Page 169 - Çevre Şehir ve İklim Dergisi İngilizce - Özel Sayı

Engin Yildiz - İsmail Bulut

and risk mapping processes in Türkiye. Certain academic studies have been
conducted in our country. In a study conducted in Bitlis River Basin, in order
to detect avalanche-prone zones, a Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-
based analysis was made. In the study, geographic parameters such as slope,
elevation, roughness, and curvature, and land use were analyzed using the
weighted overlay method. This method is considered an effective tool for
detecting disaster-prone zones (İrcan and Duman, 2024). In another study to
identify the avalanche-prone zones on the Çatak-Bahçesaray highway in Van,
an avalanche susceptibility map was created using GIS and Remote Sensing
techniques in the region with heavy snowfall and high avalanche risk. The
study detected high avalanche susceptibility in many parts of the area, and
emphasized the need for keeping settlements and human activities under
control to mitigate risk (Avşin and Çakı, 2021).
In the study conducted in the Lower Stream basin of Bayburt province, 3,502
avalanche starting zones were identified in an area of 1,992 hectares based on
topographic parameters. Then, through the use of the ELBA+ 2D avalanche
simulation model, avalanche runout and accumulation areas were determined,
and a detailed avalanche hazard map was created showing that an area of 7,269
hectares is under avalanche threat (Aydın and Eker, 2017). In a study conducted
for Davraz Ski Resort with the help of a GIS-based algorithm 539 avalanche
starting zones were identified. Later, avalanche runout and accumulation areas
were detected through the use of the ELBA+ two-dimensional simulation
software, and an avalanche hazard map was created, which was validated
through its comparison with avalanche events (Ersan et al., 2017). In another
study, the potential avalanche starting zones in a few areas in and around
Coruh River Basin were detected and analyzed using Geographic Information
Systems (GIS) and Digital Elevation Models (DEM). Various modeling scenarios
were applied using the GIS and 2-D avalanche modelling software utilized
in the study and the effects of different input parameters on avalanche flow
characteristics have been examined (Uçar, 2014). In another study, RAMMS 2-D
avalanche simulation program was utilized to produce avalanche hazard maps,
and avalanche-prone areas in Gazibey Neighborhood, Bitlis province were
detected. In line with the data acquired, structural measures were taken in order
to mitigate avalanche risk (Meral and Yüksel, 2024).
In this study, the “Palandöken Ski Resort Avalanche Hazard Map” was
created. To this end, first, the active and potential avalanche starting zones were
identified. Then, these data were added to the avalanche mobile application
developed by ÇEMGM. Finally, the avalanche runout and accumulation zones
were calculated through the use of RAMMS software. The main purpose of the
study was to better understand the avalanche hazard in Erzurum Palandöken

156 Journal of Environment, Urban and Climate