Geographical survey of kaynarca county

The territory of Kaynarca county covered in this study takes place in Marmara region along north-east of Sakarya province. Total area of the county is 33 square kilometers.Data obtained through compiling information by searching library documents, travelling, observations and interviews have been analised in accordance with geographical principles. The results of this survey are presented in a report form that complies to standing rules of regional geography.Survey area taking place in Kocaeli Plato reflects the general morphological characteristics of the area. Therefore slightly irregular erosion surfaces and hills are dominant figures along its topographical view. It is within the spread zone of the Black Sea climate and vegetation.Although great majority of the forests were destroyed for agriculture and settlement it still has 27% forestry that can said to be quite significant.Because the land shows plate characteristics and that flat territory on the north consisting of quaternary fills high quality agricultural soil does not exist in the area. Brown forest soil free of lime is widespread.All streams in the surveyed area generally take place in the Sakarya river basin and they flow north. Lakes take place in those trenches formed by waves and currents along the shore similar to lagoons.Kaynarca county and its vicinity had been a place of inhabitance since Bitinians. These aspects were carried on through the times of Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans. Kaynarca that used to be administered as a sub-district turned into a county in the republic era (1959).Today (2008) Kaynarca has a population of 23.366 and it has 41 villages. Rural population is 77%.Kaynarca?s economy is based on agriculture and livestock. In the town center administrative services and some small industries take place.Nowadays due to rising demand for urban land because of rapid industrialization and urbanization in Çatalca-Kocaeli zone it may have an impact on the area that this study is focused. This area may become a land of attraction because of its low inhabitance.Therefore potential environmental problems can be minimized by paying special attention to natural and anthrop geographical aspects planning and investing in the area.Key words: Kaynarca, Kocaeli Plato, Sakarya