Significant Geosites in Bursa Province (NW Türkiye)

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Orhan H., Okay A., Kazanci N., NAZİK L., POYRAZ M., Alpagut B., ...More

TURKIYE JEOLOJI BULTENI-GEOLOGICAL BULLETIN OF TURKEY, vol.69, no.4, pp.45-80, 2026 (ESCI, TRDizin)

Abstract

Geological heritage elements, consisting ofgeomorphological structures, minerals, rocks, and fossils, are used in uncovering the Earths'past, identifying and mitigating natural hazards, and investigating global issues such as adaptation to climate change. The protection and promotion of these structures, called geosites, is supported by UNESCO and other international institutions. Bursa, one of T & uuml;rkiyes' major centers of culture, winter sports, and tourism, together with its surrounding area, contains numerous geological and geomorphological features of significantgeoheritage value and geotourism potential. Bursas'geological framework was shaped by the & Idot;zmir-Ankara suture zone, which formed as a result of the subduction of the Tethys Ocean between the Sakarya Zone of the Pontides and the Tav & scedil;anl & imath; Zone of the Anatolide-Tauride Block. Uluda & gbreve;, often mistakenly regarded as volcanic, instead represents a classic metamorphic core complex (the Uluda & gbreve; Massif), composed predominantly of gneiss, amphibolite, and marble. The principal geosites identified in Bursa Province include the Pa & scedil;alar Mammal Fossil Bed, notable for its unique Middle Miocene fauna; the Kocasu Delta and the Karacabey Longozu (flooded forest), recognized as an important bird area; Lakes & Idot;znik and Uluabat, distinguished by their exceptional limnological and tectonic histories; and the type locality of the mineral bursaite. Additional sites of mineralogical significance comprise the distinctive purple jadeite formations and the Uluda & gbreve; scheelite deposit. The province also hosts numerous geomorphological features, including canyons (Sada & gbreve;& imath;, Fevziye, Sansarak, Tacir, and Yarhisar), waterfalls (notably Suu & ccedil;tu Waterfall), and caves (Ayvaini, Oylat, Koca, Ay & imath;ini, and Gavurini). High-altitude areas of Uluda & gbreve; display well-developed periglacial features, glacial lakes, and tor structures formed in granite. Coal-bearing Miocene units are also widespread within the Harmanc & imath;k, Keles, Orhaneli, Mustafakemalpa & scedil;a, and & Idot;neg & ouml;l basins. This study draws on the outcomes of the Geological Heritage of Bursa Workshop held in 2023 and seeks to promote the protection and sustainable use of areas characterized by a rich and diverse geological heritage.