Environ Geol (2009) 57:809822 DOI 10.

1007/s00254-008-1360-7

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Controlling factors of recent clastic coastal sediments (Viransehir, Mersin bay, S Turkey)
Murat Gul Ahmet Ozbek Mehmet Ali Kurt Kemal Zorlu

Received: 15 January 2008 / Accepted: 23 April 2008 / Published online: 10 May 2008 Springer-Verlag 2008

Abstract The Plio-Quaternary conglomeratic sets within the marine environment of the Virans ehir coast (W Mersin, S Turkey) are responsible for the evolution of sandy and gravely beaches due to their control on various factors such as sea oor irregularity, wave energy, and organic activity. The conglomeratic sets close to the shoreline (50150 cm) act as wave breakers, creating hard substratum and high energy, well-oxygenated environment for organisms like Patella sp., Phoronida worms and Brachidontes pharaonis (Fischer P. 1870). The boring activities of these organisms have disintegrated the sandy matrix of these sets. Finergrained matrix sediments have been transported to the interset and open sea, while cobblepebbles have been carried landwards and have created imbricated gravely beach deposits without matrix. Sandy beach is evolving where the conglomeratic sets away from the shoreline (5.010.0 m). In this example, sets form a bar; causing vefold division as backshore, berm, surf zone, bar and offshore from land to sea. Poorly sorted, cobbles-pebbles cobbles and pebbles are
Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00254-008-1360-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
M. Gul (&) Department of Geological Engineering, Engineering Faculty, Mugla University, 48000 Kotekli, Mugla, Turkey e-mail: muratgul@mu.edu.tr; muratgul.geol@gmail.com A. Ozbek Department of Geological Engineering, Engineering-Architecture Faculty, Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, 46100 Avsar, Kahramanmaras, Turkey M. A. Kurt K. Zorlu Department of Geological Engineering, Engineering Faculty, Mersin University, 33324 Ciftlikkoy, Mersin, Turkey

found associated with the high-energy environments of bars, whilst well-sorted sands are observed in low energetic environments on shore. The sets and recent shell fragments are the main sources of coastal sediments in Virans ehir. However, the amount of shell fragments decrease towards the active river mouth. This is due to sediment and fresh water inux from the river causing deteriorated temperature, salinity and light penetration of the marine environment resulting in less organic diversity. Keywords Recent coastal sedimentation Host rock Bioerosion Sea wave Base topography

Introduction Large-scale sedimentation and morphology of coastal areas are signicantly inuenced by tectonism and sea level uctuation (Galloway and Hobday 1996). However, different researchers have found that at the small scale, irregular sea oor topography formed by bedrock and wave-tidal effects are the main controls on the morphology of the coastal areas (Leeder 1982; Friedman et al. 1992; Reinson 1992; Galloway and Hobday 1996). Mersin Bay is located in front of the narrow SW edge of the Neogene Adana Basin in the Eastern Mediterranean (S Turkey; Fig. 1). This basin has been affected by the complex tectonic movements among the ArabianAnatolianAfrican Plates since the Late Cretaceous period (S engor and Ylmaz 1981; Robertson et al. 2004; Kelling et al. 2005). The southern lowland, Post Miocene to Plio-Quaternary clastics, caliche, limestone deposits, and drainage system are sourced from the topographically higher northern hard MiocenePre Miocene limestones and ophiolites of this basin (Figs. 1, 2; S enol et al. 1998; Cobanoglu et al. 2006; Gul 2007).

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810 Fig. 1 a The study area is located in front of the Middle Taurides region (Ozgul 1976). b This region is situated at the SW edge of the Adana Basin (Kelling et al. 2005; EAF East Anatolian Fault Zone, DSF Death Sea Fault Zone; EF Ecemis Fault Zone). c Satellite view of the study area from Google Earth (http://www. earth.google.com. Accessed June 2007) with the locations of the detailed study areas and section lines

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Environ Geol (2009) 57:809822 Fig. 2 General geological map of the northern part of the study area (modied from, Erentoz and Ternek (1962), Mineral Research and Exploration Institute-map: http://www.mta. gov.tr/mta_web/500.000/image/ adana/asp)

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The wave-dominated microtidal (Davies 1973) coasts of Virans ehir (W Mersin Bay; 5080 cm tidal range, Gul et al. 2007) have sandy, gravely beaches and is fed by the active Mezitli River. The basement of the coastal areas in Virans ehir was formed by the deltaic Plio-Quaternary con glomeratic sets. At the small scale (1.5 km), these sets cause both vefold divisions and sandy beach evolution, create suitable hard substratum for the diverse organism (Gul et al. 2007) and lead to gravely beach evolutions. The initial aim of this study is to clarify the composition and pattern of the recent sedimentation and morphological changes in the Virans ehir coast. Furthermore, their variations are explained in terms of both natural and articial, man-made structures (wave breaker, road lling etc.). It is estimated that the natural sets particularly controlled the wave action, clarityenergy-substratum type of the environments and hence the organic activity. Organic activity is dependent upon suitable environmental conditions; however, deterioration of the environment due to sediment and fresh water entrance from the river may reduce the organic activity. In summary, the objective of this study is to investigate the local controlling factors important to the coastal sedimentation.

pyroxenite and sedimentary blocks) (Demirtas l et al. 1984; _ Is ler 1990; Parlak and Delaloye 1996; Ozer et al. 2004; Fig. 2). Unlugenc et al. (1990) and Gurbuz (1999) separated four mega-sequences in the Cenozoic sequences: (1) the Karsant (Oligocene lacustrine sediments) and the Gildirli Formations (OligoceneEarly Miocene uvial clastics); (2) the Karaisal (Early-Middle Miocene reef limestone) and the Kaplankaya Formations (Early-Middle Miocene clay stone, marl, sandy limestone); (3) the Cingoz (Middle Miocene submarine fan clastics) and the Guvenc Forma tions (Middle Miocene deep marine shales); and (4) the Kuzgun (MiddleLate Miocene reef, deltaic conglomerate, uvial deposits) and the Handere Formations (Late MiocenePliocene oolitic limestone, evaporites; Fig. 2). The northern region of the coastal area contains the PlioQuaternary deposits including clayeysandygravely alluvial deposits, caliche and gravely red colored alluvial soil (DSI 1978; Eren et al. 2004; S ahin et al. 2003). Upper MiocenePliocene clastics, CalabrianTyrrhenian caliches and conglomerates are exposed in the northwest area of the study, whilst TyrrhenianHolocene uvial clastics and beach-deltaic clastics can be observed in Mezitli town and Mersin city centrum (S enol et al. 1998; Fig. 2).

Regional setting In the northern part of the study area, Palaeozoic carbonaceous basement rocks of the Adana basin have been found locally (Yetis and Demirkol 1986; Unlugenc et al. 1990) (Fig. 2). The Mesozoic of this basin includes the Triassic clastics (Karagedik Formation), JurassicCretaceous carbonates (Cehennemdere Formation), Late Cretaceous limestone and calciturbidite (Yavca Formation), Late Cretaceous Mersin Ophiolite and Late CretaceousPaleocene Fndkpnar Melange (gabbro, serpentinized peridodite Method This study was completed on the recent coastal sediments in Virans ehir district, 10 km W of Mersin (S Turkey) along the Eastern Mediterranean. Three regions were recognized in this area according to their coastal morphology and beach sediment type. These regions are the sandy coasts of the Pompeipolis (W) and Mezitli stream areas (E), and the gravely beach of the Municipality Park area (central part).

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Five divisions were delineated from the sandy beach areas with respect to the basement topography; backshore, berm, surf zone, bar and open sea (offshore) from land to sea. The gravely beach includes three divisions, which are gravely beach, natural set and interset-open sea areas from land to sea. Twenty-four loose sediment samples were collected from four different lines (from land to the sea) in the Pompeipolis area, ve loose sediment samples in one line from the Mezitli stream area plus one loose sediment and two conglomerate rock samples from the Municipality Park area during the eld studies. Sieve analyses of 30 samples (13603430 g) were performed using eight different sieves (0,06220 mm; see supplementary material, 1). Frequency ratios, cumulative retained percentage and cumulative passing percentages were calculated (see supplementary materials, 2, 3, 4) and graphically presented in Figs. 3, 4 and 5, based on the assumptions of Folk (1974). Total gravel, sand and silt + clay percentages were calculated according to the Udden (1898)Wenthworth (1922) sediment size scales

(see supplementary material, 5) and classied according to Folk (1974) classication (Fig. 6). Some statistical parameters such as standard deviation (mean grain size), skewness, kurtosis and sorting were calculated (see supplementary material, 5) and evaluated (Table 1) based on the assumptions of Folk (1974). Grain size of the sediments can be used for determining types of the depositional environment (Sahu 1983; Ramamohanarao et al. 2003). V1 and V2 discriminate functions were calculated based on Sahu (1983) suggestions that were also reported in Ramamohanarao et al. (2003); V1 0:48048 X1 0:6231 X2 0:40602 X3 0:44413 X4; V2 0:24523 X1 0:45905 X2 0:15715 X3 0:83931 X4; where, X1 is the mean size; X2 is the variance [square of standard deviation (sorting)]; X3 is the skewness and X4 is the kurtosis (see supplementary material, 5). The compositional change of sediments in different divisions of the sandy beach was also examined in the

Fig. 3 Sieve analysis graphs of the Virans ehir coast (Mersin, S Turkey)

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Environ Geol (2009) 57:809822 Fig. 4 Frequency curves of the Virans ehir coast (Mersin, S Turkey)

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Pompeipolis area. Five samples of approximately 1520 g in 0.81.0 mm diameter were selected and examined under the microscope and photographed. Five hundred points were counted in each section and ophiolitelimestone quartz-recent shell fragments ratios were determined (Table 2). Two thin sections of the matrix from the PlioQuaternary conglomerates were also prepared and examined under the polarized microscope.

Pompeipolis area and Mezitli stream area Five divisions have been delineated in these areas dependent upon basement topography and separation in accordance with the general research on the coastal areas (Leeder 1982; Selley 1988; Reinson 1992; Galloway and Hobday 1996). (1) Backshore: sandy sediments located between the sea (landward boundary of the swash zone) and man-made structures (road, park etc.), which are always exposed to atmospheric conditions. It is inclined 34 through the sea. (2) Berm: it has slightly mound shape, and includes the swash and backwash where the backshore area meets seawater. It has an 810 inclined slope. It stays either under the seawater or under atmospheric conditions depending on wave uctuations. (3) Surf zone: it is relatively low inclined (461) and in the form of a at area between the berm and the bar. (4) Bar: it is located 510 m away from the coast under 1.01.5 m of seawater. Seaward inclination of this mound shaped structure is greater than 10. Normal waves break in this zone, and most of the wave energy is absorbed. (5) Open sea (offshore): it starts immediately in front of the bar and extends to the open sea with a very low 3 gradient (Fig. 7a).

Recent shallow marine clastic sedimentation in Virans ehir coast Three regions were studied in detail along the Virans ehir coast under the scope of this study (Fig. 1). (1) The Pompeipolis area, that is restricted by articial breakwaters (western ancient and eastern younger) (Fig. 7); (2) The Mezitli stream area, that is limited by an articial ll, PlioQuaternary deltaic deposits and recent uvial sediment (Fig. 8); and (3) The Municipality Park area (central part), that is restricted by an articial breakwater and Plio-Quaternary deposits (Fig. 9). The Pompeipolis and Mezitli stream areas were examined together due to their similar morphological view and sedimentation pattern.

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814 Fig. 5 Cumulative retained material percentage versus U graph of Virans ehir coast (Mersin, S Turkey)

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A bimodal sediment distribution was observed within the Mezitli stream area (Fig. 4; See supplementary material, 2). The rst mode of this poorly sorted sediment is cobblepebble size fragments of ophiolite and limestone gravels (Fig. 3; see supplementary material, 5). The second mode value is medium-grained sand size with similar composition to the rst mode. Berm The edges of this division in the Pompeipolis area contain poorly sorted and abundantly coarse-grained sand sediments. However, the central part includes moderate to well-sorted and medium to ne-grained sands (Table 1; Fig. 3; see supplementary material, 5). Moderate to well-sorted, dominantly medium-grained sands are found in the Mezitli stream (Table 1; Fig. 3; see supplementary material, 5). This is similar to the central part of the Pompeipolis area. Surf Zone Poorly to very poorly sorted, dominantly coarse to very coarse-grained sands are found in the central and western part of the Pompeipolis area, whilst pebble to granule size

Fig. 6 Classication of recent coastal sediments according to the Folk (1974) classication system

Backshore Medium to coarse-grained sands are found in this division of the Pompeipolis area. These sediments are moderate to well sorted in the central part, whilst poorly-sorted at the edges (Table 1; Figs. 3, 4, 5; see supplementary materials, 15). Nearly half of the coarser materials at the edges are made up of recent shell fragments.

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Environ Geol (2009) 57:809822 SF MK (g)S Sor Sorting, P poorly sorted, VP very poorly sorted, M moderately sorted, MW moderately well sorted; Sk Skewness, F ne skewed, VF very ne skewed, NS near-symmetrical, C coarse skewed; K Kurtosis, VK very platy kurtic, PK platy kurtic, MK mesokurtic nearly symmetrical, LK lepto kurtic, VL very lepto kurtic; (g)S slightly gravelly sand, gS gravelly sand, sG sandy gravel, S sand, G gravel, Cl sediment classication based on Folk (1974), sample number

815 Table 2 Provenance results of the western section in the Pompeipolis Area Location Backshore Berm Sample No Ophiolite Limestone Quartz Recent shell debris 2 1 81.7 42.6 63.7 68.5 41.5 7.9 20.9 7.4 10.0 14.3 4.3 8.1 5.7 6.5 5.8 6.1 28.4 23.2 15.0 38.4

Cl

SF VK S 25 M

SF MK S

Open Sea (Offshore)

Cl Sn Sor Sk K

24 M

SF MK S

sG 21 M

sG 17 M

30 M

SF MK S

MK sG

Surf Zone 22 Bar 23 Open Sea 24

20 VP SF PK

Sn Sor Sk K

PK 15 VP F

sG 11 MW SF MK (g)S

NS MK sG

NS LK

Table 1 Sorting, skewness and classication of each sample plus their distributions based upon their morphological features

Bar (Shoreface)

C l Sn Sor

SF PK

Sk

gravels dominate the eastern part (Fig. 3; see supplementary material, 5). Field observations indicated that recent shell fragments made up approximately 20% of these sediments. Poorly sorted, dominantly pebble to very coarse-grained sands were found in the Mezitli stream area. Recent shell fragments were rarely observed in this division. Bar Lithied, matrix-supported and poorly to very poorly sorted Plio-Quaternary conglomerates (mostly ophiolite and to a lesser extent various aged limestone gravels) have formed lenticular, mound shaped, small highs on the sea oor. Normal waves break in this zone. Their irregular distributions has also caused the evolution of a second bar, located deeper and on the seaward side of the rst bar, within the Pompeipolis area. The recent sediments over the bar include very poorly sorted, dominantly pebble to granule gravels and very coarsegrained sand. Fine-grained sediments have concentrated at the edges of this division (quiet sections) due to the absence of these bars extension (Table 1; Figs. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7). Recent shell fragments have been rarely observed in this division. Very poorly sorted, dominantly cobble to pebble size ophiolite and to a lesser extent, limestone gravels were found in the Mezitli stream area (Table 1; Figs. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7; see supplementary material, 5). The mean grain size of this area is coarser than that of the Pompeipolis area. The sediment types are similar to the recent embankment sediments of Mezitli stream. Open sea (offshore) Well-sorted, medium to ne-grained sands have been found in both of the Pompeipolis (Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) and Mezitli stream areas (Table 1; Figs. 3, 4, 5, 6; see supplementary material, 5). This quiet environment is located under the wave base and extends from the front of the bars.

gS

sG

Cl

16 P

23 P

19 P

PK

Surf Zone (Foreshore)

MK gS

Sn Sor Sk K

12 VP SF VL Munipicality

SF LK

13 M

(g)S 10 P

22 P

18 P

SF MK gS

MW SF MK S

MK S

VK S

NS PK

Sk

NS MK (g)S 1

MW SF MK (g)S 6

PK

PK

Backshore

Sn Sor

Easternmost 9

Middle

Mezitli stream area

Pompeipolis West

Location

East

26 VP

SF PK

Sk

sG

gS

Cl

27 MW C

Sn Sor

Berm

LK

(g)S 28 P

Cl

MK sG 29 P

14 P

gS

LK

VL

gS

sG

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816 Fig. 7 a General view of the Pompeipolis area. b Cross section from land to the open sea. c Close view of the PlioQuaternary conglomerates of the bar division (scale 18 cm). d The wire mesh application used to determine the relative proportions of the components of sample 24 (O ophiolite rock fragments, R recent shell debris, L limestone fragments, Q quartz detrials)

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Municipality Park area The sedimentation and morphologic appearances of this area are completely different from sandy areas abovementioned (Figs. 9, 10). The divisions of the other two areas have not evolved in this region. Three separate divisions have been delineated in this area (Fig. 10). (1) Gravely beach: This is located between the natural coastal line and a park lling area (Fig. 10d). (2) Natural set: it is formed by lithied, matrix-supported and poorly to very poorly sorted Plio-Quaternary conglomerates. They have an irregular distribution with at top surfaces that are very close to the sea surface and often exposed as well as cliff side surfaces (Fig. 10ac). (3) Open sea

and interset area: an interset area is located among the natural sets and open sea areas with similar properties to the open sea (offshore) division of the previous regions. Gravely beach This division includes very poorly sorted and moderately imbricated, cobble to pebble size gravels dominated by ophiolite and to a lesser extent limestone without matrix (which can also be classied as sieve deposit) (Table 1; Figs. 3, 4, 5, 6, 10d; see supplementary material, 5). The clasts have a similar composition to the natural set conglomerates.

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Natural set The attened top of the natural sets is generally covered by 010 cm of seawater during normal daily conditions. However, these areas become covered by 3050 cm of water during high tide (Fig. 10a, b), and are exposed during low tide. Laterally discontinuous deltaic conglomerates mainly consist of ophiolite and to a lesser extent limestone gravels. Their sizes range from 3 to 25 cm. Medium to coarse-grained sands (with little calcite cement) binds these gravels. Those sets act as wave breaker and form a clear, high energetic, well light penetrated, warm environment for organisms. Limpet Patella sp., Phoronida worms and bivalve Brachidontes pharaonis (Fischer P. 1870) are mostly found over the loose matrix (Fig. 10b, c). The conglomerates have been disintegrated as a result of the boring, hollowing and feeding activities of these organisms. As a result, the ner-grained sediments have been released and carried to the open sea and interset areas, whilst the gravels have been transported to the land by sea waves forming imbricated, gravely beach deposits. Variation of the organism activities, strength differences in the conglomerate and local environmental conditions have produced rough top surfaces (Fig. 10).

Fig. 8 a General view of the Mezitli stream area. b Field view of the man-made embankment formed using recent sediment input from the Mezitli stream (Scale 1.70 m) Fig. 9 a General view of the Municipality Park area. b Cross section of the Municipality Park area

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Fig. 10 a Close view of the Plio-Quaternary conglomerates (O ophiolite rock fragments; L burrowed limestone; Mx medium to coarse-grained sand matrix; scale 18 cm). b The conglomeratic natural set covered by 010 cm of seawater during normal daily conditions, large cobbles of sets are exposed (Scale 1.70 m). c Close view of the exposed cobbles of natural set. Different types of organism are tightly attached to the cobble surface, whilst relatively

soft matrix is completely covered by the same type of organism [O ophiolite rock fragments; L limestone fragment; Mx Matrix; M Brachidontes pharaonis (Fischer P. 1870); G Patella sp.]. d Boring and hollowing activities of organisms have disintegrated the conglomerates, cobble to pebble size gravels are transported landwards and form imbricated (arrow to the north) gravely beach-sieve deposit (Scale 50 cm)

Open sea (offshore) and interset area These areas are relatively quiet environments where there are limited or no wave effects. Moderately sorted, strongly ne skewed, mostly medium-grained sand and to a lesser extent ner-grained sands were observed in this division (Table 1; Figs. 3, 4, 5, 6; see supplementary material, 5).

in the formation of sandy beaches. However, at-topped conglomeratic sets close to the coastline formed a suitable hard substratum for organisms, which caused the formation of gravely beaches. All of these topographic highs act as wave breaker, which effectively control the energy of the environment, light penetration, temperature and hence organic activities in the study area. Macroscopic and microscopic examinations indicated that the recent sediments have a similar composition to the host rocks. Sediment type

Controlling factors of the recent coastal sedimentation In addition to the host rock, sediment type, wave energy, fresh water and sediment input plus organic activity were determined as controlling factors on the recent coastal sedimentation pattern in the Virans ehir coast. Host rock Plio-Quaternary deltaic-coastal sediments have an irregular distribution in the shallow marine environment of the Mersin Bay. They have formed irregular sea oor topography, sets and bars (Figs. 7, 9, 10). Conglomeratic bars away from the coastline created ve divisions and resulted

The sediment source in the study area is located in the north of the Mersin Bay, and consists of ophiolite and various aged limestone. Plio-Quaternary deltaic-coastal sediments and recent alluvial sediments around the stream contain the fragments of these materials. Reworked materials of the Plio-Quaternary conglomerates (due to wave action and organic activities) are the main source of the recent coastal sediments of the Virans ehir coast. Four different components (ophiolite, limestone, quartz, recent shell fragments) were counted under the microscope in order to show the compositional changes of the division.

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Fig. 11 Sediment distributions in the divisions of the Pompeipolis area

Ophiolitic rock fragments are heavier than the other components due to their higher mineral density content such as; nickel, chromium and iron. Thus, cobble and pebble sized fragments of ophiolites cannot be carried for long distances, and were immediately deposited in front of the bar (Pompeipolis area) or transported for very short distances, forming a gravely beach (Municipality Park area). Recent shell fragments were formed by the fragmentation of the shallow marine organisms. They are lighter than the other components. Thus, relative ratios of the various aged limestone and recent shell fragments are increasing in surf zone and berm areas (especially at edges restricted by the breaker), however, they are easily decomposed under atmospheric conditions, and become less important in the backshore area (Table 2; Fig. 11). Quartz is the most durable mineral, however, it is one of the less dominant components in the recent coastal sediments of the Virans ehir coast due to its absence from the source and the short transportation distances involved. Wave energy In coastal regions, ner-grained sediments are deposited within the low energy and gently inclined areas, whilst coarse-grained sediments are deposited in the narrow areas where the wave energy is high (Galloway and Hobday 1996). The average wave height (NWSE directed) of the Mersin Bay is less than the 1 m (http://www.meteoroloji. gov.tr, Republic of Turkey Ministry of Environment and Forestry Turkish State Meteorological Service. Accessed Sept 2007). The annual average wind speed is around the 2.3 m/s. The strongest wind has 28.2 m/s. The primary dominant wind direction is NNW to SSE, whilst the second most dominant wind direction is SSW to NNE (Mersin Province 2005). However, there is no signicant or strong wave and wind action observed in the study area. Most of the open sea conditions (large sea waves) due to strong wind effects are damped by the shallowing sea oor topography and coastal morphology. The Plio-Quaternary

rock bars far away from the coastline have absorbed the residual wave energy and resulted in a high-energy environment. The conglomerates of these bars get progressively disintegrated by the wave action. Therefore, pebble to cobble size gravels are deposited locally on site. Pebble to medium to coarse-grained sands has been transported landwards (surf zone, berm and backshore), whilst medium to negrained sediments have been carried towards the open sea (Fig. 7). Man-made embankments, llings and articial breakwaters have behaved like bars by also breaking waves (Figs. 7, 8). Accordingly, poorly sorted, pebble to coarsegrained sand size sediments are found in front of these articial structures, whilst well-sorted, ner-grained sediments were found in the central part of the study areas far away from the articial structures (Table 1; Figs. 3, 4, 5, 6; see supplementary material, 5). The energy of the environment can control the sorting and skewness of the sediments. Well sorted and ne to strongly ne skewed ne-grained sediments are the products of a low energy environment (Fig. 12). On the contrary, the coarser grains of the higher energy environments show are much more poorly sorted (Fig. 12). Kasper-Zubillaga and Carranza-Edwards (2005), also obtained similar observations for dune-coastal sediments in northwestern Mexico. They pointed out that the nergrained sediments were well sorted in comparison to the coarser-grained sediments in that area. Multivariant discriminant functions of Sahu (1983) were applied to determine the relation between the grain size and the depositional environment (Fig. 13; see supplementary material, 5). Some samples were not involved due to their low V2 values (samples no: 12, 15, 20, 26 and 29). Most samples were dropped in the beach section on the diagram (Fig. 13). However, some deections were determined. Due to the highly energetic environment, the bar and surf zone samples dropped into the turbidite section on the diagram, while some samples of the open sea environment dropped into the aeolian environment due to well sorting (Fig. 13). The success of the depositional environment determination was signicantly higher than the Ramamohanarao et al. (2003) application that mostly included the river samples that dropped into the turbidite section. Fresh water and sediment input Recent shell fragments were rarely found in the Mezitli stream area. The reason for this is the unsuitable conditions for the development of these organisms. The fresh water entrance from the Mezitli stream decreases the salinity and temperature of the sea at the mouth of the stream. Simultaneously, the sediment input in this area decreases the limpidity and light penetration of the environment. As a

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820 Fig. 12 Graphs of sorting versus mean grain size, sorting versus skewness, and skewness versus mean grain size, in the Virans ehir coast (Mersin, S Turkey)

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Fig. 13 Multivariant discrimination functions plots of the Virans ehir coastal sediments based on Sahu (1983) for determining the grain size-depositional environment relation

result, shallow marine organisms have not ourished as compared to the other study areas. Organic activity Several types of organisms such as algae, sponges, bivalves, pelecypods and echinoids are known as rock destroying organisms in shallow marine environments (Friedman et al. 1992; Galloway and Hobday 1996). Most of these organisms have preferentially developed over the hard substrate formed by coarse sand to lithied beds (Taylor and Wilson

2003). Limpet Patella sp., Phoronida worms and bivalve Brachidontes pharaonis (Fischer P. 1870) have attached to the hard substrate of conglomerates within the Municipality Park area. Boring, hollowing, feeding and other activities of these organisms have disintegrated the soft matrix of these conglomerates (Gul et al. 2007). Decomposition of the matrix has released the gravels with the ner-grained sediments being transported to the open sea and interset areas, whilst most of the cobble and to a lesser extent, pebble size gravels have been carried landwards to form gravely beach deposits (sieve deposits; Fig. 10). The study indicates the effects of the natural processes (under the shade of the articial structures) on the coastal morphology, evolution and accumulation of the recent coastal sediments in a short distance (1.5 km). The examined region is the nearest and partially preserved coastal area, close to the Mersin city center. Similar sedimentation, patterns were observed in the eastern part of the study area until the end of the 1990s. After then, the Mersin Municipality lled nearly 10 km long coastal areas with limestone armor plates, creating large recreational areas. In addition, the Mersin Marina, the Mersin Port, several breakwater constructions and road llings have also been constructed. These articial manmade structures signicantly affect the intensity and direction of the sea waves and sediment circulation (Dirik et al. 2006; Gul et al. 2008). They have also caused new destructive erosional regions and constructive depositional areas along the Mersin coasts (Dirik et al. 2006). Constructional activities along the coastal area are progressing towards the SW of the Mersin, in which there are long sandy beaches important for tourism. In order to protect these regions, the local variable dynamic conditions must

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be understood. The effects of coastal constructions on natural conditions must be claried prior to any construction activities.

Conclusion This study has indicated that the controlling factors on sedimentation in coastal areas can vary over short distances. The distribution of strong host rocks and man-made structures (breakwater, llings) have signicantly affected the basement topography and coastal morphology. Both articial and natural obstacles may control the direction and intensity of the sea waves. Coarse-grained (cobble to pebble), poorly sorted sediments were deposited in high energy, wave-breaking environments whilst well-sorted and ner-grained sediments (sand) are the products of quieter environments. Shallow marine organisms have ourished in warm, clear, light penetrated, suitably saline environments, which are mostly over the topographic highs in shallow marine environments. Fresh water and sediment input from the active river can deteriorate this fragile system and prevent the development of the organisms, causing a decrease of shell fragments in close coastal sediments. Boring and hollowing activities of the organisms may destroy the hard substratum causing the formation of gravely beaches and the supply of ner-grained sediments to the open sea. Therefore, at the small scale the host rock, sediment input, fresh water input, organic activity and wave action become more important factors related to recent coastal sedimentation than the general, broader scale, controlling factors, such as tectonic activity, sea level change and climate.
Acknowledgments The authors warmly thank Dr. Luke Mortimer (Centre for Groundwater Studies, Flinders University, Australia) and Dr. Naci Emre Altun (from Mugla University, Turkey) for their valuable editorial reviews of the manuscript.

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