flood model was developed using hydrological software, and a flood susceptibility map was generated. This map provided a visual representation of the spatial distribution of flood risk and susceptibility across the basin. In conclusion, flood risk in the Alakır River Basin is expected to increase. Particularly, the location of settlement areas and riverbeds within flood-prone zones heightens the susceptibility of the region. In this context, the development of effective land-use and flood management strategies is essential. The most critical factor contributing to the flood risk of the Alakır River is the concentration of settlements in highly flood-susceptible areas. Therefore, in order to minimize the damages of future flood disasters, it is recommended that settlements be shifted towards zones with lower flood susceptibility.