Vertical climate zones in Biga peninsula: The impact of climate change and air pollution on forests

Abstract

Biga Peninsula is situated in between Marmara Sea and Aegean Sea. The peninsula consists of the hilly and mountainous mass between Biga and Can on North, Kaz Mountains on South, and Koca Cay Basin lying in between those two masses. The northern oriented slopes of the peninsula are under the influence of "Marmara climate", which originates from Black Sea region and is cool and humid. The western part of the peninsula is cooler due to the northern winds passing through the Dardanelles. The slopes oriented towards Aegean Sea are under the influence of Mediterranean climate which is warm and humid (arid in summers). These distinct climate characteristics combined with the changes in altitude at various areas lead to unique vertical climate zones in Biga Peninsula. The composition of forests in Biga Peninsula reflects the features of vertical climate zones. While the northern forests show more variation; olive, Calabrian Pine (Pinus brutia) and Black Pine (Pinus nigra) dominate the southern species.