Geological-Geomorphological Characteristics and Geotourism Potential of Cal Canyon and its Surroundings (Denizli, SW Anatolia)

Abstract

The Cal Canyon, one of the geological values of Denizli province, is located in the upper course of the Buyuk Menderes River near the town of Cal. The oldest rock units around the canyon are schists and marbles of the Menderes Massif. The metamorphic units overlie the carbonate (limestone, dolomitic limestone) and ophiolitic rocks of the Lycian nappes with a tectonic contact. These basement units were unconformably covered by the upper Miocene to Pliocene continental succession, which is composed of fluvial, lacustrine and alluvial deposits. The canyon, which is 65 km northeast of the provincial capital of Denizli, is 4 km away from the town of Cal. The depth of the canyon, which developed in the marble of the NE-SW trending Menderes Massif, is 60 meters. The altitudes of the entrance and exit points of the canyon are 760 m and 700 m, respectively; consequently, there is a difference of 60 m. The high slopes of the canyon are close to 90 degrees at some points. The canyon, which started to form at the end of the Pliocene, continued its development in the Quaternary. Its length is 3 km, in a N-S direction. The ridge where the canyon developed has a threshold between the Civril-Baklan graben to the east and the Cal basin to the west. The canyon also creates a hydraulic connection between these two depressions. On the cascading and irregular canyon floor, waterfalls a few meters high, along with potholes, have developed. In the study area, the canyon stands out as a geological value. However, apart from the canyon, there are also historical and cultural values. To the south are the ruins of the ancient city of Lounda at the entrance of the canyon. On the other hand, there is the historical Hancalar Bridge and Kayi Bazaar to the north. As an intangible cultural value, a 'sheep passing' festival is held in the waters of the Buyuk Menderes River every year in the village of Asagiseyit near Cal in the last week of August. The canyon area, which is easy to access and close to various settlements, is quite suitable for geotourism activities with its geological diversity and landscape features. The aim of this study was to investigate the geological-geomorphological features of the Cal Canyon and its surroundings from a cultural-geological perspective as well as to reveal the extensive geotourism potential.