“Eolinite Formation and Sand Paleogeography in Şile” by TÜBA-GEBİP Member Prof. Ahmet Evren Erginal
The book “Eolinite Formation and Sand Paleogeography in Şile” which is the result of the studies conducted by 2013 TÜBA-GEBİP Member Prof. Ahmet Evren Erginal within the scope of TÜBA Research Support and TÜBİTAK Research Project, was published with the support of TÜBA.
Following the publication of the book, the interest in the geological heritage potential of the unique petrified sand dunes (eolinit) in the region has increased. Work on the eolinites, which give information about the Black Sea's sea level changes, its connections with the Mediterranean and the paleo-winds that make up the sand dunes from now to up to 800 thousand years ago at the western shores of Şile, was published as an article in leading international journals such as Quaternary International and Aeolian Research. The results of the research, issued as a book after these studies, showed that the connections with the Mediterranean over the last 800,000 years had repeatedly been established and interrupted in the glacial times that the coastal dunes are under the effect of drier conditions than the present humid subtropical climate of the Black Sea. Stating that the formations are consistent with climatic conditions in the Bahamas in the Caribbean, Bermuda Islands, Australia and various parts of the Mediterranean, Prof. Erginal underscored that the presence of these formations on the Black Sea shores of Turkey is very meaningful and special regarding paleogeography. Indicating that the current temperature and evaporation conditions of the Black Sea do not allow the sand dunes to grow, Prof. Erginal stressed that the formation of eolinite ended in the interglacial phase 125 thousand years ago and the younger layers of eolinite were not detected.
Prof. Erginal stated that they started their first studies in 2011 with the support of the Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University BAP commission on these petrified sand dunes spreading on the Doğancılı coastal belt at the west of Şile. Prof. Erginal reiterated his gratitude to ÇOMÜ, TÜBİTAK and TÜBA for their support for these preliminary findings by indicating that they have completed these studies thanks to the significant project support provided by TÜBA and TUBITAK in the last three years and added: “Our priority goal in the following period is to start project work immediately in terms of protection of this coastal area which has been exposed to pollution by human influence and natural processes from the other side and as a geocide within the scope of geological heritage. We intend to build the Şile Jeopark Project covering other coastal forms in Şile (Şile islands, sea caves, column basalt shores, coastal sand dunes, etc.) and coastal natural riches with the purposed coastal eolinites potential geocide by evaluating the coastline between Sahilköy and Ağva as a whole. Thus, this unique geography can be opened to sustainable tourism activities originating from geotourism. It may also be a pilot region for educational and academic studies. Şile deserves it with its natural formations with high brand value. Also, these petrified sand dunes, which do not pass in the geography textbooks in Turkey, need to be added to the source books and transferred to the students. Local administrations, especially the Şile Municipality, and non-governmental organizations, which may be stakeholders of the project, should support these efforts. These efforts have great significance in terms of bringing the geotourism assets into the national economy.”