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<p>Global sea level changes and regional tectonic movements have played a decisive role in the geological and geomorphological evolution of the Çanakkale Strait (Dardanelles) and its surroundings throughout the Quaternary period. Marine terraces, which are widespread along the strait’s coastline and rich in fossils, provide important paleogeographic and paleoenvironmental data on sea level changes, tectonic uplifts, and the evolution of the Mediterranean–Black Sea connection. However, in recent years, increased population pressure, transportation infrastructure investments, expansion of settlement areas, and agricultural activities have destroyed a significant portion of these terraces or placed them under threat of extinction.</p><p>In this study, a total of 16 marine terraces distributed along the Gelibolu (Gallipoli) and Biga peninsulas on both sides of the Çanakkale Strait were examined in detail. Using fieldwork, literature data, and large-scale geological maps, the stratigraphic, lithological, and geomorphological characteristics of the terraces were evaluated, and their current locations were determined through mapping studies. Considering the formation ages, fossil assemblages, and elevations of the terraces, their relationship with Middle–Late Pleistocene sea level changes and tectonic uplifts was revealed.</p><p>The study emphasized that marine terraces are geosites with scientific, educational, and landscape value. By analyzing existing anthropogenic pressures, it was determined that some terraces (such as Kaplantepe, Akbaş Lighthouse, and south of Eceabat) have been completely destroyed, while others have been seriously damaged. In this context, recommendations were developed for the evaluation, protection, and sustainable use of the studied areas as geosites; a proposed georoute along the coast and the potential for a geosite/geoheritage were discussed.</p><p>In conclusion, the marine terraces of the Çanakkale Strait are geomorphological heritage areas that play a key role in understanding sea level, tectonic, and paleoenvironmental processes during the Middle and Late Pleistocene, but are under threat of extinction due to their fragile structure. Ensuring the protection of these areas through scientifically based conservation strategies is of great importance for future research, geotourism, and environmental education.</p>

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Quaternary Marine Terraces of the Çanakkale Strait Geoheritage Value, Vulnerability, and Conservation Needs

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月4日

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  • Meral ÖZENÇ KIRIL,
  • Mustafa AVCIOĞLU

摘要

Global sea level changes and regional tectonic movements have played a decisive role in the geological and geomorphological evolution of the Çanakkale Strait (Dardanelles) and its surroundings throughout the Quaternary period. Marine terraces, which are widespread along the strait’s coastline and rich in fossils, provide important paleogeographic and paleoenvironmental data on sea level changes, tectonic uplifts, and the evolution of the Mediterranean–Black Sea connection. However, in recent years, increased population pressure, transportation infrastructure investments, expansion of settlement areas, and agricultural activities have destroyed a significant portion of these terraces or placed them under threat of extinction.

In this study, a total of 16 marine terraces distributed along the Gelibolu (Gallipoli) and Biga peninsulas on both sides of the Çanakkale Strait were examined in detail. Using fieldwork, literature data, and large-scale geological maps, the stratigraphic, lithological, and geomorphological characteristics of the terraces were evaluated, and their current locations were determined through mapping studies. Considering the formation ages, fossil assemblages, and elevations of the terraces, their relationship with Middle–Late Pleistocene sea level changes and tectonic uplifts was revealed.

The study emphasized that marine terraces are geosites with scientific, educational, and landscape value. By analyzing existing anthropogenic pressures, it was determined that some terraces (such as Kaplantepe, Akbaş Lighthouse, and south of Eceabat) have been completely destroyed, while others have been seriously damaged. In this context, recommendations were developed for the evaluation, protection, and sustainable use of the studied areas as geosites; a proposed georoute along the coast and the potential for a geosite/geoheritage were discussed.

In conclusion, the marine terraces of the Çanakkale Strait are geomorphological heritage areas that play a key role in understanding sea level, tectonic, and paleoenvironmental processes during the Middle and Late Pleistocene, but are under threat of extinction due to their fragile structure. Ensuring the protection of these areas through scientifically based conservation strategies is of great importance for future research, geotourism, and environmental education.