Abstract:

The Çaybağı (Kotur) basin, where the link between topography (elevation, slope) conditions and land use is strong, is located in the east of the Van Lake basin and on the Iranian border. In the study, maps explaining the slope and elevation characteristics were prepared and the current version of the land use map was presented, and the distribution analysis was made by intersecting the slope and elevation maps. The geology of the basin has been affected by the neotectonic regime change and includes different geomorphological, structural and lithological elements that determine the land use. While the units that make up the geomorphological elements form tectonic and karstic origin lakes, plains, valley floors, terraces from 2024 m to 3035 m altitude, they form sloped skirt plains, accumulation cones, valleys, erosion surfaces, mountains and hills from the slopes. The three elevation levels and slope conditions in the basin between 2024-2327 m have a range of 0-5% and morphologically coinciding with the valley floor, flat lands, sloping skirt plains, accumulation cones, terraces and slightly sloping slopes are used for settlement and agricultural activities. is seen. Although the water surfaces and marshy areas cover a small area (6.9 km2) compared to the basin in general, they have an important place for the living things in the basin ecosystem. In line with these data, it can be said that there is a compatibility between land use and slope and elevation conditions. However, in recent years, it is clear that the local people will establish their settlements on stream lengths and valley floors suitable for agricultural activities, which will pose a risk of exposure to possible floods and overflows. In addition, lake basins that dry in tectonic depressions or face drying are developing against the wrong land use. Ultimately, it is clear that the way of utilizing natural environment resources is problematic in terms of sustainability, and it will confront the resources with an irreversible process in the future. In addition, lake basins that dry in tectonic depressions or face drying are developing against the wrong land use. Ultimately, it is clear that the way of utilizing natural environment resources is problematic in terms of sustainability, and it will confront the resources with an irreversible process in the future. Therefore, in order to transfer the land belonging to the basin to future generations in a usable way, it is essential to use natural resources without being consumed in accordance with natural environmental conditions. It is recommended that planning and implementation be carried out by taking into account the land capability while determining the final land use. In this way, the useful life and efficiency of the natural environment will increase.