Browsing by Author "Aricak B."

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Analysis of tree damage caused by rockfall at forest road construction works
(2009-12-01) Gumus S.; Aricak B.; Enez K.; Hulusi Acar H.
Forest roads provide access for people to study, enjoy or contemplate natural ecosystems. Therefore, roads are one of the most important tools needed in forestry. Forest roads are built by excavation of soil and rock. Rockfall occurs during construction works, caused by excavated rock pieces on embankment slopes and by blasting of block rock masses. This study analyzes rockfall damage to trees during forest road construction. Injuries, branches brokenness, trunk wounds and collapse were defined as tree damages because of rockfall during road construction. These damages have been analyzed by site measurements and statistical analysis. In the study area it has been determined that 90.48% of damaged trees are in the first 10 m after the beginning of the embankment slope, and the rest of the trees are positioned between 11 m and 23 m away from the beginning of the embankment slope. The average injury area of the damaged trees was calculated as 1,081 cm2 for the first 10 mfrom the embankment slope, and an injury area of 1,463 cm2 was calculated for between 11 m and 23 m on the embankment slope. This is a very important result in terms of forest protection. Wooden obstruction or synthetic holders should be used as preventative measures in the first 10 m of the embankment slope of the road to block rockfall or slow it down.
Change of Aluminum Concentrations in Specific Plants by Species, Organ, Washing, and Traffic Density
(2023-02-01) Kuzmina N.; Menshchikov S.; Mohnachev P.; Zavyalov K.; Petrova I.; Ozel H.B.; Aricak B.; Onat S.M.; Sevik H.
One of the most critical problems throughout the world is air pollution, causing the death of millions of individuals annually, and it is reported that 90% of the global population breathes polluted air. Among the components of air pollution, the most harmful ones are the heavy metals, which can remain non-degraded in nature for a long time, bio-accumulate in living organisms, and be toxic or carcinogenic at low concentrations. Hence, monitoring and reducing heavy metal pollution in the air are high-priority research topics. Heavy metals can accumulate within various organs of plants grown in an environment with an increased level of heavy metal pollution. The metal analyses on these organs can provide insight into the heavy metal pollution in the air. In the present study, the concentrations of aluminum (Al), one of the most important heavy metals, were determined in the different organs of five plant species grown in regions with different traffic densities. Remarkable changes were observed in the Al concentrations in all the organs of species, which were examined here by organ and traffic density. The highest values were obtained from the organs of plants grown in no-traffic regions.
Determination of heavy metal levels using Betula pendula Roth. under various soil contamination in Southern Urals, Russia
(2022-12-01) Isinkaralar K.; Koç I.; Kuzmina N.A.; Menshchikov S.L.; Erdem R.; Aricak B.
Heavy metals are hazardous to environmental and human health. Metals contained in the solid fraction of emissions are fixed in the soil absorbing complex and tend to bioaccumulate in plants, which can be used both to diagnose the level of contamination of forest biogeocenoses and to study the laws of the processes of absorption of contaminants in the soil–plant system. The research aims to determine the degree of pollution in Betula pendula Roth. from emissions from Combine Magnesite (magnesite ore processing and mining plant activity area in Russia) at 1, 3, 10, and 100 km far from the emission source, which experimental plots created in the 1980s. Soil samples were collected from these sites, and 1- and 2-year-old branches and leaf specimens were collected from B. pendula individuals. The lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), and iron (Fe) concentrations in soil and organs of B. pendula by the soil depth, washing, organ type, and organ age were determined. As a result, the variations in element concentrations by organs at all the distances and distances for all the organs were significant (p < 0.05). Metal concentrations were higher in the subsoil and leaf collected from 2-year-old branches. These results were interpreted as the higher values in the leaves of 2-year-old branches exposed to heavy metals in the air for a longer time, and the heavy metal concentrations in the subsoil increased due to the decomposition of these leaves. The movement of heavy metals, such as Pb and Cr, in soil was minimal.
Determination of pumper truck intervention ratios in zones with high fire potential by using geographical information system
(2014-01-01) Aricak B.; Kucuk O.; Enez K.
Fighting forest fires not only depends on the forest type, topography, and weather conditions, but is also closely related to the technical properties of fire-fighting equipment. Firefighting is an important part of fire management planning. However, because of the complex nature of forests, creating thematic layers to generate potential fire risk maps is difficult. The use of remote sensing data has become an efficient method for the discrete classification of potential fire risks. The study was located in the Central District of the Kastamonu Regional Forest Directorate, covering an area of 24,320 ha, 15,685 ha of which is forested. On the basis of stand age, crown closure, and tree species, the sizes and distributions of potential fire risk zones within the study area were determined using high-resolution GeoEye satellite imagery and geographical information system data. The status of pumper truck intervention in zones with high fire risk and the sufficiency of existing forest roads within an existing forest network were discussed based on combustible matter characteristics. Pumper truck intervention was 83% for high-risk zones, 79% for medium-risk zones, and 78% for low-risk zones. A pumper truck intervention area map along existing roads was also created. © 2014 The Authors.
Determining a fire potential map based on stand age, stand closure and tree species, using satellite imagery (Kastamonu Central Forest directorate sample)
(2014-01-01) Aricak B.; Kucuk O.; Enez K.
Becoming successful in fighting forest fires is not only a matter of taking the required measures into consideration and efficiently and economically using the resources, but also employing the cutting edge science and technology in every aspect of the process. Determining the potential fire prone regions within forest stands, plays an important role in the success rate of forest fire prevention and firefighting. Various techniques are used in the determination of fire potential; especially high resolution satellite imagery can provide very sensitive and detailed information regarding the conditions of regional topography and fuel material (fuel) accumulation. Fuel material models have long been effectively used in fire management, fire behavioral estimates and determination of fire danger risks. Additionally, fuel material maps, prepared based on fuel material features, can help in the determination of fire potential. Fire potential maps include fuel material types and their distribution in the field. In this particular study, an October, 2011 dated »GeoEye« image, encompassing 24 320 ha of Kastamonu Central Forest Directorate area, 15 685 ha of which is forested, was used. The image was classified based on fuel material features, such as tree species, mixture, crown closure, age classes, etc. Acreages and distributions of the potential fire prone areas were determined, and where these areas were concentrated, possible fire suppressing precautionary methods were discussed. As long as the satellite image acquisition is periodically supplied, fire potential map can be updated depending on fuel material features.
Effects of harvesting activities on litter decomposition rates of scots pine, trojan fir, and sweet chestnut
(2015-01-01) Enez K.; Aricak B.; Sariyildiz T.
This study aims to investigate the possible effects of harvesting activities on litter decomposition in micro ecologic areas belonging to 3 different species (Trojan fir (Abies nordmanniana subsp. Equi-trojani (Aschers & Sint. ex. Boiss) Coode & Cullen), scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Miller)). To this end, litter decomposition experiments were carried out on these three species. The litter decomposition specimens were placed on their own stands where there were harvesting activities in previous years and in neighboring stands where there were no harvesting activities for control purposes. Theses micro ecologic areas are nonharvesting activity areas (control) (C), intra-forest skidding roads (Skidding road) (SR), under logging residues (Logging residue) (LR) and areas with a 20% slope and top-soil damaged during harvesting activities and scalped mineral soil (SMS). The decomposition processes were observed for 18 months, mass change values were calculated every six months and their mass loss and decomposition values were calculated. At the end of eighteen months, it was seen that the effects of intra-forest activities on litter decomposition showed differences among micro ecologic areas. According to the study results, forest harvesting activities (C, SR, LR and SMS) affect litter decomposition in various micro ecologic areas that occur in the remaining stand in great extent. As well as this, it is seen that the effect of forest harvesting activities on the litter decomposition is not in the same direction for every species. This study revealed that on micro ecologic areas decomposition sorting in ascending order was LR > C > SMS > SR for scots pine needles, LR = SR > C > SMS for Trojan fir needles, and C > SR > LR > SMS for sweet chestnut leaves. It has been concluded that forest harvesting activities influenced litter decomposition rates significantly.
Effects of light on morphologic and stomatal characteristics of Turkish fir needles (Abies nordmanniana subsp. Bornmulleriana Mattf.)
(2017-01-01) Sevik H.; Cetin M.; Kapucu O.; Aricak B.; Canturk U.
This study examines the effect of light on the sapling forms of Turkish fir (Abies nordmanniana subsp. bornmulleriana), a species endemic to Turkey and extensively used in landscaping work. Needle samples were taken from seedlings grown in different light conditions. The samples were taken of one-, two-, and three-year-old main shoots and needles on the side branches. The samples were measured to determine needle length, needle diameter, and the number of stoma channels. The total number of 1 mm stoma area changes depending on the light conditions and position are determined. Analysis of Variance and Duncan tests were applied to the obtained data, and results were evaluated. In all the needles, most of the increase in needle position and needle length was determined to be due to the light. The curve of stomas was drawn depending on the light channels and the total number of stoma. The highest value was reached in semi-shade conditions.
Estimating above-ground carbon biomass using satellite image reflection values: A case study in camyazi forest directorate, Turkey
(2015-01-01) Aricak B.; Bulut A.; Altunel A.; Sakici O.
Forest ecosystems which contain half of the terrestrial carbon deposits; play a significant role in shaping the global climate. Two different methods are used to determine the above-ground carbon stock capacity of forestlands. Direct measurement method takes a long time and requires both extensive as well as expensive field and laboratory work. One of the more indirect methods, satellite imaging on the other hand, costs less, is easier and practical compared to direct methods. It is also easier to integrate into geographic information systems (GIS). This paper provides a regression equation between the reflection values from RapidEye high resolution satellite image and sample areas where terrestrial aboveground biomass (AGB) carbon stock capacity was calculated by direct measurement method. As a result of the calculations made, using the RapidEye imagery and a "Band 4" devised equation producing R2=0.71 depending upon the data from Erzurum Camyazi Forest Directorate encompassing 9,917 ha study area, the amount of carbon stored within stands was found 285 208 tons. From this value, we can conclude that average carbon stock of the study area is 28.8 tons/ha.
Integrating multicriteria decision-making analysis for a GIS-based settlement area in the district of Atakum, Samsun, Turkey
(2021-01-01) Kilicoglu C.; Cetin M.; Aricak B.; Sevik H.
The last century witnessed a boom in the world population, reaching an unprecedented level. In particular, in recent decades, the population has concentrated in cities. Migration from rural areas to urban areas brings many problems to urban areas, necessitating the opening of new settlement areas. These new settlement areas that are needed are mostly determined in line with the initiatives of local authorities based on the situation of infrastructure facilities, not scientific evaluations. If the wrong places are selected, various natural events each year may cause the loss of property and lives, in addition to significant amounts of energy consumption. This study uses various parameters and creates a method for place selection based on multiple criteria. The district of Atakum in the city of Samsun, which has been subject to continuous migration and where new settlement areas have been established, is selected as the study area. Within the scope of this study, in addition to landslide and flood risks, which constitute the most important natural disasters in the region, situations of high voltage electricity transmission lines in places where the establishment of a residential area would be objectionable are evaluated. The situation of biocomfort, which is significantly important, especially with respect to energy efficiency as well as human health, peace, and comfort, is also evaluated. This study is conducted based on these criteria, and as a result, it calculates that only 15.11% of the district of Atakum is appropriate for use as a settlement area. In addition to serving as a reference for the short- and long-term area planning studies that will be conducted in the region, this study also holds significance due to the new perspective it offers regarding urban planning studies.
Site selection by using the multi-criteria technique—a case study of Bafra, Turkey
(2020-09-01) Kilicoglu C.; Cetin M.; Aricak B.; Sevik H.
Population growth, which is the main source of the biggest problems of the world today, combined with migration from rural areas to urban centers, causes the urban centers to be even more concentrated. This necessitates the opening of new residential areas in many city centers, but new residential areas are mostly determined by the decisions of local authorities, who may not base their decisions on scientific data. With the wrong area selection, ordinary natural events can be potentially catastrophic. Such events can result in large numbers of casualties and material damage every year. In this study, an example of applying a method for location selection using various parameters has been realized. The study focuses on Bafra, Turkey (the study area). Risk maps were created in terms of floods and overflows; maps of regions and high-voltage power transmission lines that enjoy a protected area status; and maps of regions in terms of biocomfort suitability. As a result of the evaluation made according to these criteria, it is calculated that only 1.96% of the total working area is suitable for use as a residential area. In relevant literature studies, it was observed that the studies related to the selection of residential areas were carried out only depending on a single standard or criterion. Some suggested biocomfort, and others used vulnerability to risks such as landslide, flood, and earthquakes as their main principle. Studies based on multi-criteria were generally used for purposes such as solid waste site selection and determination of the road routes. The study aims to shed light on the multi-criteria method in an attempt to standardize it in regional planning studies and to inspire similar studies in which different criteria can be used to achieve the maximum efficiency.
Technical efficiency evaluation of forest roads with respect to topographical factors and soil characteristics
(2018-01-01) Aricak B.; Özer Genç Ç.
Forest roads are usually single-lane roads built to unique technical standards with the purposes of accessing to forests and performing forestry in addition to other activities. With this study, in Karacaoren Forest Sub-District Directorate, evaluation of technical efficiency which consists of different variables of forest roads by scoring system was aimed to allow the function of the forest roads to be optimally performed over long time periods. Eleven different variables were evaluated to determine the technical efficiency of the forest roads in the study; these variables are the following: the road platform width, ditch width (condition), road expansion in curves and hairpin turns, superstructure, culvert condition, road-shadow condition, cut-fill slope stability, platform degradation, road inclination, and growth of plants on the road platform (the presence of bushy plants). The technical efficiency for each 100 m section of the forest roads was firstly evaluated in case area using the variables. Forest roads that the efficiency status was determined according to technical standards were recorded in the ArcGIS database. Finally, effects of topography (the slope, aspect) and soil characteristics on the technical efficiency variables were analyzed and mapped using SPSS and ArcGIS software. Our results showed that the “ditch width (condition)” and “platform width” variables were mostly not suitable accord-ing to the standards and the “plant growth” and “fill side slope stabilization” variables on the road platform were in good condition. The slope of the study area had a significant (p < 0.05) influence on the platform width, while the aspect of the study area had a significant (p < 0.05) influence on the ditch condition, the platform degradation condition, and the plant growth on the road platform. In general, the soil depth had some impact (p < 0.05) on the platform width, the cut side slope stability, and the plant growth on the road platform. The soil stoniness also affected (p < 0.05) the platform width, the cut side slope stability, and the plant growth on the road platform. However, the platform width, the cut side slope stability, and the platform degradation condition were all affected (p < 0.05) by erosion in the study area. Based on these results it concluded that the forest roads should be planned in sunny areas with slopes less than 51%, on “shallow soils” with “little stony” stoniness, and with “none to very little” erosion levels.
The change of some heavy metal concentrations in scotch pine (Pinus Sylvestris) depending on traffic density, organelle and washing
(2019-01-01) Aricak B.; Cetin M.; Erdem R.; Sevik H.; Cometen H.
Increasing population and industrialization have caused air pollution and air pollution in some cities has increased to such an extent that it has started to threaten human health and has become one of the most important agenda topics of our day. Many pollutants arise in cities due to exhaust gases, car wheels, vehicles and vehicle wear. Heavy metals are one of the most infamous pollutants, because they can remain in nature for a long time without degradation and the amount of heavy metal concentration in the environment is constantly increasing. Heavy metals also tend to bioaccumulate. Therefore, the determination of heavy metal concentration is of great importance in terms of identifying risk regions and risk levels. Determination of heavy metal concentrations in plants is important both for determining plants’ ability to remove heavy metals from the air and thus to improve air quality, as well as for monitoring air quality. Bio-indicators are the most important indicators of the change in the concentration of heavy metal in the atmosphere. This study aims to determine the usability potential of Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris) in monitoring the traffic related heavy metal concentration. For this purpose, samples of Scotch Pine individuals were collected from one of the busiest highways of Turkey, at the route of Ankara-Istanbul, from refuges, at roadsides and at distances of 3 m, 10 m, 30 m, 50 m and 100 m from the roadside, some of the branch and needle samples were washed and the change of Cu, Pb and Cd concentrations on these samples was determined. As a result of the study, the change of the concentrations of these heavy metals depending on distance to the road, organelle and washing conditions all seem to indicate that the Scotch Pine is a good bio-monitor which could be used especially to monitor the change of Cd concentration.
The possibility of using scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) needles as biomonitor in the determination of heavy metal accumulation
(2020-01-01) Alaqouri H.A.A.; Ozer Genc C.; Aricak B.; Kuzmina N.; Menshikov S.; Cetin M.
Heavy metals can remain in nature for a long time without deterioration and their concentration in the environment is constantly increasing. In addition, some may have toxic or carcinogenic effects even at low concentrations, while some others which act as micronutrients can have toxic effects for humans at high concentrations. Therefore, determining heavy metal concentrations is of great importance towards identifying risk zones and risk levels. The main sources of heavy metals are industrial plants where heavy metal ores are processed. In this study, the Combine Magnesite operating in Russia which entails-”processing and mining of magnesite ore”-was examined for Mg, Al, Fe, Mn and Ca concentrations by analysing the samples taken from the 1-and 2-year-old needles of scots pines grown at 1, 3, 10 and 25 km distances. As a result of the study, it was determined that the concentrations of heavy metals subject to the study vary depending on the distance, especially the Mg concentration which exhibited a significant decrease the farther the trees were. We determined that the concentrations recorded in the 2-year-old needles at almost all points were higher than the 1-year-old needles, and could even exceed this difference several times.
The possibility of using Scots pine needles as biomonitor in determination of heavy metal accumulation
(2020-06-01) Alaqouri H.A.A.; Genc C.O.; Aricak B.; Kuzmina N.; Menshikov S.; Cetin M.
One of the biggest problems of modern world is the air pollution which causes the death of millions of people every year. The heavy metals included in the component of air pollution occupy an important position in human health since they could remain intact in nature for a long time and build bioaccumulation, and also some of them are toxic or carcinogenic even at some low concentrations. Even the heavy metals functioning as micronutrient element could create toxic effect for human beings at the high concentrations. For this reason, the determination of the heavy metal concentration has an important role in terms of the detection of risky regions and risky level. One of the primary sources of heavy metals is industrial plants where the heavy metal ores are processed. Those regions might have risks at high level in terms of particular heavy metals. Consequently, it is significant to find out in which level they influence the area around these plants and to what extent the heavy metal pollution is effective. In this study, Ba, Zn, Cd, K, and Na concentrations are determined by analyzing the samples which are taken from 1- and 2-year-old needles of Scots pines (Pinus sylvestris L.) growing in 1 km, 3 km, 10 km and 25 km distances around a processing and mining of magnesite ore in Russia. In the end of the study, it is concluded that generally, the concentrations of heavy metals subject to the study are increasing depending upon the distance, and this increase is quite apparent in some elements, and finally in many points, the concentrations determined in 2-year-old needles have higher levels than 1-year-old needles.
The usability of scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris) as a biomonitor for traffic-originated heavy metal concentrations in Turkey
(2020-01-01) Aricak B.; Cetin M.; Erdem R.; Sevik H.; Cometen H.
Heavy metals are one of the most infamous air pollutants. They do not deteriorate easily in nature and they tend to bioaccumulate in nature. Because of their significance in terms of potential damage to human and environmental wellbeing, the monitoring of heavy metal pollution and identifying risk-prone regions is of great importance. Bioindicators are the most important determinants of the change in the concentration of heavy metals in the atmosphere. While plants play the biggest and most important role in reducing pollution in all of its types, they are also the ideal bioindicators. However, some plant species are better equipped to detect heavy metal accumulation than others. This study aims to determine the usability potential of Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris) in monitoring traffic-based heavy metal concentrations. For this purpose, samples of Scotch pine individuals were collected from one of the busiest highways in Turkey (along the Ankara-Istanbul route) from refuges at roadsides and at distances of 3m, 10m, 30m, 50m, and 100m from the roadside. Some of the branches and needles of the samples were also subjected to washing processes and the changes of Ni, Cr and Zn concentrations were determined for these samples. The change of Ni, Cr and Zn concentrations depending on the distance to the road, washing conditions and organelle were evaluated separately. We determined that Scotch pine is a good biomonitor – especially for monitoring changes in Cr concentrations.
The variable of leaf micromorphogical characters on grown in distinct climate conditions in some landscape plants
(2018-01-01) Cetin M.; Sevik H.; Yigit N.; Ozel H.; Aricak B.; Varol T.
Unlike other designs, the working of Landscape Architecture is the use of plants to put the design of this work on the foreground. When landscaping is finished applying in the open space area is valued at the rate, it may be out of old one that is the usual use. Under the circumstances, the selection of landscaping plants is crucial affected and the conclusion of the use of species is not incorporate in the area's natural vegetation. Nevertheless, Turkey is under the influence of three different climate types. These types of climatic features are entirely different from each other. However, some types of plants, all places are using these climates types. In this research, the changes in the leaves of micromorphological characters were evaluated which the some of tree leaves are grown under different climate conditions. This research showed that it is to identify the influence of the type of place growing conditions by using electron microscope (SEM = Scanning Electron Microscope) in the laboratory at Kastamonu University, University Central Research Laboratory, Research and Application Center. As a result, it found out micromorphological characters at the leaf specimens belonging to species such as; stoma density (1 mm2 in area), stoma length (μm), stoma width (μm), pore aperture (μm) and pore length (μm).
Using remote sensing data to predict road fill areas and areas affected by fill erosion with planned forest road construction: a case study in Kastamonu Regional Forest Directorate (Turkey)
(2015-07-10) Aricak B.
Forest roads are essential for transport in managed forests, yet road construction causes environmental disturbance, both in the surface area the road covers and in erosion and downslope deposition of road fill material. The factors affecting the deposition distance of eroded road fill are the slope gradient and the density of plant cover. Thus, it is important to take these factors into consideration during road planning to minimize their disturbance. The aim of this study was to use remote sensing and field surveying to predict the locations that would be affected by downslope deposition of eroding road fill and to compile the data into a geographic information system (GIS) database. The construction of 99,500 m of forest roads is proposed for the Kastamonu Regional Forest Directorate in Turkey. Using GeoEye satellite images and a digital elevation model (DEM) for the region, the location and extent of downslope deposition of road fill were determined for the roads as planned. It was found that if the proposed roads were constructed by excavators, the fill material would cover 910,621 m² and the affected surface area would be 1,302,740 m². Application of the method used here can minimize the adverse effects of forest roads.
Using remote sensing data to predict road fill areas and areas affected by fill erosion with planned forest road construction: a case study in Kastamonu Regional Forest Directorate (Turkey).
(2015-07-01T00:00:00Z) Aricak, Burak; Aricak, B
Forest roads are essential for transport in managed forests, yet road construction causes environmental disturbance, both in the surface area the road covers and in erosion and downslope deposition of road fill material. The factors affecting the deposition distance of eroded road fill are the slope gradient and the density of plant cover. Thus, it is important to take these factors into consideration during road planning to minimize their disturbance. The aim of this study was to use remote sensing and field surveying to predict the locations that would be affected by downslope deposition of eroding road fill and to compile the data into a geographic information system (GIS) database. The construction of 99,500 m of forest roads is proposed for the Kastamonu Regional Forest Directorate in Turkey. Using GeoEye satellite images and a digital elevation model (DEM) for the region, the location and extent of downslope deposition of road fill were determined for the roads as planned. It was found that if the proposed roads were constructed by excavators, the fill material would cover 910,621 m(2) and the affected surface area would be 1,302,740 m(2). Application of the method used here can minimize the adverse effects of forest roads.