Karstification in the Çeltikçi Polje Basin and karst shapes formation and development features

An important part of our country consists of landforms of karst geomorphology. Among the karstic shapes in question, poljes constitute the largest of the surface shapes. These poljes, which are formed due to karstification, generally develop under the control of structural elements and fluvial processes and many different factors. In this context, in this study, the Çeltikçi Polje Basin, which is a part of the Kestel Polje System in the Western Taurus Poljes, has been examined. The aims of the study are to examine the basin in terms of karst geomorphology, to explain its tectonic and geomorphological development, to reveal the parameters that are effective in the formation and development of geomorphological shapes and their degree of influence, and to reveal the morphometric characteristics of karst depressions. In this context, Digital Elevation Model (DEM), geology, geomorphology and hydrogeography maps of the field were created in the Geographical Information Systems (GIS) environment from the maps obtained from the General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration and the General Directorate of Mapping. According to the data obtained from the field studies, the research area consists of the shapes and structures of the relief systems belonging to the Lower-Middle Miocene, Upper Miocene, Pliocene and Pleistocene periods. The most important shapes of this period are the shapes formed by karstification.The presence of carbonated rocks suitable for dissolution in the study area and the presence of these rocks together with the solvent properties of water and the presence of suitable climatic and vegetation conditions have led to the formation of karst forms in different sizes and locations in the area. As a matter of fact, 7 polje, 1 uvala, 32 doline and 3 fluvio-karstic depressions were detected in the study area with an area of 277 km². Morphometric analyzes were carried out to determine and evaluate the morphological features of these karstic depressions. Fluvio-karstic depressions and dolines, especially the wide and uneven base of the Çeltikçi Polje, have created a suitable environment for human settlement, agriculture and livestock activities. On the other hand, negative human activities in the polje brought problems that would harm the natural environment of the polje.