Eastern Black Sea Research Articles

RİZE – İKİZDERE AND ÇAMLIHEMŞİN SURVEYS

Rize, strategically situated in the eastern Black Sea region, has historically served as a crossroads for numerous civilizations and cultures. Despite the region's significance, systematic historical and archaeological research began only in the 1990s. These early studies, which spanned several research seasons, were instrumental in uncovering Rize's rich historical heritage. To further explore this heritage and shed light on its history and archaeology, surveys have been conducted since 2022 in the İkizdere, Çamlıhemşin, and Hemşin districts of Rize Province, authorized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. This article provides a comprehensive assessment of the findings from the 2023 surveys in the İkizdere and Çamlıhemşin districts. In İkizdere, research encompassed various neighborhoods, including Çağrankaya, Çarşı, Gündoğdu, Güney, Kirazlı, Yeşilyurt, and Zafer, as well as villages and highlands such as Ayvalık, Bayır, Cevizlik, Demirkapı, Güneyce, Gürdere, Ihlamur, Ilıcaköy, Şimşirli, Tulumpınar, Yağcılar, and Yeralma. In Çamlıhemşin, surveys were carried out in the villages of Sıraköy, Ortaklar, Yazlık, Mollaveyis (Ülkü), Şenköy, Meydan, Şenyuva, Yolkıyı, Yaylaköy, and Ortan, along with their associated highland areas. This research led to the identification of numerous historically significant sites, including the Çikares Settlement, Tekneler Settlement, Yumurtadağ Obsidian Centre, Kale-i Bala, Kale-i Zir, Güneyce Bridge, Andulli Bridge, Şebek Bridge, Trovit Plateau Stone Road, Ortanköy (Goboş) Bridge, Çilanç Bridge, Şenyuva (Çinçiva) Bridge, Yağcılar Historical Houses, Başyayla Rock Depictions, Numanoğlu Mansion and its tamgas, Çolağan Locality Wall Depictions, Karmik Plateau Wall Depictions, Trovit Plateau Wall Depictions, Kozizoğlu Mansion and Wall Depictions, Mollanç Behlül Mansion and Wall Depictions, Kurdoğlu Mansion and Wall Depictions, Meydan Village Wall Depictions, Güneyce Hacı Sheikh Mosque, Şimşirli Village Middle Neighborhood Mosque, Yağcılar Village Konak Mosque, Kurusaha Mosque, and Şenköy Mosque.

Antioxidant and Anti-Proliferative Effects of Ornithogalum balansae Extracts Collected in Black Sea Region Against Lung Cancer Cells

Ornithogalum is a genus of wild herb species widely used as food and in traditional medicine. This study investigated some of the biologically active properties of Ornithogalum balansae grown in the eastern Black Sea region of Türkiye. The investigations were carried out using the methanolic extracts of the plant’s aerial and bulbs (B1 and B2) parts. The phenolic composition was examined as total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and HPLC-PDA. The antioxidant capacity of the extracts was tested based on ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging methods. The anti-proliferative activity was tested against metastatic cell lines H1299 and H209, non-small-cell lung A549, and fibroblast MRC-5 cell lines using MTT and trypan blue methods. Wound-healing and invasion chamber assays were used to determine the inhibitory effects of the extracts on migration and invasion, respectively. The extract of the aerial part contained a large number of phenolic substances and high antioxidant capacity. The extract exhibited a significant anti-proliferative effect on the human lung cancer cells (A549 and H209), with IC50 values of 0.97 ± 0.04 and 1.06 ± 0.07 µg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the aerial part exhibited inhibition of migratory and invasive capacities in A549 cells at a concentration of 1.50 µg/mL. The findings associated with O. balansae suggest a promising therapeutic potential against lung cancer cells.

Late Triassic to Middle Jurassic magmatism in the Eastern Pontides (NE Türkiye): Evidence for divergent double subduction of Paleo-Tethys lithosphere

The Meso-Cenozoic geodynamic evolution of northern Türkiye remains a subject of debate primarily due to a lack of systematic geological, geochemical, geochronological, and geophysical investigations. This paper presents comprehensive geochronological and geochemical data on the Late Triassic andesite porphyry, andesite breccia and quartz diorite porphyry, and the Middle Jurassic diabase, and amphibole-poor and amphibole-rich andesite porphyry from Çevrepınar Igneous Complex (Gümüşhane) in the southern part of the Eastern Pontides Orogenic Belt (EPOB), a well-preserved continental arc in the Alpine-Himalayan orogen. Zircon U–Pb geochronology indicates crystallization ages of ∼208–202 Ma (Rhaetian) for the Late Triassic rocks and ∼175–172 Ma (Aalenian) for the Middle Jurassic rocks. Whole-rock geochemical and Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic data, and zircon εHf(t) data indicate that both the Late Triassic and the Middle Jurassic rocks originated by low-degree melting of a spinel lherzolite lithospheric mantle source modified by subduction-related fluids and/or melts. Based on the new and published data, we suggest that the Late Triassic to Middle Jurassic arc magmatism in EPOB occurred as a result of southward subduction of the Paleo-Tethys oceanic lithosphere beneath the northern margin of Gondwana-Land. Late Triassic to Jurassic arc magmatism and basin evolution occurred synchronously in the northern and southern peripheries of the present-day Eastern Black Sea Basin, indicating divergent double subduction of the Paleo-Tethys oceanic lithosphere beneath the northern margin of Gondwana and southern margin of Laurasia during the Early Mesozoic.

Characterization of the Morphology, Growth and Fruit Yield of Chilli (Capsicum Annuum L.) Genotypes Collected from the Eastern Black Sea Region of Türkiye

Capsicum annuum, native to Central America, specifically Mexico, is widely cultivated throughout Türkiye for its unripe green or ripe red fruits, known as "biber" in Turkish. In this study, a comprehensive assessment of morphological diversity, encompassing both quantitative and qualitative traits, was conducted. A total of 48 different genotypes of C. annuum, varying in colour shape, and size, were collected from the Pazar district and villages in Rize in 2014 and stored at +4°C. Planting of these C. annuum seeds occurred in May 2015 in trays filled with a mixture of peat and perlite at a 2:1 ratio under greenhouse conditions. When the seedlings reached the stage of having 4-5 leaves, they were transplanted into the field in June 2015. The data obtained on morphological characteristics were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), principal component analysis, and hierarchical clustering analyses. The first six principal component axes accounted for 79% of the variance among the 48 genotypes. Hierarchical clustering revealed four main clusters, whereas ANOVA revealed significant differences in various morphological characteristics of 48 different genotypes of C. annuum. This study revealed substantial morphological variability within the C. annuum genotypes examined and hence provides valuable insights for geneticists and breeders, enabling the identification of populations with desirable characteristics for future integration into pepper breeding programmes

Analytic network process (ANP) based decision support tool for nuclear power plant location and reactor type selection

The nuclear energy industry has seen a resurgence due to interest in sustainable energy. Regulatory agencies are evaluating innovative technology and facility designs for the first time in a long time. The nuclear energy business needs a workable instrument for decision-making in light of the shift in public and regulatory opinion. This study has two main motivations. The first is to determine the set of criteria to be used in determining suitable locations for a nuclear power plant (NPP) to be established in Turkey and to determine suitable regions with Analytic Network Process (ANP) based analyzes in the light of these criteria. The second is to select the most suitable nuclear reactor type for the specified location. Plant efficiency and lifetime vary depending on the reactor type used. For this reason, in the study, both the location of the nuclear power plant and the selection of the appropriate reactor type for the plant were evaluated together. In this context, a criterion set consisting of 3 main criteria and 20 sub-criteria to be used in NPP installation location and reactor selection was determined. In the study, site selection was made by focusing on economic, social and technical factors, and reactor selection was made by focusing on technical factors. Giresun, Trabzon, Rize and Artvin provinces located in the Eastern Black Sea region were evaluated for NPP installation. For reactor selection, we focused on reactor types according to their coolants and in this context, PWR, PHWR, GCR and BWR reactors were examined. NPP location and reactor selection in the study; It was realized as Giresun (PWR) > Rize (PWR) > Trabzon (BWR) > Artvin (BWR).

Determining the health status of natural monument trees using acoustic tomography method

Areas with natural beauty and rich biodiversity have had a different significance for people since ancient times. With the latest developments in industry, technology, and urbanization, the demand for natural areas has increased considerably. Accordingly, the need to protect such private areas has become even more significant. In order to protect areas with such natural characteristics effectively, problems and threat factors must be correctly revealed. For this purpose; a study was conducted to determine the health status of some trees, which are natural monuments in the Eastern Black Sea Region of Türkiye, using the acoustic tomography method. The general appearance of six trees in the study area was examined, and measurements were made with the Arbor Sonic 3D Acoustic Tomography device. In the research, it was found that the trunk of one of the natural monument trees was hollow. The other five trees were found to be in good general condition. According to the results of the tomography, it was determined that one of the six trees measured was in good health, three of them had partial hollows and decay, and two of them were completely hollow. According to the data obtained, it has been revealed that the acoustic tomography method is an effective tool in determining the health status of nature monument trees.

Paraspecific neutralization capacity of polyvalent snake antivenom against Montivipera wagneri venom

PurposeThis study aims to measure the paraspecific neutralization capacity of nationally produced HSGM polyvalent snake antivenom (HSGM-PSAV), produced using Macrovipera lebetina obtusa, Montivipera xanthina, and Vipera ammodytes montandoni venom, against the lethal effect of the venom of Montivipera wagneri, which is endemic to the Eastern Black Sea and Eastern Anatolia regions of Turkey. MethodsThe neutralization capacity of HSGM-PSAV against the lethal effect of M. wagneri venom was studied using the potency determination testing method specified in the Turkish and European Pharmacopoeia. Lethal dose 50 (LD50) values of the venoms used in immunization, M. wagneri venom in mice, and effective dose 50 (ED50) values of HSGM-PSAV against four types of venoms were calculated using two-fold dilutions. ResultsHSGM-PSAV neutralized the lethal effect of M. wagneri venom in mice. The ED50 of the HSGM-PSAV against M. wagneri venom was calculated as 304.42 LD50/mL. ConclusionAs a result of this in-vivo study, it was determined that HSGM-PSAV neutralized M.wagneri venom above the antivenom neutralization capacity threshold values (≥50 LD50/mL) specified in the Turkish and European Pharmacopoeia. This result is important preclinical data regarding the usability of HSGM-PSAV in the treatment of poisoning due to M. wagneri bites.

Effect of Low Molecular Weight Organic Acids and Liming on Phosphorus Adsorption in Acidic Tea Soils in the Black Sea Region, Türkiye

ABSTRACT Agricultural productivity is significantly hindered by the limited availability of phosphorus in acidic soils due to the presence of aluminum and iron phosphates. Soil liming is commonly employed to enhance soil fertility. However, modifying the pH might also impact the interactions involving existing soil organic matter, leading to changes in the effective concentrations of competing low-molecular-weight acids (LMWOACs) participating in phosphorus adsorption. This study explored the impacts of citric, oxalic, and malic acids in acidic soils from tea cultivation regions within the Eastern Black Sea. These soils had undergone various levels of liming and were incubated for 15 months to assess their effects on phosphorus (P) adsorption in 7 acidic soils. The experimental sorption data were utilized to calculate the soil Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption parameters. In addition, the influences of organic acids and liming levels on the Freundlich and Langmuir model parameters were subjected to ANOVA analysis. The findings indicated that citric acid demonstrated the highest efficiency in diminishing phosphorus adsorption among the tested organic acids, followed by oxalic and malic acids. Three carboxyl groups (−COOH) in citric acid facilitated the formation of more complexes with adsorbed phosphorus on the soil surface. Furthermore, the 100% LR ratio of liming notably decreased phosphorus adsorption, especially in the lower end of the isotherms. Therefore, it can be concluded that the combination of LMWOACs and liming treatments could be used to overcome P deficiency in acid soils with very high P sorption ability.

Spatiotemporal variability and underlying large‐scale atmospheric mechanisms causing the change in the Black Sea surface temperature and associated extreme precipitation events in the northeastern of Turkiye

AbstractSea surface temperature (SST) has an important local and remote influence on global climate through the distribution and transport of heat and moisture. As a result of climate forcing, significant changes occur in the SSTs, which result in many natural disasters such as supercharged storms, higher wind speeds, heavier precipitation and flooding. This study investigates the spatiotemporal changes and underlying atmospheric mechanisms of the Black Sea (BLS) surface temperature. For this purpose, National Oceanicand Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) high‐resolution SST data (0.25°), which were verified with buoy observations, were used for the period 1982–2021. To investigate the circulation impacts, the relationship between North Atlantic Oscillation and East Atlantic/West Russia (EA/WR) phases and SSTs of the western BLS (WBLS) and eastern BLS (EBLS) was analysed. According to the results, SST values increased from 1.64°C (in winter) to 2.52°C (in summer) during the 40‐year period. Significant SST increases are shown in the EBLS during the summer and fall months. Statistically significant negative correlations (p < 0.05) were found between EA/WR and winter (r = −0.57) and summer (r = −0.56) SSTs in the EBLS. During winter, surface high located in the eastern Anatolia causes southerly winds, which blows from the terrestrial areas to the EBLS and result in above‐normal SST values. During summer (under negative EA/WR phases), the Azores high‐pressure centre extends to the Balkan Peninsula and WBLS and as a consequence, a significant amount of moisture associated with high sea surface temperature (>27°C, above‐normal 2.0°C) develops low‐level moisture convergence. Proper synoptic conditions, strong instability conditions between the surface and upper levels, and orographic forcing enable the occurrence of convective cloud cells. The movement of these cells to the northeastern part of Turkiye by strong northwesterly winds causes extreme precipitation and associated flash‐flood events in a limited area where land–sea interaction occurs (i.e., Artvin, Rize and Hopa provinces of Turkiye).

ETHNOCULTURAL IDENTITY IN THE ABSENCE OF ETHNOLINGUISTIC VITALITY: A STUDY OF HEMSHIN HERITAGE COMMUNITIES IN TURKEY'S EASTERN BLACK SEA REGIO

ETHNOCULTURAL IDENTITY IN THE ABSENCE OF ETHNOLINGUISTIC VITALITY: A STUDY OF HEMSHIN HERITAGE COMMUNITIES IN TURKEY'S EASTERN BLACK SEA REGIO

Public Perception Survey for Social Workers in Turkey: What Do People Think?

This study sought to investigate the public perception of social workers in the Eastern Black Sea Region, Turkey. In this research, a questionnaire developed by Bolgün and Şahin (2019)was employed, and using the convenience sampling method face-to-face interviews were held with a total of 600 participants. Using various statistical tests, normally distributed scores were compared. The independent samples t-test was used for gender, previous social service applications, and contact with social workers. ANOVA compared age, education, household size, income, and residence city, with LSD post hoc tests for significant differences. Pearson correlation assessed the relationship between knowledge and attitude toward social workers, while multiple regression analyzed the effect of knowledge on attitude. The participants’ knowledge of the working fields, client profiles, and roles of social workers, as well as the total score of the knowledge about social workers, was found to be at a moderate level. Their attitudes toward social workers were generally good level; however, the majority of the participants (n = 501) think that social workers are not well known in the society. Despite the positive attitude scores of the participants, there is a need for promotional activities, advertisements, meetings, and television and radio programs raising the social awareness of social workers to a higher level, which would raise public perception.

The Presentation of the Risks That Oil Pollution Poses to Aquaculture

Aquaculture has emerged as the most rapidly growing technology for food production on a global scale. The current growth trajectory of aquaculture production surpasses that of all other meat production types and is anticipated to persist in its ascent with the continuous expansion of the agriscience industry. The contribution of aquaculture to food security varies based on species and country, either directly through domestic consumption or indirectly through the stimulation of economic growth via exports. In Türkiye, the share of aquaculture in overall production has increased over the years and has become a significant contributor to the country’s economic development through exports. Fish farms concentrated in the Eastern Black Sea and Southern Aegean regions also draw attention due to their proximity to sea areas with intense maritime activities. Potential marine pollution in these regions poses a serious risk to these economically important resources, making it crucial to predict the extent of this risk in advance and take preventive measures. This study aims to simulate, through a scenario, how a possible oil spill in the Southern Aegean region would spread in the sea, how quickly it would reach the fish farms in this region, and how long it would take to impact the fish population to a certain extent. The values derived from this simulation will shed light on intervention plans to be implemented by both local and central authorities, serving as exemplary models for formulating similar plans for all aquaculture resources.

Gall wasp (Cynipoidea: Cynipidae and Diplolepididae) fauna of the Eastern Black Sea Region (Türkiye)

In the period between October 2017 and September 2019, field studies were conducted with the aim of elucidating the gall wasp (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae and Diplolepididae) fauna of the Eastern Black Sea Region (Northeastern Türkiye). Gall samples were collected from 695 different localities within the research area, comprising a total of seven provinces (Artvin, Bayburt, Giresun, Gümüşhane, Ordu, Rize and Trabzon). As a result of these investigations, a total of 90 species belonging to 18 genera were recorded. Three of these species (Synergus consobrinus Giraud in Houard, 1911; S. reinhardi Mayr, 1872; S. ruficornis Hartig, 1840) represent new records for the inquiline (Synergini) fauna of Türkiye. The host plants, distributions, and distribution maps for all of the species recorded from the Eastern Black Sea Region are provided.

Environmental Factors Structuring Diatom Diversity of the Protected High Mountain Lakes in the Kaçkar Mountains National Park (Rize, Turkey)

The altitude of the habitat is one of the important regulators of species survival. Kaçkar Mountains National Park is located in the Eastern Black Sea region of Turkey. This is the first study on the benthic diatom flora of the high mountain lakes in Kaçkar Mountains National Park, which is situated between 2782 and 3075 m a.s.l. A total of 84 diatom species were identified from benthic communities of 15 habitats in summer (19 July, 28 August) and autumn (10 September) months of 2020. The genus Pinnularia (thirteen species) formed the basis of the taxonomic list, followed by Eunotia (five species), Navicula (five species), and Frustulia (four species) genera, respectively. The waters in all the studied lakes were fresh, low-saline, with low-alkaline or circumneutral pH and organically uncontaminated, as evidenced by prevailed bioindicator groups. Statistical methods and comparative floristic results confirm the role of the lake altitude for the diatom species distribution. The species richness of the studied lakes was higher in lakes with lower altitudes. The statistical approach also revealed the potential for an increase in the number of species in high mountain lakes if the study of the diatom flora of the Kachkar Mountains National Park is continued and the species composition of the lakes is replenished. Further studies will be needed to continue exploring this pattern. To protect studied high mountain lakes, their ecological conditions must be constantly monitored in the Kaçkar Mountains National Park.

Evaluation of the disaster preparedness level of a flood-affected hospital: Turkey

This study aimed to evaluate the disaster preparedness levels of a hospital and its personnel who were exposed to flood disasters in the Eastern Black Sea region of Turkey. The study was designed qualitatively. Since it was aimed to obtain in-depth information, the phenomenology design was used in the study. The data were collected from 15 people through face-to-face interviews with a semi-structured interview form. The data were computerized to the MAXQDA 22 software and codes, categories, and themes were created. In the study, three themes were created: "infrastructure management and sustainability of critical facilities, preparation, and health service delivery". It was determined that infrastructure problems arose due to flooding on the lower floor and the hospital's garden as a result of the flood disaster. It was observed that medical equipment was prepared before the flood disaster and equity resources were protected after the disaster. It is thought that the exercise, trainings, creation of early warning systems and planning before the flood disaster will contribute significantly to the sustainability of health service provision in disaster situations. This may accelerate the transition of disaster victims to their normal lives.

Distribution of Colchicum speciosum Steven in Trabzon Province, Türkiye

Colchicum speciosum Steven belongs to the Colchicaceae family and is native to the Eastern Black Sea Region of Anatolia. The genus Colchicum is used in the pharmaceutical industry due to the colchicine alkaloids contained in both its corms and seeds. This study was carried out to determine the distribution areas of Colchicum speciosum, an important medicinal aromatic plant, in Türkiye. To reach this purpose, field studies were carried out, collecting samples of the plant during suitable vegetation periods between 2015 and 2021 in Trabzon province. The present study was done using a full-field screening method. All field information about the taxon was recorded in the GIS database, and the distribution map of the taxon including Trabzon province was created. It was determined that Colchicum speciosum has a wide distribution in the study area, from 349 to 2560 m asl. In the study area, the specimens was determined at 192 different points and 12 different habitat types. These habitat types are mainly: pasture-meadow areas, both deciduous and conifer forest clearings, agricultural areas, hazelnut plantations, deciduous forests, coniferous forests dominated by Picea orientalis, roadsides, stony areas, scrubs, beech forests, seasonal stream edges, and swamp-reed areas. Additionally, it has been observed that the flowering time of the plant is between September and October.

Gender disparities in Behçet's syndrome: identifying distinct phenotypes through cluster analysis.

Behçet's syndrome (BS) is a complex, multi-systemic disorder with a global occurrence, notably concentrated along the Silk Road. This study aimed to investigate gender-specific expressions and clinical phenotypes in BS patients within the Eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey. A total of 290 BS patients were retrospectively analyzed between January 2013 and December 2023. Demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, medical treatment, and pathergy test results were obtained from a review of medical records. The mean age was 45.79 ± 13.05, with a male-to-female ratio of 48.6:51.4. Male patients had higher papulopustular lesions (p < 0.001) and ocular involvement (p = 0.036), while females showed more frequent genital ulcers (p = 0.032). Medication usage showed gender-based variations, notably higher corticosteroid, azathioprine, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitor (TNFi) use in males (p < 0.001). Cluster analysis revealed five distinct clusters, each with unique features and gender predominance. Cardiovascular type, ocular type, and skin type predominantly featured male patients, while joint involvement type and neurologic and mucosal involvement type were more prevalent among female patients with BS. This research contributes valuable insights into the gender-related clinical variations of BS within a specific geographic region, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of this challenging syndrome. The identification of distinct clinical phenotypes facilitates the development of tailored treatment strategies, potentially leading to improved outcomes for patients with BS.

High‐Resolution Climate Simulations Over the Eastern Mediterranean Black Sea Region Using the Pseudo‐Global Warming Method With a CMIP6 Ensemble

AbstractThe strong drying expected in the Eastern Mediterranean with climate change could cause mass migration of people already living under water shortages. On the other hand, precipitation is expected to increase toward the region’s north, particularly those along the interior of the eastern Black Sea coasts, which could worsen existing floods. However, this double‐sided adverse phenomenon and its underlying reasons have been investigated by relatively low‐resolution models in the Eastern Mediterranean Black Sea (EMBS) region, where orographic precipitation prevails. This study performs 4 km resolution Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model simulations with and without climate change signals retrieved from a CMIP6 GCM ensemble via pseudo‐global‐warming (PGW). The WRF simulations captured the large‐scale dynamics affecting the EMBS fairly well: an anticyclonic low‐level circulation and enhancing subsidence stem from anomalous ridge development over the central Mediterranean in winter (DJF), and a cyclonic low‐level circulation and weakening subsidence rise from heat‐low development over the Eastern Mediterranean in summer (JJA). The resulting picture of future warming and drying over the area generally supports the literature, although new insights emerge in anomalous precipitation increase, especially in the summer season over the Greater Caucasus and nearby regions. Most likely, the warmer‐than‐expected Caspian Sea induces a large increase in specific humidity and, thus, a large moisture source in the lower troposphere and an extension of the heat‐low effect in the mid‐troposphere. In addition, the high‐resolution WRF simulations provide added value over the complex topography of the Caucasian Mountain range for new insights into this region.

Social Studies Teacher Candidates’ Views on Blended Learning Process

The aim of this study is to present the views of social studies teacher candidates about the blended learning process in the context of face-to-face and distance education. The study adopted a case study design. The study determined participants using the criterion sampling. The criteria in selecting participants was that teacher candidates should have experience in face-to-face education, online education, and blended learning. The participants consisted of 70 teacher candidates studying in the third and fourth year of the Social Studies Education Department of a state university in the Eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey during the spring semester of the 2021-2022 academic year. 42 of the participants were female and 28 were male. An open-ended questionnaire with nine questions was used as a data collection tool. The data were collected in an electronic environment and analyzed by content analysis. It was concluded from the study that blended learning can offer solutions to the problems arising from the characteristics of face-to-face education and distance education, blended learning practices have not yet been implemented in the quality specified in the theoretical framework, teacher candidates have mostly negative opinions about distance education practices, while mostly positive opinions about face-to-face education come to the fore.

Evaluation of the fully coupled WRF and WRF-Hydro modelling system initiated with satellite-based soil moisture data

ABSTRACT This study comparatively evaluates the skill of the (un)coupled Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) – WRF-Hydro system supported with satellite-based soil moisture initiation in long-term simulations of hydrometeorological variables under humid and semi-arid climate conditions. Prior to the coupling, the WRF-Hydro model is calibrated using streamflow data at different data scales (i.e. hourly and daily) to discuss the influences of the changing temporal resolution of the reference dataset on the optimum parameter values. According to the results, fully coupled models correct the location and magnitude of the occurrence of hourly extreme precipitation. Changing the initial soil moisture data source affects the terrestrial water cycle elements in the semi-arid region (i.e. Mediterranean (MED)) more than in the humid area (i.e. Eastern Black Sea (EBS)), especially in spring and summer. The initiation of the coupled model with satellite-based soil moisture improves the streamflow outputs after a reasonable spin-up period for the MED region.