Aegean Coast Of Turkey Research Articles

Assessing the impacts of future climate change on the hydroclimatology of the Gediz Basin in Turkey by using dynamically downscaled CMIP5 projections

The Gediz Basin is a Mediterranean watershed along the Aegean coast of Turkey, in which the most important economic activity is agriculture. Over the last few decades, this basin has been experiencing water-related problems such as water scarcity and competing use of water. This study assesses the impact of future climate change on the availability of water resources in the Gediz Basin during the 21st century by investigating the inflows into the major reservoir in the basin, Demirkopru Reservoir, which is the major source of irrigation water to the basin. The analysis in this study involves setting up a coupled hydro-climate model over the Gediz Basin by coupling the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to the physically-based Watershed Environmental Hydrology (WEHY) model. First, the WRF model is used to reconstruct the historical climatic variables over the basin by dynamically downscaling the ERA-Interim reanalysis dataset. The calibrated and validated WRF model is then used to dynamically downscale eight different future climate projections over the Gediz Basin to a much finer resolution (6 km), which is more appropriate for the hydrologic modeling of the basin. These climate projections are from four Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) Global Climate Models (GCMs), namely, CCSM4, GFDL-ESM2M, HadGEM2-ES, and MIROC5, under two IPCC (The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) representative concentration pathway scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). The outputs from the WRF model are then input into the WEHY model, which is calibrated and validated over the basin, to simulate the hydrological processes within the basin and to obtain the projected future inflows into the Demirkopru Reservoir. Results of the future analysis over the 21st century (2017–2100) are then compared to the historical values (1985–2012) to investigate the impacts of future climate change on the hydroclimatology of the Gediz Basin.

Weed Flora of Citrus Orchards and Factors Affecting its Distribution in Western Mediterranean Region of Turkey

ABSTRACT: Citrus is an important export commodity, mostly grown on Mediterranean and Aegean coasts of Turkey. Weeds are hidden foes impairing citrus productivity. Limited knowledge of weed distribution and factors affecting the distribution are among major hurdles in successful weed management. In this study, weed flora of citrus orchards and factors affecting its distributions in Mugla province of Turkey were determined. Sixty orchards were surveyed in spring and autumn seasons of 2010 and 2011. Data relating to frequency, coverage and density of weed species were recorded. Soil samples (0-30 cm depth) were collected and analyzed for physicochemical properties. Climatic variables, altitude and soil properties were correlated with weed flora. Sixty-eight weed species belonging to 30 families were documented. Higher number of weed species (54) was recorded in spring season compared with autumn (29 weed species). Annuals and therophytes were the most dominant growth and life forms, respectively. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) to correlate soil properties and weed vegetation data yielded three distinct groups dominated by phosphorus, sand and silt contents, which affected weed distribution. CCA to correlate vegetation data and weather attributes produced two distinct groups affected by altitude and precipitation. Generally, cosmopolitan weeds adapted to different ecosystems were observed during the survey. Keeping in view the spatial variability of soil and nature of weeds, site-specific/orchard-specific weed management practices are recommended to be opted for successful weed management.

Multi-Criteria Analysis of Water Allocation Scenarios in a Water Scarce Basin

In 2015, a “Post-2015 Development Agenda” is defined for future global developments in water management. The proposed goal is referred to as SDG’s or Sustainable Development Goals, which will balance the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development with a strong linkage between environment and socio-economic goals. One of the major concepts of SDG’s is water security, which is the basic element of the Global Goal on Water, now defined as: “Securing Sustainable Water for All”. The proposal for a Global Goal for Water is associated with targets and indicators to help countries reach the goal by 2030. Among the five main targets specified, two major ones emphasize “water allocation” as an important support of water security, particularly in conditions of water security. This paper focuses on this latter issue in the case of water scarce Gediz Basin along the Aegean coast of Turkey, where irrigation is the major water consuming activity. In addition to allocation of water among other water use sectors and irrigation, it is important in the basin how irrigation water is allocated to various crops, as previous droughts struck crop yields the most. Thus, 16 alternative allocation scenarios are developed to assess the crop yield produced by each scenario. These alternatives are represented by social, economic and environmental indicators as criteria for selection the most favorable alternative. The selection is realized by Multi Criteria Analysis (MCA) methodology, using the Reference Point Approach (RPA). In terms of methodology, presented paper shows that RPA is a powerful tool to guide engineers and decision makers to rationally select among several possible alternatives in water allocation.

Variations in Afrolaophonte pori Masry, 1970 (Copepoda: Harpacticoida: Laophontidae): a contribution towards the revision of the genus

Afrolaophonte pori was originally described from the interstitial habitats of Israel and subsequently reported from Italy and the Aegean coasts of Turkey. It is the only representative of the genus in the Mediterranean Sea. The aim of this study is to present a detailed redescription of A. pori based on extensive material from different parts of the species' range to provide geographic distributional data and to reveal variations within and between the populations. We have examined numerous specimens collected from the Aegean and Mediterranean Turkish coasts and have presented a detailed redescription of both sexes. Despite the fact that the original description of A. pori does not meet modern standards, the present redescription of A. pori matches well with the original description in terms of setal and segmental pattern, except for the setation of the P1 exopods. Many populations collected from along the Aegean shores also had 2-segmented exopods, but the discovery along the Mediterranean coast of some specimens having 2-segmented exopods and 1-segmented endopods, as well as observation of asymmetric P3 rami on some specimens, directed us to conclude that all populations of Afrolaophonte in the Mediterranean Basin belong to the same morphospecies sharing the same gene pool.

Evaluation of the potential genotoxic activity in seawater of Asin Bay, Gulf of Gulluk, Mugla, Aegean coast of Turkey

This research examined the genotoxic activity in the seawater of Asin Bay (Gulf of Gulluk) located in Mugla, Turkey, Aegean coast of Turkey. Genotoxic activities of 66 raw samples, taken from 17 different stations in the spring and summer seasons of the year 2013, were determined by using in vitro mutagenicity assay SOS chromotest with Escherichia coli PQ37 strain bacteria activities. In the applied procedure, β-galactosidase (β-gal) activity, alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity, and different solvent controls were taken into account to generate reliable results in terms of the corrected induction factors (CIF) used as a quantitative measure of genotoxic activity level. The SOS chromotest procedure was simply and rapidly performed as an early assay to explore for whether a potential genotoxic activity was presence in the in the seawater of Asin Bay (Gulf of Gulluk) with no special measuring devices except a microplate reader. The implemented assay was successfully completed within only 24 h including the revival of the bacteria. The results showed that 11 samples (%17 of total) were close to the threshold value of 1.5. The findings of this study clearly revealed that the seawater of Asin Bay (Gulf of Gulluk) had no potential genotoxic risks in terms of the organisms in marine ecosystem, since all of the calculated CIF values were determined to be below the threshold level. It was concluded that according to the SOS chromotest results, the levels of potential genotoxic agents were found to be under the limits for the offshore fishery.

New alien foraminifer guests in the Eastern Aegean Sea (Turkey)

Four alien foraminifer species are found in the recent
 sediment samples collected from the Aegean coast of Turkey. Nodobaculariella cristobalensis McCulloch and N.
 galapagosensis McCulloch are observed in Güllük Bay (Muğla), Karşıyaka
 (İzmir) and Babakale (Balıkesir). These two species have not yet been recorded
 in the Mediterranean. Their absence in the Indian Ocean fauna suggests an
 introduction via ballast waters. Two individuals of Indo-Pacific originated
 foraminifer species, Pseudonodosaria
 brevis (d'Orbigny, 1846) are found in the recent sediment samples from
 Ildır Bay (İzmir) and Akköy (Aydın). This constitutes the first records of
 these species in the Mediterranean Sea. Cornuspiroides
 striolata (Brady) specimens are observed in grab samples collected from
 seven different stations in Ildır Bay. This is the second record of this
 species from the Turkish coastline and extends its range of distribution.

The genus <em>Alvania</em> (Gastropoda: Rissoidae) along the Turkish Aegean coast with the description of a new species

This study deals with the distribution of the species of the genus Alvania along the Turkish Aegean coast. The investigated material was collected from different habitats (soft and hard bottoms, and macrophyte beds) at a depth range of 0-875 m, at 39 stations along the Aegean coast of Turkey between 1995 and 2014. Among the analysed benthic material, 537 living specimens and 249 empty shells belonging to 20 species of the genus Alvania were obtained. Alvania marmarisensis is described as a new species. Alvania hispidula was recorded for the first time from the Turkish Aegean coast. Alvania mamillata was found to be the most widely distributed species in the study area, while Alvania colossophilus was the rarest one. Alvania cimicoides and Alvania testae were found in the deepest samples (between 93 and 875 m). Certain taxonomic and ecological characteristics of the identified species, along with photographs, are also provided.

Effect of Deficit Irrigation Regimes on Yield and Fruit Quality of Olive Trees (cv. Memecik) on the Aegean Coast of Turkey

AbstractIn this study, six different irrigation treatments were applied to an olive orchard using the drip irrigation method. Five of these were arranged according to 25% (S0.25), 50% (S0.50), 75% (S0.75), 100% (S1.00) and 125% (S1.25) of the evaporation in 5 days of a class ‘A’ evaporation pan, and one control (SC) was arranged so as to bring the reducing moisture at a soil depth of 0–90 cm to field capacity. Yield values were not affected by the irrigation treatment (p > 0.05). In contrast, 100‐fruit weight, pulp ratio, hardness moisture, oil, reducing sugar content and bitterness were affected by irrigation (p < 0.05). Generally, an increase in the amount of irrigation water given in the study was accompanied by a fall in ripeness index values, a rise in moisture content, and a reduction in the oil content of fruit. The highest content of reducing sugar was obtained from S0.25, generally being lower with increase in the water applied. The findings show that application of 25% of the evaporation of a class ‘A’ evaporation pan (treatment S0.25) can be recommended for cv. Memecik. Application of this recommendation can achieve a 72% saving in water and make a significant contribution to the conservation of limited water resources. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Different Test Forms and Numerous Apertures of Cibicidella variabilis (d’Orbigny) from The Turkish Coast of Eastern Aegean Sea

In the last ten years, morphological abnormalities and colored tests have been observed in benthic foraminifera specimens collected from Aegean and Southwestern coasts of Turkey. Specific morphological abnormalities show distinct distribution patterns, suggesting the need for special environmental conditions facilitating the development of such abnormalities. Physical and chemical parameters have been proposed to be responsible for these morphological changes. The benthic foraminifera, Cibicidella variabilis (d’Orbigny) specimens have been collected from different locations on the East Aegean coast of Turkey. Some of them, especially those from Dikili Bay, were found to have variable number of apertures, ranging from one to five. These apertures not structurally, but positionally differ. The abundance of certain test forms in specific locations draws attention. The aim of this study is to determine the possible causes of this aberrant morphology observed in tests of Cibicidella variabilis (d’Orbigny).Cibicidella variabilis (d’Orbigny) shows a wide distribution range on the Aegean coast of Turkey, and has been found in Saros Bay, Gökçeada, Bozcaada, Çanakkale, Edremit Bay, Dikili Bay, Çandarlı Bay, Karaburun Peninsula, Kuşadası, Güllük Bay, Gulf of Gökova, Gulf of Datça, and Marmaris Bay. But, the individuals collected from Gulf of Edremit, Dikili Bay, Çandarlı Bay, Gulf of Gökova, and Gulf of Datça were morphologically different than those collected from the rest of the regions. The variation in the number of apertures, as well as their positions were typical in these samples. Besides, the variations in the shape of the tests observed in adult individuals, but not in juveniles indicates that some environmental factors, which were specific to these regions, might have been involved in this unusual test development. The submarine springs caused by the tectonic activities are typical of the Aegean Sea. It is well documented that these kinds of springs change the characteristics of the surrounding habitat and its fauna. Therefore, it is possible that some of the trace elements, which are abundant in hot spring waters, may be related with the abnormal test morphology observed in our samples. On the other hand, it is also possible that, not only the chemical and physical conditions of the surrounding water, but also its biological properties may affect the test development.

Prevalence and Possible Risk Factors for Urinary Incontinence: A Cohort Study in the City of Izmir

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and possible risk factors of urinary incontinence (UI) among women aged 18 or older living in the city of Izmir, located in the Aegean coast of Turkey. Methods: A questionnaire and the validated International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) were filled by urologists (O.D., V.S., A.E., O.B., and B.I.) with face-to-face interview. The participants with urge UI (UUI) and stress UI (SUI) were compared in terms of risk factors, quality of life (QoL) scores, severity of incontinence, status of doctor consultation, and total ICIQ-SF scores. Results: A total of 719 women were included and the prevalence of UI was 50.3% in our study. The key risk factors for UUI were hypertension and diabetes mellitus; the key risk factors for SUI were hypertension, multiparity, body mass index, and lower education level. Average QoL (ICIQ-SF 5) score for UUI was worse than SUI (3.8 ± 2.5 vs. 3.3 ± 2.4; p = 0.042) and seeking treatment for UI was significantly higher in participants with UUI when compared to those with SUI (45.1 vs. 24%; p ≤ 0.001). Conclusions: Physicians should be aware that risk factors may differ according to specific UI subtypes when evaluating patients with UI.

A study on some population parameters of mantis shrimp (Squilla mantis L., 1758) in Izmir Bay (Aegean Sea)

The population parameters of mantis shrimp (Squilla mantis Linnaeus, 1758) were studied regarding age composition, sex ratio, growth, survival and mortality rates, and the exploitation rate in the Aegean coasts of Turkey in 2013. We collected 936 specimens by shrimp gillnets along the coasts of Izmir Province from April to October 2013. The mean condition factor was K = 1.02 for both sexes, while the sex ratio was 58.7% for female and 41.3% male. Mean lengths, mean weight and length–weight relationship were calculated as TL = 12.57 ± 0.07 cm, CL = 3.02 ± 0.02 cm, W = 22.14 ± 0.37 g, W = 0.0098 × L3.02. Age determination was based on indirect ageing through length–frequency data using the Bhattacharya method. The age of the population varied from 0+ to 3+. Von Bertalanffy growth parameters were estimated as TL∞ = 19.69 cm, CL∞ = 4.74, W∞ = 79.41 g, k = 0.50 year−1 and t0 = −0.37 year. Mortality and exploitation rates derived as Z = 1.90, M = 1.16, F = 0.74 and E = 0.39, respectively.

A new species of Cephalorhyncha Adrianov, 1999 (Kinorhyncha: Cyclorhagida) from the Aegean Coast of Turkey

Kinorhynchs are marine, microscopic ecdysozoan animals that are found throughout the world’s ocean. Cephalorhyncha flosculosa sp. nov. is described from the Aegean Coast of Turkey. Samples were collected from intertidal zones at two localities. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by having flosculi in midventral positions on segment 3–8, and by differences in its general spine and sensory spot positions. Until now, species of Cephalorhyncha were only known from the Pacific Ocean, hence, this record of the genus at the Aegean Sea not only expands its geographic distribution to Turkey, but is likely to expand it throughout the Mediterranean Sea and much of southern Europe. The new species of Cephalorhyncha represents the fifth kinorhynch species recorded from Turkey, and increases also the number of known Cephalorhyncha species to four.

Multi-Biomarker Responses After Exposure to Pollution in the Mediterranean Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis L.) in the Aegean Coast of Turkey.

In this study, sublethal effects on the Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis L.) collected from the Aegean coast of Turkey were determined. Enzymes such as glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), metallothionein (MT) mRNA expressions, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) contents, determination of 14 heavy metals and micronucleus frequency were selected as multibiomarkers. Results show that heavy metals and an increase in the level of MT gene expression have been determined in tissues of mussels collected from all stations. The GST, SOD and CAT enzymes were increased in mussels of Aliaga and Old Foca, compared to the mussels of Urla, while it was showed inhibition at AChE levels. Extensive LP is determined on mussels of Aliaga. It was determined that mussels in Aliaga region have exposed more oxidative stress than Old Foca and Urla. These biomarkers were carried out for the first time in these stations to assess environmental quality.

Predicting the Composition of Polychaete Assemblages in the Aegean Coast of Turkey

Benthic infaunal species and communities have been extensively used to evaluate quality of the marine environment. Within the MSFD, community composition is addressed most commonly through Descriptor 6 (Seafloor integrity), criterion 6.2 (Condition of benthic communities). At the same time, the Directive has stipulations for addressing and assessing indicators linked with pressures in an explicitly spatial manner. At larger scales, achieving this through point sampling may be impractical or unfeasible; hence predictive methods are being increasingly employed to produce the large scale spatial data that are often required for marine spatial planning and management. The aim of the current work was to develop statistical and spatial modelling tools that can predict the distribution of soft-sediment benthic polychaetes in the Aegean coast of Turkey. To do that, we employed Species Archetype Models (SAMs), a novel analytical and modelling framework which uses mixture models to cluster species responses to the environment, producing a number of “archetypal” responses assumed to represent species with similar ecological/physiological tolerances. Polychaete presence/absence data were obtained from the literature and modelling was performed against environmental variables reflecting the main natural and anthropogenic gradients in the region. The resulting models are interpreted in light of the sensitivity/tolerance classification scheme for benthic invertebrates. Three Species Archetypes were identified through the analysis. In brief, Species Archetype 1 consists of the most prevalent species in the dataset and primarily follows the salinity and temperature gradients. Species Archetype 2, present in the central and southern Aegean, is dominated by sensitive and indifferent species and responds negatively to chlorophyll a, whereas Species Archetype 3 represents mostly tolerant and opportunistic polychaetes with increased probability of occurrence in eutrophic, shallow, inshore areas throughout the region. Predictive performance was constrained by the information contained in our data. These results from a limited data set show promise that SAMs as a modelling tool can offer valuable insights into patterns of benthic species distribution and coexistence and increase our capacity to provide predictive advice.

Dental calculus reveals Mesolithic foragers in the Balkans consumed domesticated plant foods

Researchers agree that domesticated plants were introduced into southeast Europe from southwest Asia as a part of a Neolithic "package," which included domesticated animals and artifacts typical of farming communities. It is commonly believed that this package reached inland areas of the Balkans by ∼6200 calibrated (cal.) BC or later. Our analysis of the starch record entrapped in dental calculus of Mesolithic human teeth at the site of Vlasac in the Danube Gorges of the central Balkans provides direct evidence that already by ∼6600 cal. BC, if not earlier, Late Mesolithic foragers of this region consumed domestic cereals, such as Triticum monococcum, Triticum dicoccum, and Hordeum distichon, which were also the main crops found among Early Neolithic communities of southeast Europe. We infer that "exotic" Neolithic domesticated plants were introduced to southern Europe independently almost half a millennium earlier than previously thought, through networks that enabled exchanges between inland Mesolithic foragers and early farming groups found along the Aegean coast of Turkey.

A set Archaic anchor arm exposed within P. oceanica matte at Klazomenai/Liman Tepe, Turkey: A contribution for understanding marine stratigraphy

Excavation in Posidonia oceanica matte in the ancient harbor of Klazomenai/Liman Tepe, on the Aegean coast of Turkey, demonstrates the stratigraphic archaeological potential of underwater excavation. Among the finds is a fractured wooden anchor arm exposed in situ. The anchor arm dates to approximately 600 b.c. based on stratigraphically associated ceramics, a dating supported by radiocarbon. The arm was found embedded in this marine sediment, which preserved the arm in its set position within the ancient sea floor. This archaeological excavation through matte and silt harbor sediments overturns the misconception that stratigraphic excavation is impossible in a marine environment. The excavation further boosts optimism regarding the preservation of maritime heritage along the littoral of the eastern Aegean and the many other Mediterranean regions where Posidonia oceanica grows.

The Underwater Recovery of Monumental Marble Column Drums from an Ancient Shipwreck at Kızılburun, Turkey

In the first century B.C., a stone carrier sank off the Aegean coast of Turkey at Kizilburun transporting all the elements of a monumental marble column, including a single Doric capital and eight drums. The 60-tonne cargo lay at a depth of 45–48 m and was excavated in its entirety by the Institute of Nautical Archaeology at Texas A&M University between 2005 and 2011. Ongoing research has shown that the Doric column pieces in the Kizilburun cargo originated in the marble quarries on Proconnesus Island in the Sea of Marmara and were very likely heading for the Temple of Apollo at Claros when the ship sank just 50 km short of its destination. The complete recovery of the ship’s cargo posed a unique set of methodological challenges involving lifting the multi-tonne marble drums without disturbing the delicate waterlogged wooden hull remains preserved beneath. This report summarizes the solutions developed over five seasons in order to rig, hoist, move, and ultimately raise to the surface eight large ancient marble column drums (as well as all the other marble artifacts in the cargo) from a depth of almost 50 m under water.

Distribution pattern and genetic structure of Aedes zammitii (Diptera: Culicidae) along the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts of Turkey.

The Mariae species complex, consisting of Aedes mariae, Aedes phoeniciae, and Aedes zammitii, has a limited distribution worldwide. All three species are found in rocky habitats on the coastal areas of Mediterranean countries. Aedes phoeniciae and Ae. zammitii are two members of the Mariae complex that exist in Turkey. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution pattern and genetic structure of Ae. zammitii along the Mediterranean and Aegean regions. For this purpose, larval and adult samples of Ae. zammitii were collected from 19 different rocky habitats along the coastal regions of Antalya, Muğla, Aydın, İzmir, Balıkesir, and Çanakkale provinces. DNA isolation was performed primarily from collected samples, and mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase 4 (ND4) gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction. Based on ND4 sequence analyses, 21 haplotypes were detected along the distribution range of the species. Analyses of molecular variance (AMOVA) and spatial analyses of molecular variance (SAMOVA) indicated six groups, and most of the variation was among groups, demonstrating the population structuring at group level. Isolation by distance analyses (IBD) showed a correlation between geographic and genetic distances.

New sighting of the endangered species blackchin guitarfish, Rhinobatos cemiculus, in the South Aegean Sea

A new record of the endangered species blackchin guitarfish, Rhinobatos cemiculus (925 mm TL) is here reported from South Aegean Sea. On 11 January 2015, a single specimen was collected by longline off from the Kusadasi Bay, Turkey. This new finding confirms the presence of the species along the Anatolian coasts of Aegean Sea and shows that the species is occuring in the South Aegean Sea. Rhinobatos cemiculus belonging to family Rhinobatidae was identified and its distribution was compared for the Aegean and Mediterranean Sea based on literature. The main identification and some measurements of morphometric characteristics were given. In terms of distribution of fish taxa, Aegean coasts of Turkey has the highest diversity with 449 species, which of 64 species belong to Elasmobranchii. This report aims to close information gaps in distribution endangered cartilaginous fish throughout the Turkish Aegean coasts.

New observations of alien foraminifera on the Turkish coasts of the Aegean Sea (2012-2015)

During the benthic foraminiferal surveys conducted on the Aegean coasts of Turkey between 2012-2015, new alien species have been observed. These were either recent introductions, such as Cornuspiroides striolatus (Brady), Nodobaculariella cristobalensis McCulloch, N. galapagosensis McCulloch, Pseudonodosaria discreta (Reuss), Polymorphina fistulosa (Cushman) or south to north range expansions of the species previously known to inhabit Levant Basin, Cyclorbiculina compressa (d’Orbigny). Besides, Amphistegina lobifera Larsen which has been known to inhabit Kuşadası Bay and nothwestern coasts of Karaburun Peninsula has also been abundantly observed around Doğanbey Bay. Warm submarine springs are suggested to be the main cause of these thermophilic species to settle and form stable populations on the Aegean cost of Turkey. On the other hand salinity variations may also help to the spreading of these aliens. Thus, it is suggested that new introductions may follow in the near future.