Abstract:

Abstract The aim of this study is to determine the erosion susceptibility areas in the Sapanca Lake Basin. Sapanca Lake basin is located in the east of the Marmara Region. Due to its natural beauty, transportation opportunities and proximity to metropolitan areas, it is a preferred area for permanent and temporary living. Increasing population and growing settlement areas have created significant changes in the land cover, and depending on this situation, the erosion sensitivity of the research area has increased. In this study, Landsat 8 OLI satellite image dated 24.07.2022 was used to determine the land use status. RUSLE evaluates Precipitation Erosive (R), Soil Erosion Susceptibility (K), Slope Length and Slope Slope (LS), Ground Cover (C) and Erosion Control (P) Factors in Geographic Information Systems to determine the amount of soil loss. The Equation (Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation) method was applied. According to the RUSLE method, erosion susceptibility map of Sapanca Lake Basin was obtained and susceptibility classes were determined. These susceptibility classes are six categories: very light, mild, moderate, strong, severe and very severe. According to the map obtained, very light in 46.3% (13607.8 ha), mild in 7.5% (2211.5 ha), moderate in 15.3% (4493.8 ha), strong in 7.9% (2317.9 ha), Severe erosion susceptibility was detected in 9.8% (2864.1 ha) and very severe erosion sensitivity in 13.2% (3872.4 ha).The average annual soil loss is less than 5 tons/ha/year.The most sensitive areas in terms of the severity of erosion are the steep slopes of the Samanlı Mountains in the southand moderately sloping slopes in the north. The shores of Sapanca Lake and its surroundings are areas with slight erosion sensitivity. In addition to the effect of precipitation and soil characteristics on the land cover, the sloping areas opened to settlement due to human activities due to incorrect land use have increased the sensitivity of erosion. It is recommended to plan for a sustainable land use in the adaptation process to climate change, taking into account the areas susceptible to erosion.

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