The effects of temporal land use change and open mining sites on the ecosystem ın Eskişehir province

This study was conducted to reveal the temporal changes in land use in Eskişehir Province and the effects of open-pit mining areas on the ecosystem in Eskişehir. Eskişehir, which was selected as the research area, is one of the important cities of Turkey that stands out with its history, nature, cultural and social environment, education and industry status, underground and aboveground riches. Approximately 40% of Eskişehir consists of agricultural land, 30% of forest and 20% of pasture land. Eskişehir is considered to be a very rich region in terms of underground resources. Important underground resources of the province include some minerals such as boron, magnesite, meerschaum, kalabak water, which is also used as drinking water, and geothermal resources believed to be good for various diseases. In the study, data obtained as a result of literature review and up-to-date information obtained from relevant institutions through face-to-face interviews or from websites were generally used in the thesis. The study analyzes land use classes and reveals their spatial dimensions using satellite images, geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing techniques. In particular, the scope of agricultural areas, forested areas and mining activities and the effects of these activities on natural ecosystems are addressed in the study. As a result, considering the effects of the negative situations that may arise during the exploration, extraction, operation and post-operation periods of the mines and their use on the ecosystem and living life, various suggestions are presented for the solution of the issue, the importance of rehabilitation after mining activities is emphasized and the ways to be followed to reintegrate the mining sites into the ecosystem are suggested.