Illarionova O.A., Makogonova A.M. Land Use Transformation and Ecological Efficiency of Valley Ecosystems in Turkey // Ecosystems: ecology and dynamics. No 1. 2026. P. 134-154. | Abstract | PDF | Reference
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- Process of delineating parts of the Kızılırmak River valley using manual interpretation (top) and the Morali-Çay River valley using a fully automated method (bottom).
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- Valley types by predominant land use class, 2018.
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- Change in the prevailing land use class along longitudinal profiles of representatives of different types of valleys by prevailing land use class in 2018.
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- River valleys that underwent transformations in 1990-2018.
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- Transition of land use classes by environmental efficiency in 1990-2018 in the river valleys of Turkey.
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- Changes in the ecological efficiency of river valleys in Turkey from 1990 to 2018 in different ecoregions: the size of the circle reflects the length of the river, the X-axis corresponds to the percentage change in ecosystem efficiency.
River valleys in Turkey, while occupying less than 5% of its territory, play a key role in maintaining the ecological balance of arid regions (over 60% of the country). This study assesses land use transformation and its impact on the ecological functioning of 63 river valleys in Turkey from 1990 to 2018. An Ecological Performance Index was developed using valley identification using Copernicus GLO-30 DEM and analysis of Corine Land Cover data. The results show that 65% of the valley area is developed for economic use, with up to 40% occupied by irrigated croplands. The main change is the transition from non-irrigated to irrigated lands (16% of the converted area), accompanied by a tenfold increase in sealed surfaces. It is noted that the ecological efficiency of valleys declines precisely in those regions where their ecosystem services are most needed.
Keywords: ecological efficiency of land use, river valley identification, ecosystem services, climate change adaptation, ecosystem transformation, valleys in arid regions.
DOI: 10.24412/2542-2006-2026-1-134-154
EDN: WNHCRW