Geomorphological Setting and Tectonic Context of the Tigris Valley in the Diyarbakır Region

Abstract

Tigris River has had a significant impact on the historical and human geographical structure in the Middle East and southeastern Turkey as well as on the formation and evolution of landforms. The course and derange shows crustal deformation features and late tectonic activities. Young tectonics and other natural conditions have affected the change of the associated river channels. Tectonic movements have accelerated the impact side and deep etching. Tigris River and its arms in the north, due to this process in accordance with orogenic lines (East-West), have complied with the obvious subsequent depression. This has led to the further south -basically epigenetic- buried straits in some places. Karacadağ volcanism is the main phenomenon affecting the river flow around the city. Near the city of Diyarbakır, the Tigris valley reveals unique geomorphological shapes. In particular, the expansion of the city south of the valley is important for the formation of Hevsel gardens.