The effects of air pollution and the combination of species in the forests of the mountainous areas of Marmara region based on the vertical climate zones

Abstract

Marmara Region is a geographical location where Europe and Asia meet at Sea of Marmara. The European part of the region (Eastern Thrace) occupies 2,348 millons ha.s while Asian part is about 4,381 millions ha.s of area. Including Sea of Marmara (1,135 miilions ha.s), total area occupied by the region is about 7,865 millions ha.s. The mountaineous land of Marmara Region consists of masses at elevations of 1000, 1700, and 2500 m.s and these masses induce important climate differences between at northern and southern faces. Vertical climate zones and differences in directions have substantial effects on the combination of species in the forests. The stony structure and medium deepness of soil and drought during summer provoke an ecological sensitivity in forests due to aridity. Ecological sensitivity in forests in high altitudes, also results from the winter cold. Thus, air pollution could be effective on forests even at low concentrations of SO2. Forests absorb increasing atmospheric CO2 and convert it into C6H12O6 SO2 and NOx, are also converted into H2SO4 and HNO3. Acid production in leaves leads to the destruction of chlorophyll and staining of leaves with yellowish acid burns. If external and internal air pollution would not be prevented in Marmara Region, degeneration of forests and inherent imbalances would increase and endanger the ecological balance of the region.