Geomorphology of the coastal region between Çandarli-Aliağa and coastline changes

In this study, which covered Çandarlı gulf and its immediate surroundings, the units that are located on coast and backshore were individually separated and morphological units that are seen on these units were determined. The impacts of constructive and destructive forces which played a role in the development of formations on coast and backshore, and the formations that emerged as a result of these impacts were studied in line with principles (methods) of geomorphology. The surface differed in terms of relief, lithology, appearance and height. The factors and processes that play a part in the formation of geographical formations are variable. In this study, we investigated the geographical formations in the region, under what conditions they developed, and the impacts that played a part in their development. We also strived to determine the changes in coastal line by studying satellite images of different time periods. The fact that study area turned into commercial ports and industrial areas increases the importance of the study area.We tried to explain the morphological changes that took place from the past into the present time by using various resources and employing area, literature and map studies. Previous studies that were conducted on study area were compiled, area observations were made, the geomorphologic formations and developments in the area, coastal line changes, the impact of humans on the geomorphology of coast weredetermined to obtain a conclusion. In the observations made, both morphological change and development and the positive or negative impacts of human on structure were taken into account.Based on the above-mentioned, the thesis was prepared as five chapters:In the first chapter of the thesis, the Introduction, the subject of the thesis was defined; the importance of the subject was mentioned; general geographical features of the research area was described; the basic terms pertinent to coast that are used instead of each other but actually signify different meanings were stated as the research area is a coastal region. Furthermore, information was given on the features of the data used and the purpose and method of the study and a broad summary of literature that consists of previous studies conducted in the research area pertinent to the subject was included.In the second chapter, geographical factors that affect geomorphological features were emphasized. Here, we give detailed information on structural characteristics (i.e. lithology and tectonics), climate, waves and currents, vegetation cover, soil types and hydrography. Then population, settlements, economic attributes and present environmental problems were dealt with.Main geomorphologic features were described in the third chapter and morphological developments of geomorphologic units over time were handled. The main geomorphologic units handled are: High Areas, Low Areas (Low Pitched Slopes Backshore), Coastline.In the forth chapter, the coast line change in the study field that is mainly caused by human reasons, fill areas, and usage purposes of fill areas were examined.In the conclusions chapter, the study was assessed generally and comments were made on the results obtained.