Abstract:

South-east Anatolian Region, which has the appearance o f a large plateau as a whole has a slightly folded and partially faulted geological structure. The limestone formation which includes large areas of the region has prepared the way for interesting karst features in some parts. Volcanic formation which covers a large area is the evidence of basaltic flows which originate from the tectonic faults between the side folds and The Syria-Arabian block. South-east Anatolia, restricted by the arid-climate zone o f Syria-Iraq in the south and the Taurus Mountains in the north, includes large steppe areas. The winters are pretty cold and summers are very hot. Precipitation is heavy during the cold season as in the mediterranean climatic type. Annual avarage precipitation in accordance with the relief gradually decreases from the Southern Taurus to the Syrian Platform.  Dry period, which lasts for six or seven months causes a great problem for the regionnal agriculture. The river system consists of the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers and their tributaries. Climatic and locational conditions have negative effect on the natural vegetation. The forests which are seen at the steppe borders and have been badly damaged for ages are composed o f degenerated oak trees (Quercetum). They are locally used for heating. Various oak kinds are of special importance.