Off-campus UMass Amherst users: To download campus access dissertations, please use the following link to log into our proxy server with your UMass Amherst user name and password.
Non-UMass Amherst users: Please talk to your librarian about requesting this dissertation through interlibrary loan.
Dissertations that have an embargo placed on them will not be available to anyone until the embargo expires.
ORCID
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1156-1122
Access Type
Campus-Only Access for One (1) Year
Document Type
thesis
Embargo Period
9-1-2024
Degree Program
Environmental Conservation
Degree Type
Master of Science (M.S.)
Year Degree Awarded
2023
Month Degree Awarded
September
Abstract
This study focuses on modeling the effects of forest management practices on eco-hydrological processes in the Antalya River Watershed, Turkey. With increasing global pressures from urbanization, deforestation, and climate change affecting water resources and ecosystems, understanding the impact of forest management on vital water sources is essential for sustainable water resource management and ecosystem protection. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model assessed the hydrological impacts of afforestation and urban forest scenarios in the Antalya River Watershed—the model's parameterization, sensitivity analysis, and calibration phases accurately simulated base watershed processes. The validation process confirmed the accuracy of results, particularly in yearly time steps, providing a comprehensive understanding of the watershed's water management strategies. The results indicate that the afforestation scenario reduced surface runoff and increased lateral flow, decreasing erosion risk and improving groundwater recharge. Although soil evaporation and plant transpiration decreased, the increase in “revap” values highlighted higher water vapor emission from the soil, contributing to atmospheric water cycle processes. Similarly, the urban forest scenario resulted in decreased surface discharge and increased groundwater flow, indicating improved water retention and recharge capabilities. The increased evapotranspiration demonstrated the positive influence of trees and vegetation on the water cycle and atmospheric processes, emphasizing the significance of urban forest applications as valuable nature-based solutions for sustainable water resource management and conservation. In conclusion, implementing afforestation and urban forest initiatives can contribute to ecologically sound utilization of water supplies, enhance ecosystem functioning, and foster resilience in the face of environmental obstacles. The study emphasizes the potential benefits of afforestation and expanding green spaces in promoting sustainable water resources and mitigating erosion and flooding risks. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for policymakers and stakeholders to consider afforestation practices as a vital component of water resource management and watershed conservation strategies.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7275/35964780.0
First Advisor
Timothy O. Randhir
Second Advisor
David Bloniarz
Recommended Citation
Arslan, Hilal, "Modeling the Effects of Forest Management Practices on Ecohydrologic Processes in the Antalya River Watershed of Turkey" (2023). Masters Theses. 1357.
https://doi.org/10.7275/35964780.0
https://scholarworks.umass.edu/masters_theses_2/1357