Potential erosion risk assessment of Kanak stream basin (Sivas, Sarkisla) with the ICONA model

The rapid development of technology following the Industrial Revolution has increased human domination over nature. Erosion, which plays a critical role in the process of natural shaping of the earth, can accelerate over time because of improper utilization of the natural environment by humans. The main objective of this study is to determine the erosion susceptibility of the Kanak Creek Basin, one of the sub-basins in the upper reaches of the Kizilirmak River, using the ICONA model, whose main parameters are slope, lithology, land use and vegetation cover, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing techniques, and to list the measures that can be taken against erosion. According to the results of the ICONA model potential erosion level map, 48% of the study area has low erosion susceptibility. These areas largely correspond to the vicinity of Sama Mountain, which has volcanic rocks resistant to erosion, and the base of Sarkisla Plain where the slope is very low. The plain floor is largely covered with agricultural lands. The expansion of irrigated agriculture in this region is one of the main measures that can be taken against erosion. Erosion susceptibility increases around Turna Mountain on the northern border of the basin and Cal Mountain in the south due to both the increase in slope and the lack of resistance of the rocks in the region to erosion, and corresponds to 30% of the study area. In 22% of the basin, susceptibility to erosion is at a medium level. Most of these areas consist of natural meadows and pastures. It is essential to take measures against overgrazing in these areas to prevent the complete loss of the already sparse vegetation cover. Planning land use in the basin in a sustainable manner, arranging fields and layers perpendicular to the slope, expanding irrigated agriculture, and preventing overgrazing are of vital importance in terms of combating soil erosion.