Geopark Potential of Konya Karapınar (Turkey) Region

Abstract

Konya Karapinar district is located approximately 90 km east of Konya. There are geological structures with high geosite potential formed in the Quaternary period. The Obruk plateau in the region constitutes the most important geosite area. There are Obruk (Sinkhole) in the region with a diameter of more than 300 meters and a verbosity of more than 50 meters. These geological structures, which were filled with water before the drought in recent years, offered a very beautiful visuality. However, the withdrawal of water due to drought also affected the sinkholes, and there is no watery sinkhole, except for a few sinkholes. The Obruklar are also home to many historical ruins in the region. There are over 700 deep sinkholes in the region. In addition, Meke crater lake and Acı lake, located just east of the Karapınar region, are among the important geosites. These lakes, which were the product of active volcanism in the Quaternary period, are natural wonders. Although there is partly lake water in Meke Crater, there is water in Acı Lake. The spring waters around the bitter lake constantly feed the bitter lake. Apart from these two crater lakes, other sequential volcanic cones are among the important natural beauties. In terms of regional geotoursis, especially under the leadership of Karapınar municipality, the project of constructing floating pools in Acı lake has been implemented. This project is under construction. In addition, balloon tourism in the region is at the planning stage. In particular, it is planned to monitor natural structures from the air. Karapınar region is an important geopark area of Turkey. The geosites it contains have no analogues in the world. Thanks to the geotoursis investments to be made in the region, the recognition of the region and geological structures will increase nationally and internationally.