General and applied geomorphology of Büyük Çay basin (west of Elaziğ)

In this study, the geomorphology, geomorphological development, land-use characteristics, and the problems caused by geological-geomorphological characteristics of Büyük Çay Basin, on the southwest of Elazığ, that is situated on a transition area between Uluova and Malatya Basin and is connected to Kömürhan Strait were analyzed. Büyük Çay Basin is surrounded by Bulutlu-Heybeli Mountain on the north and Karga Mountain on the south. There are two concavities bounded by tectonic lines between these mountains with about 2000m height. These are Topalkem Basin on the west and Yalındamlar Plain on the east. With the geomorphological development of basins surrounding it, Büyük Çay Basin is a field shaped according to the neo-tectonic activities lasting from Middle Miocene onwards. There is a close relationship between Kömürhan Strait?s seizing Malatya Basin and the formation of the basin. With Fırat River?s opening this strait, Büyük Çay expanded its catchment area by seizing initially Topalkem Basin and later Yalındamlar Plain connected to Uluova Basin and took its current shape. The other physical environment conditions prevailing on this area developed under the control of these geomorphological courses. On the other hand, individual activities not only cause some changes in this environment but are maintained to the extent of these conditions as well. Moreover, there is a close relationship between the geomorphological characteristics of the area and land-use. However, misusages are observed with some disagreement available on this subject. In addition, there are some geology and geomorphology-based problems on the area.KEY WORDS: Büyük Çay Basin, Geomorphology, Topalkem Basin, Yalındamlar Plain, Kömürhan Strait.