Ph.D. Tezi Görüntüleme

      There are not enough studies about ecological and visual evaluation of rocky habitats, which are important parts of mountain ecosystems in Turkey. Rocky habitats are special areas as being rich in plant species diversity at micro and macro levels. For this reason, detailed analysis of such ecosystems is important for landscape architecture discipline to protect and sustain natural areas. In this study sample rocky habitats were chosen from alpine zone in Hatila Valley National Park (Artvin), as they are rich in plant species diversity and valuable in terms of visual quality. In this context, integrated approach is adopted by carrying out visual and ecological evaluations together. Within the context of ecological data of the study, soil, rock and plant samples from field surveys and also physiographical properties were evaluated and 199 plant taxa were determined in 50 sample rocky areas from a height of 2250 m and above. Within the context of visual evaluations, examinations of 25 visual evaluation parameters from sample area photos were made and fractal analysis method was used. In conclusion, properties of the rock height, the rock formation and the rock type have an effect on plant species diversity and visual evaluations were found. Descriptive parameters (impressiveness, diversity, safety, texture and silhouette) of visual landscape evaluation of rocky habitats were determined and natural rock compositions were examined in point of structural, esthetical and perceptual properties.

      Key Words: Alpine Rocky Habitats, Ecological and Visual Landscape Assessment, Alpine Rock Plants, Fractal Analysis, Hatila Valley Natural Park