Abeer's Blog

 WEEK 13:  Turkey’s Risk for Coastal Erosion Coastal erosion is a concern all around the world, and Turkey is no exception. With its extensive coastline along the Black Sea, Aegean Sea, and Mediterranean Sea, Turkey faces significant risks. The Causes of Coastal Erosion in Turkey Turkey's coastal erosion primarily results from a combination of natural and human-induced factors. Natural causes include wave action, sea-level rise, and storm surges, which are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change. The Black Sea has a major play in this aspect.  Human activities have also accelerated erosion. Construction of ports, urban development, and sand mining along the coasts disturb natural sediment transport processes. Effects of Coastal Erosion Coastal erosion has significant social, economic, and environmental consequences in Turkey. Tourist hotspots like Antalya and Bodrum, known for their beautiful beaches, are facing shrinking coastlines, which may harm the tou...

                 Heatwaves in Turkey Heatwaves have become a serious issue in Turkey, and it’s something we’re seeing more often with climate change. Summers are getting hotter, and this extreme weather is affecting people’s health, our agriculture, and even the power supply. Why focus on heatwaves? Heatwaves happen when the temperature stays extremely high for a long period, usually with lots of humidity. In some parts of Turkey, like the southern and inland regions, it can get over 40°C (104°F). That’s extremely hot and can be dangerous, especially for older people or anyone with health problems. It’s not just about feeling uncomfortable. Heatwaves have a huge impact on daily life in Turkey. For one, farmers are struggling because the intense heat puts stress on crops, which can lead to lower harvests. The tourism industry, which is super important for Turkey, also takes a hit. People are less likely to visit when the temperatures are unbea...

Week 8 Blog: Turkey's Mass Movements Natural disasters are a common occurrence in Turkey, but landslides and other large-scale movements are the biggest threat. Landslides are frequent in some areas of the country because of its varied topography and geological features, particularly in the north where hazardous conditions are created by steep slopes and heavy rainfall. Due to its heavy precipitation, the Black Sea region is especially vulnerable to these movements. Turkey's Mitigation Strategy Turkey has made great progress in addressing the problem of large-scale movements, especially with the establishment of its Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD). AFAD is in charge of keeping an eye on, averting, and handling emergencies, such as landslides. The organization employs cutting-edge technology, including early warning systems and satellite monitoring, to identify possible landslides and notify locals. Campaigns for public education are also essential in ensuring...

  WEEK 5.            Although Turkey is primarily known for its seismic activity due to its location along major fault lines, the country does have some volcanic activity. The most well-known volcanoes in Turkey are Mount Erciyes, Mount Ararat, and Mount Nemrut, which are classified as dormant. The last significant eruption in Turkey occurred at Mount Nemrut around 1650 B.C. Though volcanic eruptions are not very frequent, turkey still keeps up with it just in case. Volcanic Hazards from Neighboring Countries particularly Greece and Italy, have active volcanoes that could affect the region under certain conditions. Greece’s Santorini and Italy’s Mount Etna and Vesuvius are the most notable volcanic threats. Santorini (Greece): Santorini is an active volcanic island about 400 kilometers southwest of Turkey. Its most famous eruption in 1600 B.C. caused a massive tsunami that affected the eastern Mediterranean, including the Aegean coastline of Turkey. Wh...

Week 3: Earthquakes  Turkey's Earthquakes and Seismicity Turkey is situated on the North Anatolian Fault (NAF), a significant strike-slip fault system, making it one of the most seismically active nations in the world. This fault, which divides the Anatolian and Eurasian tectonic plates, has caused some of the biggest and most catastrophic earthquakes to ever strike the area. Most notably the 1999 İzmit earthquake, which claimed over 17,000 lives and left extensive damage in its wake. What Causes Turkey's High Seismic Activity? Turkey is constantly vulnerable to earthquakes due to its location between the African, Arabian, and Eurasian tectonic plates. The North Anatolian Fault, which we discussed before, is a major reason for its major earthquakes. It mostly runs through northern Turkey, near densely populated areas like Istanbul, and is comparable to California's San Andreas Fault. Apart from the NAF, Turkey is susceptible to frequent and occasionally intense seismic acti...

Turkey is a transcontinental country that straddles both Europe and Asia, offering a unique blend of Eastern and Western influences. Rich in history, Turkey is home to ancient cities, cultural landmarks, and diverse landscapes ranging from stunning coastlines to rugged mountains. Its strategic location has made it a crossroads of civilizations, contributing to its vibrant cultural heritage. From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia, Turkey is a country of contrasts and beauty, making it a fascinating place to explore. I am super excited to learn more about Turkey's geography and see all its natural geological aspects going to be a great semester of exploring a new country! Hazards, disasters, and catastrophes are different in scale and impact. A   hazard   is a situation that could cause harm but is unlikely to do so. A   disaster   is a sudden event that causes significant damage to people and the environment. A   catastro...