Evolution of Çolpan barrier and lagoon complex (Lake Van-Turkey): Sedimentological and hydrological approach

Abstract

The northeastern coast of the Lake Van (Eastern Anatolia-Turkey) is exposed to energetic waves, inducing large sediment transport rates. Intense wave activity on coastal environment shows the shaping impact on the shoreline either erosional or depositional processes. Sedimentation is characterized by gravelly beaches, spit formation, and barrier-lagoon complex. Çolpan barrier and lagoon complex forming the subject of this study occurred in these swashed environmental conditions. This study aims to introduce formation and evolution of the Çolpan barrier and lagoon complex and to assess the future development of the coastal area around the Lake Van.Characteristics of barrier sediments as shape, size, provenance, sedimentary structures, and palaeocurrent directions are determined with field investigations. Smooth, flattened, and rounded polygenetic sediments compose the barrier drifted to the shoreline with coastal processes as wave and longshore currents. Çolpan barrier was created a lagoon completely isolated from Lake Van. This wetland constitutes a habitat for some animals and plants with relatively dilute water than sodic Lake Van's. Water level fluctuation is an important element for the constructive and destructive processes for the barrier and lagoon complex.